Zebralight H501 Part 2

[Lite_me]

While I agree the beacon is not strickly required, I'm thinking that it could be used as a type of location marker. One would not use it when the light was being used as a headlamp. Well maybe if they wanted to keep track of their buddies drinking in the dark or by the fire when they wonder into the woods for... 😉

It flashes so fast, I could see it being used while in that mode. It's just that I'm not sure why you'd need or want to. The only thing I can come up with is if you were trying to be discovered while continuing to move about. (caving)

I like strobe on my lights, but I can't see much reason for one on a headlamp. :shrug:

 

[davidt1]

Reason for strobe? Survival. Rescue. Signaling. It's completely out of the way for those who don't it need. For those who venture far and might get lost and need help, a strobe/beacon/SOS can make a big difference.

Remember this: it's better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Now on a more practical issue, for this light to truly be a task light and a headlamp, Zebralight needs to make the transition from one to another easier. As is, it's too time consuming and requires too many steps. First you have to remove the cap, then the clip, and insert it into the headband and then reattach the cap.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you don't have to remove anything and just clip the light on headband in one step?

Well, I am not holding my breath for Zebralight to be creative here. I will modify the clip and headband to do just that.

 

[bansuri]

Remember this: it's better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. ....

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you don't have to remove anything and just clip the light on headband in one step?.....

Well, I am not holding my breath for Zebralight to be creative here. I will modify the clip and headband to do just that.

David,
I'm coming from an H50 where there is no benefit to taking the cap off as it will just scrape along the threads and o-rings so I've carried those habits forward. Maybe you can skip the removal of the tailcap? I've haven't noticed any stretching of the holder on the headstrap yet, maybe eventually. The pocket clip is definitely a point for improvement of ease of use.
Also, I totally agree with your strobe point, they've designed it so you will probably not be triggering it all the time and I'd rather have it than not.

 

[Marko]

it's too time consuming and requires too many steps. First you have to remove the cap, then the clip, and insert it into the headband and then reattach the cap.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you don't have to remove anything and just clip the light on headband in one step?

Well, I am not holding my breath for Zebralight to be creative here. I will modify the clip and headband to do just that.

Mine arrived today, and I did this holder mod. I just cut some parts off, and now it is possible to leave the clip on with headband. :thumbsup:

 

[Woods Walker]

Petzl Myo XP lock out system

Open

Close

Back to topic,


Thats nice, now its easier to order Q3 5A version. 🙂

That looks more like a reduction in accidental discharge rather than a true lockout like the ZL H501 and H50 has. Also the buttons look a bit like the Tikka XP. If they are then swtich is not like the H501 so going to stand by my statement. I have kept away from most of the pretzl headlamps due to lack of regulation, no lithiums and the issues with using NiMH. I think they have some newer headlamps with regulation and as a plus will not burn my head-off. But wonder about the heat sinks on them.

 

[davidt1]

Marko,

Awesome mod! Are you able to angle the light up or down? I was thinking of something more elaborate because I really want to get rid of that bulky clip. I like your idea a lot. Thanks for sharing.

Edit: I followed you and did the same mod. This one-step headband attachment is quicker and you don't have to worry about losing the clip. Another benefit is that the headband is thinner with the rubber protruding parts removed, making it possible to EDC both the headband and the light in your shirt pocket. This extends the usefulness of the light even more. Good job, dude!

Marko's one-step headband attachment mod

Both headband and light in the same shirt pocket with room to spare.

 

[StandardBattery]

I think this is my project for this evening. I like the benefits of this headband/clip Mod as well.

davidt1, did you answer your own question? After the mod is is still nice an smooth the adjust the light up and down while on the headband?

How comfortable on the forehead is this mod?

 

[Marko]

That looks more like a reduction in accidental discharge rather than a true lockout like the ZL H501 and H50 has. I have kept away from most of the pretzl headlamps due to lack of regulation, no lithiums and the issues with using NiMH.

Yes You are probably right. There is still a possibility to turn it accidentally on (Myo XP) when its on "locked" at Your backpack - if the bezel just turns enough, then it could "unlock". But I think its still better than nothing. :thumbsup:

I'm totally with You about Petzls, those features are just what I have been looking for too (those or fixed pretty good with Myo RXP). I just like the Myo XP because of the good diffuser and common AA cells.

davidt1,
Thanks. I think You have already tried to angle the light - its bit stiff because of the tight clip holder. One thing You have to take care of when cutting the original holder: try to cut corners smooth, otherwise holder could rip when installing the light with clip.

