Terminology: Difference between revisions

6,563 bytes added ,  10 October 2017
add electronic switch
(add IPX)
(add electronic switch)
(42 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''[[#A|A]] - [[#B|B]] - [[#C|C]] - [[#D|D]] - [[#E|E]] - [[#F|F]] - [[#G|G]] - [[#H|H]] - [[#I|I]] - [[#J|J]] - [[#K|K]] - [[#L|L]] - [[#M|M]] - [[#N|N]] - [[#O|O]] - [[#P|P]] - [[#Q|Q]] - [[#R|R]] - [[#S|S]] - [[#T|T]] - [[#U|U]] - [[#V|V]] - [[#W|W]] - [[#X|X]] - [[#Y|Y]] - [[#Z|Z]]'''
----
<span id="A"></span>
;AMC7135: A linear current regulator used in many drivers. See [[Driver]] article.
;ANSI/NEMA FL-1: an industry standard for measuring the performance of flashlights. See [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|article]].
;ANSI/NEMA FL-1: an industry standard for measuring the performance of flashlights. See [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|article]].


Line 7: Line 14:
;AW: a well-regarded brand of rechargeable battery sold on CPF Marketplace. See article [[Rechargeable]].
;AW: a well-regarded brand of rechargeable battery sold on CPF Marketplace. See article [[Rechargeable]].


<span id="B"></span>
;beamshot: a picture of the beam of a flashlight, usually on a white wall, or outside on plants.
;beamshot: a picture of the beam of a flashlight, usually on a white wall, or outside on plants.


;bezel: the front of a flashlight; the part containing/surrounding the lens.
;bezel: the front of a flashlight; the part containing/surrounding the lens.


;bin: an LED classification that describes the performance of a particular [[LED]] model - flux (brightness), tint, and Vf.  Example: UV1J. [[Cree]] uses bin numbers P4, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, R2, R3, R4, R5, S2 each denoting a roughly 5% increase in output. As LED's come out of the factory, they are tested and put in actual bins based on their performance.
;bin: an LED classification that describes the performance of a particular [[LED]] model - flux (brightness), tint, and Vf.  Example: UV1J. [[Cree]] uses bin numbers P4, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, R2, R3, R4, R5, S2 each denoting a roughly 5% increase in output. As LEDs come out of the factory, they are tested and put in actual bins based on their performance.


;BLF: [http://budgetlightforum.com Budget Light Forum], an online forum dedicated to [[budget lights]].
;<span id="BLF">BLF</span>: [http://budgetlightforum.com Budget Light Forum], an online forum dedicated to [[budget lights]].


;boost: a type of electronic circuit that increases voltage. See article [[Driver]].
;boost: a type of electronic circuit that increases voltage. See article [[Driver]].
Line 19: Line 27:
;buck: a type of electronic circuit that reduces voltage. See article [[Driver]].
;buck: a type of electronic circuit that reduces voltage. See article [[Driver]].


;<span id="C">C</span>: capacity - the charge/discharge rate in an hour. For instance discharging a cell rated 1000mAh at 1C means drawing 1000mA and it should last 1 hour; at 0.1C it would draw 100mA and last 10 hours.
<span id="C"></span>
;C: capacity - the charge/discharge rate in an hour. For instance discharging a cell rated 1000mAh at 1C means drawing 1000mA and it should last 1 hour; at 0.1C it would draw 100mA and last 10 hours.
 
;C8: a budget flashlight model originally made by [[UltraFire]] but widely copied. Has a bigger, deeper reflector than a P60 type of light for better throw and the pill usually screws into the throat for better heat management.


;CC/CV: constant charge / constant voltage - a method of charging lithium-ion batteries where a constant charge is applied until the battery reaches 4.2V, then a constant voltage is applied as the current draw drops. Charging terminates when the current drops to 5% or 10% of the initial charging value.
;CC/CV: constant current / constant voltage - a method of charging lithium-ion batteries where a constant current is applied until the battery reaches 4.2V, then a constant voltage is applied as the current draw drops. Charging terminates when the current drops to 5% or 10% of the initial charging value.


