The description and reviews indicate that this only turns on in the (very) dark. Where is the light sensor? Can it be blocked to turn it on in a bright environment? I need a globe to demonstrate the celestial sphere, can't be doing that in the dark all the time! (Other recommendation for globes are welcomed). The description and reviews indicate that this only turns on in the (very) dark. Where is the light sensor? Can it be blocked to turn it on in a bright environment? I need a globe to... » Read More The description and reviews indicate that this only turns on in the (very) dark. Where is the light sensor? Can it be blocked to turn it on in a bright environment? I need a globe to demonstrate the celestial sphere, can't be doing that in the dark all the time! (Other recommendation for globes are welcomed). « Show Less
1837930
If you look closely, you can see the sensor on the base. It is that small circle. You can easily cover it up to turn it on. Also, it doesn't need to be pitch dark for the globe to come on but it does need to be darker in order to see the lit images well.
2221523
I believe you'd have to ask the inventors of motion detectors 'how' these smart little instruments work internally. Here's what I know: when the sensor is set to'on'; in a dark room, any motion (shadow?) in its path, will trigger the light to go on!
2048012
It won't come on when the sun is out and is motion-activated. It only stays on for a few minutes then goes off. It was very bright when it worked, but mine stopped working soon after I bought it.
800705
If you left in the sun for an entire day and it still doesn't turn on at night, then it's defective. At night it will produce a low light and when motion is detected it will brighten significantly.
1518997
There is no way to make the display brighter. I have problems seeing it during the day. In fact I can't even tell it's on until it makes a noise. The display works best at night while you just have to listen to the different sounds during the day.
167331
this item inside a ball at the base of lamp, when taped vibrates to trip the sensor inside globe. The square sensor must fit into something that is connected to lamp. These are made for specific applications--!!!!! Tom P
567788
Not only do you have enough light for your makeup, you have a super large "nightlight" so you can see what's around you. I add a plastic hair clip to the sensor area to keep it on constantly because the on/off gets a bit annoying. One minute you're basking in it's lovely light, and move your head to reach for something or look through your makeup and the light has gone off. I wish there was a "ON" as well as a sensor to control the light.
806744
You should plug it in and turn off the lights from the lamps in the room and close the windows at day. It lights up in darkness only. If it's day and you have natural light across a window for example, it won't work because it lights only in the obscurity. The most obscurity, the most light. Beside that, it should work, if not maybe there is a problem. We haven't used it yet constantly, we only used it in Christmas day to see if it worked and how it works because it was a gift for our son, and he hasn't put it still in his bedroom. Hope this help you.
216804
I have mine on a switch and it works well, but it will only come on when it is dark. I like that because it doesn't matter if one of the kids leaves it switched on, it will turn itself off at daylight. If you want it come on in daylight you can put tape over the light sensor or open the housing and bypass the sensor in the wiring.
806740
That's what I wondered too, if it needed to "warm up" first, or be in an extra-dark room. You may have a faulty one too like me. I had to tap on it near the bottom & turn it upside down & hold it it at an angle to get it to light up-not what you should do to make it work! Email Amazon & they'll fwd it to Scientifics & they should email you back w/phone #. I called them today & they said Fedex would pick it up next day & send me another one. So hope next one works! Good luck with yours! :)
218387
Honestly, I cannot see it in the dark. My ++ review was based on ease of installation. Maybe if it was exposed to light it would glow. Unfortunately, how do you expose it to light in the dark? Sorry I could not help. I am staying with the factory sight.
929507
This light does not react to motion. It has an ambient light sensor that prevents it from turning on when the sun is up, etc. To make it turn on under all conditions, simply cover the light sensor with some black electrical tape. The older versions of this light had a dark plug included for you to use, but LOA stopped including this in their packaging years ago.
647291
When ambient light is low the unit lights dimly and stays lit dimly giving low illumination. Once activated by motion it becomes much brighter. This would of course conserve stored energy. I did not see anything in the manual that mentioned the ability to set the unit to provide light all night long without motion (keep in mind I'm operating off my memory as I no longer have the manual). I'll post again on the unit after its been in use for > 1 month to let you know what reliability is. It has operated for > 1 week without problems.
384120
Hi, I can't see it at night. I have good eyesight and frustratingly, through the years I have been gullible enough to purchase different brands of these NON-seeable clocks!! Also, the onesthat are seeable require that you reach for the clock and press a button...how ridiculous is that on a cold night?...A highly Un-recommended product.
1528167
Yes, it can be. I have 3 of these and have covered the sensor (the small little hole, not the white translucent plastic bulge), and that way the sensor turns the light on if there is motion day or night. I see someone else said no, but I don't think they did it right, because it works on all 3 of mine. PS - I used black electrical tape so that the sensor would be well blacked out.
1581991
I'm sure the light sensor would not work well. Ours triggered on very cloudy dark days. You could use it as a standard light though.
745431
it is ok. that is normal the sunset or the twilight ( partial sunset ) will start first every time. Then the night sky with stars will come after that and in the middle the aurora will show up in the middle some where also. After awhile you may wish to turn off the twilight and the aurora. To turn off either one or both just cover the len projector that project the twilight and aurora (technically, you cannot turn it off, we just blocking the len from showing it). You will see that there are 3 lens in this machine. One is for the sunset part, the other is for aurora and the last one is for the night stars. By repositioning the len cover, I was able to cover one of the lens that I don't want. Give it a try. If it does not work, you can use anything that you like to cover the len that project the sun set. Enjoy and good luck.