[mic_m (Michael)]

I generally use a Sky-Watcher duel beam flashlight for astronomy: http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=108&class1=5&class2= 501
You can switch between regular white light and red light and there is a wheel for adjusting the brightness of the beam.

I also have another type of Sky-Watcher flashlight: http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?id=109&class1=5&class2= 501
This also has a wheel for adjusting the brightness but it only has a red beam.

We purchased two of each for our first Messier Marathon with the ASV in 2008 and they have all lasted well.

I personally prefer the duel beam and this is the one that I use at home or when I am out at a star party: it has a greater maximum brightness and I like the fact that I can switch over to the white beam if I need to (e.g. if I need to quickly find something important that I have droped on the ground or when I’m away from the observing field and packing equipment into the car). But really if you just need something basic the second torch is just fine and it costs less too.

If you are buying online you can purchase the first torch for $32 and the second torch for $19.00 at Bintel. Over the phone Andrews Communications sell the first torch for $29.00.

Here are the links to the torches at the Bintel site:
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7440
https://ww.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6889

Dave, I hope that you and your family enjoy your astro meeting.

Michael.