Torch not working?

[buckaroo]

Another post! The people have been so helpful here, that I thought i would post yet again!

I have a powerful 500,000 candle power quartz halogen spotlight handheld torch that hasnt been used for a while (it was fine) but now doesnt work at all? (no model make or number on it)

I have had a look at the bulb and the filament seems to be intact so dont think its the bulb.

It came with a 9v plug charger which when plugged in doesnt light up the charging LED on the side? I then rememebered it has a car charger and tried that and still nothing?!

Any ideas - should I open it up??

thanks again

 

[2scoops0406]

Mine did exactly the same, with mine I tested the Lead acid batts, and they were screwed, cheaper to get a new torch, but then I would get one of those jobbies again, more trouble than they're worth.

 

[mattylad]

If it has batteries inside then it is most likely them that have gone completely flat & not in any mood to be recharged.

If your not knowledgeable about the internal workings of devices like this with batteries in & unable to repair them down to component level then as 2scoops says, may just be easier to buy a new one.

Then put the old one on your local Freecycle group, mentioning its not working & someone may want to a have a play with it & save it from landfill.

 

[oharaf]

If no one wants it on freecycle then you will just have to WEEE on it

 

[breezer]

but on the other hand if you do know about the batteries (i assume you dont) you will realise they will cost more than the torch does because they use cheap batteries.

let me ask you this, unless you were looking to shoot down aeroplanes or want to stand out side the local cinema every time a new film comes out what use was it that an ordainairy torch couldnt be used for?

 

[TicklyT]

One of the problems with 'intelligent' chargers required for sealed batteries. As the battery is flat, the charging circuit can't 'see' the battery connected to it, so it doesn't start a charge cycle.

If you store a flat battery , the internal chemistry will destroy it a lot faster than charged battery.

Some chargers used to incorporate a 'flat battery' switch to 'kickstart' a charge cycle, but it usually wasn't worth it - if the battery was that flat, it was time to replace it anyway.

Attempting to charge the battery by other methods is fraught with problems. If the charging voltage / current isn't right, or the internal battery chemistry is already screwed, the battery can explode

 

[mattylad]

In other words, get a new torch.

When designing rechargeable torches these days, they are designed so cheaply & with the minimal that they can get away with.

I have several of the wind up torches dotted around the house etc.
Although if not used for a while the little CR2032 sized watch battery in them just dies. replacing them is easy enough but the cost of a new battery is often equal or more to the cost of a new torch.

A wasteful state of affairs IMO. Makes me glad I work in a factory that has plenty of batteries it throws away on a regular basis.

 

[JohnD]

You work in the Product Test Department of Anne Summers?

 

[toasty]

So true, so true.
I just replaced the batteries in my server UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply), replacement batteries were pretty much bob on the price of a new UPS.

 

[mattylad]

You work in the Product Test Department of Anne Summers?

No the design department, I get to supervise the testing

 

[JACKC]

I've got one of these torches and to answer Breezer question above I use it for when I go doggin, doesn't last long but hey ho neither do I