The Element V-Lite is a replica of the beacon of the same name from S&S Precision.
Like its progenitor from S&S Precision, the Element V-Lite is a lightweight, compact and yet functional device for identifying allied forces and assets in low visibility conditions and with aviation support. Primarily V-lite refers to infrared diodes for detection using night vision devices, but visible color options also have an impressive number of uses. This fact is only facilitated by the following features:
- Two operating modes: constant on and flashing.
- Main material: silicone.
- Power supply: 3V CR2032 1 pc.
- Available colors: Red, Green, Blue, IR.
- Dimensions: 3 cm x 11 cm x 1.5 cm (width \ height \ depth).
- Weight: 22 g.
We will get acquainted with the Element V-lite signal beacon using the example of a product with a diode in the color Red.
Unfortunately, the Element V-Lite, which I have in stock, has been used by me for several years now, so the original packaging simply did not survive and I cannot demonstrate it. The signal beacon itself is a product with dimensions of 3 cm x 11 cm x 1.5 cm and a total weight of 22 grams, including a battery. With such dimensions and weight, the beacon can be placed almost anywhere, which makes it possible to have a means for identifying "friend or foe" in conditions of limited visibility almost 100% of the time.
Structurally, Element V-Lite consists of two main parts: the beacon itself, made of transparent silicone, and a plastic retainer for attaching the product to the equipment. On the front side of the mount there are three U-shaped protrusions in which the lighthouse itself passes. Further, it is fixed by frictional force and is very reliably held inside. During the time that I have been using the Element V-Lite, I have not had any problems with the displacement or falling of the beacon from the mount.
In the upper part of the signal beacon there is a board with a battery, as well as a button that brings the device into operation. The button is triggered by pushing through the silicone body and allows you to cycle through the operating modes in the following sequence: off, constant light, blinking. An LED goes down from the board, the glow of which spreads over the entire area of the transparent silicone case of the beacon, which has a relief texturing on the outside. Thanks to this, the glow is evenly distributed and soft.
The main type of mounting Element V-Lite to the equipment is Velcro, for which there is a Velcro with hooks on the back of the mount, which allows you to fix the signal beacon on the response Velcro located on helmets, shoulders of jackets and uniforms of combat uniforms, covers for armor plates, various chastrigs and other items of equipment. In addition, there is a possibility of vertical installation of the product on the PALS interface slings, for which it is necessary to remove the silicone beacon from the lower attachment loop, thread the mount into the sling cell and return the beacon back to the mount. The fixing reliability of this method is much lower, but nevertheless, such an opportunity will come in handy if your equipment does not have Velcro panels, or they are already occupied with other insignia.
In order to protect the Element V-Lite from loss or unintentional detachment from the equipment, a round hole is provided in the upper part of the mount, where the complete cord is passed through. As a result, you can easily get a leash that fixes the Element V-Lite to the rails on the helmet or lines on the equipment. In addition, this cord can be used to untwist the beacon when it is on for alarms at night.
In the photo above, you can see what the included Element V-Lite looks like, attached to the helmet. And at the end of the review, a comparative photo of the Element V-Lite with another Manta Strobe signal beacon from Element, which I will discuss in more detail in the next article.
As a result, I can note that the Element V-lite is a miniature and really working solution for situations when you want to be noticed, whether it be fighting, evening skiing at a ski resort, cycling or jogging on public roads in the dark. ... Regardless of your goals, you can always illuminate yourself with a red, green or blue beacon to choose from. I settled on red as the most versatile in my opinion. If you want to attract even more attention, switch the beacon to flashing mode. The only weak point of the Element V-lite that is worth noting is the built-in battery. The tablet battery is embedded in silicone together with the board and the diode, which is why the device will work only until the battery runs out of service. You can of course cut the silicone and replace the battery, but this will compromise the structural integrity of the product, making it difficult to guarantee its performance in harsh field conditions, in precipitation or low temperatures. Even the S&S Precision V-lite was envisaged as a disposable device, replaced after the exhaustion of the battery life with a new one, to say nothing of its replica from Element, the cost of which is much lower than the original.
Source: https://secretsquirrel.com.ua/snaryazhenie/obzor-signalnogo-majaka-element-v-lite/
Author: MAD
