why? do i need a full spectrum illuminator
1641655
U need it so that in total darkness the camera has a light that is invisible to ur eye but so u can pick up shadows and appertions.
1241945
Depends if you want no glow of red from your illuminator, if you don't care pick (850) for 0 detection in pitch darkness, pick the virtually invisible infrared (950)
1374119
These lights are what is called "full spectrum lights." If you take 20 minutes, or what the scheduled time is on the machine it is as if you were out in pure sunshine. This way yourbrain thinks that there is more sunlight in the day than there really is. If you need more light in the day this is the machine to purchase.
577402
I've had the TT-AL09 120w for over a year now that has just the blues and whites. I agree with GCO and definitely look at a full spectrum fixture if you will have light hungry corals. I hope TaoTronics considers building a full spectrum light again.
86569
I have only used the brightest setting. Of course, you should not look directly at it. (Really you can't, or not for more than a second.) If you are using this lamp for SAD, I can't imagine why you wouldn't want it as bright as possible, unless you suddenly have more energy than you know what to do with! :)
1577431
No. I need good light to see the display when setting it. Minor inconvenience in my opinion. I have 4 of them and have to set them all for time changes and seasonal adjustments. I keep the manual (a scanned copy if the in-box instructions) on my computer for reference.
2271988
You'll need to read the specs. The difference may be that you can only use flourescent bulbs vs. regular bulbs.
1162201
No you need a special bulb. I am not that knowledgable but I have heard that.
1650918
Dear Shane Fulmer: The ALZO full spectrum CFL bulbs I use as a light source for my large tropical plants that I maintain in a garage over the winter. The plants actually thrive under these light because they match quite closely the spectrum of natural light, so for your purposes of photo editing I would image that they would be the correct bulb for your application. On thing you must keep in mind is that being compact fluorescent lights they take a minute or two to warm up and achieve their full intensity. I hope this note helps.Lew Killmer
1195968
Probably not, you will most likely need the LED indicated for plants, it has a different light spectrum
113063
No, you don't need total darkness but you don't want to use it as you would a normal monocular either. You certainly wouldn't want to direct the viewing field to street lights, etc. during use but those far off lights should not present a problem. The cap that is on the objective lens should not be removed during daylight. We are in a rural environment but are surrounded by island of very bright light on our horizons and we have traffic that goes by our home. Both can give our eyes a reason to readjust. It was bought as a Christmas 'toy' and has given a great deal of enjoyment. We too are happy with the purchase. No, you don't need total darkness but you don't want to use it as you would a normal monocular either. You certainly wouldn't want to direct the viewing field to street lights, etc. during use but those far off lights should not present a problem. The cap that is on the objective lens should not be removed during daylight. We are in a rural environment but are surrounded by island of very bright light on our horizons and we have traffic that goes by our home. Both can give our eyes a reason to readjust. It was bought as a Christmas 'toy' and has given a great deal of enjoyment. We too are... » Read More No, you don't need total darkness but you don't want to use it as you would a normal monocular either. You certainly wouldn't want to direct the viewing field to street lights, etc. during use but those far off lights should not present a problem. The cap that is on the objective lens should not be removed during daylight. We are in a rural environment but are surrounded by island of very bright light on our horizons and we have traffic that goes by our home. Both can give our eyes a reason to readjust. It was bought as a Christmas 'toy' and has given a great deal of enjoyment. We too are happy with the purchase. « Show Less
607588
depends on day with over cast yes but not as visible as inside of course.... with complete sun light not visible you may have to get a target card to see it... I usually have to use my actual rotating transit and detector for out side because the dw089k's beam is hard to see in sunlight even though it has the brightest beam I have seen in its class
1133713
IMHO I think that these would be quite helpful because they are full spectrum, but I would not rely on these alone to do the job for a real case of S.A.D. Personally, I rely on my Biolight for the Winter months. It is made specifically for S.A.D., and perhaps those bulbs are even stronger? I certainly think that these bulbs are the perfect the adjunct to use and they will certainly be most helpful, and may provide a bit of relief for you, but perhaps not as much, by themselves, as you may want. I love these bulbs - the light is wonderful, but consider a real biolight lamp as well for all around help in these dreary months ahead. IMHO I think that these would be quite helpful because they are full spectrum, but I would not rely on these alone to do the job for a real case of S.A.D. Personally, I rely on my Biolight for the Winter months. It is made specifically for S.A.D., and perhaps those bulbs are even stronger? I certainly think that these bulbs are the perfect the adjunct to use and they will certainly be most helpful, and may provide a bit of relief for you, but perhaps not as much, by themselves, as you may want. I love these bulbs - the light is wonderful, but consider a real biolight lamp as well for all... » Read More IMHO I think that these would be quite helpful because they are full spectrum, but I would not rely on these alone to do the job for a real case of S.A.D. Personally, I rely on my Biolight for the Winter months. It is made specifically for S.A.D., and perhaps those bulbs are even stronger? I certainly think that these bulbs are the perfect the adjunct to use and they will certainly be most helpful, and may provide a bit of relief for you, but perhaps not as much, by themselves, as you may want. I love these bulbs - the light is wonderful, but consider a real biolight lamp as well for all around help in these dreary months ahead. « Show Less
886543
I'm afraid I can't answer either question, since I don't know exactly what spectrum is needed to treat SAD. Nor do I know the lumens of the bulb. I do know, though, that I find it startling to look over in that direction (where the plants are) at night, because it seems as if the sun was out. Sometimes if I'm working beside that bulb I lose track of time and have no idea that the evening is so advanced because the light, well, it seems like daylight. Good luck!
886544
No. The light spectrum is design for plant growth. Try Blue Max therapy lamps for SAD.
1414899
I first tried it with the old dimmer but it flickered a lot when starting up. Also, there wasn't quite as big a range of illumination. I had a new install as well with a LED dimmer and that has a much wider range of illumination--all the way down to barely visible. Using Lutron dimmers that state that they are for LEDs. Good luck, and welcome to the future!
1568181
You would have to raise it really high to get light over everything... Hint , leds with reds , yellows , blue, violet (full spectrum ) grow coral good..