Splendid cheap USB light for emergencies

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  • Опубліковано 27 чер 2022
  • Update. There appear to be many clones of these lights and many of them use smaller 3528 LEDs running at a total of around 60mA. They still work well, but will put out less light, and may not be a high enough load to keep some power banks awake.
    This came as a "gift" with an online purchase, but it turns out that it's a really nice design that would be perfect for adding a splash of light to a room or tent while camping or during a power outage.
    It's sold on eBay as a USB night light, and is available in white, warm white and a selection of other colours. The construction is simple, rugged and functional, and the diffuser provides a soft even distribution of light.
    Aside from its intended use as a night light when plugged into a USB wall socket or adaptor, it also has potential for use with a power bank and solar panel to provide regular nighttime illumination during prolonged outages or in remote locations.
    I'd regard this light as an emergency essential as it is cheap and very useful.
    Here's a "lowest cost first" search on eBay to prevent price gouging:-
    www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
    Guide price is around 1.50 to 2.00 pound/Euro/Dollars.
    I specifically avoid using intrusive mid-run video adverts, which means I don't earn as much from my content as other UA-camrs.
    If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
    / bigclive
    Patreon supporters get early access to videos as they are made, and also regular live streams.
    This also keeps the channel independent of UA-cam's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
    Other contribution options are available at:-
    www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
    #ElectronicsCreators
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 421

  • @rolfeb
    @rolfeb Рік тому +40

    I do like the rotational symmetry of the board. It's like the designer thought, "you know what, no-one is going to know what's inside this, but I'll add a bit of design anyway. At least I'll know."

    • @tactileslut
      @tactileslut Рік тому +10

      Both LEDs have the same orientation, for easier placement. Both resistors have the same value and are placed optically out of the way. They saved a fraction of a Yuan by skipping the plating on the data pins that aren't even soldered. He ticks every box with style.

  • @paulbennell3313
    @paulbennell3313 Рік тому +132

    I like this video a lot. People often overlook things like this and say words to the effect of "It's just a light" but it's well designed, simple and cheap to produce and I say credit where it's due.

  • @timgooding2448
    @timgooding2448 2 роки тому +288

    Can always rely on Clive to find something I didn't think I needed but purchased anyway.

  • @devikwolf
    @devikwolf Рік тому +25

    It's surprisingly refreshing to see a solid, compact, eye-friendly, reliable, cheap, and functional LED light, when the vast majority of LED lights out there only hit one or two of those categories at best.

  • @echothehusky
    @echothehusky 2 роки тому +189

    That's really neat. Sometimes the best designs are the most simple!

    • @ReallifeBambiDeerattheFarm1
      @ReallifeBambiDeerattheFarm1 Рік тому

      So true!

    • @RS-Amsterdam
      @RS-Amsterdam Рік тому +1

      Like the Space Shuttle

    • @bmbullman
      @bmbullman Рік тому

      @@RS-Amsterdam lol

    • @tactileslut
      @tactileslut Рік тому

      In the emergency case where your power bank is low and not boosting, this will still glow.

    • @BedsitBob
      @BedsitBob Рік тому

      @@tactileslut I have a solar charging 24,000 mAh Power bank, so I can't see my power bank going flat, unless it's a nuclear attack, and I'm sheltering in my pantry, 24/7.
      Even then, only using the lamp for a hour or two a day, it'd probably still last.

  • @HappyQuailsLC
    @HappyQuailsLC Рік тому +18

    These are great for ensuring that power is flowing through a charging cable, at least simplistically so.

  • @ntsecrets
    @ntsecrets Рік тому +9

    I have a kid that was afraid of the dark and I set up a light similar to this on a long usb cable from the wall so it never died. He still uses it for reading, but it’s more of a spot light. Glad to know these exist.

  • @jameslmorehead
    @jameslmorehead Рік тому +10

    We keep simple LED lights around for emergencies. They run on two AAA batteries, have a single LED and series resistor. The really cool part is they fit into the cork end of a wine bottle very nicely. We fill the bottles with either clear plastic or glow in the dark plastic rocks, kick on the light and shove it in. The rocks diffuse the light to fill the entire room. On one set of batteries, the light will run for well over 48 hours. Living where hurricanes hit with regularity, these have been very helpful.

