multiple brightness levels on incand lamps?

[cognitivefun]

A big advantage of luxeons is that they work on any brightness.

What type of lamps allow for multiple brightnesses? I have heard that for many lamp types, lower voltages will shorten bulb life...are there lamps where this is not so?

 

[kongfuchicken]

Not that I know of. SF makes two incan models that have a second lamp inside to provide the low mode.
The limitation you mentionned is pretty much why.

 

[chumley]

I have a Black Diamond Supernova headlamp that has 3 brightness levels with the xenon bulb. Also the Princeton Tec Yukon Extreme headlamp has a bulb with duel filaments for 2 brightness levels. Regular flashlights don't seem to offer different output levels.

 

[modamag]

I have a prototype light with ONE PR bulb. It basically have soft start and three level of brightness and runs off 3xCR123 or 8xAA. At high mode it's slightly dimmer than an WA1274.

 

[greenLED]

BD headlamps ROOOOOOLE! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[leukos]

I have a $22 Vector spotlight that has 3 brightness settings. I've only had it a year and don't use it all that often, but given the sturdiness of car headlamps, I'm not too worried about it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Unicorn]

Car headlamps have two filaments so they can have the two brightness levels (unless I'm misunderstanding you and you are saying that the Vector is using a car headlamp type lamp/bulb, then oops).

Maybe a bulb without any type of halogen gas fill? Kind of like a regular household bulb.

 

[leukos]

My car's headlamps only have one filament, but there is a set for the low beam and a set for the high beam.
My comment was that headlamps seem sturdy because of all the abuse they take from being jostled over potholes, exposed to heat and cold, and they work for years.
My spotlight probably is a dumb design by Vector because it will decrease the bulb life, but my point is that a headlamp bulb is as good as any to take the abuse of variable output circuitry. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Phaserburn]

The SL-20X and 35X have an electronic tailcap available that continuously dims/brightens the light with a push button. Also has a strobe feature. I think it's so LEOs can read things up close without blinding themselves.