The pilot straps it to his leg and places the map or chart / mission information under the spring clip (as shown with a piece of paper in my photos). There is an on / off dimmer control on the side which adjusts the voltage from 3 AA batteries to two light bulbs behind a prismatic lens, thereby lighting the area of the clipboard for easy chart reading at night. There are also two spare red colored bulbs stored under the spring engauged bottom cover. The strap and quick release connector function perfectly. The bulb dimmer functions perfectly.