Princeton Tec Helix Lantern Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The Princeton Tec Helix Backcountry is a compact, lightweight lantern designed for area illumination in outdoor environments. It features a bright, eye-friendly beam, making it ideal for use around camp or inside a tent. The lantern incorporates a unique collapsible globe and folding legs for enhanced portability and versatile positioning.

Figure 1: Princeton Tec Helix Lantern in its fully expanded state, ready for use.

Features

• 360-Degree Light: Designed for broad area illumination, dispersing light in a full 360-degree pattern.
• Dimmable LED: Provides adjustable light output to suit specific tasks and conserve battery power.
• Maxbright White LED: High-quality, bright, and efficient white light for a wide range of uses.
• Ultrabright Red LED: Offers a smooth, wide-beam red light, ideal for low-profile use and preserving night vision.
• Water Resistant (IPX6): Capable of withstanding quick submersions, precipitation, and strong water sprays. If water enters, remove batteries and dry thoroughly.
• Collapsible Globe: The glow-in-the-dark globe collapses to reduce the lantern's size for compact packing.
• Folding Legs: Integrated folding legs provide a stable base for tabletop use and can be adjusted for precise aiming.
• Removable Globe: The globe can be removed to transform the lantern into a more focused spot beam or an overhead light.
• Versatile Activities: Suitable for hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, trade work, military, and mountaineering.

Figure 2: Key features and operational aspects of the Helix Lantern.

Setup

Battery Installation (Helix Backcountry)

The Helix Backcountry model operates on three AAA batteries. To install or replace batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the underside of the lantern.
2. Open the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert three AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity as indicated inside the compartment.
4. Securely close the battery compartment cover.

Charging (Helix Basecamp Rechargeable & Bluetooth Models)

For rechargeable models, the lantern comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery. To charge the lantern:

1. Locate the USB charging port on the base of the lantern.
2. Connect the provided USB charging cable to the lantern's port and to a compatible USB power source (e.g., wall adapter, power bank, computer USB port).
3. The charging indicator will illuminate during charging and change when fully charged.

These models also support three AAA alkaline batteries as a backup power source. Install them as described for the Backcountry model if needed.

Expanding and Collapsing the Globe

To expand the lantern's globe for full illumination, gently pull the top section upwards until the globe is fully extended. To collapse, push the top section downwards until it is compact. The glow-in-the-dark globe helps locate the lantern in the dark when collapsed.

Figure 3: Helix Lantern in its collapsed state for easy packing.

Operating Instructions

Power and Mode Control (Helix Backcountry)

The Helix Backcountry features a "swipe" control surface for operation:

• Turn On/Off: Swipe your finger across the "SWIPE" panel to turn the lantern on or off.
• Switch Modes: Continue swiping to cycle between white light and red light modes.
• Dimming: To dim the light, hold your finger on the "SWIPE" panel until the desired brightness is reached. Release to set.

Figure 4: The "SWIPE" control panel for the Helix Backcountry model.

Power and Mode Control (Helix Basecamp & Basecamp Rechargeable/Bluetooth)

Basecamp models utilize a lockable dial for control:

• Turn On/Off: Push and turn the dial to activate the lantern.
• Switch Modes: Turn the dial left for red light and right for white light.
• Dimming: Continue turning the dial in either direction to dim the light.
• Locking the Dial: Push the dial in to lock it, preventing accidental activation during transport.

Figure 5: The push and turn dial control for Basecamp models.

Versatile Positioning

The Helix Lantern offers multiple ways to position and hang for optimal lighting:

• Folding Legs: The integrated folding legs provide a stable base for tabletop use and can be adjusted for precise aiming.
• Hanging Options: The lantern can be hung from its top bail or by the built-in hooks on each leg, allowing for suspension from ropes, hooks, or nails.
• Spotlight/Overhead Light: Remove the globe to convert the lantern into a focused spot beam or an overhead light for tents.

Figure 6: Examples of the Helix Lantern's versatile positioning and hanging capabilities.

Bluetooth Control (Helix Basecamp Bluetooth)

The Helix Basecamp Bluetooth model can be controlled remotely via a smartphone application. The "Helix Lantern Control" app is available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing full lantern control even without cell service.

USB Charge Out (Helix Basecamp Rechargeable & Bluetooth Models)

These models feature a USB port that allows you to charge other USB-powered devices, such as phones or GPS units, using the lantern's internal battery.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the lantern with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Water Exposure: While water resistant, if water enters the housing, immediately remove the batteries (if applicable) and thoroughly dry all components before reassembly or use.
• Battery Care: For non-rechargeable models, remove batteries during prolonged storage to prevent leakage. For rechargeable models, charge regularly to maintain battery health.
• Storage: Store the lantern in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

• Lantern Not Turning On:
  • Check battery installation and ensure correct polarity.
  • Replace batteries with fresh ones if they are depleted.
  • For rechargeable models, ensure the battery is charged.
  • Ensure the control dial/swipe panel is not locked (Basecamp models).
• Lantern Not Turning Off:
  • For swipe models, ensure a complete swipe motion.
  • For dial models, ensure the dial is fully turned to the off position. If it remains on, try turning it on and off again.
• Dim Light Output:
  • Check battery level and replace/recharge as needed.
  • Ensure the dimming function is not accidentally activated.
• Difficulty with Control Dial (Basecamp Models):
  • The dial may be stiff initially. Apply firm but gentle pressure when pushing and turning.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Every Princeton Tec Helix Lantern is covered by a 5-year warranty worldwide, ensuring quality and reliability.

For technical support, warranty claims, or additional product information, please visit the official Princeton Tec website or contact their customer service department. You can also visit the Princeton Tec Store on Amazon for more details.