;CCFL: Cold-Cathode Fluorescent
;CCFL: Cold-Cathode Fluorescent
Line 32: Line 43:


;corona: the area of transition between a beam's central hotspot and the area of spill. The corona becomes more prominent as the reflector surface is made rougher or more heavily textured, and also as the distance of the light emitting surface from the reflector focal point increases.
;corona: the area of transition between a beam's central hotspot and the area of spill. The corona becomes more prominent as the reflector surface is made rougher or more heavily textured, and also as the distance of the light emitting surface from the reflector focal point increases.
;CW: Cool White, a bluish LED tint. See article [[ANSI White]].


;<span id="CPF">CPF</span>: [http://candlepowerforums.com/ CandlePower Forums] A large flashlight discussion board and marketplace.
;<span id="CPF">CPF</span>: [http://candlepowerforums.com/ CandlePower Forums] A large flashlight discussion board and marketplace.


;Cree: a manufacturer of high-power, high-efficiency LEDs; particularly the XM-L, XR-E, XP-E, XP-G, and MC-E. See article [[Cree]].
;Cree: a manufacturer of high-power, high-efficiency LEDs; particularly the XP-E2, XP-G2, XM-L2, and XP-L. See article [[Cree]].


;crenelated: scalloped bezel at the front of a light, to 1) help prevent accidentally leaving the light on when stood on its head; 2) increase utility as a weapon, especially on larger lights (tail is sometimes crenelated too). Sometimes spelled "crenulated."
;crenelated: scalloped bezel at the front of a light, to 1) help prevent accidentally leaving the light on when stood on its head; 2) increase utility as a weapon, especially on larger lights (tail is sometimes crenelated too). Sometimes spelled "crenulated."


;<span id="CRI">CRI</span>: Color Rendering Index - a value indicating how well a light source will show colors, with 100 being a perfect representation.
;<span id="CRI">CRI</span>: Color Rendering Index - a value indicating how well a light source will show colors, with 100 being a perfect representation. A typical cool white LED might have a CRI as high as 70. The term "High CRI" seems to apply with a value of 80, but some LEDs have values in the low 90's. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_rendering_index Wikipedia article].
 
<span id="D"></span>
;DD: 1. direct drive. See article [[Driver]].
:2. Dino Direct, a budget dealer


;DD: direct drive. See article [[Driver]].
;de-dome: to remove the round plastic dome over the die on an LED; if the beam is properly focused by a reflector, the overall throw can be increased since the reflector sees a smaller die. Overall output typically goes down and the tint will probably change with good or bad results. Domes are not usually meant to be removed and it can be tricky removing one without damaging the LED. One method is soaking the LED in gasoline for 24 hours which makes the dome fall off.


;die: the part of the LED that actually produces light. It is usually yellow with lines on it and protected by a clear dome.
;die: the part of the LED that actually produces light. It is usually yellow and protected by a clear dome.


;diffuser: 1. a method of softening the beam of a flashlight, usually to reduce beam artifacts, via a translucent film or material placed over the lens
;diffuser: 1. a method of softening the beam of a flashlight, usually to reduce beam artifacts, via a translucent film or material placed over the lens
Line 60: Line 77:
;DX: DealExtreme, a direct ship seller of budget brands of flashlights and parts based in China.
;DX: DealExtreme, a direct ship seller of budget brands of flashlights and parts based in China.


<span id="E"></span>
;EDC: everyday carry. A flashlight someone keeps on their person all the time. Seems to have been borrowed from handgun forums.
;EDC: everyday carry. A flashlight someone keeps on their person all the time. Seems to have been borrowed from handgun forums.


