Grew up using Coleman white gas fueled lanterns and after a few misadventures with them while my older brother Gus was camping with us we switched to propane fueled lanterns (battery powered lanterns in the camper or tent only). I also have a couple of BernzOmatic lanterns, single and double mantle and another single mantle called a dual beam (model TX 750) that puts out a lot of light. My lanterns are old enough to be called antiques any one familiar with the BernzOmatic lanterns ?
Hi Aznighthiker --- Something about multi-fuel pressurized lanterns have always appealed to me on a deep visceral level. Just like mechanical watches and traditional gas stoves, there is something magical about a good lantern. I lust after this one >> [a href="http://www.britelyt.com/lanterns/500cp-lantern.html"]http://www.britelyt.com/lanterns/500cp-lantern.html[/a] <<. It has sublime beauty and impressive performance. This one would be good for your Arizona night hiking -- putting out up to 550 candle power! I'm impressed that it can be fueled with kerosene, citronella oil, mineral spirits, lamp oil, diesel, biofuel, and even motor oil & vegetable oil if they are mixed 50/50 with a more volatile fuel. They also put out lots of heat and there are accessories to facilitate using them for cooking. Great for disaster preparedness.
(http://s10.postimg.org/m9qzpb6pl/Britelyt_150.jpg"%20style="Britelyt%20150)Beauty Eh?
This is reeeeelly cool! I just checked out the website and now I want a new lantern!
I've switched over to the Coleman 4-D cell Battery LED Lanterns, they put out the light and no need to carry any other means to run them, other than batteries.
I will refrain from using liquid fueled lanterns, Gus may want to go camping.
we use a "north star" double mantle coleman on a distribution stick(20 LBS propane tank) for outside; and two 4D battery pop up coleman lanterns for the inside when boon docking. I had thought of this solar set up, but haven't pulled the trigger yet... http://www.barebonesliving.com/store/p/54/Pendant-Solar-Kit
Used to use gas fueled Coleman lanterns. Currently have a Coleman propane fueled lantern, but don't use it much anymore.
Currently have LED entrance door light on the CampLite (use this light the most) and have a plug connected to the CampLite 12V battery with alligator clips that plugs into the CampLite 7 pin plug, powering the CampLite running lights. Most of our CampLite running lights are LEDs, so we use these lights for navigating around the camper during the night. Normally don't leave them on long, used for setting up and when light is needed around the CampLite.
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I guess it is a difference in style of camping such as between camping at developed all hookup parks and dry camping at rustic campgrounds, but we don't use any outside lantern. When we set up I try to position the camper so that the entrance door and its overhead LED light is pointing at the picnic table. That way if we need light to eat outside (rarely since we camp May-Oct in the northeast where it is light at least until 8:00) we can turn on the outside doorway LED.
Except for dining outside we don't use any general light outside at night. We usually sit around the campfire, me sipping my Knob Creek and Joan sipping her Remy Martin. Very civilized in a rustic environment.
I also keep a small LED flash light in my pocket to use when going to get water after dark or to the bath/shower area. I have used white gas lanterns and kerosene wick type lanterns during my Boy Scout days, but LEDs are so much more convenient and safer today.
So we have no need for a lantern. If I wanted one I would use one like the Coleman LED lantern.
David
[quote source="/post/12067/thread" timestamp="1433771793" author="@exploringcarolina"]Currently have LED entrance door light on the CampLite (use this light the most) and have a plug connected to the CampLite 12V battery with alligator clips that plugs into the CampLite 7 pin plug, powering the CampLite running lights. Most of our CampLite running lights are LEDs, so we use these lights for navigating around the camper during the night. Normally don't leave them on long, used for setting up and when light is needed around the CampLite.
