Here in the UK we are having to be outdoors if we wish to meet with family and friends. I thought I do a series of "unscientific" tests of "light V noise" following comments on how noisy my lanterns are from a previous event. The mix of lanterns must also "fool" my movement sensor light that sits over the patio so it remains off. (Yeh, I hear you say - just switch the light off, but that is missing the fun when you can push out some CP!). So the thought is, what lanterns can I run that ensure a mellow atmosphere, but give enough light? Note, though I love them dearly Mil-Specs' are out for this job! Over the last few nights I've had a few light up's to see what works when sat on the patio in terms of light V noise. Cold beverages have been consumed during this "testing" while discussing the relative merits of various lanterns, so the results may be a little subjective. Previous light ups during the week included Petromax 829/500CP (plenty of light, much noise), Optimus 500 (as per the Petromax), Coleman 295 as well as the 200 - 300 CP selection commented on below. So tonight mix (See photo below, described from nearest right to far left) is the "pick of the bunch" and will hopefully provide the best results in terms of providing enough light and not drowning out the conversation when guests are in attendance: Optimus 930 - Runs at a whisper, produces enough light to fool the light sensor (even though it is fitted with a Petromax 250CP needle and jet). Top lantern, need more of these for the garden. Optimus 200 - Slightly nosier in comparison with the 930, but good light, helps fool the light sensor. Another winner, again would love more. Coleman 220C. Again more noise than a 930 (but what isn't). Love the gentle whisper, and is a nice rumble/noise. I have a number of these, but always fancy more. Coleman 335. Good light, and a gentle hum in comparison with the 220C. Good light, nice noise. A keeper. Coleman 201. (not visible in the photo) The loudest of this bunch, so relegated to back ground light, hanging from a tree (but a keeper). The Petromax and Optimus 500CP lanterns may do the better job here. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Yes, lovely and I bet it keeps the cats away? Have you tried closing the lighting hole flap to see if it helps at all??
Alex, get yourself a Radius 119, and you will think that this 'silent' Optimus 930 is the fire brigade approaching... Not to mention Primus 981, if you're really want a silent(ish) lantern...
Flap closed or open diesn’t make a difference, but the lantern’s sound can be considerably reduced without noticeably affecting light output simply by turning down the valve. There’s a sweet spot beyond which the ‘noise’ (which I rather enjoy) kicks in.
@presscall , thank you. Very interesting. @Carlsson . That made me laugh! It looks like I'll be branching out to the Radius world at some point.
@JEFF JOHNSON Your 220F, kero conversion looks good. How has it run? It would be interesting to see if the fuel type makes a difference to the noise output. The 220's are a good lantern, and make a pleasant noise.
It runs well, but the light does dim when the fuel level goes down even though there is plenty of pressure in the tank and the jet/gas tip has been cleared. Perhaps someone else could convert one to run on paraffin/kerosene and see how it performs.
@JEFF JOHNSON I believe that @ColinG has converted one here Coleman 220E, Dec 1962 @phaedrus42 converted one here Coleman 220J Kerosene conversion
With help from @Norman I converted a 220 torun on kero and it worked exceptionally well. Very bright and easy to light but you need a pre-heater cup.