    • @hundovir
      @hundovir Рік тому +1

      Sounds good. Your reference to "the cork end of a wine bottle" made me chuckle. Have you ever tried putting anything into the other end of a wine bottle?

  • @hob991
    @hob991 2 роки тому +16

    I just bought 3 for use as hotel night lights when on holiday, they remind me of those ones you had on the channel that plugged into a power bank to use as a torch.

  • @mallow173
    @mallow173 Рік тому +1

    Extra gift! They like you Clive!! Cool light and nice job explaining how it actually functions!

  • @bobwatkins1271
    @bobwatkins1271 Рік тому +2

    I like the yin-yang PCB layout.

  • @MintyLoveDMT
    @MintyLoveDMT Рік тому +28

    Max respect to you Clive. Over the last few weeks, I've found several of your li-ion videos extremely useful during research for a simple video guide to vaping batteries on my own utube channel (still not quite complete). Your vids are totally invaluable for non-alarmists facts backed up with hard examples, circuits and links. Fantastic work. Mine is an extremely modest channel but for what it's worth you'll be getting a shout-out! Keep up the great work, it's much appreciated!

  • @phils4634
    @phils4634 Рік тому +10

    Simple and awesome. I bought something like this ("traditional" epoxy - embedded LEDS) a long while ago, which works very well indeed, and fits nicely in one of the front USB ports on the desktop p.c. - provides just enough light to see with but not act as a distraction.

  • @lukasgayer5393
    @lukasgayer5393 Рік тому +1

    I bought 20 of these based on your video and I must say I am not at all disappointed! They are great. You were absolutely right. I am currently testing how long they´ll last on my beefy power banks but I suspect it will take many hours. Nice tip! Thank you.

  • @endlessoul
    @endlessoul Рік тому +17

    Oh Clive, this is great stuff. You're why I've made quite a few aliexpress purchases based around lil lights like these. If you find more lil usb gadgets like these to contribute to my collection, I'd love to see more! ❤️

    • @realityshotgun
      @realityshotgun Рік тому +1

      He's tore apart basically every little led gadget ever!

  • @rogerhargreaves2272
    @rogerhargreaves2272 Рік тому

    So simple and so basic. This little light is marvellous! I need one! Thanks Clive!

  • @migoreng7789
    @migoreng7789 Рік тому

    i bought that little lamp just because of your video, and honestly it's super neat. the light is comfortably bright and most importantly doesn't hurt my eyes (retinal detachment caused light sensitivity sigh). thank you!

  • @spicesmuggler2452
    @spicesmuggler2452 Рік тому

    You are so passionate about LEDs its amazing

  • @-Jethro-
    @-Jethro- Рік тому +1

    These have been in my Amazon cart for weeks while I debated whether or not I need them. Definitely ordering them now.

  • @RiderBlitz1.0
    @RiderBlitz1.0 Рік тому

    Im really impressed how neat this board is, its really useful, i love LEDs

  • @TopEndSpoonie
    @TopEndSpoonie 2 роки тому +1

    Good work Clive. A quick vid before I head off to work. Thanks. ✔️

  • @trevann8213
    @trevann8213 Рік тому +1

    I like how simple it is but I also like the nice large tracks, looks like they actually tried to keep most of the copper on the unit.

  • @vlfreak
    @vlfreak Рік тому +1

    refreshingly simple, basic, no-frills no tricks functional design! becoming more rare these days

  • @bikemike20
    @bikemike20 Рік тому

    Just bought a set for camping, thanks Clive

  • @EasilyDistractedPlanner
    @EasilyDistractedPlanner Рік тому +2

    That's so cool and useful. Makes for a great little light while travelling, I agree.

  • @athalyerajan2823
    @athalyerajan2823 Рік тому

    I actually bought the warm usb lites and am glad that he reviewed the exact same one. Thx Sir.

  • @channelsixtysix066
    @channelsixtysix066 Рік тому

    A delightful little device, Clive. It does one thing and does it very well.

