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Server Time:
2024-05-17 04:18:33
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 startedsmoking
  
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Gender: Male
 |  |  |  |  | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 20 on 5/14/2007 10:14 PM >
|  | | | I overcame the battery issue of standard mags by investing in some decent rechargeable batteries. They last longer than standard duracels - my camera only seem to get about 120-140 shots with standards and well over 500 with rechargeables.
"take nothing but pictures, leaving nothing but footprints...unless it would be really fun" |
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Valdyr
  
Location: Boulder, CO
Gender: Female
[space for rent]
| | |  | | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 21 on 6/15/2007 11:45 PM >
| | | | Posted by LuminousAphid
I went ahead and bought one on an impulse today. The main reason I liked this one was because it has a focusable beam, unlike the LED lights that have an array like the Inova. My chance to use it today didn't work out, but after messing around with it in the back yard for a while, I am happy with it. It's definitely brighter than my old Mag, but not blindingly bright, which I don't want either. I think this will work good as a durable, trustworthy light that I can use in most situations. I am thinking about getting/making some filters for it, does anyone know where I can get some colored plastic?
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If you're looking for a really easy way to get some color filters, go by any photography store or any stage/lighting tech store and ask for a filter swatch book. They're free. You can also go online to Rosco, Lee Filters, GAM (Great American Market), Apollo Gel, etc. and have them mail you one. Then just cut out the color of your choice and put it in! I do this all the time for run crew in theatre, when I need to dull mine down to a blue when I'm backstage during a show.
Hell, if you're not creeped out by giving out a mailing addy, I can even mail you some scraps I have lying around here. Just PM me if you're interested.
Laura
[not saved alone, but together we are exiled] |
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resonance
  
