Infrared LED Lights | Drive Confidently with an IR Light Bar
Trying to sneak into your hunting spot after dark or in the early hours of the morning? An IR LED light is the tool you need. Hunting predators and game at night? Use an infrared spot light to light up your targets over a hundred yards away. Whatever you're trying to do in the dark, a Black Oak LED light along with your night vision setup can help you get it done.
How do Infrared LEDs Work?
Infrared LEDs function similarly to regular LED lights but emit light just beyond the visible spectrum. These lights produce infrared radiation, which is essentially heat energy that can be detected by specialized equipment. This technology allows for illumination that's invisible to the human eye but incredibly useful when paired with the right tools.
Use with Night Vision Optics, Like a Camera, Scope, or Goggles
The real magic happens when you combine IR LEDs with night vision equipment. Whether you're using night vision goggles, scopes, or cameras, these IR lights illuminate your surroundings without visible light. This makes them ideal for wildlife observation, hunting, or any situation where you need to see without being seen.
850 nm vs 940 nm Infrared Lighting: Match the Light Wavelength to Your Intended Use
When it comes to IR LEDs, you have two main options: 850 nm and 940 nm. The difference is in the wavelength of the light coming out of the LED light. There are other options, but people generally choose on of these two.
Each has its strengths:
850 nm:
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Provides better image quality and longer range
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More compatible with most night vision devices and IR cameras
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Produces a faint red glow visible to the human eye
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Generally has a longer lifespan
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Ideal for security cameras, night vision goggles, and applications where image quality is crucial
940 nm:
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Completely invisible to the human eye
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Perfect for covert operations where stealth is paramount
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Shorter range and slightly lower image quality
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Requires specific high-sensitivity cameras for optimal performance
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Suitable for covert surveillance, baby monitoring, and touch screens
For hunting predators like foxes and coyotes, 850 nm is often preferred due to its superior range and image quality. While there's a slight red glow, experience shows it rarely spooks animals.
Uses for IR LED Lighting on Your Vehicle
Infrared LED lighting can significantly enhance your vehicle's capabilities, especially in low-light conditions. Whether you're an avid hunter, an off-road enthusiast, or someone who needs to navigate discreetly, IR LED lighting offers a range of applications. Let's explore how you can leverage this technology to improve visibility, safety, and functionality in various scenarios.
IR Spotlight for Target Identification
As an outdoors enthusiast or security professional, you know the importance of clear visibility in low-light conditions. Whether you're tracking game on a moonless night or securing a perimeter, the ability to identify targets at a distance without giving away your position is crucial. This is where IR spotlights truly shine, offering a perfect blend of range and stealth that can elevate your nighttime operations to a whole new level.
IR spotlights are invaluable tools for target identification, particularly in hunting or security applications:
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Wavelength Choice: For optimal performance, 850nm IR LEDs are generally preferred. This wavelength offers a longer range and superior image quality, making it easier to identify targets at a distance.
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Beam Pattern: The spotlight's focused beam pattern is ideal for long-range illumination, allowing you to pinpoint specific areas or objects of interest.
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Night Vision Compatibility: When paired with night vision optics or an IR-sensitive camera, an IR spotlight enables you to identify targets without using visible light, maintaining your stealth.
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Mounting Tips: For best results, mount your IR spotlight near your night vision device or camera. This positioning minimizes shadows and prevents image bleaching, ensuring clear and accurate target identification.
Remember, while IR spotlights are powerful tools, it's crucial to use them responsibly, especially in hunting scenarios. Always adhere to local regulations and ethical practices.
Infrared Flood Lighting for Area Illumination
There's something uniquely challenging about managing large, dark spaces, isn't there? Whether you're setting up camp in the backcountry, conducting nighttime vehicle repairs, or overseeing a wide area for security purposes, the need for comprehensive, covert illumination is paramount. IR flood lighting addresses this need head-on, providing expansive coverage without the drawbacks of visible light. It's like having a secret switch to turn night into day, visible only to those with the right equipment.
IR flood lighting is excellent for illuminating larger areas, whether for surveillance or general outdoor activities:
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Wavelength Options: Both 850nm and 940nm can be effective, depending on your needs. If stealth is paramount, opt for 940nm as it's completely invisible. For better range and image quality with only a faint red glow, 850nm is ideal.
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Wide Coverage: The flood beam pattern provides expansive illumination, with high-quality IR flood lights capable of covering areas up to 150 meters or even offering a 360° spread.
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Strategic Positioning: When setting up your IR flood lights, avoid pointing them through dense vegetation. Water-rich plant matter absorbs IR radiation, reducing effectiveness.
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Versatile Applications: Whether you're setting up camp, conducting vehicle repairs, or surveying a large area, IR flood lighting allows you to work or observe without disturbing wildlife or revealing your position.