  • @BobMuir100
    @BobMuir100 Рік тому

    Hi Clive, very pleased you are making money for the work you do for us. But I do miss the early scary videos!,
    Bob

  • @MrRedwally
    @MrRedwally Рік тому

    I already got myself a bunch of those a few months ago, Very nice light from them, especially the warm-white. Great review!

    • @rogierius
      @rogierius Рік тому

      Care to share a link, my online finding skills suck.

  • @Kitsaplorax
    @Kitsaplorax Рік тому

    Brilliant find! Excellent for travel or night light use.

  • @ServusLibertate
    @ServusLibertate Рік тому +1

    Thank you Clive, I was just looking for an item of this kind, your video came right in time! Took 2 warms (3000k) and 2 colds (6500k), always nice to have such convenient sources of light around.

    • @RFC-3514
      @RFC-3514 Рік тому

      You might want to measure them. I got one of those "2 warm + 2 cool" packages from eBay, and they turned out to be 0.009 to 0.015 watts, with much smaller LEDs (despite looking identical to these on the outside). Eventually got my money back, because they're advertised as "1 watt" and are a wee bit off that mark.

  • @benbaselet2026
    @benbaselet2026 Рік тому

    It looks very attractive for sure.

  • @Groovewonder2
    @Groovewonder2 Рік тому

    Sometimes simplicity is mastered and it's a great thing to see.

  • @hadibq
    @hadibq Рік тому

    That's the exact LED light color I like. the diffuser is doing a great job!

  • @wisher21uk
    @wisher21uk Рік тому

    Brilliant little light Clive I’m going to get a couple thanks

  • @AMDRADEONRUBY
    @AMDRADEONRUBY 2 роки тому +4

    Nice little light. You're right. Nice quickie video

  • @pen25
    @pen25 Рік тому

    ive bought some led usb sticks that is just a circuit board several years ago and then picked up long led sticks with a plastic housing. these all make great loclized spot lights and emergency lights. i do like this one better as the difuser looks to be much better. thx Clive

  • @RobertHeadley
    @RobertHeadley Рік тому

    I really like the design of this light.

  • @davidcarlton2513
    @davidcarlton2513 Рік тому

    I might order one or two myself for when we go camping..... Nice one Clive 😊

  • @TheWobblyCameraGuy
    @TheWobblyCameraGuy Рік тому

    I actually like this - simple, neat & practical

  • @SeeTheWholeTruth
    @SeeTheWholeTruth Рік тому

    Ah.. love it, thank you for your time and work to share it!

  • @Wineman3383
    @Wineman3383 Рік тому

    That's a really cool 😎 little light.
    Now I want one for every room.

  • @I4get42
    @I4get42 Рік тому

    I got a couple when I bought my Miyoo Mini and I really like them. When I was traveling recently I did indeed use one as a nightlight for my little kiddo and one stayed in my bag by my power bank as a quick flashlight.

  • @g8xft
    @g8xft 7 місяців тому

    Glad to see that has real resistors unlike that other crappy printed one.

  • @ragilmalik
    @ragilmalik Рік тому

    Bought 13 of them for $1 from aliexpress, i then added LDR and put them all over my house for nightlight. Amazing cheap little devices!

  • @rajatanpacelana
    @rajatanpacelana Рік тому

    Yes, its really neat... and very useful for camping in case the if the camping light is not working because normally I always have a USB battery pack with me if I go camping or hiking.

  • @MrMegaPussyPlayer
    @MrMegaPussyPlayer Рік тому +1

    2:36 Genius in its simplicity. I bought some (a while back) on naked circuit boards without diffuser. I think yours is better.

  • @cameradoctor205
    @cameradoctor205 2 роки тому +1

    Ordered some, will be ideal nightlights in the caravan for the Grandkids :)

  • @AdricM
    @AdricM Рік тому

    i like these short ones. they are like candy, the longer ones are great too. just wanted to like and comment for the algorithm.

  • @zybch
    @zybch Рік тому

    I've had similar lights, and they're great.

  • @gordonfreeman320
    @gordonfreeman320 Рік тому

    Going to pick up a few of these to have in a kitchen drawer, will be nice to have with a power bank.