;efficacy: the amount of light output divided by the power consumption. Usually measured in lumens per watt (a watt being volts times amps). For an LED, this value varies with power consumption, becoming less efficient as power increases. Although efficacy is a measure of how efficient an LED is, true "efficiency" would be a percentage calculated by dividing the light output energy divided by the energy consumed.
;efficacy: the amount of light output divided by the power consumption. Usually measured in lumens per watt (a watt being volts times amps). For an LED, this value varies with power consumption, becoming less efficient as power increases. Although efficacy is a measure of how efficient an LED is, true "efficiency" would be a percentage calculated by dividing the light output energy divided by the energy consumed.
;electronic switch: instead of running power through the switch, the electronic switch just tells the driver when to let power through. This setup allows for a more versatile interface by allowing double clicks, click and hold, etc. Also an electronic switch can work better in a high power light since the switch controls the driver instead of all of the current having to flow through the switch itself. Electronic switches also require a small amount of current even when turned off so the driver can monitor the switch. This is called parasitic drain and can eventually deplete the battery when not in use.


;<span id="emitter">emitter</span>: the actual light-emitting part of an LED assembly.  e.g. a Luxeon star comprises a Luxeon emitter mounted to a star circuit board. Also can be used to describe where lumens are measured, for instance whether lumen output is measured at the emitter or OTF (out the front). See article [[Light Output Measurements]].
;<span id="emitter">emitter</span>: the actual light-emitting part of an LED assembly.  e.g. a Luxeon star comprises a Luxeon emitter mounted to a star circuit board. Also can be used to describe where lumens are measured, for instance whether lumen output is measured at the emitter or OTF (out the front). See article [[Light Output Measurements]].
<span id="F"></span>
;<span id="FET">FET</span>: field effect transistor. Basically a digitally controlled switch, these are used in high current [[driver|drivers]] offering less resistance to current than other designs and therefore higher output.


;<span id="flood">flood</span>: scattered light emitted from a flashlight. Good for indoor use to light up a room or short-range use outdoors to light up an area. Compare with [[#throw|throw]].
;<span id="flood">flood</span>: scattered light emitted from a flashlight. Good for indoor use to light up a room or short-range use outdoors to light up an area. Compare with [[#throw|throw]].
Line 70: Line 93:
;flux: light output, measured in lumens.
;flux: light output, measured in lumens.


;<span id="forward">forward clicky</span>: a switch that turns the light on with the button partially depressed and then locks into on once it is fully depressed and clicked. This allows "momentary on" by halfway depressing the switch. A forward clicky is not as good for switching modes. Compare with [[#reverse|reverse clicky]].
;<span id="forward">forward clicky</span>: a switch that turns the light on with the button partially depressed and then locks into on once it is fully depressed and clicked. This allows "momentary on" by halfway depressing the switch and then releasing to turn it off. A forward clicky is not as good for switching modes. Compare with [[#reverse|reverse clicky]].


<span id="G"></span>
;GITD/gid: glow in the dark
;GITD/gid: glow in the dark


<span id="H"></span>
;HA: hard anodized.  A tough, scratch-resistant treatment applied to aluminum, e.g. for flashlight bodies. See article on [[Materials#Anodizing|Anodizing]].
;HA: hard anodized.  A tough, scratch-resistant treatment applied to aluminum, e.g. for flashlight bodies. See article on [[Materials#Anodizing|Anodizing]].


;HID: High-Intensity Discharge, a type of bright and efficient lighting.
;HID: High-Intensity Discharge, a type of bright and efficient lighting.
;hobby charger: a battery charger designed to be used with different battery chemistries and numbers of cells, used by radio control hobbyists. See [[Chargers]] article.