[font size="3"]The same effect can be had by inserting a blade fuse between pins 3 and 4 on the trailer side of the 7-pin connector (connected to the trailer). Pins 3 and 4 are the top two pins when looking at the connector with the tab up. IOW the fuse will be across the tab. The 15A fuses you carry as spares will work fine. Then you don't need the adapter and alligator clips.[/font]
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Here's what Charlie is talking about using 15A fuse in camper 7 pin plug, works fine, too. Good Tip!
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There are very good electrical folks on this forum that can give accurate input on this issue.
After further research on other forums, some folks use a 2 blade flasher (not fuse protected) to make their running lights flash or use a fuse as Charlie mentioned, or off the shelf fused plug for running light operation. I don't want my lights to flash, but did additional testing on my CampLite and found none of the 12V fuses in the camper protect the running light circuit. I have not found an electrical schematic for my CampLite, yet.
Will discontinue using my plug with alligator clips and use the 15A fuse shown above to protect the CampLite 12V running light system. The running light system is protected by the TV fuse when connected to the TV. When the TV is not used, another fuse is needed when the running lights are operated off of the CampLite 7 pin plug. I could add a fuse on my plug/alligator clip arrangement, but prefer to use the above 15A fuse in the 7 pin plug.
[font size="3"]How much lite do you need?
We use Dietz oil lamps and citronella oil for tiki lights. helps with
skeeters, and gives off soft light. We have a fire when we can,
and battery visor lights on our ball caps.
We go camping to see the stars!
Peg
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I also use a Dietz with the citronella, (out side only). Gives off a warm glow and helps keep the bugs away, (maybe). But I grew up on Coleman lanterns and still bring a gas lantern and gas stove with me when we go camping. I don't think I ever really cooked in the trailer, in any of our trailers for that matter. I always did every thing out side, it adds to the camping ambience. Plus it less likely that I'll burn the trailer down!
I'm starting to collect the Coleman gas stoves and lanterns. I recently picked up two 1970's era Colemans. One is 1970 and the other is 1974 but dont ask me which one is which at the moment :)
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Very cool Sean, I have rebuilt/restored Coleman lanterns and stoves a good resource is [a href="http://www.oldcolemanparts.com"]www.oldcolemanparts.com[/a] I prefer propane fueled appliances though, couple of incidents when Gus was camping in the mid 60's. My other brother also rebuilds/restores vintage Coleman camping equipment. Not to uncommon when he camps that he may use Coleman lantern, cooler and water jug that are limited edition colors.
Very nice, I've picked up several NIB stoves and lanterns at yard / estate sales. They usually don't sell for much. I guess people would rather use propane.
[p]These little guys are not lanterns but work very well for portable motion detectors around your outside Trailer. I even have one mounted below the Frig inside the Camper for when I get up during the Night. I use Velcour to mount them, easy take-off when you leave the campsite.
I have one mounted above the entry step on the LL frame, one on each side at the rear of the Trailer. Anything moves around outside the motion detector lights up for 45 seconds/turns off if movement stops after the 45 seconds. The motion range of these little battery operated units is very good and a heavy rain storm doesn't seem to affect them if they are mounted outside.
For the inside unit I used some colored film to tone down the bright white light, I inserted the colored film inside the lens cover. You have Off, on and auto.[/p][p] [/p][p]When set to "Auto" they only come on during the Night Hours and since they have a LED Bulb, they do light up.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/3-pk-ideaworks-motion-activated-led-night-lights?a=1724965[/p]
Neat,,,,gotta get me some!
Bought a nice led solar powered lantern when we got our 14dbs. Have not used it more than .5 hours in 50+ days camping; much too bright and overpowering. I carry a ton of various size high tech flashlights with multiple light levels. I have a four sevens Mini MMa that I love, one AA battery, and the low level is perfect for moving around a dark campsite. We like the low glow of a dying campfire and no neighbors with bright lights. The only service my lantern provides is for lighting the campsite up when I have left a ton of stuff unsecured, and I need to light the entire area for a quick campsite cleanup before turning in which is extremely rare. Before darkness comes I have our equipment secured. I really advocate getting in touch with dark skies, as our modern lives prohibit this. Google search for night sky maps for your camping dates and locations and sit in amazement of the stars and moon phases.
