Five-stage dimmer switch was installed on the dashboard to manage NOTEK lights. The degree of light can be varied according to the proximity of the enemy, by different switch positions.
STAGE O
All lights out.
STAGE H
Blackout headlight out; only the interval tail light on. This is used when driving in column if the nearness of the enemy makes it necessary for vehicles to drive without the blackout headlight, or for the leading vehicle only to have the light on. Cannot be detected from the air, and on the ground not beyond 300 yards (274 meters).
STAGE V 1
Blackout headlight giving minimum light; interval tail light switched on. To be used on very dark nights when in the proximity of the enemy, and always to be used when driving into artillery positions, assembly points, etc. Cannot be detected beyond 500 yards (457 eters) from the air or on the ground. On lighter nights, instead of V 1, Stage V 2 can be used without danger, but not in the immediate neighborhood of the enemy.
STAGE V 2
Blackout headlight giving medium light; interval tail light switched on. To be used near and behind the front, e.g., when advancing to the front. Cannot be detected from the air or on the ground beyond 800 yards (731 meters).
STAGE V 3
Blackout headlight giving maximum light; and interval tail light switched on. To be used during blackout exercises in peacetime, etc. Cannot be detected from the air on on the ground beyond 1,500 yards.
Where there is no actual danger of recognition by the enemy, vehicles can travel with the blackout headlight full on, and the rear license plate illuminated, as well as with the two tail lights and the stop light at their full strength.
In other words, the dimming-switch will be at Stage V 3; the hinged shutter on the interval-judging panel will be up, covering the four windows of the interval tail light, and exposing the left-hand tail light and stop light; the shutter underneath will be open, permitting light to fall on the license plate; and the righthand tail light will be set to bright.
At any sign of the enemy, it is necessary to stop the vehicle and to make the following adjustments before proceeding: Push down the shutter on the interval-judging panel, thus exposing the interval-judging device. Close the shutter underneath, cutting off the illumination to the rear license plate. Rotate the dimming disk on the right-hand tail light.
The head light of the leading vehicle is switched down to the lowest possible point consistent with the darkness of the night and the danger of observation; the darker the night, the less light is used.
In convoys, only the leading vehicle will normally use its blackout headlight, and all the remaining vehicles will switch to the H position, using the interval-judging panel to keep position.
On the left an original German switch. The two other are post war switchs.
