Sound and Vision (TCL Magic Torch Plus)

Member Name: Thailui

Product:	TCL Magic Torch Plus
Date:	11/06/07 (592 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No need for batteries - ever

Disadvantages: Gets borrowed!

I can honestly say that I feel that this is one of the most useful items to have arrived in our house recently. Since it’s arrival – about six or seven months ago – it has been used almost every day.

The TCL Magic Torch Plus certainly does have ‘plus’ features the main one being the fact that it needs no batteries because it is a wind-up torch. The charge handle is folded against the body of the torch and clips to the end and each minute of winding will provide approximately thirty minutes of light. There is a green LED pilot lamp which lights while charging is in progress – the recommended rate is to rotate the handle (in either direction) at a rate of 130 rev/min or greater. This is not as difficult as it sounds because if rotation is not fast enough the green LED doesn’t show. The actual light is a very bright white produced by five LED’s. Any power not used will be stored in the torch and can be retained for approximately two months.

The second ‘plus’ point is that included in the body of the torch is an FM Radio also powered by the rotary handle. I have to say that, although this is hardly ever used, there is very good reception. When switched on the radio will play the station to which it was previously tuned. To re-tune you have to press the RESET button followed by SCAN. Scanning will stop when it finds a good signal. Earphones can be connected although these are not included.

The third ‘plus’ is that it can be used as an emergency phone charger. A charge lead is included for this purpose along with four additional adapters and most mobile phones are catered for. TCL also offer adapters free of charge if you have a different make or model to the ones they have covered. One minute of winding gives about two minutes talk time however, although this is only really intended as emergency cover, the time can be extended by constant rewinding - depending on the state of the phone’s battery.

Plus number four is a siren – this can come as a nasty shock if you switch it on accidentally! There is a red LED that will flash when this is activated.

The size of this torch cum radio etc is 160 mm long, 57.5 mm high and 56 mm wide. It has a weight of 380 g. What does this mean? Well, it fits very comfortably into the hand – it also has a useful wrist strap. It certainly isn’t heavy and is a very useful item for both men and women. Unlike a traditional torch, if the light starts to fade while you are using it, you don’t have to search for batteries before you can finish what you are doing. Difficult if outside in the dark! If the light does fade all you have to do is give a quick wind and it’s back again as bright as ever – unless, like I did on one occasion, you accidentally switch on the radio. As it was turned to the lowest volume I was unaware of this until I examined the torch to find out why the light was fading so quickly!

As I mentioned, it is very comfortable to hold – it is in a silver/grey plastic with a matt finish and has ‘finger holds’ along the body so that it is not easily dropped. The torch is not weatherproof and the advice is to not leave it in a damp area.

According to TCL Products (www.tclproducts.co.uk) the recommended retail price is £29.32 but, having checked, I find that it is currently being sold by QVC (the shopping channel) for £19.56, plus postage of course, but even so still quite a saving. Having been so pleased with the purchase we also bought another as a Christmas present for a male relative – who was just as thrilled and still says it was the best present he has had for years.

I would definitely recommend this product for home or car use – or for a gift. I hope that you have found this interesting and I thank you for reading.

Summary: Wind-up torch with radio and extras