IR Headlights for Stealth Driving
Imagine being able to navigate confidently through pitch-black terrain without a single visible beam of light. For many professionals and enthusiasts, this isn't just a cool concept—it's a vital capability. Whether you're involved in sensitive operations, wildlife observation, or simply enjoy the thrill of truly stealthy off-roading, IR headlights open up a world of possibilities. They transform your vehicle into a silent predator of the night, capable of moving undetected through even the darkest environments.
For those who need to navigate under the cover of darkness, IR headlights offer a unique solution:
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Stealth-Optimized Wavelength: 940nm IR LEDs are typically preferred for these applications due to their complete invisibility to the human eye.
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Essential Equipment: To utilize IR headlights effectively, you'll need night vision goggles or an IR-sensitive camera system. This setup allows you to drive as if it were daylight while remaining invisible to the naked eye.
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Practical Applications: This technology is particularly useful for military operations, law enforcement, wildlife observation, or any scenario where visible light would compromise your mission.
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Power Considerations: Ensure your IR headlights are sufficiently powerful to illuminate the road adequately for safe driving through night vision equipment. The right balance of power and beam pattern is crucial for effective and safe operation.
When implementing any of these IR LED lighting solutions, keep these key points in mind:
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Always use appropriate night vision equipment, as IR light is invisible to the naked eye.
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Choose your wavelength (850nm or 940nm) based on your specific needs for range versus covertness.
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Carefully position your IR lights to maximize effectiveness and minimize unwanted shadows.
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Be aware of and comply with local regulations regarding the use of IR illumination, especially on vehicles.
By understanding and applying these principles, you can harness the full potential of IR LED lighting on your vehicle. Whether you're identifying distant targets, illuminating large areas, or navigating stealthily, IR technology offers a significant advantage in low-light conditions.
Best IR LED Lights for Your Vehicle
IR lights aren't just for military lighting. They can be much better than white light when you need to be stealthy. For example, since the deer hunting season in most states includes shooting before sunrise, driving into the backcountry in the dark is really common. A dual color light system (white for driving on the road and IR for off-road navigation) will help you get to your spot safely.
Let's show you the top infrared lights from Black Oak LED.
Black Oak 10 Inch 850nm Infrared IR LED Double Row Light Bar
The Black Oak 10 Inch 850nm Infrared IR LED Double Row Light Bar offers features and performance that make it an ideal choice for demanding users. Built specifically for activities like night hunting, military operations, and security applications, this IR light bar promises to deliver unmatched advantages.
Outstanding Features
Advanced IR LED Technology: The 850nm wavelength ensures maximum compatibility with night vision optics and infrared cameras. Unlike traditional LED bars that incorporate an IR filter, Black Oak’s IR bars use genuine IR LEDs. This results in superior performance and makes the light produced by the bar completely invisible to the naked eye.
Robust Construction and Weather Resistance: Rated at IP69K, the highest protection rating available, this light bar is built to withstand extreme conditions. Whether it's torrential rain, frost, or saltwater, the Hydrex 2 Stage Seal Lock ensures it remains waterproof. Adding to this durability is the Dynamax housing, which renders the product resistant to impacts and rough handling.
Enhanced Visibility: Thanks to updated reflectors, this LED bar boasts over 20% more light output compared to its predecessors. Improved spot and flood lenses mean better throw distance and wider coverage, illuminating hundreds of yards to help identify potential hazards or game.
Materials and Build Quality: Black Oak uses top-tier components such as Osram and Cree LEDs, which are known for their reliability and performance. The exterior benefits from a premium-grade Dupont powder coating, while the lens is made from UV-protected Lexan, engineered to resist yellowing and surface damage.
Ease of Installation: The package includes a comprehensive wiring harness with a fuse, relay, and switch. The 12-gauge wire and mounting brackets simplify the setup process, ensuring that users can quickly install the light bar and start benefiting from its features.
Real-World Performance
During field tests, the Black Oak 10 Inch 850nm Infrared IR LED Double Row Light Bar truly showcased its strengths. The IR light's compatibility with night vision systems was impeccable; targets were easily identifiable even from distances previously thought challenging. The ceramic coating's effectiveness against saltwater and corrosion was especially noteworthy for marine applications. The all-weather functionality held its ground, making this light bar a reliable choice regardless of the environment.
Black Oak 20 Inch 850nm Infrared IR Marine LED Double Row Light Bar
In the world of infrared (IR) LED lights, few products stand out like the Black Oak 20 Inch 850nm Infrared IR Marine LED Double Row Light Bar from their Pro Series 3.0. Engineered for high-output performance and durability, this product is tailor-made for demanding applications such as military operations, nocturnal fishing, hunting, and various undercover operations.
