Making a headlamp

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Making a headlamp

Postby hardcorecaver » Dec 22, 2005 1:35 pm

I want to make a headlamp for caving. But i do know know where to start. If anybody could help me please
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Postby Phil Winkler » Dec 22, 2005 1:48 pm

Hardcode,

Yep. I'm with you. When I started I, too, explored all the caves in pitch darkness. :) Just joking.

Do a search here on "LED" and you will find many discussions of the latest lighting technology. You can also visit http://www.caves.org for links to cave gear vendors who have many options for helmet mounted lights.
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Let there be light

Postby claustrophobe » Dec 22, 2005 2:11 pm

Hardcore,
There are a brazilian possibilities, but LEDs are probably the way to go. They use a lot less power, are lightweight, and the "bulbs" last almost forever. I started with an old Justrite electric lamp that used a belt mounted battery holder for 4 D-cells, tried a 6-volt gel cell so I could recharge it, bought a Petzl Mega with a a halogen bulb and a back-of-the helmet mounted battrey pack that holds 3 C-cells or 3 AA-cells, and a few other home brew designs.
I just got a Petzl Myo XP LED lamp for $50 on sale from REI. It's about as bright as my old halogen lamp, and a whole lot lighter. It's not the brightest available, but it's a nice piece of gear.
If you like to tinker, there are a number of places to get bulbs, LEDs and batteries. The reflector is probably the most important and most difficult thing to scrounge. You need to be able to change the focus or use some sort of diffuser to broaden the beam occasionally and if you use LEDs, you'll need some bit of circuitry to drive them. Some links:
LED stuff
http://www.photonfanatic.com/
Bob and Bob, lots of parts
http://www.4bobandbob.com/
It just depends how much you want to fool around with the stuff. Have fun.
George Fish, #27463
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Postby ian mckenzie » Dec 22, 2005 4:42 pm

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Re: Making a headlamp

Postby Dan Sullivan » Dec 22, 2005 4:43 pm

hardcorecaver wrote:I want to make a headlamp for caving. But i do know know where to start. If anybody could help me please


If you want to make your own headlight you should PM Bobatnathrop and/or check out this forum.

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/index.p ... ac826bb00&

Jeremy made me an awesome 3 Watt using one of my old Petzl Mega's. He could help you too, if you ask nice. :wink:
Dan Sullivan
 
  


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