;HOLA: High Output Lamp Assembly, typically a bulb/Light Emitting Diode module that is an upgrade and not standard, providing greater output at the expense of battery life.
;HOLA: High Output Lamp Assembly, typically a bulb/Light Emitting Diode module that is an upgrade and not standard, providing greater output at the expense of battery life.
Line 84: Line 111:
;hotwire: Generally, a [[Maglite]] that has been modified with special bulbs and batteries to be significantly brighter
;hotwire: Generally, a [[Maglite]] that has been modified with special bulbs and batteries to be significantly brighter


;IMR: [[Rechargeable#Lithium_Manganese_.28LiMn.29_3.7V.2Fcell|Lithium-Manganese]] batteries sold by AW. Sony manufacture equivalent cells called Konion.
<span id="I"></span>
 
;ICR: [[Rechargeable#Lithium_Ion_.28Li-ion.29_-_3.7V.2Fcell|Lithium-Cobalt]], the most common type of lithium ion rechargeable battery.
 
;IMR: [[Rechargeable#Lithium_Manganese_.28LiMn.29_3.7V.2Fcell|Lithium-Manganese]], a type of lithium ion rechargeable battery able to sustain high power draws without overheating or exploding like a lithium cobalt battery might.


;incan: [[Incandescent]]
;incan: [[Incandescent]]
Line 90: Line 121:
;IPX: a rating for water resistance in flashlights. See different ratings on the [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]] page.
;IPX: a rating for water resistance in flashlights. See different ratings on the [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]] page.


<span id="J"></span>
<span id="K"></span>
;KD: KaiDomain, a direct ship seller of budget brands of flashlights and parts based in China.
;KD: KaiDomain, a direct ship seller of budget brands of flashlights and parts based in China.


;LED: [[LED|light emitting diode]].
<span id="L"></span>
;LED: Light Emitting Diode. An electronic component (including the die, lens, PCB, etc.) that produces light. See article [[LED]].


;lens: technically a piece of glass or plastic with curved faces that shapes light, but in flashlights the lens can also be the flat piece of glass or plastic at the front of the light that protects the light source. See article [[Lenses]].
;lens: technically a piece of glass or plastic with curved faces that shapes light, but in flashlights the lens can also be the flat piece of glass or plastic at the front of the light that protects the light source. See article [[Lenses]].
Line 113: Line 147:


;lux: 1. a measurement of light intensity. Lux refers to the number of lumens falling on a square meter. See article [[Light Output Measurements]].
;lux: 1. a measurement of light intensity. Lux refers to the number of lumens falling on a square meter. See article [[Light Output Measurements]].
:2. short for Luxeon [[LED]], an early high-power LED (also LuxI, LuxIII, Lux3, LuxV for different versions of this LED).
:2. short for Luxeon [[LED]], an early high-power LED (also Lux I, Lux III, LuxV for different versions of this LED). See [[Philips Lumileds]].


<span id="M"></span>
;<span id="mAh">mAh</span>: milliampere-hours - a rating of [[battery capacity]] in thousandths of an ampere in an hour. A 1000mAh battery should be able to discharge 1000mA for 1 hour or 500mA for 2 hours.
;<span id="mAh">mAh</span>: milliampere-hours - a rating of [[battery capacity]] in thousandths of an ampere in an hour. A 1000mAh battery should be able to discharge 1000mA for 1 hour or 500mA for 2 hours.


Line 122: Line 157:
:2. The ability for a flashlight capable of multiple levels of output to remember the last-used level and return to that level the next time it is switched on.
:2. The ability for a flashlight capable of multiple levels of output to remember the last-used level and return to that level the next time it is switched on.


;MOSFET: metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, the most common type of FET. See [[#FET|FET]].
;MCPCB: Metal Core Printed Circuit Board. This is the type of board on which LEDs are usually mounted. They are metal to help transfer heat and are then attached to a pill or heat sink. Sometimes called a "star" or just a "board."
<span id="N"></span>
;Nailbender: a CPF member who makes high power P60 and other drop-ins for host lights.
;Nailbender: a CPF member who makes high power P60 and other drop-ins for host lights.