@ron, I have to agree that there is nothing better than a site illuminated with the glow of a fire. I think thats part of the reason I like the Coleman lanterns as much as I do. With them set to a low output it gives a nice warm glow vs the harsh white/blue light from an LED. I have plenty of LED lights ranging from the "As Seen on TV" LED hurricane lantern (dont judge, it was on sale for something like 5 bucks :) ) to a few Petzl headlamps and other hand lights. I think I collect lights much like some collect knives.
I will say that I've noticed I tend to fall back into my backpacking days when it comes to camp lighting if I'm not thinking about it. I tend to gravitate to my headlamp with a red filter most of the time. It saves my night vision and keeps the light directed where I need it. No worries about shadows, etc.
Hi Sean, hope you and your family are well. I can seen that the old timey glow would be OK,,perhaps even nice. I have tried to dampen my LED, but have not found a way to do so. Might reconsider this at some point.
We found a couple of nice parks, one is new River sp in North Carolina, not new River trail sp in va. Beautiful little state park with great facilities, and new River canoe outfitters just down the road. We have not done much in this heat, looking forward to getting out a good bit in the coming weeks. My lovely wife writes a little camping article in a local magazine, outnaboutmagazine.com, give it a look. Be well my friend. R
Here's one I thought was interesting. Sticks or pellets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DZ06uXLEQ
I've picked up some really old coleman lanterns and stoves at yard sales, they usually go for around $5 - $10 (for working lanterns). I know its not a lantern,but I just found a Coleman A47 GI pocket stove, it was brand new. I run across 70's era coleman and Primus all the time, there great dependable lights and with a little care last forever.
We had a lightning strike zap (kaboom!) the solar electric system at our cabin last week. We got out the old Coleman fuel double mantled gas lanterns that had not been used since 2003. They lit right up and worked perfectly.
[quote source="/post/15497/thread" timestamp="1443234490" author="@whoofit"]Here's one I thought was interesting. Sticks or pellets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DZ06uXLEQ
[/quote]That is really neat, looks like a biomass stove I have,,,,,gotta get me one! 8^)
[quote source="/post/15512/thread" timestamp="1443283539" author="@pjcd"][quote source="/post/15497/thread" timestamp="1443234490" author="@whoofit"]
[/quote]That is really neat, looks like a biomass stove I have,,,,,gotta get me one! 8^)[/quote][p]Yes! I ordered one but haven't received it yet. I too am a sucker for biomass and am what is known as a "Stover". Someone who tinkers with building stoves and wasting endless hours and countless gallons of Denatured Alcohol waiting for that perfectly efficient "rolling boil". It's actually one of my favorite hobbies. Hiram Cook is also an addict. That is one of his vids above.[/p][p]
[/p][p]For Biomass I have the Solo, Scandi Army, Bushbuddy, Emberlit, Firebox and Nano, the Biolite plus several of my own designs. I make the morning Joe with the Biolite every day while camping in the Camplite. Great start to the day. If I do stir-fry while camping I do that with the Biolite too.[/p][p]
[/p][p]What biomass stove do you have?[/p][p]
[/p][p]P.S. That lantern in the vid above will do cooking as well. A good dual use item. Hope it works well with twigs or I'll have a shelf queen.
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I have a Biolite, Kelly Kettle, a Solo and a couple of alcohol stoves. I read some reviews about the firefly, pellets works best, twigs, it seem generates smoke or so some people claim.
