Red LED lights for night vision retention

[Dealmaker]

I haven't seen any red ights that I like, but I did come across these...
http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/Products/Dotitlights/AdditionalInformation.htm

does anyone have these? Is it possible to swap out the white LED's with red LED's? Has anyone seen any other good options for red lights?

[expat]

Both Joel and I have used the ones in your picture. Great for camping. Not seen red lights. What is the advantage of red?

[bulldog]

BMW has been using red for lighting the interior and instrument panel for ages. Apprently it requires less efforts for eyes to adapt from red light to dark or low light levels, does it blinds you less at night. ANyway that is the theory as I understand it.

[Mikestang]

Since red is the longest visible wavelength it doesn't dilate your pupils as much so your eyes don't need to adjust as much to red light in darkness. I think that's how it works.

Edit - Here's the 411, not really relevant, but interesting none-the-less: In biological night vision, molecules of rhodopsin in the rods of the eye undergo a change in shape as light is absorbed by them. The peak rhodopsin build-up time for optimal night vision in humans is 30 minutes. Rhodopsin in the human rods is insensitive to the longer red wavelengths of light, so many people use red light to preserve night vision as it will not deplete the eye's rhodopsin stores in the rods and instead is viewed by the cones.

[Dealmaker]

Thanks guys. I'll probably do the Dot It lights too as it seems like the easiest and cheapest solution.

[Joel]

Where are you planning on mounting them? You may be able to source some red film or even some plastic paint that will make the light red.

[Teotwaki]

I haven't seen any red ights that I like, but I did come across these...
http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/Products/Dotitlights/AdditionalInformation.htm

does anyone have these? Is it possible to swap out the white LED's with red LED's? Has anyone seen any other good options for red lights?

Pep Boys Automitive carries them in the stores, about $10

[Dealmaker]

Various places, in hte Thule cargo box, inside the Runner cargo area, etc. Some clear red film is a good idea. I'm not too concerned about the night vision washout, but would prefer something with red light if it's easily available.

Where are you planning on mounting them? You may be able to source some red film or even some plastic paint that will make the light red.

[expat]

In the latest Harbor Freight catalogue it shows two ads.

One for white LED's like some of us have. The other is for what looks like the exact same thing but with red LED's but it does not say they are wireless like the white ones. Simply says they are good for trail lights.

You might want to give them a call.

Cheers
Mark

[Dealmaker]

Thanks Mark. What's the item number and I'll try to find it on their web site.

In the latest Harbor Freight catalogue it shows two ads.

One for white LED's like some of us have. The other is for what looks like the exact same thing but with red LED's but it does not say they are wireless like the white ones. Simply says they are good for trail lights.

You might want to give them a call.

Cheers
Mark

[expat]

Sorry Pierre,

Looking more closely, these may not be what you are after...anyhow....

Lot # 94795

4" Led Flange Mount Tail Light (they spelt tail - trail, so maybe they are different)

$12.99

(the white ones are $13.99)

[sunandsand]

Here is another option. Contact Daniel R Smith & associates, they are a marine lighting distributor here in south Florida.

They have a 12V red 4 cluster LED board that can, I think, replace the cargo area dome light.

They also have a 9 cluster if you want more lumens

I believe you can find them at www.drsa.com.