;<span id="OP">OP</span>: 1. orange-peel.  A textured surface, e.g. for a reflector, used to smooth out beam imperfections. Compare to SMO.  
;<span id="Noctigon">Noctigon</span>: a brand name of copper LED MCPCB that is designed to conduct heat away from an LED more efficiently than typical aluminum boards, therefore keeping the LED cooler, increasing brightness and LED life. Also see [[#SinkPAD|SinkPAD]].
 
;NW: Neutral White, an LED tint. Should be just pure white, but realistically may have a vanilla, or light yellow or orange tint. See article [[ANSI White]].
 
<span id="O"></span>
;<span id="OP">OP</span>: 1. orange-peel.  A textured surface, e.g. for a reflector, used to smooth out beam imperfections. Compare to [[#SMO|SMO]]. Also sometimes LOP for light orange peel (lighter texturing) or MOP for medium orange peel.
:2. on conference posts can refer to "original poster," the person who originally started the thread.
:2. on conference posts can refer to "original poster," the person who originally started the thread.


;optic: usually a total-internal-reflection (see TIR) reflector/refractor, as opposed to a metal-coated reflector. See article [[Lenses]].
;optic: usually a total-internal-reflection (see TIR) reflector/refractor, as opposed to a metal-coated reflector. See article [[Lenses]].
;O-Ring: Usually placed in the assembly parts of the torch on the back and front. Helps to prevent dirt and dust to enter the torch.


;<span id="OTF">OTF</span>: Out-the-front. The amount of light that is actually emitted out of the front of the light, usually measured in lumens. This number is always lower than lumens measured at the emitter (at the LED itself). Some manufacturers quote OTF lumens and others use emitter lumens. Usually the OTF value is around a third less than the rated output of the light-producing device. See [[Light Output Measurements]].
;<span id="OTF">OTF</span>: Out-the-front. The amount of light that is actually emitted out of the front of the light, usually measured in lumens. This number is always lower than lumens measured at the emitter (at the LED itself). Some manufacturers quote OTF lumens and others use emitter lumens. Usually the OTF value is around a third less than the rated output of the light-producing device. See [[Light Output Measurements]].


<span id="P"></span>
;P60 drop-in: an assembly of the reflector, bulb, and driver originally introduced by [[SureFire]], but now an industry standard. See article [[P60]].
;P60 drop-in: an assembly of the reflector, bulb, and driver originally introduced by [[SureFire]], but now an industry standard. See article [[P60]].
;PCB: Printed Circuit Board. A circuit board with electronics soldered to it. Usually it has a plastic base printed with ink, solder pads, and wire paths, but MCPCB's have a metal core.


;pill: a housing for the driver and a mounting point for the LED. In smaller lights it is threaded on the outside and screws into the throat of the flashlight body.
;pill: a housing for the driver and a mounting point for the LED. In smaller lights it is threaded on the outside and screws into the throat of the flashlight body.
Line 143: Line 193:
;<span id="PWM">PWM</span>: Pulse Width Modulation. A technique of varying the brightness of a LED by flashing it on and off very quickly, making it appear to the eye that the LED is dimmer. Good PWM is at such a high rate that you can't notice it. But if you wave your hand in front of the light and get a strobe effect, the PWM is getting too low. Some use current regulation which makes the light dimmer without PWM and is also more efficient.
;<span id="PWM">PWM</span>: Pulse Width Modulation. A technique of varying the brightness of a LED by flashing it on and off very quickly, making it appear to the eye that the LED is dimmer. Good PWM is at such a high rate that you can't notice it. But if you wave your hand in front of the light and get a strobe effect, the PWM is getting too low. Some use current regulation which makes the light dimmer without PWM and is also more efficient.


