I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.
--
Whenever I hear or think of the song "Great green gobs of greasy
grimey gopher guts" I imagine my cat saying; "That sounds REALLY,
REALLY good. I'll have some of that!"

Last year I picked up a Dorcy at Sears. Uses 2 AAs and I liked it so much I
purchased 2 more to keep in other places..Switch is a push button on the
end..and cost $20.00 in a package of 2, they have a few other brand but I
do like these.
"Daniel Prince" wrote in message
...
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.
--
Whenever I hear or think of the song "Great green gobs of greasy
grimey gopher guts" I imagine my cat saying; "That sounds REALLY,
REALLY good. I'll have some of that!"

Subject: "five watt" flashlights follow up
Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010 12:01 PM

Runs about 3.5 hours on alkaline batteries. Draws
about 0.75 amps. After 3 hours, the cells were
down to about 1.13 volts. It didn't last long
after that.

With NiMH cells, draws about 0.73 amps, so the
brightness is about the same. I'd guess the run
time depednds on the capacity of the NiMH cells.
The Rayovacs from Walmart should be about 3
hours, maybe 2.5 hours.

Still, longer than the "about an hour" from my
tactical Xenon.


http://tinyurl.com/yz5gots

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...nkw=Torch-CA34
These "five watt" lights. The current draw is
actually two watts. But, it's brighter than my
one watt Luxeon, and takes the convenient
(and less expensive) AA cells.

I'm going to keep using my mini mag for pocket
carry, simply cause I'm used to the size, and
twisty function. These are (almost) the same
size as the Mini Mag. But, these would make
good tool box lights. Since I already have a
pocket carry light. Shame they didn't come with
belt cases. I've got enough mini mag cases, that
likely fit just fine. Belt carry might be good for
working security, or some place where having
a spare light would be useful.

The light is about the same bright (indoor test)
as my Ultrafire Xenon. But much cheaper
batteries, and probably longer run time. The
Ultrafire is crisply white light, the LED is
slightly blue. More blue than my Teralux. Well
worth ten bucks, I think.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Daniel Prince" wrote in message
...
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.
--
Whenever I hear or think of the song "Great green gobs of greasy
grimey gopher guts" I imagine my cat saying; "That sounds REALLY,
REALLY good. I'll have some of that!"

Harbor Freight and Home Depot have ones like that. WW

Daniel Prince wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.

The free ones at HF exactly fit your requirements except they use 3 AAA
batteries.

You won't find a single-cell led light as they require 3.6 volts (usually).

Rechargeable batteries in a flashlight is generally a bad move - the go bad
just sitting there.

On 7/5/2010 10:44 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Daniel Prince wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.

The free ones at HF exactly fit your requirements except they use 3 AAA
batteries.

He said he wanted good. Those Harbor Freight flashlights are novelty
class. I have one good CREE single cell flashlight that has multiple
intensities. Those Harbor Freight flashlights have significantly less
intensity then the lowest intensity of my flashlight.

I have a holster for it and also a velcro holder for use as a headlight
on the bike.

I used to have a whole bunch of various flashlights and it is just one
of those things that if you haven't used a good one you don't know what
you are missing and once you get one you wonder why you didn't do it a
long time ago.

The light I have has an easily replaceable end cap which has the push
button switch. So the most likely failure point is easy to fix.


You won't find a single-cell led light as they require 3.6 volts (usually).

Rechargeable batteries in a flashlight is generally a bad move - the go bad
just sitting there.

I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.

On ebay right now, if you act FAST, there is a CREE for $759. Plus
shipping.

As for me, my wife owns a giftware business. I buy them by the dozen from
suppliers. They are the Outback brand, and IIRC, we pay about $3 per.
They are the 16 LED, or it's a one LED with a reflector to make it look like
it has 16 LEDs, I haven't taken one apart yet.

For the greater part, most of my flashlights will meet a premature death,
getting soaked in water, leaking batteries, getting smashed, or just life.

I would never go out and spend big money on a LED, no matter if I won the
lottery. There's something in me that won't let me pay more than $10 for a
little flashlight.

A police officer in Boulder City, Nevada was saved when a bullet struck his
flashlight instead of him. The papers and company got high mileage out of
that, touting what a good flashlight it was. It was not mentioned whether
they field fire compared it with a $3 Outback, as the Outback has a metal
frame, also. Just not the titanium, or whatever the spendy one the PO was
wearing at the time. They did not state that officers have also been spared
death of serious injury from bullets striking their badges, radios, wallets,
money clips, and other things.

