Dim red head-torch, please recommend.

[Myopicus 383]

Hi all, 

Any recommendations for very dim red head-torches?  So far, in the brief amount of observing time that the clouds have allowed, I've used my Petzl with it's single red LED. It seems really glare-y tho, so I'm curious as to how people get around this.

Thanks, m

[Dave_D 948]

i use one of these with white LEDs but i popped off the front clear plastic and cut 2 pieces of rubylith to fit inside. works a treat.

[NGC 1502 1,559]

One solution for overbright red lights is to dim them with red cellophane or plastic.  

I've used bits of those red containers that Christmas puds come in, or sweet wrappers. Lots of other options too, including nail varnish.

For dimming too bright red dot finders you can fit a resistor in the circuit.  I've tried cellophane in front of the LED, but that's no good, makes for a fuzzy out of focus dot, instead of a precise dot. Nail varnish works for that as it flows to a layer before it dries.

Regards, Ed.

[LukeSkywatcher 15,655]

You will get used to the "glare". Its not normal for us to observe the world around us at night using red LED, so it will seem strange and glaring at first. Very soon you will get used to setting up and reading star charts/books etc in red light.

Edited February 25, 2014 by LukeSkywatcher

[Davey-T 18,134]

I use one of these, swops from white to red, mine has built in dimmer but they don't seem to do it anymore, got mine in COSCO for £10.00

Dave 

http://www.torchdirect.co.uk/coast-head-torches/HL4.html

[maxheadroom 65]

Petzl taktika has coloured screens (including red) and variable brightness settings. Not the cheapest but they are bomb proof and last for ever. Highly recommended

[Chris Rowland 97]

One thing that helps is to run them on rechargeable batteries, they are 1.2V each instead of 1.5V.  That cuts the brightness down a bit.

Chris

[Myopicus 383]

Petzl taktika has coloured screens (including red) and variable brightness settings. Not the cheapest but they are bomb proof and last for ever. Highly recommended

I think that might be the way forward, combined with Chris Rowland's idea:

One thing that helps is to run them on rechargeable batteries, they are 1.2V each instead of 1.5V.  That cuts the brightness down a bit.

Chris

Also thinking that if I were to create a light shroud / dew protector type assembly, involving a cable tie and a short length of bicycle inner tube - it might help to cut down the lateral glare from the clear torch casing.

[maxheadroom 65]

I think that might be the way forward, combined with Chris Rowland's idea:

Also thinking that if I were to create a light shroud / dew protector type assembly, involving a cable tie and a short length of bicycle inner tube - it might help to cut down the lateral glare from the clear torch casing.

I just checked on eBay. I bought mine ten years ago and it's still going strong (despite huge downpours and being dropped in water once!) but the band is a little bit umm "unstretchy" from saltwater like my best underpants so I may buy a new band. Batteries need changing barely ever and I've used it on countless night fishing sessions. I was surprised to see the price of them now at circa £45 but you will not find a better head torch. It's one if those rare great purchases that I've made in my life where the thing seems to have survived beyond logic.

[maxheadroom 65]

It's the xp I have. If you can get one do it!

Seems they may be discontinued..

http://www.backcountryedge.com/petzl-tactikka-xp.aspx

[Langy 256]

I've also heard that using the thin brown packing tape over the light also helps to reduce the brightness. As it is so thin you don't get a brown glow but may need a few layers.

Never tried or actually seen it done but have heard about it.

[maxheadroom 65]

This is the one. Very little stray light but the screens diffuse it a bit. 3 clicks to dimmest setting and you won't be throwing light everywhere.

Tactikka XP

[NGC 1502 1,559]

I just checked on eBay. I bought mine ten years ago and it's still going strong (despite huge downpours and being dropped in water once!) but the band is a little bit umm "unstretchy" from saltwater like my best underpants so I may buy a new band. Batteries need changing barely ever and I've used it on countless night fishing sessions. I was surprised to see the price of them now at circa £45 but you will not find a better head torch. It's one if those rare great purchases that I've made in my life where the thing seems to have survived beyond logic.

You are not supposed to mention your underpants on here 

The mods will be along soon......

Regards, Ed.

[maxheadroom 65]

You are not supposed to mention your underpants on here 

The mods will be along soon......

Regards, Ed.

I thought that May have raised a few eyebrows...

XD

[void 10]

I bought this one I think it was from argos. Quite nice, it has a couple of different brightness settings and red leds as well. So its well suited for nights observing.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9280481.htm

[knobby 3,645]

Don't know any 'dim red heads' but if you do you could borrow their red nail varnish :-)

[mickshere 23]

Ive got a petzl headtorch with a flip down red filter, works great

[Owmuchonomy 2,485]

Just buy a tin of Quality Street.  The wrappers give you a rainbow of options and the chocolate is comforting while you view. 

[skywatcher58gb 76]

I use the standard head torch from Asda white light in one direction  Red in the other, for £3 it well worth it, and the red is bright enough.

Dave

[AndyWB 530]

I found the red LED on my Petzl was too bright, so I painted over it with red nail varnish. That dimmed it.

[NGC 1502 1,559]

Don't know any 'dim red heads' but if you do you could borrow their red nail varnish :-)

There's loads of 'em in Southend 

Cheers, Ed.

[scarp15 4,350]

Which version of Petzl have you been using?  I use the Petzl e+lite, which has a single dim led red light setting. 

Edited February 26, 2014 by scarp15

[AndyWB 530]

Mine's a Petzl Tikka Plus. It's good, but the red was a bit too bright for my liking. But I prefer a really dim light - I feel like just 'cos it's red doesn't mean it won't trash your dark adaption.

[scarp15 4,350]

Yes that is true, I use the elite head torch for changing e.p's, adding filters etc. I also use it for looking at charts, but sometimes I have to employ an additional regulated and dim hand held torch for this task. The elite basically stays on my head / hat, being very compact it does not interfere when viewing through the eyepiece.