<span id="Q"></span>
;<span id="QTC">QTC</span>: Quantum Tunneling Composite - a spongy material that provides decreasing resistance as it is compressed. It lends itself to being used in twisty flashlights, providing infinitely variable brightness as the head is pushed down onto the battery. BLF posts show it in action in a [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1599 Tank007 E07] and a [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1909 Mini Maglite]. Pictures of the stuff are [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/870 here]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Tunneling_Composite Wikipedia article]
;<span id="QTC">QTC</span>: Quantum Tunneling Composite - a spongy material that provides decreasing resistance as it is compressed. It lends itself to being used in twisty flashlights, providing infinitely variable brightness as the head is pushed down onto the battery. BLF posts show it in action in a [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1599 Tank007 E07] and a [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1909 Mini Maglite]. Pictures of the stuff are [http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/870 here]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Tunneling_Composite Wikipedia article]
<span id="R"></span>
;R9: When measuring [[#CRI|color rendering index]] of a light source, 8 different colors (R1-R8) are used, but none of those are pure red. R9 is red and therefore is a supplemental measurement to CRI that indicates how well a light source renders red.


;<span id="ramping">ramping</span>: a mode in some flashlights where the brightness varies (ramps up or ramps down) and you select the brightness level you want. Sometimes this level is then memorized, but in the original [[NiteCore]] D10 it is only used until you turn the light off again.
;<span id="ramping">ramping</span>: a mode in some flashlights where the brightness varies (ramps up or ramps down) and you select the brightness level you want. Sometimes this level is then memorized, but in the original [[NiteCore]] D10 it is only used until you turn the light off again.


;recoil: or "recoil thrower" is a flashlight design where the LED is mounted on an arm just under the center of the lens, facing backwards into the reflector. Such a light can produce a very intense hotspot with great throw and very little spill. One downside is there is not much heatsinking to carry heat away from the LED.
;recoil: or "recoil thrower" is a flashlight design where the LED is mounted on an arm just under the center of the lens, facing backwards into the reflector. Such a light can produce a very intense hotspot with great throw and very little spill. One downside is there is not much heatsinking to carry heat away from the LED.
;reflow: or "reflow soldering," a technique used to solder surface mount devices to pads on circuit boards. The pads have a little solder, then the device to be mounted is put in place and the entire board is heated until the solder melts. This is how LEDs are usually attached to their star or board. The heating can be done on the stove, in an oven, or with a hot air gun. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflow_soldering Wikipedia article].


;regulator: in a flashlight, a circuit that takes energy from a battery and converts it to a (usually) constant current or voltage to feed the flashlight's light element (either an LED or bulb).  Using a regulator, the flashlight's brightness usually stays constant for the majority of the lifetime of the battery, and then output drops quickly and significantly as the battery is no longer able to supply the required energy.  Non-regulated flashlights (also called direct-drive) usually start out at a high output, and then the output diminishes gradually over the lifetime of the battery. See article [[Driver]].
;regulator: in a flashlight, a circuit that takes energy from a battery and converts it to a (usually) constant current or voltage to feed the flashlight's light element (either an LED or bulb).  Using a regulator, the flashlight's brightness usually stays constant for the majority of the lifetime of the battery, and then output drops quickly and significantly as the battery is no longer able to supply the required energy.  Non-regulated flashlights (also called direct-drive) usually start out at a high output, and then the output diminishes gradually over the lifetime of the battery. See article [[Driver]].


;<span id="reverse">reverse clicky</span>: a switch that must be fully depressed, clicked, and released before the light comes on. Once the light is on, a half-press will turn the light off momentarily and/or change modes once released. It is good for multi-mode lights, but does not allow momentary on. Compare to [[#forward|forward clicky]].
;<span id="reverse">reverse clicky</span>: a switch that must be fully depressed, clicked, and released before the light comes on. Once the light is on, a half-press will turn the light off momentarily and/or change modes once released. It is good for multi-mode lights, but does not allow momentary on. Almost all budget lights have a reverse clicky, even if they are single mode. Compare to [[#forward|forward clicky]].


;<span id="ROP">ROP</span>: Roar of the Pelican, a flashlight manufactured by Pelican, but currently more often the name of modified maglites using the ROP bulb.
;<span id="ROP">ROP</span>: Roar of the Pelican, a flashlight manufactured by Pelican, but currently more often the name of modified maglites using the ROP bulb.


