Shoddy Hardware (Was: Re: WW fixtures (was Re: "New" PDP-8))

From: Kent Borg <kentborg_at_borg.org>
Date: Fri Apr 5 08:14:15 2002

On Thu, Apr 04, 2002 at 10:46:11PM +0100, Tony Duell wrote:
> I'm another mag-liter. Got a 2*AA in the toolbox, a 2*C on the shelf, a
> 1*AAA on my keyring, and so on. I've found them to be very reliable.

I have a single AAA on my keychain too. It is my second one,
something got messed up with the rear end connections and then with
the switch, so after many years (nearly all the black paint gone) I
got another. Not terribly bright but very handy. Have used it to
peer under raised computer room floors, but mostly use it for some
little close purpose every few days.

For our wedding we had double AAAs embossed as favors for our guests
(small wedding). Nice little light.

But for a *real* flashlight that is roughly the size of a double AA
Maglite, I have a Sure-Fire 9P. It has a prefocused bulb & reflector
and is powered by 3 #123 lithium cells. This puppy looks bright in
daylight. I think it was the recent Godzilla movie that used a bigger
model as "practicals" that were carried by some of the actors. A few
episodes of the X-Files have used the same model as I have. Unlike
the double AA and double AAA Maglites, the Sure-Fire will not come on
by mistake in a bag or pocket.

Being one who figures that some toys would only make me less secure in
my person, I don't have the handgun mount (flash this in someone's
face at night and you will only know if s/he is reaching for
something, the light will stun your subject), but I do have the NiCd
conversion: a battery pack, a short extension barrel so it will fit,
different voltage light, and charger.

Not chaep. Not easy to find. Very nice light.


-kb, the Kent who has his in the bag he nearly always has with him.
Received on Fri Apr 05 2002 - 08:14:15 BST