Does the red-only mode really keep my dark adaptation?

Yes. Pad 5 hold locks the red channel to 255 and the green and blue channels to zero, producing a deep-red field at 12% or lower. That deep-red field is easier on dark-adapted eyes than white light and helps preserve rod-cell adaptation during a session on the telescope.

Can I still read a star chart or telescope notes?

Double-tap Pad 3 to scroll a 32-column red chart lane or the current target label. The 8×32 matrix shows RA/DEC and magnitude in deep red so you can find M31 without a paper chart or a white headlamp.

How long does the red-only field run on the removable controller?

With a user-supplied USB-C power bank (no battery is included in the box), the deep-red field at 12% brightness is estimated to run 12 to 16 hours — plenty for an all-night star party. The electronics core slides out for a cold hand-wash after dew and tent condensation.

Use Case #24 · Cluster D · Outdoor Sports & Adventure · All 50 Modes

Night-Vision-Safe Deep-Red Astronomy & Tent Sleeve

Keep dark adaptation at the star party: a deep-red LED mode plus a dim red utility light on the 8×32 matrix, controlled by 5 fabric pads — $199 finished sleeve.

Red-only, no white light: Blue and green channels lock to zero, leaving a pure deep-red field for star maps, charts, and constellation labels.
Dim without moving a hand: 5 sewn touch pads step 12% → 1% and toggle the tent light while your hands stay on the focuser.
Ready out of the box: Ships as one of the 50 built-in modes; set your own targets and dim steps in the Sleeve Studio app.

Preorder Sleeve · $199 Free US Shipping Try in Sleeve Studio →

▶ See the 8×32 Forearm Display in Action

Watch the 8×32 RGB LED matrix and 5 conductive-fabric touch pads running cycling, running, navigation and commute modes on the forearm sleeve. Concept render · simulated 8×32 display · first production run of 500 units.

Why White Headlamps Ruin Dark Adaptation at Star Parties

One white light resets everyone: A single flashlight on a telescope field re-sets every observer's night vision for 20–30 minutes.
Dim red preserves rod cells: Red-only light is easier on the night vision you need to pick out faint nebulae and meteors.
Utility light in your periphery: Fire the tent light or star chart and step 12% → 1% without taking your hands off the focuser or tent pole.

What Each Forearm Pad Does (Pads 1–5)

Pad 1 (Elbow)Press & hold — Astronomy red-only mode on/off · LED cue: Matrix locks to deep red at 12% brightness

Pad 2 (Upper Mid)Single tap — Cycle dim step (12% → 6% → 3% → 1%) · LED cue: Row 5 renders the current dim % in mono

Pad 3 (Center)Double tap — Toggle tent utility light / star chart · LED cue: Scrolls "TENT LIGHT" or a 32-column red chart lane

Pad 4 (Lower Mid)Swipe — Cycle saved target (M31 → M42 → Saturn) · LED cue: Target label scrolls in deep red

Pad 5 (Wrist)Press & hold — Kill all blue/green channels (pure red lock) · LED cue: Matrix confirms "RED LOCKED" in 1-pixel red

Customize in 30 seconds: Pick this mode in the Sleeve Studio app, type or speak new words or pad actions, and tap Send over Bluetooth — no code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the red-only mode really keep my dark adaptation?: Yes. Pad 5 hold locks the red channel to 255 and the green and blue channels to zero, producing a deep-red field at 12% or lower. That deep-red field is easier on dark-adapted eyes than white light and helps preserve rod-cell adaptation during a session on the telescope.
Can I still read a star chart or telescope notes?: Double-tap Pad 3 to scroll a 32-column red chart lane or the current target label. The 8×32 matrix shows RA/DEC and magnitude in deep red so you can find M31 without a paper chart or a white headlamp.
How long does the red-only field run on the removable controller?: With a user-supplied USB-C power bank (no battery is included in the box), the deep-red field at 12% brightness is estimated to run 12 to 16 hours — plenty for an all-night star party. The electronics core slides out for a cold hand-wash after dew and tent condensation.

Run This Mode on Your Forearm — Reserve Batch 01 ($199)

Complete hardware + 50 modes ($199): 8×32 RGB LED matrix (256 pixels), 5 sewn conductive-fabric touch pads, and a 5-second slide-out washable electronics pod.
Sleeve Studio app ships first: Personalize all 50 modes in plain words before your sleeve arrives (small monthly subscription; zero code).
Zero-risk preorder: First run of 500 units (~30 days to production), free US shipping, 100% refund anytime before shipping + 90-day money-back guarantee.

Preorder Sleeve · $199 Free US Shipping Open Sleeve Studio Full Hardware Specs

Watch → Prove → Buy

Not ready to order yet? Take the next step.

See the hardware in motion, read the peer-reviewed textile research behind it, or reserve your spot in the first production run of 500 sleeves.

STEP 1Watch the sleeve in action Five soft touch pads, an 8×32 RGB LED display, Bluetooth, and a removable electronics pod for gentle washing. See the hardware → STEP 2See how the app customizes any mode Pick from 50 pre-built modes or type a new one in plain words. The Sleeve Studio app ships before your hardware. See Sleeve Studio → STEP 3Preorder the Sleeve — $199 First run of 500. ~30 days to production. Free US shipping. Full refund anytime before it ships. Order now →

90-day money-back guarantee, plus a full refund any time before the sleeve ships.

Questions about your setup? Call +1 725-338-4835 or email alex@midnightdev.dev.