;runtime: a measurement of how long a flashlight will last one a set of batteries of a particular type, usually measured to 50% of the initial output (10% for [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]]). Multi-mode lights have a different runtime for each mode.
;runtime: a measurement of how long a flashlight will last on a set of batteries of a particular type, usually measured to 50% of the initial output (10% for [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]]). Multi-mode lights have a different runtime for each mode.


<span id="S"></span>
;Seoul: Seoul Semiconductor, a Korean LED manufacturer. See article [[Seoul Semiconductor]].
;Seoul: Seoul Semiconductor, a Korean LED manufacturer. See article [[Seoul Semiconductor]].


;SF: [[SureFire]] or sometimes [[Solarforce]], two flashlight manufacturers.
;SF: [[SureFire]] or sometimes [[Solarforce]], two flashlight manufacturers.


;SMD: Surface Mount Device - most high-power LEDs used in flashlights are mounted this way where legs of a component (LED, capacitor, resitor, diodes, etc.) are soldered to pads on the surface of the circuit board (as opposed to through-hole soldering where the legs of the LED's go into holes on the circuit board which are then soldered on the underside with the excess leg length clipped off).
;showerhead: a flashlight with a cluster of low-powered LEDs. Generally these are very inexpensive lights (9 LEDs seems common), but some have hundreds of LEDs and actually give off a decent amount of floody light.  


;<span id="SMO">SMO</span>: a reflector with a smooth finish. Designed for better throw, but also shows imperfections in the LED (e.g. rings). Compare to OP.
;<span id="SinkPAD">SinkPAD</span>: a brand name of aluminum or copper LED MCPCB that is designed to conduct heat away from an LED more efficiently than typical aluminum boards, therefore keeping the LED cooler, increasing brightness and LED life. Also see [[#Noctigon|Noctigon]].
 
;SMD: Surface Mount Device - most high-power LEDs used in flashlights are mounted this way where legs of a component (LED, capacitor, resitor, diodes, etc.) are soldered to pads on the surface of the circuit board (as opposed to through-hole soldering where the legs of the LEDs go into holes on the circuit board which are then soldered on the underside with the excess leg length clipped off).
 
;<span id="SMO">SMO</span>: a reflector with a smooth finish. Designed for better throw, but also shows imperfections in the LED (e.g. rings). Compare to [[#OP|OP]].


;spill: the area of a flashlight beam outside of the hotspot and corona. Light intensity in the spill area is typically low and even, and comes directly from the light emitting surface with little or no contribution from the reflector.
;spill: the area of a flashlight beam outside of the hotspot and corona. Light intensity in the spill area is typically low and even, and comes directly from the light emitting surface with little or no contribution from the reflector.


;spot: see hotspot
;spot: see hotspot
;spring bypass: a modification to the battery springs in a flashlight to reduce resistance and increase current. The typical spring bypass involves soldering braided copper wire from the tip of the spring to the base where the spring attaches to the switch and/or driver.


;SSC: Seoul Semiconductor, a Korean LED manufacturer. See article [[Seoul Semiconductor]].
;SSC: Seoul Semiconductor, a Korean LED manufacturer. See article [[Seoul Semiconductor]].
Line 173: Line 236:
;star: a star-shaped circuit board that an LED emitter is often mounted to. The star board provides easy-to-access solder pads, and some degree of heat-sinking.
;star: a star-shaped circuit board that an LED emitter is often mounted to. The star board provides easy-to-access solder pads, and some degree of heat-sinking.


<span id="T"></span>
;tactical: more of a marketing term than anything. Often refers to a light with fewer modes and a forward clicky, designed to take some abuse and possibly be mounted to a weapon. See [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=147215 CPF discussion].
;tactical: more of a marketing term than anything. Often refers to a light with fewer modes and a forward clicky, designed to take some abuse and possibly be mounted to a weapon. See [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=147215 CPF discussion].