  • @keithlambell1970
    @keithlambell1970 2 роки тому

    Very neat little device.

  • @shanehumberstone5262
    @shanehumberstone5262 Рік тому

    I’ve got a usb light on a stalk and it’s flexible,it is brilliant,it gets a little warm but very useful

  • @Sun-Kin
    @Sun-Kin Рік тому

    I was so impressed i bought 16 of em
    P.S little tip, a rolled up post-it note makes a handy lamp shade, wow they bright

  • @joshfriesen9401
    @joshfriesen9401 Рік тому

    If Clive started a sleep podcast subscription, I would be the first subscriber. His voice is relaxing. Speaking of subscribers, great job for reaching 900K subs. Just 80,000 more to 1 million!

  • @grandtheftauto1233
    @grandtheftauto1233 Рік тому

    These are great! I pair them with a USB voltage regulator so I can dial the brightness way down. Very nice lights I’d recommend warm white the cool White is very blue

  • @stevenA44
    @stevenA44 Рік тому

    Pretty cool little light. Would come in handy.

  • @dcallan812
    @dcallan812 2 роки тому

    Julian Illets home is totally lit using these lights. 😄 great video 2x👍

  • @jeffflowers5489
    @jeffflowers5489 Рік тому

    I just ordered a few. Thanks!

  • @Ibian666
    @Ibian666 Рік тому +2

    I have something similar. It's a flashlight that simply snaps on to a 9V battery, making the battery itself part of the whole thing. Very handy, part of my boating kit.

    • @kennmossman8701
      @kennmossman8701 Рік тому

      I have something similar. Two rows of LEDs with a 3 position switch; Off, one row, both rows.

  • @minijimi
    @minijimi Рік тому

    Good Job Clive!

  • @Nono-hk3is
    @Nono-hk3is 2 роки тому +2

    I bought a bunch of the milled aluminum usb lights you showed several years ago. Difference here is these are diffused.

  • @Gossamer2
    @Gossamer2 Рік тому

    Order placed! :) You always find some cool things.

  • @LTDANMAN44
    @LTDANMAN44 Рік тому

    elegant and functional

  • @acmefixer1
    @acmefixer1 2 роки тому +8

    I got a break apart PCB of ten of the little PCBs with a pair of LEDs and resistor, and the pins on one end that fit into the type A socket. They can't get much simpler than that. If you're interested in minimal size, these are thin so they'll store almost anywhere. Thanks, Clive. I like the diffusing case, but it raises the cost. I also have a night light that looks like that but uses rainbow color slowly changing LED for effect.

    • @sotv2045
      @sotv2045 Рік тому

      I do this too, you can balance a diffuser from a busted light bulb over it for a super ghetto $0.10 night light.

    • @s-napers
      @s-napers Рік тому

      I know the ones. I taped them to my battery packs with electrical tape so I always have several lights to hand if I need them.

    • @taylorbledsoe6090
      @taylorbledsoe6090 Рік тому +1

      best part of this is that Clive has a video on those too:
      ua-cam.com/video/HgNFwoSwhbM/v-deo.html
      imma go buy me some though, that's a fantastic idea

    • @s-napers
      @s-napers Рік тому

      @@taylorbledsoe6090 Ah yes! That's probably why I bought them :-)

  • @apocalyptosoldier5527
    @apocalyptosoldier5527 Рік тому

    In South Africa we have loadshedding, rolling blackouts because the power stations haven't been properly maintained.
    It was gone for a while, but now it's back with a vengeance, so this plus disposable vape salvages could be pretty useful

  • @stco2426
    @stco2426 Рік тому

    Neat. I like this for simplicity and functionality. I also keep a couple of LuMO (by NEBO) LR44-powered lights. They are great diffuse light sources and very handy when trying to find the next torch (flashlight).

  • @cadburybunny
    @cadburybunny Рік тому

    Reminds me of the lil aluminum USB torches for power banks that were all the rage a few years back. Got a bunch of these ordered now too lol.

  • @AlphaMachina
    @AlphaMachina Рік тому +1

    You know, that's a good idea. A USB battery bank that has various USB light modules you can attach to it. You get both a very versatile flashlight and a battery bank all in one.

