I have a LED flashlight/torch made by PALights called the Workman. These are no longer available but I would like to recreate it's always-on function.
This light has been used by me for many years travelling around the globe. In its always-on low light mode the 9v pp3 battery lasts a couple of years and has sufficient light output to allow navigation around a dark hotel room and bathroom during the night. Because a member of my family (also on travels) just tumbled down the stairs of a rented house when he thought he was stepping into the bathroom I would like to make him an equivalent to my trusty Workman. Especially because he travels a lot more than I do.
So my question is - does anyone know, or can guess what type of circuit might be inside the original light? Oh, and I don't want to smash mine open to find out.
Firstly it is an efficient dimmer, so some form of PWM.
Next it is running from 9v for ~2 years, so maybe a buck down converter, or just a switched constant current source.
Also it is small, the whole thing, batteries and all, fit into the palm of my hand. So minimal capacitors or large inductors.
And, it has been running for at least 10 years, so a conservative design.
My thanks.
This light has been used by me for many years travelling around the globe. In its always-on low light mode the 9v pp3 battery lasts a couple of years and has sufficient light output to allow navigation around a dark hotel room and bathroom during the night. Because a member of my family (also on travels) just tumbled down the stairs of a rented house when he thought he was stepping into the bathroom I would like to make him an equivalent to my trusty Workman. Especially because he travels a lot more than I do.
So my question is - does anyone know, or can guess what type of circuit might be inside the original light? Oh, and I don't want to smash mine open to find out.
Firstly it is an efficient dimmer, so some form of PWM.
Next it is running from 9v for ~2 years, so maybe a buck down converter, or just a switched constant current source.
Also it is small, the whole thing, batteries and all, fit into the palm of my hand. So minimal capacitors or large inductors.
And, it has been running for at least 10 years, so a conservative design.
My thanks.