Ledlenser MH11 Head Torch
THE LEDLENSER MH11 head torch is this German company’s first Bluetooth enabled outdoor light that works in conjunction with a smartphone and the Ledlenser Connect App. The App extends the standard capabilities of the MH11 as a head torch in that it affords customized settings. You can operate the MH11 torch by using only its manual switch or with the App, which is available for Android and iphone.
The torch weighs 179g and is 88mm wide out of its hard plastic cradle; the part which contacts your forehead is soft foam rubber. In the cradle, the beam can be adjusted through 120-degrees up or down. The cradle’s durable headband also has a strap going longitudinally over the top of your head. The adjustable elasticized bands attach to a broad plastic disc at the back of your head for a comfortable and secure fit.
The LED output is 1 000 lumens attaining a maximum range of 300m. The rechargeable 18650 3.6V battery has a minimum burning life of four hours and a maximum of 100 hours, depending on use. The torch comes with a USB magnetic charger.
THE MH11 HAS three mode settings: App mode, white (light) mode, and RGB mode. You can switch modes by holding down the on/off switch at the top for varying durations.
White mode has four power settings: 750 lumens provides high output suitable for most outdoor situations; low power saves battery life and is suitable for reading and close working conditions; mid-power provides a medium output for general work. Mid-power mode also has an Optisense function whereby the torch automatically adapts to the existing light conditions and helps to counter glare. On Blink function it sends out light impulses at regular intervals and the Boost function emits 1 000 lumens for a short duration if needed. Rotating the milled ring on the lens housing adjusts the beam from a very wide field of view to very narrow reaching out to 300m.
RGB mode uses the red, green and blue LEDS. Red works well for reading and provides a measure of night vision. Green is suitable for low-light conditions such as fog. Blue is best for signalling.
Connected via Bluetooth, the App mode’s main menu shows the four primary functions: direct control, timer, intervals and switch profiles. With direct control, you can set the brightness of the white beam to three energy-saving levels, and it gives you access to the red, green or blue LEDS. Also, the Blink and Optisense functions can be used or disabled. Settings used in direct control cannot be saved.
Using the timer function, the torch can be set to turn on (for 20 minutes at 150 lumens) at a specific time or be turned off, within a 24-hour cycle. The intervals function sets the torch to blink at particular intervals, while in use, such as every ten minutes as a timer.
The App’s real benefit is in the switch profiles setting which enables you to personalise the torch’s function, programming it for specific light needs. Eight profiles can be saved for different scenarios using all the torch’s abilities. For example, you can set a profile for hiking or general camp use. After a profile has been created it is sent to the torch. The phone can then be put away as the torch is programmed to the pre-defined profile settings. There is an S.O.S. function which can only be activated through the App. This sends a distress signal in Morse code (3x short, 3x long, 3x short).
The MH11 has an IPX4 water classification (resistant to water splashes from any direction) and an IP5X dust rating (the inside is protected from dust). It can be hand-held as a torch. I used it at the coast for a couple of weeks. On full flood setting, the white light was bright enough to light up the whole backyard for everyone to see clearly during a braai. With the focused beam on Boost I could see people moving in the shadow of a dune on the beach at 250m. I used it to walk along narrow footpaths between the dunes and the coastal bush – it was like being in sunshine.
THE UNIT’S MANY App functions were almost daunting and I used the supplied Quick User Guide extensively. I then lost the User Guide, but fortunately it is available on Ledlenser’s website. At a recommended retail price of R2 500, the company’s flagship outdoor head torch is not cheap, but it is an excellent package for all night-work, hunting, fishing and camping. In South Africa, this torch has a two-year warranty if not registered online. If registered online, with a unique code, the warranty is for seven years. For more information contact Awesome Tools on 021-981-6672.