  • @BenJandrell
    @BenJandrell Рік тому

    Nice find... the aluminium housed 1/2 W USB spot lights are great too... I believe Clive has featured these in the past.

  • @spacy7test812
    @spacy7test812 Рік тому

    I got a few put one each in my work and EDC bags as a second light source seem to work well

  • @Smegheid
    @Smegheid Рік тому +9

    Huh. These look far more useful than the others I’ve seen in the past. They were more of a USB stick form factor, resulting in a nice big lever hanging out of a USB port just waiting to be a wonderful cantilever and snapped straight off.
    Ordered a pile for the hurricane box. I was feeling spendy, so I splurged for a warm white version as I hate cheap cool white LEDs.

  • @Chimel31
    @Chimel31 Рік тому

    Very simple and effective design indeed, but I have a few similar USB lights with their own rechargeable battery that are probably more practical in case of emergencies, and more compact than both the power bank and the light too.
    I have been installing a couple 12V light bulbs in a caravan. I like the fact that they don't have an integrated 220V radiator (AKA transformer) so much that I plan on installing them in my house too, run from a regular transformer, but also from a battery in case of a power cut. Then the lights and phone chargers would work just as usual, with the same cabling and switches.

  • @arielrocks91
    @arielrocks91 Рік тому

    Loving this content. Cheers.

  • @UhrwerkKlockwerx
    @UhrwerkKlockwerx Рік тому +1

    Just got one, they're ultra cheap. Could definitely come in handy!

    • @ca5cada4eva
      @ca5cada4eva Рік тому +1

      Yeah I got a pack of 5 off aliexpress pretty cheap less than £2

  • @peanutsandvich1319
    @peanutsandvich1319 Рік тому

    I recently bought one of these little guys, and instead of standard SMD resistors in their place were thin deposited strips of what I would assume is graphite or some other sort of resistive material. Just goes to show how much the cost of these can be compressed. It is impressive.

  • @TechBaffle
    @TechBaffle Рік тому

    They do ones that look like a tiny lightbulb with a USB on the end which is quite charming!

  • @steveoddlers9696
    @steveoddlers9696 Рік тому +8

    I recently transplanted the innards of a broken solar garden light into a wall-mounted light switch. Tweaked the inductor for a bit higher brightness, at about 25mA output with a 3V COB strip it is plenty bright and still runs ages off an eneloop AA cell.
    This one is way smaller though, but I like big switches :)

    • @R_Forde
      @R_Forde Рік тому +1

      I like big switches and I cannot lie.🎶

    • @InsanePacoTaco
      @InsanePacoTaco Рік тому +1

      Big switches that go ka-thunk are the best. Followed by light switches that enthusiastically snap/jump into either their fully on or fully off positions

    • @R_Forde
      @R_Forde Рік тому

      @@InsanePacoTaco I like it when the switches twerk.

    • @steveoddlers9696
      @steveoddlers9696 Рік тому

      @@InsanePacoTaco I would love a modern replica of a Frankenstein-style blade switch that works in a regular electrical installation and is safe enough to actually use.

    • @InsanePacoTaco
      @InsanePacoTaco Рік тому +1

      @@steveoddlers9696 You could probably make one that simulates functionality with a microswitch that pulls in a relay or contactor but the metal of the switch doesn't handle any electricity.

  • @BeetleBuns
    @BeetleBuns Рік тому

    well, I now have 10 of these on the way. They'll be going in my fishing box, camping bag, random drawers in my house, and my dad will probably yoink a few

  • @richardbriansmith8562
    @richardbriansmith8562 Рік тому

    Awesome Video big Clive

  • @d.t.4523
    @d.t.4523 Рік тому

    Splendid! Good luck! 👍

  • @janemba42
    @janemba42 Рік тому

    Having this, a usb extension, USB solar charger and battery bank would be awesome for camping!

  • @frankowalker4662
    @frankowalker4662 Рік тому

    Neat, simple and realy handy.

