Princeton Tec headlamp

[Vishal Kasliwal]

I have an older Princeton Tec headlamp that is just about perfect for restroom breaks etc... when out at dark sites. Having decided to pick up a couple of extra headlamps, I was dismayed to find that they seen to have discontinued that model. I picked up a different model but the red LED mode seems brighter than the original. Can anyone point me at the correct Princeton Tec headlamp for astronomy use? 

[John Pierce]

On Thu, May 16, 2024 at 7:05 PM Vishal Kasliwal <vishal....@gmail.com> wrote:

I have an older Princeton Tec headlamp that is just about perfect for restroom breaks etc... when out at dark sites. Having decided to pick up a couple of extra headlamps, I was dismayed to find that they seen to have discontinued that model. I picked up a different model but the red LED mode seems brighter than the original. Can anyone point me at the correct Princeton Tec headlamp for astronomy use? 

every headlight I have ever had with a red mode, the red mode is way way too bright for astro.    I use an old Orion DualBeam variable brightness LED flashlight on a lanyard

[Jonathan Lawton]

The state of red lights stinks.

Zebra Light used to make a red only headlamp that, at the dimmest setting, was honestly too dim. I don't use mine much, though, because I haven't got used to the UI and I often accidently set it too bright. I got mine by posting an ISO on CN. Might be worth a try?

https://www.zebralight.com/H503r-Deep-Red-AA-Flood-Headlamp_p_248.html

Also... if you go on the flashlight forums, you can find info for swapping a red led into a different body.

The okayest red flashlight I found was the rigel one... it's... okay.

Jonathan 

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[Vishal Kasliwal]

I agree that the red headlamps are too bright for looking at atlases, etc.... i. e. whilst in the act of observing. They do however, prove useful for walking out into the scrub to answer the call of nature. 

Vishal

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[Ryan Clark]

This has been my go to headlamp. These are fantastic. You do not have to cycle through the white light to get to the red light. You can turn on the red light directly. AND both the red light and white light is dimmable. Really awesome. Best headlamp for astronomy that I have ever had. 

-Ryan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HT40PAA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1

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[Vishal Kasliwal]

Thanks Ryan! 

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[Rajah]

I have these, it’s a two pack from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B096M2M91S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

They have both white and red modes and 3 levels. To switch from white to red, you have to press and hold the button for 5 seconds, so there is very little danger of accidentally turning on the white. However, when you need white, say when packing up, it’s there for you. They are also reachable and last a long time between charges.

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[Les Niles]

That one seems to have been replaced by the nearly identical H504r, with the same 2 millilumen minimum brightness.  

No kidding about the UI being complicated.  OTOH, it looks like it can be set up so that the 3 brightness levels are really dim, even dimmer, and virtually off, so there’s no chance of blinding someone by misusing the switch.  

And, the business end can be removed from the headband, turning it into a little flashlight with a pocket clip.  

  -Les

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[Jonathan Lawton]

Oh awesome! When I got mine, I'm certain they didn't have a replacement at the time. Actually looks like mine is the h502pr so I guess a couple of models back. I need to look at the manual again... mine wants to jump from dim to bright very easily.

Jonathan

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[Scott SCHNEIDER]

Hi Vishal,

I have Petzl Zipka, which sadly appears to be discontinued as well.  But there is another one that is very similar in terms of function but it’s just not as compact - link below.   But it nonetheless you can switch from white light to red light very easily by holding down the “on” button for a few seconds.  

Scott.

On May 16, 2024, at 8:57 PM, Vishal Kasliwal <vishal....@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Ryan! 

On Thu, May 16, 2024, 20:42 Ryan Clark <ryansfab...@gmail.com> wrote:

This has been my go to headlamp. These are fantastic. You do not have to cycle through the white light to get to the red light. You can turn on the red light directly. AND both the red light and white light is dimmable. Really awesome. Best headlamp for astronomy that I have ever had. 

-Ryan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HT40PAA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1

<image.png>

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[Puneet Katyal]

Below is what I was recommended by some more knowledgable TACos when I started the hobby. They’ve worked out perfectly for me —

Headlamp (with separate buttons for red & white light):

https://coastportland.com/collections/headlamps/products/coast-crew-hl4

For reading atlases, and other low light uses. (These are dimmable) —

https://a.co/d/izQziyH

These used to come with clips that I could attach on the headlamp/cap but sadly I cannot find the clips on Amazon or on the seller’s website. 

- Puneet

---

From: sf-ba...@googlegroups.com <sf-ba...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jonathan Lawton <jan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2024 9:20:14 PM
To: sf-ba...@googlegroups.com <sf-ba...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [TAC] Princeton Tec headlamp

 

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[Les Niles]

If I’m reading the doc correctly, the h502pr doesn’t have the mode groups that can be set up to avoid the high brightness levels. That’s the only functional difference I see between the 502 and the 503/504. 

As a kid, I took good advantage of the coupons that Radio Shack ran from time to time for a free 5-cell flashlight. I can’t believe I’m now very tempted to drop almost a hundred bucks on this little dinky thing. Thanks to you….