As to which one to buy, I don't have a clue. Go to the stores and shop for
one that has the features you want. For me, a flashlight is a flashlight.
Sure, some are better, and if you need one for a special purpose, get one.
What you want to spend is up to you.

But, I wouldn't wait too long on that CREE on ebay. At $759, it's a
bargain, and it won't last long. There's a buy-it-now on it.

Steve

visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

George wrote:
On 7/5/2010 10:44 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Daniel Prince wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.

The free ones at HF exactly fit your requirements except they use 3
AAA batteries.

He said he wanted good. Those Harbor Freight flashlights are novelty
class. I have one good CREE single cell flashlight that has multiple
intensities. Those Harbor Freight flashlights have significantly less
intensity then the lowest intensity of my flashlight.

I disagree completely. The HF flashlights are cast aluminum (not extruded),
not plastic or thin steel. The have a switch, not a sliding contact, they
have 9 LEDs, not three or five. They are rugged, dependable, exhibit long
battery life, and work under water.

Heck, I'd pay as much as a dollar for them if they weren't free!


I have a holster for it and also a velcro holder for use as a
headlight on the bike.

I used to have a whole bunch of various flashlights and it is just one
of those things that if you haven't used a good one you don't know
what you are missing and once you get one you wonder why you didn't
do it a long time ago.


A flashlight is (usually) a single-purpose tool. If it puts out sufficient
light for the project, one has to call it good. There are few other
considerations and what ones there are, are trivial (except, perhaps, cost).

And I *know* what a good flashlight is. During my cop days I carried a
5-cell Maglite. The company asserted that if the flashlight failed during
its use as an offensive or defensive weapon, the company would replace it. I
never had to take advantage of the guarantee!

George wrote:

The free ones at HF exactly fit your requirements except they use 3
AAA batteries.

He said he wanted good. Those Harbor Freight flashlights are novelty
class. I have one good CREE single cell flashlight that has multiple
intensities. Those Harbor Freight flashlights have significantly less
intensity then the lowest intensity of my flashlight.

In addition, the HF flashlights come in colors to match your political
persuasion: Red (Republican), Blue (Democrat), and Black.

Black for pirates, matey?

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"HeyBub" wrote in message
...

In addition, the HF flashlights come in colors to match your political
persuasion: Red (Republican), Blue (Democrat), and Black.

I want a good, small LED flashlight...

Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming out so
often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them away to
neighbors.

You don' t HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another one
FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.

Rudy wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight...

Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming out so
often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them away to
neighbors.

You don' t HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another one
FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.


AND they give a lot of light for such a small unit cause they have 9 LED
bulbs in them.

On Jul 6, 6:36*am, LouB wrote:
Rudy wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight...

Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming out so
often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them away to
neighbors.

You don' t *HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another one
FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.

AND they give a lot of light for such a small unit cause they have 9 LED
bulbs in them.

Number of led's means nothing. Look for lumen output.

Frank wrote:
On Jul 6, 6:36 am, LouB wrote:
Rudy wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight...
Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming out so
often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them away to
neighbors.
You don' t HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another one
FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.
AND they give a lot of light for such a small unit cause they have 9 LED
bulbs in them.

Number of led's means nothing. Look for lumen output.

Better test. Used one when the power went out for several hours the
other night and it was fine.

Great testimony. Glad it worked for you. I find the HFT free lights
have terrible machining for the threads. Needs a bit of grease, on the
threads. The cheap carbon zinc cells aren't all that great.

I take the cheap batteries out, and use them in my remote reading
thermometer, to use them up. And then put alkalines in as needed.

Like many folks, I have several of the HFT free lights. I store them
without batteries.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"LouB" wrote in message
...
Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming
out so


Better test. Used one when the power went out for several hours the
other night and it was fine.

On 7/6/2010 6:36 AM, LouB wrote:
Rudy wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight...

Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming
out so often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them
away to neighbors.

You don' t HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another
one FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.


AND they give a lot of light for such a small unit cause they have 9 LED
bulbs in them.

Number of LEDs mean nothing. They build them that way because the old
technology LEDs are significantly less expensive.

