Hi all,

I finally got another portable fluorescent lantern that I've been wanting for a long time. The Ash Flash Discoverer II is from the early 1970s that takes an F4T5 lamp. It runs on a monstrous 9 D batteries, and it's actually a manual preheat circuit. It is unknown whether it is a standard electronic ballast or something different. I got this on eBay. It's untested, but in good condition.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321891759641

Can't wait to get this rare lantern and learn all about it!

I got this lantern today. Photo with all the details here.

That is a really neat lantern! I've never seen one like it. It's especially nice because it uses common D batteries. Great find.