Nitecore’s NU06 MI Mini Signal Light

In today’s environment, the military and law enforcement (LE) find it helpful to operate at night. However, when operating at night, the need for positive identification becomes even more vital. One way for a team to operate at night and identify its team members is to use signal lights. For less than $30, Nitecore supplies the NU06 MI as a handy signal light. One that provides military and LE members a tool to mark themselves in low-light situations.

Nitecore NU06 MI Overview

The NU06 MI is a small cube shaped signal light that measures 1.16” × 1.16” × 1”. The bottom part of the light contains the built-in Li-ion battery and the integrated ARC rail adapter. The ARC rail adapter allows the user to mount the NU06 to any helmet with ARC rails. On top is where the LED lights are found. The power button is in the middle of the top part of the signal light. Additionally, the power button acts as the control button to cycle through the modes available on the light. The NU06 has nine modes and four different light sources available.

“A mini LED safety and signal light specifically designed for outdoor activities and law enforcement personnel.” ~ nitecorestore.com

The Nitecore NU06 MI has an Infrared (IR) light source, a red light source that produces 3 lumens, a green light source, which produces 8 lumens, and a blue light source that produces 2 lumens. All four of the lights have a constant-on mode and flashing mode. The constant-on mode is helpful as a backup light source for close-up situations, such as looking for an item on a battle belt while keeping a covert profile. The flashing mode works well as an identifier when operating as a team. Specifically for LE purposes, the NU06’s ninth mode is a flashing red/blue warning light.

Additionally, I like that Nitecore added a vibration indicator to show when the IR modes are on or off during use. This feature helps identify if the NU06 is either on or off in the invisible spectrum IR modes. I want to point out that it took me several attempts to get the hang of cycling through the modes. However, getting the light mode I wanted became easy once I got the controls down.

To power the NU06 MI, Nitecore integrates a Li-ion battery that can run for 75 hours, about three days. Also, an indicator on the top of the NU06 MI aids with checking power levels. When more than 50% of the battery remains, the indicator will flash three times. The indicator will flash twice if the battery is below 50% but above 10%. If the battery reaches 10% or lower, the indicator flashes once. To charge the battery, simply lift the dust cover and plug in the provided USB-C charging cable. Which will take about two hours to get the NU06 fully charged.

“Single switch design for one handed operation.” ~ nitecorestore.com

Along with the NU06 itself, Nitecore includes three mounting brackets. The first bracket is flat with a magnetic strip on the back of the bracket. The magnet allows the user to mount the NU06 on metal surfaces such as a vehicle’s roof. On top of the magnet is hook tape that covers the magnet. The bracket’s hook tape allows a person to attach the NU06 to flat loop tape pieces, such as a loop tape patch on a backpack. The second bracket has a slight curve and uses hook tape on the back of the bracket to attach to curved surfaces such as the back of a helmet. And finally, a MOLLE mounting bracket allows the user to mount the NUO6 onto MOLLE panels. Such as the ones found on packs or plate carriers.

Nitecore NU06 MI Specs courtesy of nitecorestore.com

• 4 LED Colors – Infrared, Red, Green, and Blue
• Constant On and Flashing
• Police Warning Signal – Red & Blue
• USB-C Rechargeable
• Single switch design for one handed operation
• ARC rail adapter with 3 mounting brackets
• MSRP: $29.95 Amazon

Final Thoughts

The NU06 MI from Nitecore is a handy light to have on hand if you are in the military, LE, or just an outdoorsman. The signal light is ideal for marking your location in the woods or helping with positive identification when working with teams. Overall, I am pleased that the NU06 is small enough to place on a plate carrier without taking too much space up on the carrier’s MOLLE. For only $29.95, the NU06 MI packs a punch with the IR capability and various light modes. Additionally, with the 75 hours runtime, the NU06 supplies a light that can last for lengthy night operations.