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light. I have a flashlight that has a CREE LED and it has multiple
intensities. The lowest intensity is significantly brighter than those
Harbor Freight flashlight.

George wrote:
On 7/6/2010 6:36 AM, LouB wrote:
Rudy wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight...

Whats wrong with the FREE ones from HFT ? The coupons started coming
out so often that after I had 3 or 4 "spares", I started giving them
away to neighbors.

You don' t HAVE TO worry about batteries because you can get another
one FREE before the batteries are dead on the last one.


AND they give a lot of light for such a small unit cause they have 9 LED
bulbs in them.

Number of LEDs mean nothing. They build them that way because the old
technology LEDs are significantly less expensive.

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light. I have a flashlight that has a CREE LED and it has multiple
intensities. The lowest intensity is significantly brighter than those
Harbor Freight flashlight.

Oh well, but the price is still right.

On 2010-07-06, George wrote:

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light.

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure, LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights? Spotlights?
Floodlights? Of course not. They just don't have the horsepower.

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

nb

On Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:20:26 GMT, notbob wrote:

On 2010-07-06, George wrote:

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light.

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure, LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights?

Yeah, but just on Audis--- what do they know?

Spotlights?
Yeah-

Floodlights?
Yeah- but it was the British Navy using them-- so probably nothing
worth bothering about.

Of course not. They just don't have the horsepower.

You're living a few years behind the times.


As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

At $10 I don't consider my headband light to be overpriced-- nor at $0
is my collection of HF flashlights.

You're free to use a kerosene lamp if you choose.

Jim

On Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:20:26 GMT, notbob wrote Re
Good small LED flashlights:

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure, LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights? Spotlights?
Floodlights? Of course not. They just don't have the horsepower.

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

nb


+1 on that.
--
Work is the curse of the drinking class.

On 7/6/2010 11:20 AM, notbob wrote:
On 2010-07-06, wrote:

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light.

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure, LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights? Spotlights?
Floodlights? Of course not. They just don't have the horsepower.

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

nb

How did you leap from toy Harbor Freight flashlights into all that? Who
mentioned *anything* about completely replacing everything with LED?

As far as them being bogus I guess all of the military & police and
folks like me who use good LED flashlights every day and understand the
difference must be clueless?

"notbob" wrote in message
...

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

Check this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=NkkU...eature=related

Try LED Mag lights, in the D cell version. They are very effective.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"notbob" wrote in message
...

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure, LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights? Spotlights?
Floodlights? Of course not. They just don't have the horsepower.

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

nb

"notbob" wrote in message
...
On 2010-07-06, George wrote:

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good
single LED
light.

I'm still amazed people are falling for this LED scam. Sure,
LEDs
have their place and they can used to great effect in certain
applications, but completely replacing older incadescent in
every
way is ludicrous. You see any LED car headlights? Spotlights?
Floodlights? Of course not. They just don't have the
horsepower.

As for these silly overpriced head band lamps and $150 machined
alum
AA flashlites, it's all bogus. Sure, they're better than total
darkness, but barely. I want some serious candlepower, not
yuppie
outdoor sportsman chic.

nb


As I understand it, the primary limitation on light output from an
LED is the temperature of the LED in operation. At output levels
exceeding 3 watts, at the present technology, the internal
soldered/brazed junctions melt and the LED fails. Due to the
brief time a "flash" LED is illuminated, such is in a cell phone
camera, heating isn't that much of a problem and higher output
levels can be attained.
Nonny

--
On most days,
it's just not worth
the effort of chewing
through the restraints..

George wrote:

You would be amazed at how much light you get from a good single LED
light. I have a flashlight that has a CREE LED and it has multiple
intensities. The lowest intensity is significantly brighter than those
Harbor Freight flashlight.

Well, THAT device wouldn't be worth a damn for lurking!

If you look on www.ebay.com you can find some examples of suitable
lights. I've gotten 2 AA light with tailcap push button switch for
about ten bucks. Takes two weeks to arrive from Hong Kong, but
perfectly good light.

The "watt" ratings are over stated. My five watt light draws two
watts, and my three watt single cell light draws about 0.3 watts. Both
perfectly useful lights. The light is slightly blue.

Rechargable cells tend to go dead on their own. They are fine for
applications when you can rotate several through a charger, and into
the unit. For example, pocket digital camera with high drain flash.
For occasional household use, alkalines are the way to go.

