Head Lamp Design

[LFTDJEEP426]

I just made a headlamp for hunting. I was hoping to get some comments/suggestions/criticism on my design.

Here is what I came up with.
I bought a 3' piece of aluminum strap at ACE - $4
4509 bulb at Napa - $13.50
I bought a stainless hose clamp - $2
bought two alligator clamps for the battery - $1.50/ea
20' green extension cord from ACE - $6
I already had a hardhat but they run about - $10
TOTAL - $28.50 ($38.50 if you don't have a hard hat)

I bent the strap to fit the contour of the helmet (2 pieces for top and bottom.) then riveted it to the helmet. I then riveted the hose clamp to the strap. I took a piece of 3/8 hose and cut it on the bottom side to wrap around the bulb to give the hose clamp something to hold to. then wired the bulb with the extension cord and D-O-N-E!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii151/LFTDJEEP426/IMG_0804.jpg
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii151/LFTDJEEP426/IMG_0805.jpg
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii151/LFTDJEEP426/IMG_0806.jpg
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii151/LFTDJEEP426/IMG_0807.jpg

Of course I had to paint it camo..... because you have to paint everything camo.... :toothy10: I used it saturday morning and it worked flawlessly. It is a little heavy up front mostly due to the weight of the bulb but it was fine for the 30 to 45 minutes I wore it. If only I didn't have the motor problems that morning it would have been an excellent hunt.....

[Ramblin' Man]

Bright lights will scare ducks!

[LFTDJEEP426]

no lights will crash boats..... :occasion14

I hear you, and I only used it to cruise the canal at speed, I turned it off once we were heading the last mile or so into our spot for that reason.

[Ramblin' Man]

Just kidding with ya, its Kinan,

[LFTDJEEP426]

HA! Did you hear my motor locked up..... figures. I'm going to try and tear into it tonight but I'm not very optimistic....

[Raul G]

Great work! I was given a frogger hat light a few years ago- still going strong, much better than a handheld light and it emits a real powerful beam. I priced it at $90. Since I have relocated the battery up front, I replaced the alligator clips with a 12V plug in the back. The light is where I need it- where I am looking when running. You've got a winner there! I would add an additional shrink wrap/or tape on the two terminals to prevent a short. Mine does not have one, but perhaps an inline fuse would be a good idea?

[LFTDJEEP426]

Thanks for the props on the light. I like it alot!

And to the Ramblin' Man..... I spoke to soon on the motor. Everything is fine, I just had the gear shift bind which was holding everything up. Ran it this weekend with no problems! Thank Goodness! :toothy10:

[DAKOTA31400]

How to you keep that teathered hat on your head when you move around?

[LFTDJEEP426]

Its just a regular hard hat so it has the internal tightening harness/strap and that keeps it tight on your head. I don't wear it when I'm setting out decoys just when I'm running the boat.

[Reddfin]

Very nice. I like the DIY aspect.:occasion14

Regards,
Tony

[novaalex]

OK we know how much it cost you for the parts and the public will pay you for your creativity and ingeniuty, How much for members?