Read The Disclaimer

5590 Powered Spotlight

5590 Powered Spotlight

Serious problems with spotlight runtimes in Iraq during night operations and IED sweeps prompted this solution. The previous spotlight selection ranged from $200-$3,000 proprietary rechargeable battery operated units which took 12 hours to charge and would last less than an hour.

Extensive testing by units in Iraq has demonstrated that soldiers don't need the brightest spotlight; they need one that's bright enough and lasts. By combining the 5590 to 12V Cig Socket adapter (which you can make yourself as described here) with a 12V cigarette plug powered spotlight, an inexpensive, powerful light is achieved with effectively unlimited runtime. The battery can be held on a pouch on the soldier's body armor, or left on the seat of the HMMWV depending upon the mode of operation. The following is the recommended light source to enable the widest range of capabilities:

• The XL-1000, available from Bright Guy for $30.
• You will also NEED to order a lower power bulb: the bulb that comes with the XL-1000 draws too much current for the BA-5590. From the same company order the 55W bulb, PN 12336, for $9.50.
• If you require IR light, order the IR filter, PN IRF-950, for $103.

If this seems like a lot of money, remember that the entire package of parts is ~$200, which is much less than any other IR capable spotlight available, AND the unlimited runtime makes it operationally superior. Without the IR filter, it's ~$100, also well below the cost of a comparable light output spotlight with inferior runtimes.