Nicads and nickel metal are lower voltage, so the light will be less
bright.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Daniel Prince" wrote in message
...
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? Thank you in advance for all replies.
--
Whenever I hear or think of the song "Great green gobs of greasy
grimey gopher guts" I imagine my cat saying; "That sounds REALLY,
REALLY good. I'll have some of that!"

On 05/07/10 6:54 PM, Daniel Prince wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. A recessed push button would also be
good. I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

You realize that the good LED flashlights are not cheap. Here's the best
one: "http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11343".

Some other 2AA good ones:

"http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909" (single mode)
"http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15457" (single mode)
"http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19190" (6 mode)

While you're correct about AAA batteries, the problem is that it's a lot
easier to make an LED flashlight that operates off around 3.6-4.5V than
it is to make one that operates off 2.4 to 3V, which is why you see so
many 3 AAA flashlights for sale. I.e. Costco sells a two-pack of a very
good Cree LED flashlight for $20. They have two power levels, a strobe,
and an adjustable beam (spot to flood). But they are AAA powered.

Costco also has some good C cell powered Cree LED flashlights,
"http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11500428&search=415635".

The problem with LED flashlights is that most of them suck. The
manufacturer puts in a very low quality, low power, LED (or a bunch of
crappy LEDs) and sells the thing for $5 (or in the case of Harbor
Freight Tools, even less), but it has a crappy lens and reflector along
with the crappy LED. There are some excellent LED flashlights, but the
high power comes at a price both in initial cost and in battery life.

SMS wrote:

The problem with LED flashlights is that most of them suck. The
manufacturer puts in a very low quality, low power, LED (or a bunch of
crappy LEDs) and sells the thing for $5 (or in the case of Harbor
Freight Tools, even less), but it has a crappy lens and reflector
along with the crappy LED. There are some excellent LED flashlights,
but the high power comes at a price both in initial cost and in
battery life.

I'm gonna cut the heads off about three of the HF flashlights, attach them
to a track and hook up a 4.5v wall-wart to see if I can't make an economical
under-cabinet counter light.

Maybe I can replace the flashlight switch with a magnetic switch to turn on
the flashlight when the closet door opens.

We have potential here...

Might need a current limiting resistor. I've not done much work with
LED. I'm told that when they heat up, the internal resistance drops to
near zero. So, running on D cells will over amp them. The small
batteries aren't an issue, the small batteries can't put out enough
amps to damage.

Like I say, I've not tried this. But some internet research will help.
I love the idea of making under counter lights, or area lights. I also
like the idea of make one on three D cells side to side, and use as a
night light for power cuts.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...

I'm gonna cut the heads off about three of the HF flashlights, attach
them
to a track and hook up a 4.5v wall-wart to see if I can't make an
economical
under-cabinet counter light.

Maybe I can replace the flashlight switch with a magnetic switch to
turn on
the flashlight when the closet door opens.

We have potential here...

Headlights:
http://tinyurl.com/27zrunh

"JawBone" wrote in message
...
Headlights:
http://tinyurl.com/27zrunh

Puhleeze! You are feeding my compulsion to drag out of the car and beat the
**** out of people with obnoxiously bright headlights. Or those who drive
with fog lights on and 50 mile visibility.

You'll probably read about me someday in the newspaper, or on the Internet,
most likely, as newspapers are dying.

Is this like penis envy? HEY, LOOK AT THIS! YOU CAN'T GET AWAY! LOOK!
LOOK! LOOK!

Steve

visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

On Jul 5, 8:54*pm, Daniel Prince wrote:
I want a good, small LED flashlight that uses one or two AA cells.
(I do not like AAA cells because they cost the same as AA and have
40 percent as much power. *I do not want one with more than two
cells because it makes it hard to use rechargeable cells without
reversing and ruining one.)

I want a slide switch with ribs on each side so that it is less
likely to turn itself on. *A recessed push button would also be
good. *I do not want a screw type switch because they are hard to
use with one hand.

Can anyone recommend one? *Thank you in advance for all replies.

I don't know about "good" but I was in Home Depot a few days ago and
they had large cards with 15 or 18 of the LED flashlights and
batteries for all for about $15 to $18 (worked out @ $1 each). Plenty
of spares or Christmas stocking stuffers.

Ronb