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From: Robert C. Cline <rcline_at_onramp.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Night Gear and red LEDs: --> HOAX
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 08:31:47 -0600
Back in about 1985, I heard a presentation by a professor at the University
of Houston School of Optometry (I don't remember his name).  He had done a
great deal of research on night vision and optical illusions.  That was his
area of expertise.  He said there was ample documentation about where the
idea about using red lighting to protect your night vision came from. The
red light for night vision was a hoax perpetrated by the Germans in WWII.
The Germans "let this slip" and the allies switched their instruments to
RED.  The Germans continued using low level white in their aircraft and
subs.  Red light was great for developing film... but that's not the issue
here.

Research back in the late 70's and early 80's has shown that low level
white light is much better source of illumination for charts and
instruments.  Modern aircraft use the low level white because of this
recent "discovery." In fact, red is a poor light source and as the body
(eye) ages, ones red detection diminishes.  It goes from bad to worse the
older you get.

Robert




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