Red LED headlamp

[Spookyer]

Does anyone know where I can get a red LED headlamp that is suitable for astronomy. Have looked a fair bit on the net without result.

thanks

[Astro_Bot]

There are as many opinions on red LED headlamps as there are on eyepieces, so you may get varied responses.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will want to be sure that your headlamp does not have to cycle through white modes in order to turn red on/off - nothing worse than flashes of bright white light at a dark site as you're fumbling with your headlamp ...

I use a Petzl Tikka2 (from eBay at half the local price) that I like for efficiency, comfort and flexibility. There are cheaper ones, though.

[Spookyer]

Okay, I see these for sale but they all appear to be white LEDs and have 3 light modes, does that mean you have to cycle through them? Do you replace the white LEDs with a red ones or something?

[Astro_Bot]

Should have said Tikka Plus2! The Plus model has the red LEDs.

Unless you're making your own from scratch, I wouldn't be mucking about replacing LEDs.

[Tandum]

MyAstroShop has em too.
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-096G

[gb_astro]

http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_torch-headlight-varta-4led-whitered-3aaa17631412121_P4410412.aspx

Lite weight with adjustable tilt angle and independent setting of either red or white light.

gb.

[rogerco]

I got mine from what used to be call an "Army disposal" store in Penrith. But yes you do have to be carefull to remember which way to twist the switch otherwise you go through white to get to off. Mine is a Petzl e+lite but I have had it for about six years so they might not make that particular model. Petzl seem to be a good brand though.

[acropolite]

I use an Energiser model, they come with 2 white leds and a red and switch between the two, I opened mine up (easy as they're screwed together) and snipped the resistor feeding the white leds.

[Spookyer]

thanks guys