Harbor Freight Tools 91771 Assembly And Operating Instructions Manual

SOLAR DYNAMO

RECHARGEABLE LANTERN

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com

Copyright © 2004 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reser ved. No por tion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor F reight Tools.

For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353

91771

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Specifications

This lantern is an ideal emergency light, since it offers 4 different methods of
recharging. Y ou ma y use six standard “C” cell batteries (not included), or plug into a
standard 120V AC outlet using an A C/DC adapter (not included). You may charge
the lantern’s internal rechargeable batteries using either the detachable and water
resistant solar panel, or the hand wound dynamo. In addition to a standard “flash­light” feature, this lantern also offers a florescent light and a blinking warning light.
This lantern has a carrying strap, or may be conveniently wall mounted.

Save This Manual

You will need the manual for the saf ety warnings and precautions, assembly
instructions, operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. K eep
your inv oice with this man ual. Write the inv oice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep the manual and inv oice in a safe and dry place for future reference.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

W ARNING: When using product, basic safety precautions should always be f ol­lowed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.

Read all instructions before using this product!

1. Keep work area c lean . Cluttered areas invite injuries.

2. Observe work area conditions. Do not use product in damp or wet
locations. Don’t e xpose to r ain. Keep w ork area well lit. Do not use
electrically powered tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.

3. Keep children awa y. Do not allow children to handle this product.

4. Store idle equipment. When not in use, product must be stored in a dry
location to inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of
children.

5. Use the right product for the job. Do not attempt to force a small product or
attachment to do the work of a larger industrial product. There are certain
applications for which this product was designed. It will do the job better
and more safely at the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this
product and do not use this product for a purpose for which it was not
intended.

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Page 2

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

6. Do not overreach. K eep proper footing and balance at all times . Do not reach
over or across running machines.

7. Maintain tools with care. The lantern must be kept clean, dry, and free from
oil and grease at all times.

8. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when
not in use and before plugging in.

9. Stay alert. W atch what you are doing, use common sense . Do not operate
any product when you are tired.

10. Check for damaged parts. Before using an y product, any part that appears
damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Any part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the product
if any switch does not turn On and Off properly.

11. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures when using any
electrical tool.

12. Servicing. All servicing of this product, with the exception of changing light
bulb , should be done by a qualified service technician.

13. Do not operate product if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read
warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are
impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the product.

14. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it
must be of the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the
product without heating up. Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and
catch fire, or cause electrical damage to the product. This product requires
use of an extension cord of up to 10 amps capability (up to 50 feet), with wire
size rated at 18 A WG. Longer e xtension cords require larger size wire . If yo u
are using the tool outdoors, use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
(signified by “W A” on the jac ket).

Page 3

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Note: P erformance of this product (if powered b y line voltage) ma y vary depending on

variations in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect product perfor­mance.

Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that ma y occur. It
must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are fac­tors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the opera­tor .

Unpacking

When unpacking, check to mak e sure the following parts are included.

Lantern and Shoulder Strap. (Note: “C” cell batteries are not included.)
Solar Panel

If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
on the cover of this manual.

Page 4

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Operation

Prepare your lantern for use by installing and charging the batteries.

NOTE: Whenever replacing or charging the batteries, the lantern lights should be

“OFF”. The LED “charging” light will be illuminated during any charging operation.

Install six (6) standard “C” cell batteries in the battery compartment.

1. To do this, first remove the solar
panel as discussed below .

2. The standard “C” cell battery
compartment cover will be visible.
Pull back the clip and remove the
battery compartment cover .

3. Install six “C” cell batteries, following
the polarity markings in the battery
compartment.

4. Replace the battery compartment
cover . Replace the solar panel.

Charging the internal battery using the solar panel

You may charge the internal rechargeable battery , using the solar panel. The solar
panel charges the battery automatically whenever it is exposed to sunlight, whether
it is attached to the lantern or detached. NOTE: Whenever the internal rechargeable

battery is being recharged, the “Charging”
indicator light will be lighted.

1. To do this, simply position the solar panel
in direct sunlight. You may want to detach

the solar panel, to more conveniently place
it in direct sunlight. NOTE: The Solar Panel
is water resistant, so it may be placed
outside in inclement weather , while leaving

the lantern itself indoors, connected only by
the charging wire.

2. T o remo ve the solar panel, turn the two
mounting clips at the top toward each other ,
then lift the panel upwards.

Page 5

Solar Panel

“C” cell battery
compartment

Solar Panel
Mounting Clips

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

3. The Solar Panel has two foldable
legs on the back to help you
position it for maximum exposure
to sunlight. There are additional
tabs on the back of the Solar Panel
to hang it in a window or other
location to receive sunlight.

NOTE: Initial charging time required
using the Solar Panel is 12 hours in
direct sunlight. Subsequent charging
time is 8-12 hours depending on the
amount of use of the lantern and the
strength of the sunlight. When the
lantern is in use on a regular basis, you

should make practice of placing the

solar panel in direct sunlight each day to
recharge the internal battery. NO TE:
There is a wire compartment with cover
to store the solar panel wire when not in
use.

