Red head torch too bright, any way to diffuse?

[d-s-m]

So I bought one of these red head torches - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07SQQ7DCV/ref=sspa_mw_detail_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw

Problem is that it's too bright, even on the lower setting. I was thinking of sticking something over the end to diffuse the light, but not sure what would be best. Anyone have any ideas? 

[Broadymike]

Try some brown packing tape. It'll help to dim the light while retaining the red light.  

[LaurenceT]

Can you not send it back to Amazon?

I bought a Petzl Tikka head torch from them, the red light is quite muted but it's OK when working on the scope. It has a white light mode so I switch to that if moving away from the scope.

[Carbon Brush]

@d-s-m Welcome to SGL. Please pop into the welcome section introduce yourself.

Masking the light using tape is a good idea.
If you are more technically inclined, it would be worth opening up the torch to take a look at the LED drive electronics.
Depending on the torch, it may be as simple as a resistor change. Though some use a constant current drive circuit the that can be more awkward to to tweak.
Some LED drivers are encapsulated (like the music circuits in greetings cards) so are impossible to see.
But until you take a look, you never know.

An alternative is to buy a cheap head torch that will already have lower output.
The torch you have looks to be a serious work or running light.
With 2x 18650 lithium cells is quite a lump on the head🤣.
The cheapies use smaller and lighter batteries. Sometimes even built into the small light.
I have a (white only) torch with the battery integral, all in the brim of a woolly hat. That essential garment for astronomy.

HTH, David.

[Louis D]

I have the white light only version of that one.  It's a Cree type LED intended for tactical use.  I would try to locate a headlamp intended for astronomy use rather than try to dim this one.

[Space Hopper]

Send it back to Amazon and buy one of these and don't look back. As worn by Trevor Jones @ astrobackyard

(Make sure its the HL4, as theres a few other models that look the same)

 

https://www.torchdirect.co.uk/coast-led-head-torch/coast-hl4-led-head-torch.html

Edited January 8, 2022 by Space Hopper

[900SL]

If your head torch is too bright I recommend a red bucket placed over the head to shoulder level.

Your astro-companions will have hysterics and collapse laughing as you carom around the place and eventually fall in a ditch. Worth every penny.

[cajen2]

I have what sounds like the same woolly hat as CB with integrated led. It's rechargeable and very convenient. The white light could be changed to red with judicious use of the OH's red nail varnish.....the more coats, the dimmer it'll get!😁

Edited January 8, 2022 by cajen2

[Louis D]

Here's an article with suggestions for more appropriate astro headlamps.

[d-s-m]

@Broadymike I'll try that, but slightly concerned it might end up melting due to the heat from the light?

@LaurenceT I actually bought it from eBay so not sure if I can return it as it works fine, but it's exactly the same as the one in the Amazon link. Really wish I'd have bought a smaller one now, but a number of reviews said it was "ideal for astronomy" which made me think it be a good purchase.

@Carbon Brush thanks for your reply, I have actually already posted a thread in the welcome section a few weeks ago. Changing out resistors is a bit beyond me, so think I'm just gonna bite the bullet and buy a smaller one.

@spacehopper that one you linked looks very similar to the one I've got? I'd be concerned about having the same problem with that one.

@Louis D thanks for the link, yes it does seem like the single banded ones in that list are less powerful than the type I have, which makes them better for astronomy.

 

 

[Second Time Around]

I use and recommend one of the inexpensive Black Diamond range.   Most of their models offer infinitely variable brightness down to very dim, plus separate buttons for red or white light.

Best of all they can be set to always come on with the dimmest red light first whatever button you push - so no accidents! 

You do need to avoid the higher priced ones that have a battery check on starting up though.  This is because they light up an intense blue that'll ruin your dark adaption.  Additionally, those with the more costly Powertap feature can be knocked on accidentally.

For astronomy just look for models without a battery check and without Powertap technology.   BTW, the so-called Astro models aren't suitable for astronomy as they don't have a red light!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Mens-Spote-Headlamp/dp/B07MP9KNNZ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Unisex-Adult-Cosmo-Stirnlampe/dp/B07S2ZMGMV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

 

Edited January 8, 2022 by Second Time Around

[Broadymike]

1 hour ago, d-s-m said:

@Broadymike I'll try that, but slightly concerned it might end up melting due to the heat from the light?

I really wouldn't worry about that too much as LEDs create very little heat. Also looking at the one you have got if you stretched the tape over the opening rather than the lens of the light it would still work and would give an air gap so even less chance of any issues. I used packing tape over an old style torch without LEDs and had no issues even though it technically gets hotter. 

[d-s-m]

I just cut the end off an old black sock and wrapped it around the light with an elastic band, nicely diffused now! 

[Space Hopper]

15 hours ago, d-s-m said:

@spacehopper that one you linked looks very similar to the one I've got? I'd be concerned about having the same problem with that one.

 

 

 

Well, same sort of over the head design, but thats all.

The brightness level  on the HL4 is just right, and the lights can be tilted forward if required which is a very useful feature.

The red light is just a single LED, and is on a separate switch from the whites.

Trust me, you won't find a better head torch for astro.

My recommendation anyway.

 

[Zermelo]

On 08/01/2022 at 18:39, Second Time Around said:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Mens-Spote-Headlamp/dp/B07MP9KNNZ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Thanks Steve, I ordered one of these and tried it out last night. It works very well.