I have isotopes in my solar bobbins but I’ve always found them pretty crap. I’ve tolerated them for a while now but they aren’t really that helpful unless I’m really close to them - which isn’t that often. Is there something else on the market that offers more brightness? I don’t mind changing my bobbins over if it means I get a satisfactory solution but I don’t want to change alarms - I’m happy with my ATTs set up.

Before anyone asks my vision is spot on - it’s definitely the isotopes that’s the issue 😉

Any suggestions would be welcomed 😀

In reply to Post #1
I think you'll be limited to illuminating bobbins by the sounds of it, the sort that plug into your alarm, not sure if ATTs have that feature.
I suppose you could always try a much bigger isotope. There are battery operated float tips but they're not very 'carpy'..lol

EDIT, there was a set of Solar bobbins that were battery operated iirc 🤔

Found them I think, Power Glow

LINKY POO™ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/136931132867?

EDIT 2, more info here 👍

LINKY POO™ https://www.totalcarpmagazine.com/solar-power-glo-indicators

In reply to Post #1
I've settled on Delkim Slimlites for similar isotope related issues . . . turns out their a pretty versatile indication system as well. Not sure if they work with ATT alarms however - certainly wont if they don't have an output jack?

In reply to Post #2
Cheers I’ll take a look!

In reply to Post #3
Yes that’s correct, no output ports on the ATTs sadly!

I use the old style fox micro swingers, they take a 3 x 25mm isotope in a clear window. Nice and bright. If you don’t like the swingers the older solar lite flow bobbins will take an isotope that size. The standard green (get mine from Iceatope) is supposed to be the brightest.

Thinking 'out of the box' I bet Dal at daletronics could make a battery box with on/off switch, with however many clip on 2.5mm* female sockets you require. If you fish rods apart individual ones. Means you could use most illuminated hangers, just depends if you like the idea of a wired system. Would probably be quite easy to make your own if so inclined, you'd just need to know the output required. He might even be able to fit output sockets in your ATTs.

Edit 2.5mm is not the only size being used by alarm/bobbin manufacturers, I can't remember the other one at the mo. Also, there are battery operated bobbins on Ebay.
I think JasonM might be able to throw some light on the above iirc.

Isotopes are the only way to go IMHO.
Would be great if someone made something like the Solar again but with all the restrictions in importing batteries nowadays its probably not an economical option for the brands.

The replacements that you have to light on with a UV-light will be all but invisible within an hour our two.
The only exception being Defiants Fluoro glow mags that last at least half a night.

In reply to Post #8
I got the Defiant MPS glow mags when they came out. Great bobbins but I couldn't get them lasting anywhere near half a night.
Worth looking at the old Osprey Kryptontonite bobbins. They do a great job but they're very heavy so not so good for all applications. You can still find them if you look around.
I still think isotopes are the best for all round use.

The best option is the 25mm isotopes in green. Green isotopes are the brightest 💚
Fit them into a nice acrylic hanger or swinger body that will allow the glow to be seen from all angles.

In reply to Post #10
The best I had were some that Keith @ MPS knocked up for me. They were made from hexagonal clear acrylic bar with an isotope inside. The 6 faces of the hexagon made it look like they contained multiple isotopes. I still have them somewhere. Must dig them out.

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like the most pragmatic solution is to change the bobbins and increase the isotope power!

In reply to Post #12
If your changing bobbins another powered option the Ripton Silver Bullets, they can be used as a night glow bobbin apparently, rechargeable too, see 4min 25sec into this video

LINKY POO™ https://youtu.be/aFICbhSnOhQ?si=vw670a69jpJDIRWq

I didn't think isotopes were a option given your 1st post. If its trouble seeing the isotope and your having bobbins made you could ask for more than 1 slot per head.

Edit, forgot to say, if it is the size rather than the brightness search military isotope on ebay, 5.5mm diameter x 5.5cm (and longer). I've tried to find them as new, but bet they can't be sold to the public due to H&S.

In reply to Post #13
My rationale here is that a different style of bobbin with a larger green isotope may be sufficient. My current bobbins are solar I-lite which I’m pretty sure are loaded with 3x15mm’s and they are white, blue and red which match my underlit alarms… colour matching is not important here though.

I will check those other suggestions - thanks again!

In reply to Post #1
Have a look at iceatope.co.uk. I got the blue ones they're plenty bright enough for me.