Using your PBS Hand-Crank Lantern

A lantern that charges by hand is one less thing to think about when the lights go out. Here is how to have the PBS Hand-Crank Lantern ready, and how to get the most from it.

Before you need it

• Charge it. Give the built-in cell a full charge over USB when it arrives.
• Try the crank once. Turn it for a minute so the motion is familiar before you rely on it.
• Give it a home. Somewhere your hand finds it in the dark: a kitchen drawer, the hall cupboard, your camping box.

Getting light

1. Switch it on. If the cell has charge, you have light straight away.
2. If the light runs low, crank. The supplier states that about 2 minutes of cranking gives about 30 minutes of light at standard brightness.
3. When power is back, top it up over USB.

Pick the right light

• Low mode for a steady light in a room, and to make each charge go further.
• High mode for finding something quickly, or lighting the way outdoors.

Three moments it's made for

• The power goes out at home. Light on the table while you find what you need and check on everyone.
• An evening at camp. Light for cooking and packing, recharged by hand.
• The garage or the shed. Light where there's no socket nearby.

Full details and specifications