LED Flashlights and Infrared (IR), What you need to make it work

Recently the question has come up several times, why won't my NVG work with my LED flashlight?

The user generally has a good handle on their equipment and how it works and they are disappointed with their new LED flashlight when it will not put out IR light. Since the question/problem has arisen several times, it's time we address the issue.

Our old ICAN lights produced light by passing an electrical current through a filament between two electrodes. The result was the filament glowed brightly producing useable light. Since the primary reaction of the device was actually heat and fire, the useable light was actually a secondary product from which we sought benefit. The light that was being produced was in the entire frequency bandwidth from IR to UV. Obviously the portion we are usually concerned with is what we can see. To use the IR or UV bands, we would simply filter out what we didn't want, leaving the required band available for our use.

When LED flashlights hit the main stream, soldiers, law enforcement officers, helicopter pilots and hunters alike immediately complained about the lack of useable light with their much brighter LED flashlights. Followed closely by "Even without a filter, I can hardly see with an LED flashlight or it is really, really dim,there must be something wring with the LED flashlight.

To diagnose the problem, users were trying all sorts of remedies before calling for an explaination. Turning the white light on without a filter, provided only marginal results. Generally in the presence of a bright white light, NVG can be damaged quite quickly because they gather useable light. With an unrestricted ICAN light, the wearer of NVGs can have sudden pain and even eye damage if a white light is shone at NVGs. Not to mention the shear lunacy of having to perform a "low-light" / "no light" operation by using a flashlight. Kinda makes NVGs pointless, yes?

So what is the problem and how can it be fixed?

Well, LEDs are actually really small computers. They are designed to produce light at only a certain frequency that we can see. I'll not go into the human eye and the frequencies here; a quick internet search will give you tons of information. Unlike ICAN bulbs that produce light across all frequencies, LED only produces light in the visible band. This makes LEDs much more efficient since they do not waste power on light that can't been seen anyway. In the case of IR, we specifically want IR light and no visible light.

SInce LEDs can be designed to produce light at a certain bandwidth, it becomes immediately apparent, we need an LED designed to produce light in the IR bandwidth if we intend to use it with NVGs.

There are several solutions available to meet your needs. There are helmet mounted IR emitters that produce a very small amount of IR light for navigation with NVGs or instrument reading in aircraft. There are dedicated IR emitters, generally intended to be mounted on a weapon that will produce sufficient IR light to acquire a target. And there are flashlights that are equipped with White LEDs and IR LEDs so the light can be used for multiple purposes.

Like the incandescent bulbs replaced by white LEDs, LED infrared emitters are very efficient, last for thousands of hours and provide IR in the required bandwidth to be used by NV equipment.

If you are searching for a light for an IR application, please call our custom service team at (888) 308-9661 and we will be glad to help you out.

LED Flashlights and HID Lighting & Equipment, Tactical LEDs

  LEDs are here to stay and in the near future, LEDs may well be the sole source of light we use everyday in our homes. We have recognized LED Technology is an important source of portable lighting for public servants.  Though LEDs have become  more popular it is somewhat hard to find what your looking for.  At Tactical LEDs we carry a huge inventory of this light source in many forms.  From police flashlights, LED flashlights, LED headlights, HID lighting and equipment and tactical flashlights, we have it all! Visit us online at www.tacticalleds.com and call 888-308-9661 with questions.

Tactical LED's Has An Amazing Inventory

 No more searching for Tactical LEDs.  All you need to do is log on to www.tacticalleds.com . We're sure your going to find what you need.  We have a vast inventory of LED tactical Flashlights, Police Flashlights, LED headlights, HID lighting equipment, LED flashlights.  Call 888-308-9661 with any questions you may have.

Each kit includes:

• The Tomahawk MC White/Red/Green (white light at 120 lumens, plus a ring of red and green LEDs)
• An Ultraviolet or Blue Task Light
• Tomahawk TRS MOLLE mounting system in Foliage Green or Tan
• Two Retention System Finger Loops
• CR123 Lithium Batteries
• Instruction Manual

MADE TO PERFORM IN THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST MEDICAL ENVIRONMENTS.
Geared with the tactical medical professional in mind, our medic-specific systems and packages improve safety and performance through:
INCREASED SURVIVABILITY.
We've taken a potentially targeted light source away from the Soldier's head and moved it to the most protected part of the Soldier's body - the chest.
REDUCED OUTPUT SIGNATURE.
The Tomahawk TC3 system reduces a light's output signature by:

• Utilizing a non-glaring wavelength (red/green mix)
• Orienting the LED's downward to "shield" them from direct view
• Decreasing light movement (when compared to head- or helmet-mounted lights)

