- Field‑tested selections from Baja Designs that survive weather, wash‑downs, and vibration
- Clear specs with real install guidance for rigs that actually see dirt
- Options across wavelengths, outputs, and sizes to match your mission
Infrared (IR) Lighting Solutions
New to IR Lights? Start Here.
Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye. Pair it with night vision, and you can light up the trail without anyone knowing you're there.
Invisible Illumination
Infrared sits outside what human eyes can detect. Flip on your NVGs, and IR floods the trail with usable light while staying completely invisible to everyone else.
Going Dark
The Basic Setup: IR driving lights, a switching system to kill visible lights and activate IR lights, and night vision goggles to actually see the output.
More Hours on the Trail
Chase the thrill of driving terrain while staying completely dark. That's why hunters, overlanders, and photographers keep coming back to IR.
Squadron Pro 940nm IR LED Driving Baja Designs
- Best for: Maximum stealth with 940nm wavelength
- Why it wins: Covert output that stays invisible to unaided eyes with strong NV clarity
- Key notes: 3960 mW output, 3 × 3 footprint, IP69K and IK10 ratings
Squadron Pro 850nm IR LED Work/Scene Baja Designs
- Best for: Scene lighting and recovery where visible light isn’t desired
- Why it wins: Work/scene optic with durable housing and user‑serviceable lenses
- Key notes: ~1800 mW high‑mode, ClearView optics, CopperDrive thermal management
Squadron Pro 850nm IR LED Driving Baja Designs
- Best for: High‑output IR driving and scene work on 12V rigs
- Why it wins: Big punch in a compact 3 × 3 form factor, rugged and submersible
- Key notes: ~1800 mW high‑mode output, IP69K, MIL‑STD‑810G
S2 Pro 940nm IR LED Driving Baja Designs
- Best for: Ultra‑compact 940nm installs on bikes, UTVs, drones, and tight vehicle spots
- Why it wins: Lightweight, clean 940nm beam for stealth applications
- Key notes: 1980 mW output, 0.45A @ 13.8V, 8 oz
S2 Pro 850nm IR LED Driving Fog Light Baja Designs
- Best for: Selectable high/low IR with slim, low‑profile mounting
- Why it wins: Signature control for convoy or high‑speed driving in a tiny package
- Key notes: 1800 mW/sr high mode, 450 mW/sr low mode, 2.93" × 1.76" × 1.68"
LED IR Follow Me Light Baja Designs
- Best for: Convoy markers and covert position identifiers
- Why it wins: Tiny footprint with strong 940nm signature and low current draw
- Key notes: 12V DC, weather‑sealed, mounts nearly anywhere
Watch: Overlanding with Night Vision
Why TTN IR Lighting
IR Knowledge Base
850nm vs. 940nm: The Critical Difference
Which wavelength do you need? It depends on who—or what—you are hiding from.
- 850nm (The "Low Glow")
The Pro: Maximum range. This wavelength travels 30–40% further than 940nm and digital sensors pick it up better, giving you a crisp, bright image.
The Con: Not 100% invisible. If you look directly into the lens, you will see a faint red glow (similar to a cherry-red cigarette).
Best For: Driving, general surveillance, and beginners who need the clearest image possible. - 940nm (The "No Glow" / Stealth)
The Pro: Completely invisible to the naked eye. No red signature, even up close.
The Con: Reduced range. You lose output power because sensors are less sensitive to this frequency.
Best For: Tactical operations, security, and hunting game where zero light signature is critical.
Choosing Your Beam Pattern: Driving vs. Work/Scene
Don't mix these up. Picking the wrong beam pattern can leave you driving into darkness before you see it.
- Driving / Combo (The Forward Projector)
What it does: Shoots a spot beam far down the trail (to see turns coming) while spilling light immediately in front of the bumper.
When to use it: These are your primary forward-facing lights. Essential for moving at speed. - Work / Scene (The Area Light)
What it does: Creates a smooth, wide circle of light (often 120°). It does not throw light far.
When to use it: Camping, tire changes, or reverse lights. Do not use this for forward driving; you will "outrun" your light.
Wiring & Power: Can my battery handle it?
A common myth is that military-grade IR requires a military-grade battery setup. The math proves otherwise.
- Squadron Pro IR: Draws ~3 Amps per light (Pair = ~6 Amps).
- S2 Pro IR: Draws ~1–1.7 Amps per light (Pair = ~3 Amps).
- The Verdict: Most standard 12V car batteries can easily handle a full IR setup. If you are running a standard switch panel (sPOD, Switch Pros, or Auxbeam), a single 15A or 20A circuit can power a pair of Squadrons and a pair of S2s simultaneously without issue.
The Blackout Protocol: Rig Prep Guide
WARNING: For off-road use only. Disabling brake lights and safety features is illegal on public roads.
Transitioning from "Daily Driver" to "Ghost Mode" requires a specific checklist. Here is the protocol used by the pros:
Phase 1: The Gear (Nods Up)
- Cap Check: Keep NVGs capped while white lights are active to prevent tube damage (burn-in).
- Fitment: Adjust helmet mount (tilt/slide) for proper eye relief before going dark.
- Safety Check: Verify your mount's "quick-flip" capability. Ensure you can rotate the Nods up instantly if you encounter other vehicles.
Phase 2: The Kill (Vehicle Prep)
- The "Brake Kill": Disconnect the brake pedal switch to prevent tail light flares when stopping. (Note: This typically disables ABS).
- The "Dash Kill": Pull the Gauge Cluster Fuse (often requires pliers) to eliminate internal cabin glow.
- Shift Override: With the brake switch disconnected, you must manually engage the shift-lock button to move the vehicle out of Park.
Phase 3: Activation (IR Mode)
- Master Kill: Manually switch off headlights, DRLs, and underglow.
- Zone Control: Activate Roof & Ditch IR lights first for perimeter visibility.
- Ghost Mode: Verify total blackout. You are now invisible to the naked eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these lights emit visible light?
A: No. 850/940nm are infrared. Some 850nm emitters show a faint red glow at the diode; 940nm is more covert. Use NV/IR‑sensitive devices to see the beam.
Q: 12V or 24V?
A: Squadron Pro units support 12V and many 24V systems; S2 Pro and the Follow‑Me run on standard 12V. Check each product page for specifics.
Q: Legal to use on public roads?
A: IR lights are for off‑road and specialized use. Follow local regulations.