EDIT 3/7/12: I'm updating this thread so that I don't spread whatever info I have through several threads...I'll leave the first post original so that everybody's responses still make sense:)
OK, this little number arrived in the mail today. There doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in this sort of stuff here, but I'm just looking for whatever you think....to get my mind rolling. And if you don't have any...well, enjoy the pictures!
This is a powerful red emitter (ebay seller said 12W, but also said 8A) with peltier cooler and optic - originally intended for some kind of projector, I think. (xeno is just there for scale...)
I think I've found specs
Here's what someone else did with one (9 amps!)
But I'm not sure what to do with mine (don't need throw).
For quite awhile I've wanted a red floodlight for camping - mostly so that you can do what you need to do but still enjoy the stars. I'd also like a powerful red light in my boat, so that I can see while night fishing but not ruin my night vision for navigating. The problem there has been where to put it (ie, overhead would be great, but tough to do).
EDIT: some more info. 2 x AA Energizer, weak (1.3V ea.) will make this thing light up. So will 2 x AA Panasonic NiMh 1600mah. Both too bright for anything but a glance. 3 x AA Duracell 2650 NiMH fully charged give 2.9A to this emitter. 1 x 14500 TF gray feeds 4 amps (at least for the 1 second I held the contacts in place!). This thing is wild - I can't imagine the light it pumps out at 9A. The spec sheet says use 8A, absolute max is 16A!
So, any suggestions? A 3xAA headlamp would do what I need - but it seems like I'd be wasting its potential...
My first two ideas for a host
I have this lamp. Good body, interesting emitter that I'll use elsewhere if I go this way.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/10w-750lm-6500k-high-power-flood-light-projection-lamp-12v-44176
Saw one of these at wal mart on clearance, looked it over, fairly well made but I passed because I have 3 sizes of gas lanterns. Now I finally have a reason to use electricity - RED!
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Family-Size-LED-Lantern/dp/B00168QAGS