BLOOD "HIGHLIGHTING."
A proprietary mix of red and green LEDs, operated at the appropriate wavelength and brightness setting, will "highlight" red fluids like blood, while subduing other colored fluids. This allows for quicker casualty assessment and treatment, especially when multiple fluids are present.
THE TOMAHAWK TASK LIGHT (TTL).
Until now, medics have had to carry multiple lights of various sizes, from small penlights to large and fragile ultraviolet lights. The TTL incorporates a single 5mm LED into the battery cap of the Tomahawk and is available in two colors:

• Blue - ideal for use with fluorescein strips or drops
• UV - to fluoresce certain fungal and bacterial infections

Finest LED Tactical Flashlights and LED & HID Light Equipment

 Tactical LED's is a great source for LED tactical LED flashlights, police flashlights, LED headlights, LED bike lights, Camping LED's, and so much more.  Ordering is easy and shipping is quick.  Log on to www.tacticalleds.com to view all our amazing products.  Please call us at 888-308-9661 with any questions. At Tactical LEDs we are dedicated to bringing you the finest LED and HID lighting equipment in the world. We are real people with a real inventory. We stock nearly every item we sell
Provides superior distance and peripheral vision. Used on bike helmet or handlebar (adjustments required). Multiple modes enable light intensities to be adjusted; meant for High Speed Sports.
Light Emissions

• 300 Lumens
• 30 Field of Vision
• Distance Vision: 200 - 250 ft (60 - 76 m)
• Peripheral Vision: 60 ft (18 m)

Features

• 4 White LEDs
• Quick Tilt (90)
• Tap Switch
• Battery Power Pack Belt
• Bike Mount

LED Weapon Lights, LED Tactical Flashlights, Safety Flares & More

 Order all your tactical LED eqiupment from Tactial LED at  www.tactialleds.com or call 888-308-9661.  We carry everything from LED tactical flashlights,LED safety flares, LED headlights, LED weapon lights, batteries and chargers and so much more.
Elzetta's ZFL-M60 LED Tactical Weapon Light boasts patent- pending Malkoff Devices Technology, rated at 235 honest lumens out the front (not rated at the emitter like competitive units). Benefits include optical beam projection for uniform lighting, electronic current management circuitry for optimized battery life, fully potted electrical components for ruggedized performance, and a patent pending heat sink mechanism for efficient thermal management.
ZFL-M60 Bodies, Bezels, and Tailcaps are constructed of Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum. Bodies feature circumferential grooves which may be fitted with O-rings (included) for an enhanced fit in Elzetta Tactical Flashlight Holders, providing a complete Elzetta Illumination System.
Like all Elzetta products, ZFL-M60 Tactical Lights are Made in the USA.

Police Flashlights, LED Flashlights From Tactical LED

 Tactical LED's online store has a full inventory of LED flashlights, LED headlights, police flashlights and LED tactical flashlights.  Visit us at www.tacticalleds.com and call 888-308-9661,
Serious light output from a compact, sculpted aluminum body that's rugged and features two output levels. It's nearly impossible to relegate this beauty to the junk drawer.

• High-strength aluminum body with open architecture design; effectively dissipates heat and fits comfortably in the hand
• Durable power-regulated LED maximizes output and runtime; never needs replacing
• Micro-textured reflector creates a smooth, powerful beam
• Ergonomic "clickie" tailcap switch allows for easy switching between two output levels
• Powered by one AA alkaline battery; included
• Sealed with O-rings; waterproof to one meter for
  30 minutes.

• light output - 50/6 lumens
• runtime -  3/70 hours
• length - 4.5 inches
• weight - 3.8 ounces
• waterproof - up to 1 meter
• battery - one AA alkaline

LED Flashlights, Tactical Flashlights, Online Ordering From Tactical LED's

 The Solo flashlight is proof positive that it takes the right combination of functionality, portability, and design to transform a simple everyday item like the pen light into something essential.  Tactical LED is the perfect place to order any tactical flashlights or headlights.   We have so many different LED tactical flashlights to choose from!  Log on to www.tacticalleds.com to view all our products or call 888-308-9661.
Solo's highly efficient dual-output LED and its micro-textured reflector produce a smooth, versatile beam at two useful levels. It's durable high-strength aluminum body weighs just over two ounces and is sleek and nearly as compact as your favorite pen and fits nicely into a pocket, purse or pack.
And, with its ergonomic lines and attractive color, its every bit as elegant as a fine writing instrument. Solo even has a sturdy pocket clip to make sure it stays put wherever you decide to carry it. Because, with all Solo has going for it, you wont be able to leave home without having it along for the ride.