SIMA SL-10IR Infrared Video Light Mod for 3hr use! DIY

[Paranormal1041]

why go out and spend, 50.00 - 100.00 on a brand name IR light, to use at night. when you can build 20 lights for the price of 1 or 2 of those Sima SL`s.

I built 20 IR lights for under 55.00.

[Paranormal1041]

and im using 9 volts, to power them ..

[stealthealer]

@Paranormal1041 Yes I am aware of the build. In fact we will be adding more. The one advantage I prefer over this light versus the Creepy hollow Triple Chip LED design is that there is no focal point. This light has hit the market again under the Polaroid name btw. I plan to test some new designs with the CH triple Chip design to see if i can overcome the focal issue, or maybe see if I can find a comparable diffuser to this light?

[PaulGT]

Will this mod work for the Sima SL-20 IR?

[stealthealer]

@PaulGT Hey Paul, sorry it took me so long to see this. However, yes a similar mod will work, but you will need a 3 or 4 AA battery pack, and if you use the 4AA, be sure to dummy one of the spaces to match voltage. 20-IR requires 3.6-3.7V. It gives similar performance.

[stealthealer]

If I ever get time, I will be playing with the light spread of the Creep Hollow setup as well to see if I can mimic the Sima spread with the inexpensive CH build as well. Will advise if successful.

[stealthealer]

@nsteck2345 "3G" correction to 3v (spellcheck). Also,can't recall the upload date on this video but since then I have used both my Sima lamps regularly, averaging 3-12hrs /week between investigations and IR Photograghy. Holds up well. Should add in the long run, 2aa rechgbles cheaper than 52 9v batteries.

[stealthealer]

@nsteck2345 I am not an electrician either, but I did set out for a 9v conversion first. However all attempts to reduce 9v to 3G would not adequately power the lamp. 9v direct did illuminate the lamp, but only tested for 1 min. Heat buildup is a concern and may negatively affect life of IRs or cause early fail. This mod does create more heat, but no adverse effects with regular use. I agree on the focal point issues 100%

[nsteck2345]

Do you think it would be possible to modify it to use a 9v battery? The reason I ask is the light spread on the Sima is probably the best out there, but the Phantom Lite has the best battery life being up to 10 hours with a 9 volt battery. The problem with getting the Phantom Lite is one it's freakin massive and two it gives that circle effect. I don't know anything about electricity, just thought I'd ask.

[stealthealer]

I have gotten 2hrs50mins with cheap dollar store batteries and 3hrs30mins with rchgble niMh 2500mah batteries which were not completely depleted yet. The sima 20mod w/ 3aa batteries reports 2-3hrs life as well.

[gousthuntermike]

@stealthealer Have you heard just how many volts the sl-20ir can handle before burn out

[stealthealer]

@gousthuntermike I have not tried to test the SL20ir, but a friend has modified one. We used 3AA battery modification to match the Sima OEM 3.7v battery with a 3.6V charge with the same longevity results as the 10ir mod.I did test10IR with a 9v& I did not leave connected for more than 30 seconds to avoid burning out. The one byproduct of this modification is that the IRs will get a bit hotter. As such, while the circuit may handle more voltage, the IRs may not.

[shaden1628]

@stealthealer - To clarify, using 3aa alkaline batteries is not recommended? Is that because of a shorter battery life or does it hurt the light?

[shaden1628]

also, how exactly do you "bypass" the fourth AA battery? Can you simply exclude it from the holder?

[stealthealer]

@shaden1628 The simplest bypass is to simply connect a wire in the fourth slot in line from positive to negative. It will bypass the current in line from the three batteries without adding any additional voltage. I usually will use a similar sized wood dowel, cut it to size, and use metal thumb tacks on each end to hold the wire secure creating a dummy battery. There is no error in using alkaline battery except shorter run time from my tests. I use them quite often.

[totalrecall63]

Nice video! How long will this light operate with the AA batteries ? Good idea !

[stealthealer]

I have gotten 2hrs50mins with cheap dollar store batteries and 3hrs30mins with rchgble niMh 2500mah batteries which were not completely depleted yet. The sima 20mod w/ 3aa batteries reports 2-3hrs life as well.

[totalrecall63]

Wow, that's great ! I've got to try modifying mine. Thanks !

[Dangrousdave20]

I'm thinking of buying a set of these IR lights for my standard digital video recorder. Will this allow me to record in complete darkness? Thanks

[stealthealer]

Depends on the camera. If it is a Sony Handycam with Nightshot then yes, but other models will only be able to see the lamp, but not see the illumination. Post you model info and I can advise better! You can also look up your cam specs as well. If they work to zero lux, then most likely it will work. However, if it says 0.8 or higher it will require some element of visible light and these illuminators will not work. You can modify the camera to see it, but this is risky and may not work.

[Pharaohmoan1]

Have you tried using the switch on the sima to switch between in the internal batteries (which can still be charged) and the change out or additional add on box with double AA's?

That way you've got sima and back up batteries!

