I got one last month, just in time for it to be put away for the summer :0(
Anyway, hold your power button on for 5 seconds, it will have a flashing fit, thi means the port is on. Now turn the light on, then put the micro in (just cover your eyes when you do).
From the amount i used it i cant really comment on how much it affects it but in the 1 week i did i found 3 things…
1) having to go through that rigmarole each time you turn the light on is a pain!
2) leaving the micro plugged in when the light is off DOES drain power
3) they are very small and easy to lose when you have take unplug it all the time.
Overal, its bright but im not impressed with the ergonomics of use, id have expected better from USE.