  -Les

On May 16, 2024, at 21:20, Jonathan Lawton <jan...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Ted Hauter]

Try forking over an extra 600 bucks on my CaK filter. Will I do it ? 🙏😅🤣 prices very high. Good time to sell.

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[Aaron Weiss]

Like many others, I have been on a never-ending quest for a suitably dim red astro headlight, as well as more of a clip-on desk light (with even light, no shadows) for astro sketching. I purchased the motion-activated Orion headlight figuring it was designed for astronomy, only to be disappointed with its orange color and over-brightness. This led me to dig deeper, first buying the very expensive Zebra light. Notably, the 660 nm LED used in the Zebra light is excellent and ideal for astronomy. In addition to being the ‘correct’ wavelength (a very ‘deep red’), the Zebra light dims far more than needed. As others have mentioned, the UI is very complex. I programmed all three slots to very dim levels, but there are still built-in modes that are too bright. With enough practice, mine can be used without too much risk of accidental blinding. I keep the paper instructions in my astro kit to review frequently, because it’s that complicated. Part of the problem with the Zebra light is that there is a single button and some of the UI control depends on holding it for varying times with somewhat subtle difference - making it challenging to control. If you hold it just a little too long - BLINDING. I also bought “the best dim red astro LED” from a CN member who makes them himself. This is indeed very dim, adjustable, and uses a suitable 660 nm LED, is well-made, and ideal for reading charts, but is a bit too small and dim for something like sketching (and just one LED casts shadows). I still wanted the desk-style light, so I pressed on.

Discovering the specific 660nm “deep red" LED used in the Zebra light led me to get into electronics so I could build my own red light - mainly the clip-on desk lamp style to use while sketching. I learned how to use PWM to dim LEDs, and experimented with some 660nm LEDs. They sell strip-LEDs in 660nm intended for growing plants (weed?), which are perfect to produce even shadowless light for the clip-on desk sketching light. My light dims with a knob, smoothly from full brightness, down to zero, and produces beautiful, even, and nearly shadow-free light.

My light is still a breadbaord prototype in a cardboard box that I haven’t had a chance to field test much yet, but I intent to solder a more permanent version, and eventually (maybe) get some PCBs printed to make/share with others. I have a version of the circuit with a delay-off timer, and a motion activated version. I have plans to make a variety of versions, including a motion-activated version to put into my eyepiece case, a foot-button activated version with delay-off timer to illuminate my settings circle, flashing versions for tripod legs, and a flashlight/headlight version for general use.

Here is a post on CN showing the clip-on desktop prototype:

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/908535-red-led-light-prototype-for-sketching/

My biggest takeaway from this adventure is that the 660nm LEDs, with a good dimming system is the key to a good astro light. Any light that isn’t using a 660nm LED is faking it, and is unsuitable in my opinion.

Another project I have planned is to design and 3d print a tube-shaped shroud to clip onto a red headlamp to shield the light and point it down. Even a suitably dim red LED headlamp can be blinding to others when the LED is directly visible.

Aaron

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[Richard Navarrete]

In haven’t been keeping up with this thread, so maybe someone has mentioned this already, but I find the headlights very annoying when out observing. They shine all over the area, and are always way too bright. I’ve been ‘hit’s with them more than once. I understand the usefulness of the headlights, but if you’re going to use them, please do your best to keep them pointed down and not out.

Thanks for you consideration,

Richard

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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[John Pierce]

On Sat, May 18, 2024 at 10:44 AM 'Richard Navarrete' via The Astronomy Connection (TAC) <sf-ba...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

In haven’t been keeping up with this thread, so maybe someone has mentioned this already, but I find the headlights very annoying when out observing. They shine all over the area, and are always way too bright. I’ve been ‘hit’s with them more than once. I understand the usefulness of the headlights, but if you’re going to use them, please do your best to keep them pointed down and not out.

my favorite trick with a headlight in a group environment is to put them on upside down loosely around my neck, so they are aiming down, then you can use the tilt adjustment to tilt them partly up, maybe 45 degrees, so they are lighting the ground about 4 feet in front of you. 

[Rajah]

I use the head light neck trick too

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[Jamie Dillon, DDK]

Thanks, Beastmaster. I was keeping my mouth shut, but I've always hated those things. You guessed right, you were the first person to bring it up, what a pain they are.

Several of the buddies still love 'em.

[miloc...@gmail.com]

Just picked up this Ken Fiscus special, for reading charts, atlases, etc.  Single dimmable LED.

Jim

[Randy Pufahl]

I found that any red light can be dimmed about 33% with a single layer of red plastic construction tape (NOT duct tape!). I use 2 layers on standard red headlamps (i have not had real success with white light, it tends to produce bright pink).

https://www.amazon.com/TapeSmith-Construction-Sheathing-Insulation-Housewrap/dp/B0BCJH9THK/

It’s quite handy for many many other uses too so a no brainer to have on hand: like marking ends of positive electrical wires helps prevent reverse polarity mistakes (are there any GSSP solar and battery threads yet?).

