Blue Courtesy Light ?

[CAELESTIS]

I would like to install some Imtra couresty lights, but the model that fits the existing cutout only comes in white or blue. I want red.

Anybody have input on blue LEDs and your night vision?

[Bash]

It's harder for your eyes to focus on blue light.

[S/V Alchemy]

I assume by "courtesy lights", you mean something that can be flicked on or activated by movement to dimly show companionway stairs or a clear path from bunk to head.

You are right...you want red. Or green. White and blue, not so much, I think.

If IMTRA doesn't sell it, there are plenty of places that do. Check Fisherman's Supply, Stright-Mackey and Mermaid Marine catalogues. Or adapt an existing fitting to a nice dim red LED...

[Maren]

Originally Posted by CAELESTIS

I would like to install some Imtra couresty lights, but the model that fits the existing cutout only comes in white or blue. I want red.

Anybody have input on blue LEDs and your night vision?

Blue light has a higher frequency and can't be seen from as far away. So this is more of an issue of minimizing the effect for others. Some maps, particularly military are designed to be read by red light. That, combined with all the movies, anecdotes and folk wisdom, is why most folks believe red light is the way to go. However, the lessened effect on night vision is true for both for both blue and red.

I would advise you to avoid white, green and yellow light as the human eye is most sensitive to light in the middle of our range perception.

Hope that helps.

[swagman]

Our last Hanse had a cluster of LEDS at cabin sole level - they were blue. Do not think they damaged our night vision.
Cheers
JOHN

[CDunc]

When I was in the Army on Abrams Tanks the Dome lights were blue, the reasoning was that when you went back topside to navigate your eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness. If you think about it when the moon is out there is a dark blue tint to everything. The other reason is as was posted the blue light was hard for someone else to detect.

[S/V Alchemy]

OK, green is out then. Still, IMTRA stuff is good but super-expensive. I would imagine that at the draw and importance of a "courtesy light", you could pop for the Chinese knock-off, apply some conformal spray and a decent shrinkwrapped hook-up, and be done.

[ggray]

Originally Posted by Maren

I would advise you to avoid white, green and yellow light as the human eye is most sensitive to light in the middle of our range perception.

Interesting. The Richie compass I have can be supplied with either red or green illumination.

If this is common knowledge, I wonder why they offer green?

I need to replace the bulb, and was debating which color to order.

[senormechanico]

This is an off topic question, but for years I've been curious about seeing a small 360 degree blue light in a similar position as an anchor light.
I've seen it on several power boats over 50 feet or so.
The light was on all night in a marina setting. First time I saw one was in Marina Vallarta about 15 years ago.

Anybody have info?

[Bash]

a very short (3 paragraphs) piece on chromostereopsis, which is why it's more difficult to focus on blue light than red.

Chromostereopsis. Why is it hard to focus on blue and red next to each other?