[Elecraft] Interpreting Color Codes

[Dale Boresz]

A while ago, I purchased a flashlight from AES which uses four bright 
white LED's to produce light. The color temperature of the light seems 
to be very close to daylight, and the light, while extremely bright, is 
also diffused, so it will brightly and evenly illuminate something 
nearby (within a foot or two), but it's it's output drops rapidly beyond 
that distance. It's small, and works great for trying to see around 
inside equipment (the K2 for example), and I find it very helpful when 
reading color bands on resistors and rf chokes, since the colors render 
properly.

The flashight is sold under the name 'Lightwave', and it can be found on 
page 148 of the Amateur Electronic Supply Fall/Winter 2004 catalog. It 
may be available elsewhere, but I didn't look since the QTH is only 
about 2 miles from AES store East of Cleveland. (a 'dangerously 
tempting' place to live if one is a ham!) Their price is $29.99

73, Dale WA8SRA


>Geoff, K6TFZ, wrote:
>I have  noted by my own observations and comments of others some confusion
>as to  exactly what colors are being observed on small parts, usually
>resistors and RF chokes...Incandescent lighting seems to be the least
>accurate for determining the correct colors, particularly yellows, oranges,
>and browns. Many times I have used sunlight (if  available) or sought out a
>fluorescent lamp (cool white with at least 5200K  temperature) to properly
>interpret colors. When in doubt, I use a meter to confirm the value.
>
>
>  
>