The Opalec Newbeam retrofit kit consists of a three-LED module, a black light guard (to replace the reflector) and a new front 'lens' and is designed to replace the standard bulb in a Mini Maglite AA flashlight. Installation of the NewBeam more than doubles the battery life, raising it to around 15 hour's continuous use. The unit is current regulated to provide constant, non-fading light output until the batteries are virtually exhausted, at which point a fourth, red LED illuminates to warn of low battery status.
The light emitted by the NewBeam is a bright "moonlight" white in colour and very even and although the variable focus function is lost, there are none of the dark rings or blotches normally associated with the light from the bulb it replaces. In common with other LED products, the LEDs used in the Opalec NewBeam use no filament and will shine for many thousands of times longer than a normal light bulb.
(Lee Baldock)
