Battle of Handy Little LightsHeadband-equipped hands-free lights for the astronomer
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While the emphasis in Cloudy Nights reviews is on observing gear, some little gadgets can make a large contribution to the ease and pleasure of using that gear. The fairly recent availability of bright light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has made them an alternative to incandescent bulbs. Ramped-up production has dropped prices significantly. Both Rayovac and Energizer (nee: Eveready) produce a variety of flashlights using the latest in LED technology. There are two that astronomers may find useful. I have no connection with either manufacturer nor with Wal-Mart; both these units were purchased retail. I'm eternally grateful to Mike Rosett, a fellow member of the North East Florida Astronomical Society, who showed me his Rayovac light at a star party. I couldn't find the Rayovac at first, so bought the Energizer. I liked it so well for working on my truck as well as for observing, I got the Rayovac to compare, the astronomical loser to go into my toolbox. Both these lights are designed to be worn as "miners" lights, and headbands are included. This makes them very useful for working around scopes, and are especially useful when breaking down and storing equipment.Since this is a "battle", one should emerge as the favorite. The contenders are: 
From Energizer, LED HeadBeam Model #HD33A1EN Features:: 2 x Bright white LEDs 1 x Bright red LED No incandescent bulbs Slide switch (red-off-white) 3 x AAA batteries (included) Single-strap elastic headband Tiltable [lights only] (downward only) Ð continuous Weight: 2.9 ouncess
AND 
From Rayovac, Sportsman 3-in-1 Head-Lite SPHLTLEDFeatures: 1 x Bright white LED 2 x Bright red LEDs 1 x Krypton bulb in reflector casing, adjustable spot/flood Rotary switch (off-red LED-white LED-white incandescent) 3 x AAA Batteries (not included) Single strap elastic headband and over-the-top band Tiltable [lights and battery holder] (downward only) Ð 6 position click-stop Weight: 4.5 ouncess Comparison Categories: Winner
Weight: Energizer Has about an ounce and a half advantage over the Rayovac Comfort: Rayovac The head pad is noticeably more comfortable (it's larger and slightly contoured; the Energizer's is not), and the over-the-top band widens the advantage over the Energizer. I glued a vertical strip (¼" x ¼") of foam on the edges of the Energizer's pad, which helped comfort a great deal Light Output: Rayovac Its two red LEDs are more useful at night. While the Energizer's white LED output is obviously twice that of the Rayovac, the latter's third, incandescent, lamp provides more utility, and it could be fitted with a red filt  
Energizer Rayovac 
"Tiltability": Energizer The friction tilt on the Energizer is slightly easier to adjust  
Switch: Tie The slide switch on the Energizer can be operated with one hand; not so with the Rayovac's rotary. However, if the Energizer switch is not carefully returned to the center-off position, it will turn on the white LEDs Price: Tie The Rayovac doesn't include batteries at the same price, but does have the incandescent spot/floodlight Winner: Rayovac While the Energizer prevails in more categories, the versatility, comfort, and brighter and better diffused red LED output of the Rayovac makes it the champ. Were I to be shopping again for one of these units primarily for astronomy, I'd pick the Energizer only if I couldn't find the Rayovac anywhere. |
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