[quote source="/post/15534/thread" timestamp="1443321991" author="@pjcd"]I have a Biolite, Kelly Kettle, a Solo and a couple of alcohol stoves. I read some reviews about the firefly, pellets works best, twigs, it seem generates smoke or so some people claim.[/quote][p]Always wanted to try a Kelly Kettle. [/p][p]
[/p][p]I would expect to have more smoke and creosote with the twigs and sticks. I will have a problem with it if the soot and creosote fouls the glass. If it doesn't foul maybe the smoke will help to beat the bugs down. Now, if only Biolite would come out with a lantern and a one hour run time per load...that would be the ultimate in my opinion.
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Yes, I like the biolite, (I bought it when it was on one of those "kick start" programs), but I feel that you have to tend the fire too much, I had a rocket stove and I had the same problem. I did buy their Base Camp model, was never happy with it, compared to their little stove, the workmanship on the base camp was terrible, (maybe I just got a bad one). I ended up selling it for half of what I paid, and to be honest I don't miss it all.
Oh, and yeah I ordered a FireFly last night. 8^). BTW I know it little messy at times, but I use an old Dietz lantern filled with citronella torch oil for a lantern when sitting around the fire, gives off a nice warm light and, (maybe) the citronella helps keep the bugs away.
[quote source="/post/15542/thread" timestamp="1443362920" author="@pjcd"]Yes, I like the biolite, (I bought it when it was on one of those "kick start" programs), but I feel that you have to tend the fire too much, I had a rocket stove and I had the same problem. I did buy their Base Camp model, was never happy with it, compared to their little stove, the workmanship on the base camp was terrible, (maybe I just got a bad one). I ended up selling it for half of what I paid, and to be honest I don't miss it all.[/quote][p]I have changed to loading the Biolite Campstove fully. Jam packed with wood up to 3/4" in thickness stacked in like sardines. Then cover the top with small stuff, tinder maybe a couple spikes of fatwood. Burn it from the top down with the fan set to low and enjoy run times of ~20 minutes unattended.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Basically running it as a TLUD...a top lit updraft. Check it out!
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Just picked up 40 lbs of wood pellets for $6 from Walmart, ( god I hate walmart). When I get my firefly I'll see how long it'll take to use it up. 8^)
I have 2 ton of bagged Rice Coal I use for the coal stoker. It's comical I need to source some pellets now... >:D
For those of you with the biolite or similar systems, have you ever toyed with the idea of making your own? As I understand it, the biolite systems just use a peltier device to generate the current. If I understand the concept correctly, its the same device used in small portable coolers. They generate a chilled side when a current is applied to them.
I've thought about this a bit but never had enough time to tinker with it yet.
[quote source="/post/15702/thread" author="@admin" timestamp="1443791922"]For those of you with the biolite or similar systems, have you ever toyed with the idea of making your own? As I understand it, the biolite systems just use a peltier device to generate the current. If I understand the concept correctly, its the same device used in small portable coolers. They generate a chilled side when a current is applied to them.
I've thought about this a bit but never had enough time to tinker with it yet.[/quote][p]Yes it is a TEC not unlike the coolers. The greater the deltaT between plates determines output. Sounds sexy but it is limited. You need a large sink to have great benefit. I don't really count on the Biolite for device charging. Sure, it will do it somewhat once it's internal battery is full but it takes constant feeding to get large amounts of excess power to charge external devices. The Biolite was designed first and foremost as a forced updraft stove that is self contained. For that purpose it is a wonderful device. Smokeless.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I also own the Powerpot. It has a TEC built into the base. It is best suited to melting ice and snow in winter to generate max output. Good thing about the Powerpot is it will operate over a simple three stone fire and you can continuously refill it with more cold snow, ice and water to keep it cranking the amps.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I would suggest building a "Powerpot" device if you were to experiment, Sean. Play close attention to the thermal expansion coefficients of the materials and never run it dry. TECs are pretty fragile.
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[quote source="/post/15702/thread" timestamp="1443791922" author="@admin"]For those of you with the biolite or similar systems, have you ever toyed with the idea of making your own? As I understand it, the biolite systems just use a peltier device to generate the current. If I understand the concept correctly, its the same device used in small portable coolers. They generate a chilled side when a current is applied to them.
