Candle lanterns

I ran across this in The Complete Walker IV about lithium batteries:"…designed for auto-wind cameras…the word from battery specialists is that the internal chemistry of lithium cells diminishes their performance in low drain devices such as flashlights." I have never used them myself because they cost so much, but I do like the idea that they weigh 60% less!

> the word from battery specialists is that the internal chemistry of lithium cells diminishes their performance in low drain devices such as flashlights.
Um … forgive me, but flashlights are LOW drain?

Anyhow, I think you will find that the book is way out of date in high tech areas, including this one.

Quite correct, Monty's info is out of date.

Some of the highest battery energy densities and capacities are found in certain Li formulations, and best performance is achieved at very low drain (1-5 mA). Recently the best of them can handle higher continuous current draws, enough to power LED's, but at the cost of lowered total capacity.

Unfortunately, many of these battery types are not sold retail, and are only used by the military, in remote sensing devices, or other high-tech equipment (I found one interesting battery at a great price, but minimum order was 50 batteries).

See the SAFT web site for all the information you've ever wanted about a many Li battery types.

What's wrong with cutting a door in a aluminum can and putting a tea light inside?

Lift the pull tab and you've got a great hanger.

The hole in the top makes a great vent.

About as UL as you can get.

Hi Yukio,

That stove/lantern looks pretty slick. One question for you though: do you know how it folds down and packs up? It looks delicate, but it also looks like the legs are fixed to the outside.

Just curious.

Thanks,
Dave

I have made and used a candle lantern made the way you describe from a small V-8 vegetable juice can. They work reasonably well but are easy to bend or squash in your pack.