Well after owning an Eternalight X-Ray for some time I thought I must try one (or more) of these. They are far lower in cost yet offer more modes of operation than you would belive such a small device.

Features

This version of the light has 13 (yes I didn't belive it till I tried them all) different modes of operation as listed below:-

1.) Timer
2.) On High (25 Hours)
3.) On Medium (150 Hours)
4.) On Low Left (450 Hours)
5.) On Low Right (450 Hours)
6.) On Low Red (400 Hours)
7.) On High Red (50 Hours)
8.) Beacon/Locator (1500 Hours)
9.) White Flasher (250 Hours)
10.) Red Flasher (400 Hours)
11.) Red/White Flasher (70 Hours)
12.) All on Battery Check (15 Hours)
13.) S.O.S. Distress (50 Hours)

The unit is powered by 3 off (alkaline recommended) AAA batteries. The batteries are installed under a removeable cover similar to what is found on most TV remote controls.

Operation is via the single key on the top of the unit. This is clearly marked and pressing the 'Power' key will cause the unit to light up for momentary operation. To turn the unit on in the first of the operation modes you must press and hold the power on key for 2 seconds. This will be indicated by the red LED lighting up then flashing. If you now let go of the power switch the unit will stay switched on in the 'Timer' mode.

In this mode the unit will power on in the highest setting and turn off an LED every 5 Minutes until it finally turns itself off. This is obvious as the two LED's go out in sequence until only the red LED remains flashing, then 5 minutes after that Darkness. This it great for situations were you may forget to turn your light off or when it gets accidentally turned on in your bag.

The other modes can be selected by pressing the power key quickly (less than 0.5 of a second). The light can be switched off in any mode by holding the power key for more than 0.5 of a second. Powering on again will start in 'Timer' mode as above.

The various mode may of may not be useful to you depending who you are and what you do. But they are there if you want them and many will find them useful.

I really like this light! Its small and has many features which suits my gaget freak nature to a tee. You will not have a problem carrying it most places as it is very light and the optional lanyard is excellent for suspending it. It will stand on end as a room light in candle mode and last all night long (for several days) in the lower power modes. I really wish that it was water resistant in some way. That would have been the icing on the cake. But I know to manufacturer it for this price some compromises must be made. The other EternaLight models are water resistant though so you pays your money etc.

The RED LED is a great idea for night vision preservation. Its a shame the unit does not power up in this mode to start with. But the trick I found to use this was to power up the light covering the LED's with you hand. Because the case is see through you can the select the RED only mode before you uncover the LED's thus keeping you eyes away from the white light.

The unit is made from an injection moulded plastic. Internal webbing presses against the batteries and prevents the unit from being crushed if stood on. The unit has stood me droping it onto a carpeted floor from about 1.5M high without any damage. I suppose the batteries could jump out if you did this more violently but I will leave this sort of testing upto Craig on the LED Museam Website :-) Please do not get the unit wet as there is no waterproofing of any kind. I suppose if you really had to you could put it one of the Otter type ziplock baggies.

There are now several models of the Eternalight. They do larger and more durable versions of this with more LED's built in etc. Plus a version with a regulated power supply for constant light output over the duration of the battery life. Please see the technology associates website for more info.

US Dealers

www.techass.com

UK Cheap AAA Batteries

www.7dayshop.com

More info this and other lights here

www.candlepowerforums.com