Unmatched Infrared Brightness
The Black Oak 20 Inch IR bar shines vibrantly in its specialized field. The 850nm wavelength optimizes night vision compatibility, thereby making this light bar ideal for operations requiring enhanced visibility without compromising stealth. The innovative Combo Optics, featuring both spot and flood options, deliver exceptional light spread and throw distance, which is crucial for diverse environments, be it the open sea or dense forests.
Our customers have been vocal about the significant impact of this product. Dustin G. from the United States commented, "I added your infrared light bar for my night vision camera and it makes the ocean look like daylight when it’s pitch black out. Total game changer!" This reflects the level of performance users can expect, especially in challenging settings such as navigating the Ilwaco channel in the dark.
Marine-Grade Durability
Black Oak LED lights are known for their durability, and this product is no exception. The IP69K rating speaks volumes about its resistance to dust, water, and other harsh elements. The multi-stage Hydrex 2 Stage Seal Lock ensures comprehensive waterproofing, making the light bar submersible even under extreme conditions. Rigorous testing under punishing environments is a testament to its robust build.
With 360° Baricoat ceramic protection, this light bar is shielded against UV rays, saltwater, and corrosion. These features are essential for long-term use in marine environments. Paired with a premium-grade Dupont powder coating, the product not only promises longevity but also maintains an impeccable appearance.
Enhanced Mounting and Security
The 316 stainless steel bolt-in brackets are significant improvements. They offer enhanced stability with two bolts instead of one, ensuring that the light stays securely in place even when subjected to intense vibrations or impacts. This is crucial for both maritime and off-road applications. Mike P., another satisfied customer, praised, "Very impressed with the product and you can tell it's built for the marine environment."
The mounting hardware isn't the only thing that’s impressive. The 12-gauge wiring harness included with the package simplifies the setup process, making it straightforward for users to install the bar and get operational quickly.
Cutting-Edge Reflector Technology
Black Oak has updated its reflector design to provide over 20% more light output than previous versions. This innovation makes a substantial difference in visibility. The new reflectors enhance both the throw distance of spot lenses and the breadth of flood reflectors, ensuring a superior lighting pattern that can illuminate vast areas effectively.
The New 2 Inch 850nm Infrared POD Light by Black Oak LED Pro Series 3.0
When it comes to infrared (IR) LED lights, compact yet powerful solutions are in high demand. For activities requiring covert illumination, such as night hunting, security operations, or covert driving lights , the New 2 Inch 850nm Infrared POD Light from Black Oak LED’s Pro Series 3.0 is an outstanding choice. Here's a detailed review of why this IR POD light deserves a spot in your gear lineup.
Compact Stealth Performance
The 2 Inch 850nm Infrared POD Light is a high-performance unit that perfectly marries size and power. Emitting infrared light at 850nm, it significantly enhances visibility when used with night vision optics and cameras, making it an invaluable asset for tactical operations. Despite its modest dimensions, this POD light packs a punch, delivering impressive single color infrared illumination while remaining discreet.
Robust Build Quality
Constructed with an extremely durable aluminum housing, this POD light features an IP69K rating, the highest protection level available. This ensures it can withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for any mission or application. Whether it's exposed to torrential downpours or rough handling, this light is engineered to endure.
One of the standout features is the 2 Stage Hydrex Seal, which utilizes redundant gasket seals to prevent water intrusion. This Marine-grade waterproofing means you can rely on it in the most extreme conditions, from heavy rain to submersion.
Advanced Optics
Choose between high throw spot optics for focused, long-range visibility or wide flood optics for broader coverage. This flexibility allows the light to adapt to various needs, whether you are illuminating a narrow path or surveying a wider area.
Black Oak LED has redesigned their optics to produce 60% more light. This enhancement significantly increases throw distance in the spot pattern and widens the throw in the flood pattern, providing superior visibility compared to previous models.
Enhanced Security and Ease of Use
The Dynamax housing is tested to be four times stronger, ensuring the unit can take a beating without compromising its functionality. The housing is so robust that Black Oak LED even used it as a ramp for one of their trucks during testing.
The package includes a complete wiring harness with a fuse, relay, and switch, along with mounting brackets and all necessary hardware. This ensures a hassle-free installation process, allowing you to get up and running quickly.
Recognizing the need for reliability, Black Oak LED has beefed up their brackets and bolts with stronger threads to offer better protection, ensuring there are no weak links in their light bars.
User Testimonials and Real-World Applications
Customers have been enthusiastic about the product's performance. One user mentioned, "The light makes a night and day difference when used with my night vision camera. It's incredibly compact yet exceptionally powerful." Another noted, "The build quality is top-notch, and the installation was a breeze—perfect for my off-road adventures."