And in a pinch if/when you are working on fixing a scope and need a little more light, it’s easy to take a layer off. Headlights are usually indispensable at times like this when both hands are required.

I have about 59 yds left so if anybody seeks me out (during the day please!) I will gladly give you some and even help you trim to fit. I will be at GSSP.

I rarely post here so I will also recommend a high quality dimmable red flashlight that I love. Takes 18650 battery (a big plus for me).  But it REQUIRES 2+ layers of the above red tape:

https://www.amazon.com/WayLLShine-Flashlight-620nm-630nm-Adjustable-Observation/dp/B091YQQ39C/

Randy

Sent from my iPad

On May 19, 2024, at 1:07 AM, Jamie Dillon, DDK <ngc1...@gmail.com> wrote:



Thanks, Beastmaster. I was keeping my mouth shut, but I've always hated those things. You guessed right, you were the first person to bring it up, what a pain they are.

Several of the buddies still love 'em.

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[John Pierce]

On Sun, May 19, 2024 at 1:43 AM 'Randy Pufahl' via The Astronomy Connection (TAC) <sf-ba...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

I found that any red light can be dimmed about 33% with a single layer of red plastic construction tape (NOT duct tape!). I use 2 layers on standard red headlamps (i have not had real success with white light, it tends to produce bright pink).

https://www.amazon.com/TapeSmith-Construction-Sheathing-Insulation-Housewrap/dp/B0BCJH9THK/

is that a chinese version of the 3M tape, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7I5IP2 ?

[Randy Pufahl]

is that a chinese version of the 3M tape, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7I5IP2 ?

Maybe. I probably have the 3M version but am too far from home to check.

I could not bring myself to recommend a $28 roll of tape.

[Les Niles]

Thanks for the tips, Randy.

I wonder if blue painters tape would work on that flashlight.  It says it’s a narrow-band light, so the color isn’t going to change; I would think blue tape would absorb even more of the light.  

  -Les

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[Alan Agrawal]

I use painters tape on my red light for chart reading and it works great.

Best,

Alan

On May 20, 2024, at 12:46 PM, Les Niles <les...@2pi.org> wrote:

Thanks for the tips, Randy.

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[Alex]

I've been using the Petzl E+ Lite for a couple of decades already. It's not only super dim red but also a narrow beam red, producing the minimal lit spot, which is still totally walkable with the light on your forehead (producing around 3ft spot on the ground from a 6' high forehead. It's also ultralight, so at times I go to bed with it still on my forehead :)
Can't vouch for their latest model, but just ordered it to check.

For even darker light for any rare close-up needs I'm using my Android planetarium app on the AMOLED screen phone. It has a "mode" which shows a sizable red rectangle on the screen and you can change its R color, the screen brightness, or the size with the flick of a finger. Not advertising that app anymore, but I had an idea how that can be simulated on any phone with an OLED screen too. Just make a long narrow image with Black to red gradient (e.g. in Paint app). Place a link for it on your home screen so it opens in the image viewer full screen. Then you can scroll that narrow image up/down (left right might trigger the image switch, or you can install a dedicated image viewer pointing to the dedicated images folder with that single image only) and adjust the light as needed with a flick of a finger too. :)

[Alex]

Forgot to mention: that Petzl E+ Lite is 360x180 articulated on the ball-head, with the clothes spring holder on the back, and also has a free standing clam-shell construction. So it can be used in many different ways, not on your forehead only.

[Ted Hauter]

I use the David Chandler neck strapped dimmable LED when absolutely must observing. It is a small light dome on highest setting good for walking. Faintest setting ideal. Usually if I have an issue but charts too. Ideally I would have a plan and targets for the night but being solar (to have at least perfect days) I wing it at night. Can't wait for next week to get out there at the lake. 

On Mon, May 20, 2024, 2:36 PM Alex <alex.k...@gmail.com> wrote:

Forgot to mention: that Petzl E+ Lite is 360x180 articulated on the ball-head, with the clothes spring holder on the back, and also has a free standing clam-shell construction. So it can be used in many different ways, not on your forehead only.

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[Alex]

Update: The latest model of the Petzl E+Lite is a significant step back from the original. Both light modes are just a bright flood light. Also, no wire clip and it's much bulkier.
Semm to see the original model still sold in some places though.

[K S]

this is a poor-person's hack: I have two or three different red LED headlamps. I secure one or two layers of red cellophane or red plastic bags over the headlamp, using duct tape of course. haha It actually works like a charm to dim the light and still let only red wavelengths through. Good luck!

clear skies!

Kay

On Thu, May 16, 2024 at 10:05 PM Vishal Kasliwal <vishal....@gmail.com> wrote:

I have an older Princeton Tec headlamp that is just about perfect for restroom breaks etc... when out at dark sites. Having decided to pick up a couple of extra headlamps, I was dismayed to find that they seen to have discontinued that model. I picked up a different model but the red LED mode seems brighter than the original. Can anyone point me at the correct Princeton Tec headlamp for astronomy use? 

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