Location: Western New York / Niagara region
Gender: Male
I'm the one looking while nobody is looking.
| | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 22 on 6/18/2007 4:05 PM >
| | | | Valdyr has the right idea with the gels for color filters. Heck I have scraps in my desk drawer that I use for ghetto-fabulous 3D glasses sometimes =) Handy stuff to have around, and it's easy to get transmissivity spectrum data for the colors if you are trying to accomplish something specific. I didn't realize they sent out those swatchbooks free - thanks Valdyr! I've been sitting on a GAM book for like ten years, not wanting to chop it up! Now I can! *eyes scissors with an evil grin*
Regarding MAG LEDs: I have a 3D Maglite with incandescent bulb that's been around for years. Love it. I got a Brand-X LED upgrade for it, which was terrible. The experience soured me on getting the actual MAG-branded LED upgrade, until I picked up a 3-AA Mag LED flashlight, which I highly recommend. I've since gotten the Mag-branded upgrade for the 3D, and it's phenomenal. I now use the 3AA as my standard, and bust out the 3D when I want more range, light, and time. The 3AA burns for fucking ever as it is, tho. Yay LEDs!
I would like to note one thing, though, regarding the use of color filters on LED lights. White LEDs do *not* put out an even spectrum of color, and filters (esp. red) end up being horribly inefficient and sometimes useless on LED lights. Given the wide range of colored LEDs available on the market today, it is a far better choice to modify a light with the desired color. For incandescents, filters work great. For LEDs, only sometimes.
To illustrate, I took the spectral output of a typical White LED from wikipedia, and superimposed the spectral transmission of Roscolux #26 "Light Red" - a typical color you'd find stocked at most any local theatrical supplier. (note there are many other colors that may work much better, this is just a common easy to find color you might run into)
You can see the blue line LED output, and the black line showing what the filter passes. The shaded red area is the amount of light you'd get out of this setup, and the shaded grey area is what is blocked by the filter. What's this mean? The red coming out of your happy bright LED light will be dim and dull with this filter. Try other filters until you get a better result, or get a red LED, or go with an incandescent and whatever filter suits your needs.
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LuminousAphid
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Gender: Male
Armchair Explorer
| | |  | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 23 on 6/18/2007 4:36 PM >
| | | | I actually just bought the accessories kit that MAG sells and it comes with an extra lens and red/blue filters, and also a little cover that allows you to quickly put the filter on and off without unscrewing the whole lens assembly. I think it works fine. It definitely is a lot darker, but I think that's good considering that I'd want to use them for concealment in places where I don't want a lot of light giving me away. It's certainly enough to see by in order to move around, at least. I wouldn't want to use any filter if it can be avoided, because I think it would detract from the experience. I have explored a place at night with red filters, then came back during the day and had a much better time because I could actually see colors!
So yeah, it works, just kind of takes away from the experience.
"See you guys, you never listen to me. I said there was gonna be trouble but you didn't listen to me. You guys are crazy. You know, you guys are self destructive. There's a funny farm and it has your names written all over it. But I'm gettin' out of here. I'm... I smell ice cream!" |
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wheezyjeff
Gender: Female
Bzzzzzzz........ ..
| | | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 24 on 6/18/2007 4:52 PM >
| | | | Posted by Majickal
A 4D MAG is often awesome for huge old buildings with colossal rooms and high ceilings, but they're unnecessarily bulky for exploring an abandoned house.
EDITED TO BETTER ANSWER THE QUESTION AT HAND
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I always use my 4D mag. I would love to use a small, light, led flashlight but for safetey sake, or if you ever explore alone, the larger maglights are a great light-weapon combo for self-protection.
tip: hold your flashlight like a cop (eye level, by your head, with your hand near the base, and you will blind anyone coming at you with light and can clobber them if they take a swing at you
I have never had to use it, but I have had sketchy run-ins inside of buildings before and it is reassuring to have.
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Valdyr
Location: Boulder, CO
Gender: Female
[space for rent]
| | | | | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 25 on 6/18/2007 8:16 PM >
| | | | Posted by resonance
Valdyr has the right idea with the gels for color filters. Heck I have scraps in my desk drawer that I use for ghetto-fabulous 3D glasses sometimes =) Handy stuff to have around, and it's easy to get transmissivity spectrum data for the colors if you are trying to accomplish something specific. I didn't realize they sent out those swatchbooks free - thanks Valdyr! I've been sitting on a GAM book for like ten years, not wanting to chop it up! Now I can! *eyes scissors with an evil grin*
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Hehe, yes, I also went through the "stained glass window" phase when I was in college. That's also a lot of fun, lol!
But yeah, no problem, glad I could help!
[not saved alone, but together we are exiled] |
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Deuterium
Location: PNW
Gender: Male
| | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 26 on 6/25/2007 8:08 AM >
| | | | Posted by LuminousAphid
I actually just bought the accessories kit that MAG sells and it comes with an extra lens and red/blue filters, and also a little cover that allows you to quickly put the filter on and off without unscrewing the whole lens assembly. I think it works fine. It definitely is a lot darker, but I think that's good considering that I'd want to use them for concealment in places where I don't want a lot of light giving me away. It's certainly enough to see by in order to move around, at least. I wouldn't want to use any filter if it can be avoided, because I think it would detract from the experience. I have explored a place at night with red filters, then came back during the day and had a much better time because I could actually see colors!
So yeah, it works, just kind of takes away from the experience.
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I don't see the point of using red. Look at those rear flashers on bikes. Red is actually pretty darn visible.
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LuminousAphid
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Gender: Male
Armchair Explorer
| | | | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 27 on 6/25/2007 6:55 PM >
| | | | Posted by Deuterium
I don't see the point of using red. Look at those rear flashers on bikes. Red is actually pretty darn visible.
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I'd say it's less visible than a bare bright white luxeon LED. Of course if you're shining the light right at someone they will see it from your lens, but the throw is much less visible in red. Also supposed to help night vision apparently. I don't know the science if there even is any, but I would guess something about less red receptor cells in your eyes so that they don't get as blown out when you decide to see in the dark.
Really though I just wanted to indulge in some geekiness. It can't hurt, in any case.
"See you guys, you never listen to me. I said there was gonna be trouble but you didn't listen to me. You guys are crazy. You know, you guys are self destructive. There's a funny farm and it has your names written all over it. But I'm gettin' out of here. I'm... I smell ice cream!" |
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Speed
Location: Philly area
Gender: Male
Retired Explorer
| | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 28 on 6/25/2007 7:36 PM >
| | | | a bit off topic but worth mentioning,
I just replaced my 4d mag with one of these:
http://www.lowes.c...il=desc&lpage=none
and I am very very pleased. I used it this past saturday for a pretty good amount of time and the thing is hella bright it also renders colors rather nicely if you light paint with it.
a bit pricey but it carries a lifetime guarantee.
R.I.P. NickSan | R.I.P. Don Corleyone |
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mahogany
| | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 29 on 6/26/2007 3:16 AM >
| | | | I would definitely go with an LED light, whether headlamp , and/or flashlight. Almost all of my lights are LEDs. You never have to change a bulb, and the run time is good. I have a surefire L4, and a raw NS and an AA mag with the LED conversion. Both the Surefire and Raw NS are very bright. The AA mag is useful as the runtime is much longer than the surefire.
[last edit 6/26/2007 3:17 AM by mahogany - edited 1 times]
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LuminousAphid
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Gender: Male
Armchair Explorer
| | | | Re: MAG LED
<Reply # 30 on 6/26/2007 6:34 AM >
| | | | Posted by mahogany
I would definitely go with an LED light, whether headlamp , and/or flashlight. Almost all of my lights are LEDs. You never have to change a bulb, and the run time is good. I have a surefire L4, and a raw NS and an AA mag with the LED conversion. Both the Surefire and Raw NS are very bright. The AA mag is useful as the runtime is much longer than the surefire.
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Yes, LED is good. I bought a petzl LED headlamp after this and actually now use it more than the maglite now. Multiple brightness levels, cool geeky filters, and it's very lightweight. I've been using it a lot and the battery indicator says it's still at least 70% charged. Plus, you can wear it on yo head!!!
"See you guys, you never listen to me. I said there was gonna be trouble but you didn't listen to me. You guys are crazy. You know, you guys are self destructive. There's a funny farm and it has your names written all over it. But I'm gettin' out of here. I'm... I smell ice cream!" |
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