Newbie: how do I recognize a HID spotlight?

[graphicator]

I have been looking for a HID spotlight over here in the Netherlands. (Something in the range of the Sam's Club spotlight.)
I have not been able to find the spotlights that are being discussed in this forum. If I encounter an unknown brand, how can I tell it's a HID and not a halogen?

Is there a difference in voltage of the accu? Or can I tell from the shape of the bulb?

Anything helps.

 

[65535]

Look for a light without a fillament if there is a filament its Halo. If there isn't it could go either way broken or hid.

 

[NAW]

HID lights will have a wire that is outside of the bulb that runs vertical to the bulb. I believe its called the ignition wire...

Heres a picture that was taken on the other forum...

 

[winny]

If it is a HID, it will say "HID" on the package. Period.

 

[Ra]

Hi Graphicator,

Het is altijd leuk nederlanders te ontmoeten op CPF !!
( Its always nice to meet dutch people at CPF !)

The problem we have here in Holland (and propably in Europe) is that there are no manufacturers here yet, that sell HID-spotlights. Our region always is far behind if it comes to techniques like this. I hope this will change in the nearby future.

Ofcource, I had the same problem: In the US you can find very big and powerfull spotlights like the Cyclops Platinum Thor 15Mcp or the Sam's or Amondotech HID's. In Holland we only have smaller 1 or 2 Mcp spotlights. Yes, there are exeptions: Kijkshop frequently sells a bigger 3.5Mcp spotlight, but with poor quality!

I found the solution in paying alot for shipping a few 15Mcp thors from the US, and modified them here with some quality stuff. I found the Cyclops Thor to be the best quality host for modding: Everything is detachable (with screws), there is a lot of room inside, and tho very big, it still is quite portable by means of the nice, soft handle on top.

The most powerfull mod I made is the Maxablaster (the torch on my avatar): I coverted the Thor 15M into a ultra powerfull megathrower: 50,000,000 candlepower (calibrated measurement), about 5miles throw. To compare: the original Thor 15M gives 400,000 cp and about 0.5 miles throw!

So, the only advise I can give is: Try to ship a HID or easily modifyable halogen-spotlight from far, far away. For now, I think its the only option you have!

I have kept my eyes wide open for any HID-spotlight in Holland for years now, if I see one, you'll be the first to know !

And to answer your next question: I got my Thors from Ebay, but they are not always around! I payed 79$ total for one Cyclops Platinum Thor 15Mcp. (39$ for spotlight 40$ shipping).

Any further questions, please ask..


Groetjes,

Ra.

 

[graphicator]

Thanks for the information!

 

[Ra]

If it is a HID, it will say "HID" on the package. Period.

Sorry Winny,

I must correct you a bit on that!: Did you ever see those crappy, filtered halogen car-bulbs with "HID" written on the box !?? They are more like "LIH" (Low Intensity Halogen)..

Do a Ebay-search for "HID" and you'll see what I mean !


Regards,

Ra.

 

[graphicator]

:thanksHartstikke bedankt) Thanks, Ra!

If I have any questions I'll ask you.
I'll look into your advice and see what I can afford myself at the moment.
I am a bit low on money and free time at the moment.
The main reason for me to buy a HID is to spot scouts at our spothike.
I have a mag85, that's great portable fun, but not quite enough light. Most of the time I stay in the car and my passenger handles the spotlight. So weight is not a problem.

Thanks again for sharing your info with me. It saves me the time looking for a HID light over here.

 

[graphicator]

Ra, I'll PM you for some technical advice.

I am interested to know what kind of work goes into modding the Thor.
Maybe it goes over my head and is it better to look for someone who is willing to ship a good priced HID to the Netherlands.

 

[winny]

I must correct you a bit on that!: Did you ever see those crappy, filtered halogen car-bulbs with "HID" written on the box !?? They are more like "LIH" (Low Intensity Halogen)..

Hello there Ra!

I know exactly what you mean, but...
With your superior knowledge, I assume you have taken your Calculus and you know your => and <=> so please read what I have written again.

 

[NAW]

graphicator,

just remember the ballast, bulb, batteries, etc will be very expensive and to mod a Thor will cost you some big bucks.

You can get a Harbor Freight HID or AmondoTech Illuminator HID and although they aren't going to throw as far as a Maxablaster, they will save you some cash.

 

[XeRay]

Hello there Ra!

I know exactly what you mean, but...
With your superior knowledge, I assume you have taken your Calculus and you know your => and <=> so please read what I have written again.

Since HID is a bragging point it will most likely say it on the box but it might also say HID on the box when it is NOT true. "Caveat Emptor"

 

[winny]

XeRay,

Very true indeed!
If anyone is having trouble telling a HID from a non-HID, they should seek professional help on this forum.

 

[NAW]

XeRay,
If anyone is having trouble telling a HID from a non-HID, they should seek professional help on this forum.

Well, you don't neccesarily have to be a proffesional. I'm not a proffesional.

One other thing you can do if you are looking at the box, is to see the price tag. HID lights come much more expensive than non HID lights.

 

[winny]

NAW,

People don't get me well today. One last clarification, then I'm gone for now.
"Professional help" is most used for mental problems, or possibly physical. I tried to pull a joke with using "professional help" for getting your brain all screwed up by spending too much time on CPF and learning everything you need about HIDs in the meantime, with both using "help" when they in fact is getting the opposite and the more obvious double meaning of "professional help" being funny, at least in my world. Ah screw it...
:toilet:

 

[Ra]

XeRay,

Very true indeed! I said nothing other.
If anyone is having trouble telling a HID from a non-HID, they should seek professional help on this forum.

Yep !! And that is exactly what Graphicator did !!


Sorry that we did not understand you the way you wanted, we are all just humans (well,,,sort off...) No harm done I hope? You still are a good bloke..:thumbsup:


Regards,

Ra.