The Solar Panel has a connecting wire
which is stored in a compartment
underneath the Solar Panel. T o e xpose
the wire, open the compartment by
pushing the tab as marked. To store the

wire, fold it up and press it into the
storage compartment. Close the
compartment cover as marked.

Charging the Lantern using an AC/DC adaptor

Y ou can charge the internal rechargeable battery using an AC/DC adapter (not included).

1. Be sure both the lantern switches are turned OFF. Plug the adapter end of the
AC/DC adapter into the receptacle at the bottom of the lantern. Plug the power
plug cord of the AC/DC recharger into a circuit-breaker protected 110-120VAC outlet plug.

2. The Charger LED will light up as the lantern is charged. Once charged the
LED will turn off. When the “Charging” LED turns off, your lantern is fully
charged, and the AC/DC charging unit can be disconnected from the lantern.

NOTE: The Solar Charger and the AC/DC charger are exclusive, so that if the
AC/DC charger is used, the Solar Panel will automatically stop charging to
prevent double charging the battery.

Page 6

Solar Panel Legs

Solar Panel Wire
and Spare Bulb
Compartment

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Using the hand cranked dynamo to charge the internal battery.

You can charge the internal
battery by hand cranking the built-in
charger. Briskly turn the crank handle in
a clockwise direction to charge the
internal battery. NO TE: Do not crank the
charger for more than 15 minutes at a
time. After cranking for 15 minutes, stop
and let the charger cool down for at least
5 minutes before resuming cranking.

The hand cranked dynamo is a
low power charging alternative. It is most
effective for charging the battery for use
with the blinking light. One minute of
rapid cranking will power the blinking light
for approximately 20 minutes.

Replacing the Rechargeable Battery & Bulb

The internal rechargeable battery should only be replaced by a qualified

service technician. Replacement directions as follows:
1 ) Open the battery compartment at the bottom of the lantern.
2 ) Remo ve the e xisting rechargeable battery. You will have to cut the wires

connecting the battery to the

lantern.
3 ) Reconnect the wires on the

replacement battery , matching

the polarity of the battery by

matching the wire colors.
4 ) Place the new battery in the

battery compartment, and replace

the cover. Always dispose of

batteries properly . Contact your

local hazardous W aste Authority

for proper disposal guidelines.
5 ) Install the new bulb by screwing it clockwise into the socket until finger tight.
6 ) Replace the light bulb cover by pressing it back into place.

Page 7

Rechargeable Battery

Compartment

Flash Light Bulb

Crank Handle

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Replacing the Lantern Bulb

1 ) Remove the light cover by

squeezing it to disengage its

locking tabs and pulling it straight

out.

2) Wait until the bulb is cool to the

touch. Remove the bulb by

turning it counterclockwise.
3 ) Install a new bulb. NOTE: There

is a spare bulb stored in the Solar

Panel wire storage compartment.

Replacing the Fluorescent Tube

The fluorescent light tube may be
replaced if necessary. Wait until the
bulb is cool to the touch.

1 ) Press the fluorescent tube cover
upward to loosen it. Then remove the
tube cover end and tube cov er.

2 ) Remove the tube locks at each
end of the fluorescent tube.

3 ) Rotate the fluorescent tube 90 degrees, then pull it

out of its holder .
4 ) Insert the new fluorescent tube into the holder .

Replace the tube locks, then replace the co ver .

Page 8

Lantern Bulb

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

Using the Lantern

This lantern may be used in three different ways: Flash Light, Fluorescent
Flood Light, and Blinking Warning Light.

1 ) To use this Lantern as a Flash Light, slide the right hand P ower Switch to the

position marked “BULB”.
2 ) T o use this Lantern as a Fluorescent Flood Light, switch the right hand P ow er

Switch to the position marked “FLUORESCENT”.
3 ) T o use the Blinking W arning Light option, slide the left hand Po wer Switch to

the “BLINK” position.

NOTE: You may use either of the BULB or FLUORESCENT settings with or without
the “BLINK” option being turned on.

Maintenance

1 ) Always turn off both Power Switches when the Lantern is not in use.
2 ) If the Lantern is not to be used for more than several weeks at a time, remove

the 6 “C” cell batteries to prevent possible damage caused by battery leakage.
3 ) The Solar Panel is w ater resistant, but not w ater proof . You may use the Solar

Panel in r ainy weather , b ut protect it from immersion in water .
4 ) The lantern is not water proof. Exposure to water may cause damage to the

lantern.
5 ) Store your Lantern in a dry place when not in use.
6 ) Protect your Lantern from rough handling, as the case or bulbs may be

broken, or the internal components may be damaged if the Lantern is dropped

or otherwise abused.

Page 9

SKU 91771

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE
BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR
THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PR ODUCT. IN FACT,
THE MANUF ACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STA TES THAT ALL REPAIRS
AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK
AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT
OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERET O , OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLA TION
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Features of your Lantern

Left Hand Power Switch for
Blinking Warning Light

Right Hand Power Switch for Flash
Light or Florescent Flood Light

Flash Light

Fluorescent Flood Light

Jack for AC/DC Charging
Unit (Not Included)

Charging Indicator Light

Carrying Handle

Blinking Warning Light

Page 10

NOTE: NO replacement parts are available for this lantern.

Note: Solar Panel

shown on cover page
of manual.