  • @wearsjorge55
    @wearsjorge55 Рік тому

    I bring my makita usb charger camping all the time. Now this means I don't need one of those dicky tent lights now so great!

  • @xakh
    @xakh Рік тому

    Hey I have a few of these! I quite like them too, I like to jam them into small power banks to use as little candles outside.

  • @redwolf92
    @redwolf92 Рік тому +1

    there are even USB powered multiple LED stick without the fancy dome or casing that cost less than a pence and people usually students use as makeshift reading light at dormitory when the curfew kicks in.

  • @henninghoefer
    @henninghoefer Рік тому +2

    Nitpick: At 1:15 the multiplier is not 0 (30×0 would be 0), but 10 to the power of 0: 30×10⁰ = 30×1 = 30

  • @uzaiyaro
    @uzaiyaro Рік тому

    I remember seeing a video on urban exploration. One of the takeaways was that you should always have one more light than you need. I don’t need one right now, so I have one.

  • @JasonHalversonjaydog
    @JasonHalversonjaydog Рік тому

    i used to have half a dozen similar ones in a different shape. they were about the size/shape of a USB stick and had 4 LED's lined up in a row side by side

  • @ivanmarkovic8885
    @ivanmarkovic8885 Рік тому

    Ordered. Thank you...

  • @BedsitBob
    @BedsitBob Рік тому

    That really is a simple design.
    I'll be getting some of them.

    • @BedsitBob
      @BedsitBob Рік тому

      I've just ordered some, at 99p each, including postage.

    • @BedsitBob
      @BedsitBob Рік тому

      They've arrived, along with some of the "bulb" type.

  • @markhonea2461
    @markhonea2461 Рік тому

    The spare battery I keep with me for emergency phone charging comes with an integrated led at one end. Very handy at times.👍 Camelion is the brand.

  • @fenceup07944931177
    @fenceup07944931177 Рік тому

    That looks like an ideal candidate for a 3d printed diffuser.

  • @davidfalconer8913
    @davidfalconer8913 Рік тому

    Great little lamp ... also shows how to power any ( white ) led from USB ( 30 Ω resistor ! ) .. handy hint when camping , always select a warm white LED ( the ice white types are a bit grim , in the tent / camper van ? ) .....

  • @yangyeshuai3686
    @yangyeshuai3686 Рік тому +1

    another circuit that i can follow

  • @key4us2c
    @key4us2c Рік тому +1

    The sunglasses on your logo selfie look like LED lamps. Lol! Truly you have expanded abilities to satisfy the deepest instinctual aspects of desire. To find to hunt, new, or used, get it, home. Proceed to... TEAR IT APART! See how it works! Major Malfunctions. Maybe even repair... Well- with you we get to have it all! And!
    No Mess to clean up
    Thank you- for expanding our horizons... Well beyond our reach.
    "_ '

  • @amorphuc
    @amorphuc 2 роки тому +1

    Dang it. I just ordered a few. I only found Warm and Cool white but that's okay. I also got a flame version and another on a little goose neck.
    Thanks for the coolness. I will now be the envy of any power bank party.
    :-D

    • @amorphuc
      @amorphuc Рік тому

      As you were mentioning in one of the Live Streams, there seem to be a lot of these for sale and there are some differences with the circuit boards. The first batch of the ones I ordered arrived (cold white) and each draws just under 60 mAh but the LEDs are tiny and the resistors are ultra super tiny which might make hacking them a bit of a challenge. Fun to play with though and maybe hand out to friends.

  • @MartyMacgyver
    @MartyMacgyver Рік тому

    "It's a very nice little light!" - I expected that to be followed by "... that becomes a blowtorch at the most inopportune moment, and will likely cause the grippe."

  • @ianhosier4042
    @ianhosier4042 Рік тому +2

    It's another gadget from china but doesn't come with an unearthed, unfused tingly metal bit and it looks like the resistors won't set your house on fire either. I am impressed!

    • @tactileslut
      @tactileslut Рік тому +1

      No fear, you can always plug it into a tingly wall wart and pry off the lens if you really miss the morning jolt.

  • @blue387
    @blue387 Рік тому

    I saw this and bought a small pack of six of these, three warm white and three daylight white