I've thought about this a bit but never had enough time to tinker with it yet.[/quote]I have the biolite campstove and basecamp (love both). I was so interested in the idea of charging my trailer using propane and a TEG that I eventually found a company that makes high(er) efficiency TEG's for industrial markets:
https://www.alphabetenergy.com/
After a few emails with them they said they could sell the individual modules (7W) to me for $30/each. I was thinking of putting 4 together to make a 28W emergency charger. I never got around to it though because of shifting project priorities. Maybe sometime in the near future. The idea was to have a backup for my solar charger when we're at a shady spot or it's overcast.
[quote source="/post/15710/thread" timestamp="1443803879" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote source="/post/15702/thread" author="@admin" timestamp="1443791922"] The idea was to have a backup for my solar charger when we're at a shady spot or it's overcast.[/quote][/quote][p]I often wondered about the efficiency of doing this with LP heated Seebecks versus an LP inverter generator. The main difference between the two would be routine. The generator routine would take place after several consecutive days of no Sun where the sub 30W TEC routine would be more for doing after much less no Sun durations. Maybe every other day.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The inverter generator being capable of a much faster recharge rate but at the cost of inefficiencies. The TECs being only 20% (at best) efficient, similar to a solar panel but with fuel needed. I wonder just how efficient the inverter generator really is vs the TEC. I am of the belief that as long as the inverter generator is operating at 75% capacity or more then it is the winner. Otherwise the TECs might win even with all their shortcomings.[/p][p]
[/p][p]TECs seem to work best with an abundant excess of heat, i.e. the Biolite and Powerpot, or where waste heat is found. Similar to Solar panels, we would not want spend the energy to shine a light on them to get them to work. But if that light came from a different energy source other than what we were trying to create it might make sense.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Oh, the conundrum... (rofl)
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[quote source="/post/15718/thread" timestamp="1443814698" author="@whoofit"][quote source="/post/15710/thread" timestamp="1443803879" author="@tinkeringtechie"][/quote][p]I often wondered about the efficiency of doing this with LP heated Seebecks versus an LP inverter generator. The main difference between the two would be routine. The generator routine would take place after several consecutive days of no Sun where the sub 30W TEC routine would be more for doing after much less no Sun durations. Maybe every other day.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The inverter generator being capable of a much faster recharge rate but at the cost of inefficiencies. The TECs being only 20% (at best) efficient, similar to a solar panel but with fuel needed. I wonder just how efficient the inverter generator really is vs the TEC. I am of the belief that as long as the inverter generator is operating at 75% capacity or more then it is the winner. Otherwise the TECs would win even with all their shortcomings.[/p][p]
[/p][p]TECs seem to work best with an abundant excess of heat, i.e. the Biolite and Powerpot, or where waste heat is found. Similar to Solar panels, we would not want spend the energy to shine a light on them to get them to work.
[/p][/quote]The inverter generator is probably more efficient, but it's also much more expensive and noisy (a TEG based LP generator could be nearly silent). My plan was to make manifolds for the water heater and furnace exhaust so that some energy could be recovered from waste exhaust gases. Neither is hot enough to operate at maximum output, but it would still generate something. When I'm not using those I would connect it to a propane torch (like one of those bernzomatic torches). Not sure if I would air cool or water cool. Most of the efficiency specs show 100C for the "cool" side so obviously they use water.
I can only add that these device charging options like the Biolite make power far better in the dead of Winter for obvious reasons. Makes me look at that large aluminum heat sink we camp in under a different light.
I have the single and the triple version of the Uco lanterns. We love ours. Safe inside, help with condensation, soft light, and the big one will warm up almost boil water.
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I have a single candle, candle lantern, I've had it since the stone age. I used them when tent camping and evan when Sandy hit us.