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

Simple modification of the Sima SL-10IR Infrared Illuminator Video Light commonly used with Sony Nightshot Camcorder applications or infrared photography. The biggest complaint in reviews is that the built in rechargeable batteries only last 45mins to 1 hour max. I have to agree with the reviews. They also take 9 hours to charge. If you are on a long investigation, you can change out batteries often, often damaging the external housing. This will make your battery swaps less frequent and much easier to do! Parts needed? $1.99 Radio Shack Enclosed AA Battery compartment, some solder and some elbow grease.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Ghosthunting
• ghosthunter
• ghosthunters
• ghost
• paranormal
• research
• night
• nightshot
• Sony
• Sima
• IR
• Infrared
• Illumination
• dark
• LED
• mod
• modification
• SL-10IR
• nightvision
• spy
• camera
• lux
• jeffcitypara
• jefferson
• city
• DIY
• columbia
• missouri
• video
• light
• digital
• camcorder
• camcorders
• SL-20IR
• SL-20LX
• shoe
• michaelj

[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]

@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?

[Paranormal1041]

and im using 9 volts, to power them ..

[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.

[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]

@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.