Need a light for filling out forms, etc.

beezaur

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Apr 15, 2003
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1,234
Hi Guys,

I have a special purpose need that maybe you can help me out with -- I need a low-intensity light to use for filling out forms, reading and writing narratives, and the like.

I will use this mostly with clipboards, but not always. It should be essentially hands-free. Headlamps are out for other headgear, so I am thinking maybe some light that can clip to the zipper of a jacket.

It could also be something like an attachment to deflect a flashlight's light sideways, a kind of a lampshade of sorts. It wouldn't necessarily have to clip to anything. It just needs to light a flat area and stay put, for example, on a clipboard on my lap in a moving vehicle.

It should be weather resistant and provide several hours' runtime, preferrably LED, and flood is good.

I will use this both standing and sitting.

Any ideas?

Scott
 

X33

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Jul 28, 2004
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What about the Inova 24/7? It has a strong metal clip at the back. 4 white 5mmm LEDs with two brightness settings. Runs about 5 hours on one 123 cell IIRC. Also a nice red light setting and more. If you get the accessory pack with the light, that includes a magnetic holder that swivels 90 degrees and a neck lanyard and head strap. my two cent.
 

deranged_coder

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Dec 22, 2004
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Have you looked into book lights? I have seen several at bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Borders) that can clip onto a clipboard or back of a book and the light is a goose-neck type. Here is a photo of one I happen to have lying around, clipped to a book:

Booklight.jpg


That one pictured above uses coin cells but I have seen others that use AA batteries so it would be easy to use rechargeables.
 

SolarFlare

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Photon III key chain light 3 brightess levels and other settings. You can use the split ring to put it on a zipper. You can hold it between your teeth or theres a clip here http://www.cfrlights.com/photonlight.html for boards or caps. They're cheap and run for a long time plus a lifetime warranty and cheap cells, plus a multitude of colours like red if you want to preserve your night vision.
 

Joseph

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Feb 10, 2004
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ear%20light%2001.jpg


I think this is the best light for your use.
You can find this at ebay.. Do search for "ear light" at ebay.

Joseph
 

beezaur

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Joined
Apr 15, 2003
Messages
1,234
Wow, you guys are great!

I like the looks of the Pelican VB3 and the Quiqlite, and I like the 24/7 too. I might be getting into national-level disaster work though, so I don't know about battery availability for coin cells and airline travel for the 24/7 (they seem to be getting sticky with 123 lithiums).

I can't use anything that will go in my mouth because of my fire department service. I will activate the light with gloved hands. . .

If there was a good way to attach an Infinity to my clothes and aim it too, that would be perfect. In fact, that is the light that I use for this role now. It just gets a little awkward holding it and writing, especially standing up.

The Streamlight ClipMate is maybe a little big, but it looks like the leader so far. Any other goose necks? I kinda like that idea.

Scott
 

Stanley

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Jul 10, 2003
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Canberra, Australia
On top of the already mentioned great choices above, you should take a look at the Gerber Inferno and Gerber Mantis, which I think might fit the bill too....

Oh don't forget the UKE 2AAA eLed, which comes with a clip that'll clip to a baseball cap bill, might also work on your shirt collar too.
 

flashlite

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May 10, 2004
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PA
I wonder if you could remove a PT Aurora from its headband and instead, attach it to a neck lanyard or some kind of clip. Since the light pivots, you could point it at your forms.
 
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