 

[davidt1]

I think this is my project for this evening. I like the benefits of this headband/clip Mod as well.

davidt1, did you answer your own question? After the mod is is still nice an smooth the adjust the light up and down while on the headband?

How comfortable on the forehead is this mod?

While you can't rotate the light like before, adjustment can be made by lowering or raising the headband itself. I find that I don't need to adjust it after all.

It's comfortable. I can't tell the difference between the old way and the new way. This is based on wearing it for 10 minutes.

I took headband off and notice a depression on my forehead. I think I will need to straighten out the clip.

 

[StandardBattery]

I went ahead and modified one of my headbands. I modified the band for my H50, I haven't checked yet if it works well with the H30 clip, but I'm guessing it will work more or less.

I used small flush (close cut) wire cutters to lob off the rings, and used my new Barkie to notch the holder. The clip went on a little stiff and I thought I thought it would not last too many attach/detach cycles. So I then used the Barkie to shave off the raised portion of the mount so that the clip would slide on without excessive force. That glow in the dark material is very soft and could tear easily.

Front:

Back:

 

[LowBat]

Nice work Marko! I may have to copy your idea.

 

[davidt1]

I straightened out the clip. It works much better now. No more depression on the forehead. It clips like a vise grip now.

Yeah, I know. It's ugly. I nearly broke it too.

Shrink tubing added to hide scratches and to improve gripping strength.

It clips like a vise grip on a single sheet of paper.

I used the light while riding my bicycle for 40 minutes today. Although it was attached my head, I only used it on the back of my head on medium as a safety light. It's very light and comfortable, almost to the point of not being there.

 

[jhc37013]

Is buying from Zebralight direct and goingear the only places I can order one from. I live in U.S. and want to get one quickly as possible but with a good repable dealer. It seems from what I've read it can take awhile direct from Zebralight and goingear is out of stock. Thanks

 

[LowBat]

Here's a little trick I did with an H50. Just put a neodymium magnet behind the clip for attaching to metal surfaces. Maybe somehow a magnetic headband attachment is possible.

Please pardon the lack of a closeup setting on my cell phone camera.

 

[wapkil]

A magnet can also be attached to the back of the clip. This way it sticks stronger to the surface and doesn't interfere when the light is being clipped. I used a thin insulated copper wire to fasten it:

I was also thinking about using magnets to attach the light to the headband. I have a fauxton with a sanded red led attached with them but haven't found a good way to do it with H501.

 

[davidt1]

I used it as a headlamp while riding my bicycle tonight. I only used it on poorly lit or dark parts of the street and as a signal light. Having turned the light on and off quickly a dozen times in real-world use, I have to say the responsive switch is a good thing in certain situations.

No, this headlamp is not the best for riding bicycle, but it's pretty good for what it is. If Zebralight keeps on improving, the future of their lights is bright.

 

[parawolfe]

I ordered an H501 from Zebralight and got the shipping notification yesterday. I'm aware that the shipping is via Airmail from China and on Zebralight's site it states 2-3 weeks. I was curious to know how accurate that shipping time was for some of you living in the US? What your experiences were, time wise. I unfortunately wasn't aware of the CPF upgrade to EMS shipping so mine is standard Airmail :shakehead . I live in northern Illinois but it doesn't matter to me where you live in the US. I just want to get an idea of how long it actually took for you to receive it via their Airmail service. Thanks.

Parawolfe

 

[davidt1]

Got mine in 4 weeks. Was not aware of the CPF shipping deal either.

 

[LowBat]

Ordered mine 3/16 which was the first day they became available. I got standard shipping from Shanghai to California. Arrived 4/06, exactly 3 weeks or 21 days later.

 

[parawolfe]

davidt1 & LowBat,

Thanks for the replies. I've never ordered anything from China directly before, not even DX, and wanted to hear from someone who has. It gives me a better idea how long it will take. I'll give it a month before I start to panic From reading Part 1 and Part 2 of this thread, or parts of it, it seems that it's well worth the wait. I can't wait to add it to my kit.

Parawolfe