Simple headlamps

Posted by: Spock

Simple headlamps - 10/13/08 06:10 PM

Some folks like to convert smal LED lights so they clip on a cap brim or a headband of elastic. For several years I have attached alligator clips to small LED lights such as Photons - using the screws on some models or a dab of ShoeGoo on others. Then a simple elastic strap with a pinch in it turns the light into a pivoting headlamp.

The trouble with Photons and other coin-battery LEDs is the short life and expense of the batteries. I like to read late. So....

I picked up a Pak-Lite Basic, a regulated, 2-LED, single-intensity light that fits on a 9-volt battery for $15 (battery included). I attached an alligator clip to a band of elastic that fits around the battery - but these batteries last so long it might be as practical to glue the clip on and just trash the clip with the battery. Anyway, instead of 3/5" elastic that will hold a Photon steady, I had to use 1" elastic to support the heavier 9-volt light. The rig weighs under 2 ounces, gives good light for about 30 - 35 hours and drops off gradually for another 30 or 40 - using an alky battery. Not a bad rig for late-nite readers, thruhikers and others who need long battery life and find a headlamp convenient.
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/15/08 08:29 PM

Sounds like a good idea for a Scout Project Spock and a useful backpacking gizmo <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Spock

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/17/08 02:25 PM

Yeah, Earthling,
It's even lighter with a lithium battery - and lasts over twice as long. Wish I had thought of this before my last thru-hike -- I wouldn't have needed another battery the whole time. They claim that the turquoise version with a lithium battery gets 200 hours on high and 1200 on low.
Posted by: Earthling

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/18/08 11:02 AM

link to where you can find this contraption?
Posted by: tdaward

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/20/08 06:22 PM

Just looked it up my self.....http://www.9voltlight.com/inc/pdetail?v=1&pid=2972
Posted by: Spock

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/20/08 06:31 PM

Yep,
http://www.9voltlight.com/
gets you to Pak-lite. I got inspired and just ordered a yellow one for my sweetie who is a mosquito magnet, and a turquoise one for me - both with lithium batteries because its hard to find 9-volt lithiums.

PakLite has a headlamp strap - sorta - I like my solution better. Glue an aligator clip to the battery and make an elastic strap so the light clamps on it. I've found that the PakLite's weight distribution requires a bit of stiffening on the elastic. I fold a piece of plastic cut from a milk jug into a T, and stitch it onto the elastic.
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: Simple headlamps - 10/20/08 08:04 PM

Quote:

I picked up a Pak-Lite Basic, a regulated, 2-LED, single-intensity light that fits on a 9-volt battery for $15 (battery included).


Just curious, where did you discover that it's regulated? Couldn't find anything on the website.