What application are you your friend looking for?

For "general purpose tactical" use in a combat situation with NV capable combined arms assets, my favorite model is the HS-640-07.

I like the -07 in particular because it has IR "Flash-Dim" and IR "Flash-Bright" settings: The dim flash is good for IFF / location marking to other ground forces in relatively close proximity without "blowing them out," and is my favorite "tactical" setting--the standard IR flash is spec'ed to be visible from three miles by air, so it can be a little... much if it's going off right next to you.

Conversely, if you're spread out over terrain / working with combined arms assets, the "Flash-Bright" makes pretty sure you're clearly identified by distributed sensors.


For LE / armed citizen applications, where the combined arms assets are a little less likely, I like the HS-640-56P.

In terms of VIS settings, the -56P has both green and red visible settings allowing for "status notifications/signalling." This can be utilized in a variety of ways, especially in range / training situations, as long as everyone has a clearly defined understanding of the SOP--however, it does require everyone has a clear understanding of the SOP / meaning of the different colors / indicators.

In IR, it has the Flash-Dim that I already mentioned above, plus the "standard" brightness IR-Steady.


For more "lone wolf" / solo-civilian, non-organized training / recreational use I recommend the HS-640-12, known as the "Law Enforcement Model," but this was before NV became a reasonably common thing for LE agencies. The -12 does not have any IR settings, but rather Green Steady / Green + White Flash / Red Flash / Blue Flash. To me, if you're not working / shooting with other folks who also have night vision, the purpose of the strobe becomes pretty much entirely emergency signalling (e.g., you were hiking, fell on the trail and broke your leg) and while many SAR assets do utilize some night vision, IR signalling somewhat defeats the purpose, IMHO, if you're trying to be found.

Finally, and I throw this in there more reference than anything else as I believe that this applies only to extremely specialized applications such as SR or other truly denied / covert environments where the consequences for accidental visible signature could be catastrophic, you may want to consider the HS-620 series (flash settings tailored to your application), which, unlike the sliding nose-switch of the HS-640 series, has a physical "lock-out" switch, which requires a tool be used to change from IR to VIS settings:



Again, IMHO, the HS-620 is only "needed" in extremely specialized applications, as even for most military applications I do / would recommend the HS-640 series that allows you to simply reach up and switch, and also very easy to remember by feel-only (switch towards the "front," VIS, switch towards the "back," IR), and if / when going into an actual combat situation, rather than having to mess with a tool, I would / do use a small piece of 100MPH tape to keep the switch secured in the desired position and protected from accidental switching from brushing / bumping, but that can be easily ripped off if you want / need to change settings on the fly.

~Augee

Augee will be along shortly, but a question to answer your question...are you equipped with 640s?  If so, ability to go DIM to STANDARD?  Are you asking is there a way to measure the output other than looking through goggles?

I'd check switch setting and observe through a goggle to check DIM or STANDARD.

You most likely have the 640-56P "LE/Tactical". Core Survival doesn't list any specifications in terms of output levels but the 56P meets the FAA 3 statute mile requirements. AFAIK, all Hel-Stars meet this requirement.

Well... not to add to the wolf pack, hahaha, but since it was directed at me specifically:

I think that under your conditions, you would find the standard IR Flash to be more than sufficient--just to make it clear, there are actually 3/4 different intensity levels for the Helstars:

Dim, Standard, Bright, and "Bright+" (available only on the "Lead Jumper" strobe).

Depending on the specific conditions, IR Dim might be enough, however the "Dim" setting is generally intended for ground coordination at relatively close ranges, which again is helpful so you don't "blow out" your teammates with the full brightness strobe flash, but are still able to have an active IFF.

For your situation, I would probably still recommend the HS-640-56P, with the green, red, and IR Dim / IR Standard as far as an "Off the Shelf" model goes.

That being said, it is worth noting that the "P" suffix on the Helstar models is meant to designate "Programmable," and actually all Helstar 6s can be purchased in the programmable version--not just the -56P.

Programming is accomplished with a separate device known as the "PIM," Programming Interface Module, which is about the size of a shot timer and IIRC around $700-$800, which is usually not worth it for an individual, but if you are working as part of an agency that is using Helstars for IFF, may be worth considering if there is a specific configuration you're looking for, and you can simply buy "P" variant Helstars and program them according to your needs.

Shoot us an e-mail if that's something you'd like to look into.

~Augee