;<span id="throw">throw</span>: the ability of a flashlight to place light onto a distant defined area of surface, i.e how well the light is collimated. The throw of a light source of fixed power will be defined by the surface brightness of the light emitter, and the shape, diameter, depth, smoothness, and reflective efficiency of the reflector surface. A flashlight with good throw characteristics is called a "thrower" and generally has a narrow beam that is best for illuminating objects at a distance (hundreds of feet). Compare with [[#flood|flood]]. The [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]] standard states throw two ways: candela and meters.
;<span id="throw">throw</span>: the ability of a flashlight to place light onto a distant defined area of surface, i.e how well the light is collimated. The throw of a light source of fixed power will be defined by the surface brightness of the light emitter, and the shape, diameter, depth, smoothness, and reflective efficiency of the reflector surface. A flashlight with good throw characteristics is called a "thrower" and generally has a narrow beam that is best for illuminating objects at a distance (hundreds of feet). Compare with [[#flood|flood]]. The [[ANSI-NEMA FL-1|ANSI/NEMA FL-1]] standard states throw two ways: candela and meters.


;ti: Titanium - a metal used to construct flashlight bodies that many consider attractive, rugged, and have good wear properties. More expensive and doesn't conduct heat as well as aluminum. See article [[Materials#Titanium|Titanium]].
;ti: Titanium - metal used to construct higher end flashlights. Like stainless steel, it can have a variety of surface finishes and resists corrosion, but it is stronger and lighter weight. See article [[Materials#Titanium|Titanium]].


;TIR: total internal reflection.  A glass or plastic "lens" that collimates light rays from the light emitter, both by reflecting them and by refracting them.  Theoretically, ALL of the light produced by the emitter is gathered by the TIR optic. See article [[Lenses]].
;<span id="TIR">TIR</span>: total internal reflection.  A glass or plastic "lens" that collimates light rays from the light emitter, both by reflecting them and by refracting them.  Theoretically, ALL of the light produced by the emitter is gathered by the TIR optic. See article [[Lenses]].


;trit: tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen which emits light. Packed in small vials or cubes, it can be attached to a flashlight so that you can find it in the dark.
;trit: tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. Packed in small vials or cubes where the emitted electrons will strike phosphor and emit light, a vial can be attached to a flashlight so that you can find it in the dark. The brightness fades over time, reducing fifty percent during a half-life of 12.3 years. Different colors are available depending on the phosphor used.


;twisty: a method of controlling a flashlight - loosening or tightening the head, control ring, or tailcap turns the light on or off or changes its level or mode. Many lights turn on with the head tightened, but some turn on with the head loosened.
;twisty: a method of controlling a flashlight - loosening or tightening the head, control ring, or tailcap turns the light on or off or changes its level or mode. Many lights turn on with the head tightened, but some turn on with the head loosened.


<span id="U"></span>
;UCL: Ultra Clear Lens, a trademarked glass lens with anti-reflective coating sold by flashlightlens.com.
;UCL: Ultra Clear Lens, a trademarked glass lens with anti-reflective coating sold by flashlightlens.com.


Line 191: Line 256:
;unprotected: see [[#protected|protected]].
;unprotected: see [[#protected|protected]].


;<span id="Vf">Vf</span>: Forward Voltage (a property of an [[LED]]). The voltage drop across a LED at a given current.
<span id="V"></span>
<span id="W"></span>
;WW: Warm White, an LED or light tint, usually with an orange tint like an incandescent bulb. See article [[ANSI White]].
 
<span id="X"></span>
<span id="Y"></span>
<span id="Z"></span>
;<span id="Vf">Vf</span>: Forward Voltage (a property of an [[LED]]). The voltage drop across a LED at a given current. If two LEDs are identical except one has a lower Vf, the one with the lower Vf will draw a higher current from a battery and will also be brighter.
confirmed, developer
1,668

edits