Despite its existence spanning several decades, IR Marking Beacon technology has advanced very little during that time. In general, manufacturers would package IR Beacons in small housing, mostly because size and weight was, by and large, the most important factor in its effectiveness.

As a result, IR Markers emitted relatively low levels of light due to its low power capacity. With the release of high output LED’s in 2010, and the widespread use of lithium batteries the following year, this industry should have seen a greater shift in its technological advancement. But did it? NOT EXACTLY. Many companies that existed before the technology significantly evolved, continued to market and sell their antiquated equipment they’ve been selling for 4 decades with only minor improvements. Accordingly, IR Beacons today continue to have the same limitations they’ve dealt with since the evolution of the technology.

Six moths ago, SYNERGY LIGHT LLC. began designing an IR Marker with the goal of creating a IR unit that would outperform any existing product today. By design, it needed to be lightweight, have extremely bright light output, and have runtimes that lasted for days on end. It also needed to be rechargeable with a battery pack that would maintain its charge while in storage. Primarily, we wanted to create a product that no one in the market place was producing.

Six months later, Synergy Light., began testing 850 and 940 nm prototypes of a device they are calling the 120IR, a 10” by 1 3/8” diameter polycarbonate tube that contains over 40 IR LED emitters. This unit is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery pack and weighs under 8 ounces. When compared to other IR emitters, the 120IR is larger, but any concerns about its size are offset the first time the 120IR is viewed through a NVG scope. Simply put, IT’S A BEAST! The 120IR emits so much IR light, it can be easily spotted through fog, rain, snow or even through a heavy jungle canopy. The units have undergone in-house drop and waterproof testing and the results are impressive. Prototypes have even been submerged in water and frozen into a block of ice, and continued to function as designed. Additionally, not only does the unit float, but they have been counter weighted, and will right itself so that the LED emitters face skyward.

Under the prototype flash modes (one second on, one second off, repeat) the unit will run for 40 hours. Production quality units however, will be able to run five times longer.

Arguably, the 120IR size may limit its use as an individual personnel beacon however, for asset identification, friend or foe or maritime use when high output/long run times are required these units are ideal.

Contact Synergy Light by going to our Contact Page to learn more!

Take a look at this IR night vision demonstration: