Has anyone tried this Quiqlite torch?

[Suzy]

Has anyone used a "Quiqlite" torch for astronomy? I love the red/white light function and the fact that it leaves your hands free, but wonder how well it performs. I came across it on York Optical's website for $35.
http://www.quiqlite.com (http://www.quiqlite.com/)

[Iceaxe]

Hi Suzy,

Here is my two cents.

As a security officer (ex) it has its merits.

As a soldier (retired) and an astronomer not to keen.

1 you have to use the white light before the red. (a physical switch red or white would help)

2 you will need to a shirt with a button down flap to hold it in place. (or went you bend to pick up something it will fall out)

3 if you use the clip you need to pack the pocket to hold in place. most jacket don't have a top pockets (unless it is a suit)

In the back yard OK if you wish, at a dark site (eg - Astrofest)
I hope not for the above reasons mainly number 1.

I understand at some dark site are considering banning headlamps for that reason.

Hope that helped.

Joe

[Stu Ward]

My only concerns with it would be you have to go through the white light before red
If you did it next to me at star party i wouldn't care, but i understand that some people might want to behead you

[Suzy]

Thanks Joe & Stu, guess I will give it a miss then.

[ChrisM]

Suzy, for a fraction $less, I got a red/white head-torch from Repco. It has a centre-off switch which allows either red or white from the off position.

Apart from its obvious astronomical uses, it came in very handy in Santiago in February when I escaped from the 7th floor of my hotel at 3:35 am during that massive earthquake!

I wouldn't be without one.

Chris

[DavidU]

:eyepop:OMG,serious?

[OneOfOne]

I got my headlight from Coles/Safeway (about $30) and love it. It allows you to have a red light for observing and a white light to help in setting up when it gets a bit dark, but not dark enough to start observing, and also for packing up. It also has a tilt action so you can direct the light down or forward, frees up both hands and you can direct it by just moving your head around. I am sure it will also come in handy when we have our next earthquake in Melbourne too! May also be useful if you work in a mine :)

[[1ponders]]

Big W also had the red/white single switch one that Chris and Trevor mention. I wouldn't be without mine either. Its a brilliant little torch. Once the batteries run down a bit the white diodes are much dimmer but it doesn't affect the red very much.

[Suzy]

:scared: Heck Chris, what an experience that must have been! :scared3:

Chris, Paul & Trevor... Thanks very much for your help.

There is a recent thread here on red light torches which I'll have another squizz at as well.

[[1ponders]]

Mines a permanent fixture in my backpack I don't go anywhere without it.

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Hi Suzy,
I use one of those LED head-lites painted with red nail polish ("Tropical Passion" I think). Works like a charm as the light turns with you and can be adjusted for angle and brightness. Also, it only seems to need a once a year re-coat.
You can get them from most outdoor sports shops and they cost between $30-70 (plus nail varnish).