Optronics Nightblaster 250 scopelight

utahpredator_7

utahpredator_7

New member
Cabelas has these on sale for 50 bucks right now. Are they any good? I have an optronics 2 mil candlepower spotlight but the battery is only good for 3 stands! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angry-smiley-055.gif
 
If you like the price, buy it, get a bigger 6 volt battery plus a spare, hook up a dimmer and you'll be good to go. A bigger battery with a dimmer will last longer...........you don't need that much "full-on" power to light up eyes, and remember, 250 yards is the advertised distance WITHOUT the red lens. Cut that in half with the lens on.......any questions pm me...........


John
 
Try it out first. If your not happy with it try this. Change the bulb to a 12V 55,75,or 100watt bulb and get a 12V battery pack from Batteries Plus and have way more light and at less expense than a light force or other expensive lights. Just a recomendation, I did that to mine and have been happy with it ever since.
 
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Try it out first. If your not happy with it try this. Change the bulb to a 12V 55,75,or 100watt bulb and get a 12V battery pack from Batteries Plus and have way more light and at less expense than a light force or other expensive lights. Just a recomendation, I did that to mine and have been happy with it ever since.



How are you coping with the heat from the light? Any plastic melting problems?

John

P.S. Good Tip!!
 
The heat generated by the 100w bulb was enough to melt the plastic lens in to a blob of plastic. I went to the local glass shop and had them cut me a piece to fit like the original did. Solved that problem! Next was to drill some vent holes behind the bulb housing to allow the inside of the light to breath and keep cool.
I still use all of the original wiring that came with the light and have had no problems with the switch either. Hope this will help ya out. Later.
 
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The heat generated by the 100w bulb was enough to melt the plastic lens in to a blob of plastic. I went to the local glass shop and had them cut me a piece to fit like the original did. Solved that problem! Next was to drill some vent holes behind the bulb housing to allow the inside of the light to breath and keep cool.
I still use all of the original wiring that came with the light and have had no problems with the switch either. Hope this will help ya out. Later.



I have a Lightforce myself, and when the original bulb burns out, I'm going to replace it with one of less wattage, it will still get "out there" and use less of the battery as well......

John
 
I purchased the 350 yard Optronics and, while it will shine eyes to 350 and maybe beyond, it was not possible to make positive identification of the animal beyond 75 yards (w/red lens in place). Since I hunt on ranches which have endangered cats, this was not acceptable, so switched to lightforce. The lightforce shines (Pardon the pun), but the trade-off is size/weight/cost.

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Try it out first. If your not happy with it try this. Change the bulb to a 12V 55,75,or 100watt bulb and get a 12V battery pack from Batteries Plus and have way more light and at less expense than a light force or other expensive lights. Just a recommendation, I did that to mine and have been happy with it ever since.



WOY: This sounds very promising, as I still have the Optronics and a standard size 12v battery salvaged from a rechargeable spotlight (not to mention that I could use the lightforce 12v battery w/dimmer). Where do you get said bulbs? Could you give more details regarding the holes you drilled (size, how many, etc.)? Picture would be nice. Also, does heat affect the red lens, or is there enough air space between it and the glass lens?

Which bulb did you choose? Did you use same size battery as the original or go to larger one, and about how long will it last between charges? Sorry for all the questions, but really interested in your experience. Thanks for the tip(s).

Regards,
hm
 
You can pick up the bulbs at auto parts stores. I think they are an H-3 model, I would have to check for sure on mine. They are just an automotive headlight type replacement.
I modified the 100yd model. I don't know about the other 250/350 model as far as to where to drill the holes. I evenly spaced them around the entire light housing. The holes are 1/4 in.
This light is not my primary light source. I use a hand held mostly until under 400 yds. When I used the light it would be on for maybe 2 min. at the longest time. That is plenty of time. The red lens may get hotter on your model but try it an see.
I bought a battery that was 12v 8amp/hr rating and it hasn't let me down yet. I use the gun light as a secondary light! So I have really not tested it out full on for the life of the battery to give you a number of hours it will last. But I like my set up and from what I have read on other posts I wouldn't trade it for anything out there.
 
WOY:
Thanks a lot for the tips. I will have to look at the catalog, but IIRC the 100 yard model is longer than the 350 which might help in keeping heat off of the red lens. Any rate, I think I'll give it a try now that I know where to look for the bulbs. My battery is also 8 ah and would use light as you do, in conjunction w/hand held. Thanks again.

Regards,
hm

PS
UP7: Didn't mean to get off subject, but WOY has a good fix if you're not happy with the Optronics 250, so not totally off subject.

Another thought is to get an extra battery so you can swap out in the field to double your hunting time.
 
Hmmm...there's an auto parts store on the way home..I have a few bucks...and I've BEEN itchin' to rework/improve my night hunting gear! Now I just have to find another crazy person that's willing to put up with the heat and bugs! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
What about the 512 model? I think it's around $55. I'm looking at the 512 and the Nite Lite scope package. Anybody have experience with the Nite Lite scope light? Check out at blosehollow.com
 
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john1951 Where does one find a dimmer to hook up to the 350 yard optronics Thanks.

I would like to know this as well......Thanks Jeff /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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john1951 Where does one find a dimmer to hook up to the 350 yard optronics Thanks.



Sorry for the delay guys, was working and no computer access. Here's a link to paste, let me know if it works ok. If not, go to www.zaneinc.com.

http://www.zaneinc.com/user/Ds-amd-r.pdf

These guys make dimmers for lighting, both 12 and 6 volt D.C. If you get one and need help hooking it up, PM me........

Regards,

John
 
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