[stealthealer]

No, but it was a consideration. However, with the current set-up, you can still put rechargable AA batteries in and use the Sima Charger to charge them. Slaving both sets as the video shows would produce 6v unless you added #2 switch or completely repurposed the on/off switch-but then you constantly drain battery. I have not tested the recharge time for AAs as I find it much easier to swap out batteries on the go and then use a separate rapid charger while the light is still in use.

[stealthealer]

Add'ly I have considered modifying the switch set-up to be able to bypass batteries altogether and use the charger for plugged in use at times, but need to research the circuit more before assuming it will work.

[Zburdine]

great mod i did it to my sl10ir works great!!!!thanx any suggestions for the sl20ir i wouls like to do similer??

[stealthealer]

Yes, we have had success with using 3aa NIMH (2000mah or better) batteries for a mod w/ quick change out. The most convenient/common battery box is a 4aa box, just bypass the 4th battery and it will produce 3.6v (Original lamp 3.7v battery) and powers the SL20IR a little over 3 hours. The SL20IR seems more sensitive to mah and we do not recommend using alkaline batteries.

[Zburdine]

hi i have done this mod thank you!!!!!! any suggestions for the sl20ir ils like to do the same thing please let me know and great job by the way

[OFFTHEWALLSMIKEYL4D]

i just bought one and it arrived today.

it doesnt happen to work :/

the red light goes on but i dont see

any difference when i use it with my

camcorder

[stealthealer]

What model of Camcorder are you using? In order to use the lights, you must have an IR capable (Nightshot) camera, typically a Sony model. In addition, depending on the model, it needs to be switched to Nightshot mode. Most models have an external switch, others a menu function. Also, when you mention red light? Are you referring to the power light on the side or the actual IR Leds?

[OFFTHEWALLSMIKEYL4D]

Canon 3ccd digital video camcorder GL1 NTSC

thats the type and model of the camera im using.

yeah i meant the Leds. they go on and when i look in my viewfinder or record a bit with it on. and replay it. i dont see a difference. maybe its not IR capable?

[stealthealer]

Yep, you got it. That model is not IR capable and operates to 6 lux only vs. 0 lux cameras. This model, while an excellent camera also has some poor reviews on low light filming as well. Now, with this said, it is possible to make this model IR sensitive, but I warn you that it could cost you the camera if not done properly and would become a permanent modification thus preventing day use of the camera. I would recommend getting an add'l Sony video cam to supplement night film to use the light.

[OFFTHEWALLSMIKEYL4D]

Yeah this camera has problem with lighting. Its only great for outside with daylight.

I would def. look into that camera. I appreciate the help! Thanks!

-Mike

[MsDjMAC]

can u see the light given off by the infered light in the dark with out looking down the camra

[stealthealer]

Hello, yes the Simas do give off a faint red glow when illuminated unlike the Sony IR or some other higher end lights. However, it is not enough to illuminate any space with natural light. IR sensitive (non Nightvision cams) cameras will detect the IR light, and some will even show a blue light due to the IR Cut Filter filtering the spectrum some. You will not see the illumination with your eyes illuminating the room. But if you look directly at the light, you will see the faint glow.

[stealthealer]

I should clarify, non nightvision cameras will see the light itself and the glow, but not see any better in the IR saturated environment. This light is intended for use with Nightvision capable cameras like the Sony Handycams or other IR Nightvision equipment.

[wolfparanormal]

Excellent information, Michael - thank you so much!

[wxb200]

You dont have to spice up your language, we understand you...

[stealthealer]

take me as I am... often too wordy LOL-- but this is me.

[stealthealer]

Tested in 14degree weather last night, complete exterior shoot w/3 lights. Panasonic AAA lasted less than 5 mins with extreme temp. Dollar Tree Sunbeam started partial illumination within 30 minutes. NIMH rechargables were still going strong after 1 hour. But hypothermia was setting in faster than batteries dying. Think I will continue this mod to my natural light extenders as well.

[screamfreak79]

Thats nice. We use the sl-20ir and the battery life sucks.

[stealthealer]

The Sima Lights seem sensitive to Mah vs. just voltage for some reason. We tried several 9v reductions to 3v but could never get the lamps to operate correctly. However this was so simple and effective not even funny. I was thinking about ordering a 20IR, is it the same 2 aaa setup? The Amazon specs were not clear?

[stealthealer]

A team member purchased the sl-20ir and has retrofitted a power tool lithium battery for it! Testing the battery life! Bit more expensive mod, but hopefully we can update once this is tested!

[screamfreak79]

we just picked up 4 more of the sl20's. Great lights, but 45 minutes sucks. Hope you have good results.

[stealthealer]

First run with the sl20's not so good. In fact same set-up with 3 aaa's tested better than a power drill Lithium battery on longevity. We will let you know when we figure it out! If we figure it out we will let you know, especially since you have an arsenal of them now! that is one way to get 4-5 hours out of them LOL- buy more!

[stealthealer]

Using the Three AA Set-up with a better 2000-2500mah battery works for the Sima 20IR. testing about 3 hours at the moment. Still refining, but same mod. If you can't find a 3AA battery back, use a 4AA and just bypass 4th battery.