The description and reviews indicate that this only turns on in the (very) dark. Where is the light sensor? Can it be blocked to turn it on in a bright environment? I need a globe to demonstrate the celestial sphere, can't be doing that in the dark all...
1837930
If you look closely, you can see the sensor on the base. It is that small circle. You can easily cover it up to turn it on. Also, it doesn't need to be pitch dark for the globe to come on but it does need to be darker in order to see the lit images well.
1914651
Not sure what you mean here, when it's dark the light come on so if you want to check out whether it's working, Make sure it is charged then cover the light sensor so it can't detect daylight and the light should come on. If it doesn't check to make sure the switch is on, the light doesn't charge ot come on when the switch is off
881053
I believe there is a setting for always on. But if you put it on a switch, it may revert to the auto setting when you turn it off. That would mean it would not come on until the light sensor decides it is dark enough. That may not be a big deal if you only plan to switch it on when it is dark and you need the light.
249675
I saw this hint in comments about another light. It fixed mine. Try tapping the body of the sensor with the power off.
2048012
It won't come on when the sun is out and is motion-activated. It only stays on for a few minutes then goes off. It was very bright when it worked, but mine stopped working soon after I bought it.
1654173
I would send it back. I have had mine for some time and have had no issues with mine. Sounds like a bad light sensor. Good luck.
647291
When ambient light is low the unit lights dimly and stays lit dimly giving low illumination. Once activated by motion it becomes much brighter. This would of course conserve stored energy. I did not see anything in the manual that mentioned the ability to set the unit to provide light all night long without motion (keep in mind I'm operating off my memory as I no longer have the manual). I'll post again on the unit after its been in use for > 1 month to let you know what reliability is. It has operated for > 1 week without problems.
1386471
make sure it faces the southwest sky and there are no objects blocking the solar panel.also if another source of light at night is close by, it will turn the light sensor switch off.:-)JM
1858641
I found that I needed to turn the timing dial all the way and it stayed on about a minute so far. For a solar powered light , I think that's ok.If you needed something longer than I suggest having a hard wired light installed. But for me in the location I have it , that wasn't possible. It just gives me enough extra light when it comes on to help illuminate the darkness. There is an on and off switch so it would stay on longer if you desired not to rely on the sensor.
1264705
I mounted my sensor on the North side of the house where there are several shade trees. I pointed it up and it works fine. It only comes on when the sun sets. It is always off on dark or cloudy days. Remember not to over-tighten the threaded part.
929506
This is a daylight off, dark on, light controlled device. It only reacts to light and dark, motion has no bearing on its operation. You might want to purchase a motion controlled light that is also sensitive to light and dark. It will turn on at night if there is motion in its range of detection. It will not come on in daylight even if there is motion in its range of detection.
2167409
try covering up the day/night sensor with your finger and see if it still flickers? if not, then you might be getting reflections so it sees that it is dark, turns on, illuminates its own sensor, and thinks it is daytime again. I had a problem like that with a motion sensor light. might double check your power source if it's not that. mine has been running solid every night for months using a POE adapter.I've had mine
183380
The light is designed to plug directly into an outlet. I needed it hanging so my father's hand could activate from his bed in the night. My solution was to plug it into an extension cord with a loop that could be hung from a wall hook so the light is exactly where it is needed. I turn it completely off during the day so I've not noticed if is light sensor activated. We are very happy with how the light functions.
1386470
make sure it faces the southwest sky and there are no objects blocking the solar panel. also if another source of light at night is close by, it will turn the light sensor switch off. :-) JM
2252620
It will turn on when sensing both low light and motion. It will not turn on under day light. It will not stay on if there is no motion detected.
2221523
I believe you'd have to ask the inventors of motion detectors 'how' these smart little instruments work internally. Here's what I know: when the sensor is set to'on'; in a dark room, any motion (shadow?) in its path, will trigger the light to go on!
1494216
It has a light sensor that requires it to be relatively dark before it will light up when a motion is detected. Mine will not light up in broad daylight, but I am not sure how dark it needs to be to light up . Hope this helps.