what brand's/price's of red torch lights

[mic_m (Michael)]

Originally Posted by okiscopey

Michael, you CAN replace the 9v battery inside simply by using a small cross-head screwdriver to undo he screws that hold the two halves of the housing together. Well, this is true of the Sky-Watcher LED Night Vision red/white model ... I've just done it!

Thanks for pointing that out Mike. I just unscrewed the white/red SW LED torch to check and the battery can indeed be replaced.

When I first got the torches I recall having tried to unscrew one of the red LED torches and having some difficulty getting it appart. So based on that experience I had assumed that they could not be taken appart. But perhaps it just required a bit more effort. Unfortunately, I can’t recheck the plane red LED torch to confirm that the battery can be replaced because I don’t have either of the plane red torches with me.

I will amend my original post so as not to include any misleading information about this issue.

Michael.

[JD2439975 (Justin)]

Just a note on the repair of a SkyWatcher variable red/white torch.

One of my white LEDs died in quick time & being a serial circuit it stopped the other from working too, so no white light for me.
So I replaced them with 40000mcd ones from Jaycar, these are MUCH brighter than the originals & I've had no problems with overheating or circuit burnout.

If your torch dies in a similar manner or you just don't find it bright enough then this is a modification I'd recommend.
Not only a dim red astro light, you can also burn the retinas out of a possum at 20 paces.

[astronut (John)]

I bought one of the Eveready head torches, with both red & white light sources.
As Eric mentioned they are just over $30.
A week later a friend found the same torch, without the brand name at Supercheap for $19!!! with a extra hand held torch included!!
Moral to this.............look around.

[troypiggo (Troy)]

+1 for the Energizer one. Just don't flick the white light on by mistake like I tended to do... Sorry Astrofest 2009.

While I think of it, and since there's so many Energizer headlamp users posted in this thread, has anyone modded it to put only red LEDs in it? Been thinking of that for a while, haven't gotten around to it.

[erick (Eric)]

Yes, I have heard of that being done - whites replaced with reds - but it is not necessarily a drop in replacement in theory - they require different voltages. Better and easier is to just paint the whites with a few thick coats of a suitable red paint or nail vanish.

I'll leave mine with the white LEDs but I must think of a clever way to stop that annoying brain fade and switch to white in the middle of the night! Any ideas? Fit a separate switch for the white LEDs?

[troypiggo (Troy)]

I was just thinking of sticking something at the white end of the switch so you can't even slide it that way. Glue something there?

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by troypiggo

I was just thinking of sticking something at the white end of the switch so you can't even slide it that way. Glue something there?

The trouble is, you just might need the white light, in a hurry - perhaps if being attacked by a mangy wombat (or rabid amateur astrophotographer)! So I don't want to stop it entirely. I might try a bit of blue-tac pushed into the switch track. Enough to impede it so you quickly realise you are trying to switch the white light direction and can reverse direction, but not enough to stop you if you force it.

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Originally Posted by erick

The trouble is, you just might need the white light, in a hurry - perhaps if being attacked by a mangy wombat (or rabid amateur astrophotographer)!

LOL - that reminds me of a post I read once about this guy who does a bit of night urban shooting (not astro at dark site). Talking about walking around with expensive equipment in dodgy districts at night, he carries his monopod in right hand, 580EXII flash switched on and full power with finger on the test/pilot button. If someone attacks him, he fires the flash in their eyes, blinds them, then they cop the monopod "POP, thwack, thwack, thwack!" Haha.

[space oddity]

Another thumbs up for the Bintel red torch. The dimming capacity is very useful. I have once picked up some el cheapo red torches, good as spares, but require a heavy push to activate. Better to have one good torch than several difficult to use torches.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by troypiggo

+1 for the Energizer one. Just don't flick the white light on by mistake like I tended to do... Sorry Astrofest 2009.

Just try to remember that when its on your head, white is right

I notice there's a new energizer head torch with three white leds.

[En1gma (Robert)]

Just to add to this

woolies or bunnings have a replica enegizer head lamp for 19 dollars. Under the brand name 'varta'

works very well

rob

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by erick

I might try a bit of blue-tac pushed into the switch track.

didn't really work Thinking cap back on..............

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I am not sure if this is right for me to post but I have a stack that will be selling already modifed for under $19.00. I still have to work out the right way to sell them. Tried it out for the first time at ASWA Baker Hill in a proper Dark Sky Night. No complaint from anyone.

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

I am not sure if this is right for me to post but I have a stack that will be selling already modifed for under $19.00. I still have to work out the right way to sell them. Tried it out for the first time at ASWA Baker Hill in a proper Dark Sky Night. No complaint from anyone.

Stack of what? What modification? Photos?

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

A Headlamp + torch $10.50 at Supercheap Auto

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I have an unlimited supply (till they stop making them) headlamp torches already modified with Rubylith. Still working out final specs and warranty condition and how to implement them.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Anything red not within the 656nm bandwidth or Fred V. will find you!

[asterisk (Geoff)]

Kathmandu are currently selling a little red LED light, 2 for $10

[Stu Ward]

I just bought a Headset from Bunnings.
Made by Varta, not as slim as the Energizer one, but nearly half price at $18

Seems good value to me


Stu

[Jen]

Originally Posted by erick

The trouble is, you just might need the white light, in a hurry - perhaps if being attacked by a mangy wombat (or rabid amateur astrophotographer)! So I don't want to stop it entirely. I might try a bit of blue-tac pushed into the switch track. Enough to impede it so you quickly realise you are trying to switch the white light direction and can reverse direction, but not enough to stop you if you force it.

LOL Eric