Because the superior camera can sometimes be used in a spotter without an illuminator there are two switches in two separate circuits. The upper switch powers only the cam and monitor. The lower switch is for the illuminator and works just like the tail switch of the torch: Half press to change the power level and full press to lock on. Switches have a visual reference - if the IR button is 'in' you left it on. The single IR battery lasts the same as an AS led in a single cell 'T' torch. Both switches can of course be turned on at the same time with two fingers.
The entire single cell torch body is used and if you are ever unfortunate enough to run over the spotter it can be removed and used with the tail cap that is supplied with it... assuming you are strong enough to defeat the Loctite retainer.
It will be supplied as default with a 50mm lens that is ideal for bunny and fox - at the expense of being too zoomed in for close range use such as ratting ETC. A 25mm alternative lens can be supplied if specified but I would recommend you just buy one from ebay for usually under £20 if you prefer a wide angle view so you can optimise for each role.
The machined handle is chunkier than my older one's to better fill the hand and a smaller section to wrap a finger round so it requires less grip to retain it. It has a twist grip action that tensions a steel band around the torch body to allow a degree of articulation to account for bonnet drops etc: Unscrew it to slacken and rotate the unit and lightly screw it up - it only needs nipping up gently.
There is an M6 thread in the base of the handle that allows a powerful rubberised magnet to screw into it. Be advised though that the M6 thread is very fine and an attempt to tighten it up will strip the threads - it should therefore only be used as a means of placing the spotter in a suitable location. A metal bush fitting will possibly be available soon. If the magnet idea doesn't work out due to thread stripping etc I reserve the right to remove this aspect.
I know some shooters like to get on it like a car bonnet, but perhaps not to this extreme.
Or maybe use a metal post or building:
Or a farm gate you happen to be hiding behind or resting on:
The monitor can be shifted a few inches away from the unit - or much further away, perhaps inside the truck using 1 meter extension cables at £5 each if ordered with the spotter. The very powerful rubber based magnet can be unscrewed from the base of the handle. A block connector has been used for the final part of the IR LED circuit so it is easily removed by the user in case it fails or a new LED spec becomes available rather than send it back to me for repair.
Two illuminator options are available, A T38 that is suitable for most of us - or a Black Sun T50 for improved bragging rights.
Buyer supplies the 3 flat top 18650's needed to operate it, I generally use 'free' one's rescued from duff laptop batteries:
This is how you fit and replace the batteries:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNOhhMY1UsE
A small video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTLdsDV6PNU
Price is £250 collected or £260 posted RMSD to UK postcodes for a T38 AS IR equipped model.
Price is £270 collected or £280 posted RMSD to UK postcodes for a Black Sun T50 AS IR model.
I'll be adding to this later....
