DIR and the canister light: newbie questions

[Lorenzoid]

I recently acquired my first canister light--a lightly used Light Monkey 21W HID. I have been diving DIR in single-tank rec configuration for a year or so now since my Fundies rec pass, and am gradually expanding my horizons. Now that I have reached the point where I can consistently do an S-Drill without getting all out of kilter, I am adding the can light to my repertoire. Does anyone know of a video that shows someone doing an S-Drill with a can light with enough clarity that I can follow all the movements? As I recall from observing Fundies students who were attempting the course in tech config, there was a specific GUE-approved way to manage the cord (but of course). I recall the instructor teaching some mnemonic device about "the drill is UNDERway" and "the drill is OVER" to help one remember whether the cord goes over or under the long hose, but that's all I remember. I found a few old SB threads discussing cord management, but I suspect I really need to see it done to understand it.

What else does one need to know about can light usage (besides the obvious things like the specifics of signaling and light etiquette)? For example, while I understand the light is normally held in the left hand during a dive, it has occurred to me that there may (?) be times when it is appropriate to shift the light to the right hand, and times when the light is to be clipped off. What are they?

I tried out using a can light once before, and I recall finding it difficult to pull the rear dump with that monster light head Goodman'd to my hand, so I momentarily shifted the light to the right hand when I needed to dump. By the way, just how is one supposed to grip that handle? I found a few old threads discussing modifying it with neoprene pads, etc., to fit smaller hands more securely. Is that frowned upon by GUE? From my admittedly novice perspective, the traditional U-shaped Goodman handle feels like an ergonomist's nightmare. Surely that thing could be shaped less crudely, in a way that is not so clumsy to grip.

On a related note, are there any tips for holding the Goodman handle while using a reel? When I tried this, my poor little hand felt overwhelmed. It was difficult to extend a finger to put friction on the reel. I am thinking a side-winding reel might be easier in this respect than the top-handled (Dive Rite) reel I was using.

Lastly, what is the deal with using the focusing feature? Does anyone other than a videographer really need to spread the beam during a dive? I would think that even in a large cave room one would be more likely to paint the room with the beam rather than spread it. I suspect this feature is more of an afterthought--something that any bulb-and-reflector-based lamp can be made to do simply by moving the reflector.

That should be plenty of questions to start with

 

[PfcAJ]

I'm pretty fluid with what hand I hold the light in. If you need to dump your wing or check your SPG, hold it with your right hand. If you need to use both hands and the light would get in the way, clip it off. The 'home' position is the left, but really just do what makes sense for the situation. I think you're already discovering that. Once you add a stage bottle, getting to the rear dump with the light in your hand won't even be possible. Sometimes, I hold it in my right hand 'cuz thats what I feel like doin!

As for how to hold it with your right hand, just grab it. No need to over-complicate things

The only modification I recommend to the goodman handle is to add a small Tekna Xtra Edge knife to it and put a thumb loop next to the reflector for scooter stuff. Other than that, leave it alone. You want it to be able to slide off your hand to facilitate the above scenarios. Some folks add little pads and such, but its pretty 'meh' in my opinion.

Sidehandle reel is the way to go. There's a real tendency to put a death grip on those things and its not really needed. The metal palm part of the goodman handle lines up with the metal handle of the reel, and the two parts are simple held by your palm+fingers. Index or thumb used for tension if you need it. Or put it in your right hand if need be. Fluidity as needed, and the trick is to be able to use both hands as appropriate for the conditions.

I never really use the focusing 'feature'. Occasionally I'll use a video reflector, but mostly I like the 2 part ballast/bulb and reflector assembly because I can carry a spare lighthead in my pocket for bigger dives.

From my perspective, the best thing to do is to dive your face off with it and it'll eventually become a seamless addition.

 

[huwporter]

What else does one need to know about can light usage (besides the obvious things like the specifics of signaling and light etiquette)? For example, while I understand the light is normally held in the left hand during a dive, it has occurred to me that there may (?) be times when it is appropriate to shift the light to the right hand, and times when the light is to be clipped off. What are they?

In 'DIR' your light is as much about communication with your team as it is for seeing things, so apart from when signalling you generally want to move the light beam slowly and smoothly. Fast, jerky, big motions are 'shouting', and make it harder to tell when you are actually trying to communicate. With this in mind, you routinely smoothly pass the light to a temporary hold in the right hand while you adjust buoyancy, check your SPG etc with your left (temporary hold means you hold the body of the light rather than pass your right hand through the handle) so that the light beam doesn't get jerked around. You clip off the light (pointing down) to do tasks that need two hands, such as shooting an SMB or switching to a deco tank.

By the way, just how is one supposed to grip that handle?

You don't exactly need to 'grip' the handle - adjust it so that it is a close enough fit to not flop around but is still loose enough to slip easily on and off your hand (because of paragraph above) - then it is more that the light rests on the back of your hand while being kept in position with the goodman rather than needing to grip it tightly.

Cheers,
Huw

 

[eelnoraa]

You will hear a lot of good advice from experts. Here I can share my method as an relative beginner, hope shed some light from a different angle.

First, GUE says light cord over long hose. So it is necessary to deal with the cord on donation. I found rather than remembering "UNDER way" and "OVER", it is a lot easier to try to visualize where the cord is with respect the long hose before even attempt the s-drill. then it is very clear that when donating, light cord need to pass from left to right on the "outside" of the long hose, then pass from right to left "inside" of the long hose. The opposite for resetting a s-drill.

As for operating the rear dump, passing light to right hand for a temporary hold is the right thing to do. What you don't want is to accidentally give a eratic light pattern, you team mate can mistaken it for an emergency. And you don't grip the handle by forming a fist. You left hand just kind of slide into the handle and hold it between the side of your hand and your thumb.

For the focus feature, I found myself defocus the for night dive when the focus beam is just too bright.

 

[kathydee]

Also, members of GUE, can access training videos through GUE.com. It's great to support GUE and purchasing even a simple electronic membership will permit access to the videos. Visit GUE.com - Log in, then click on: My Account ---> My Membership Benefits --> GUE Videos --> Dive Training

 

[WhiteSands]

Check through your Fundies package. It includes a PDF file named "Standard Operating Procedures". In it you should find detailed instructions on the correct sequence for the S-drill and handling of the light cord. Searching for "GUE S drill" in youtube will probably bring up what you need.

You shift the light to the right hand when you need to dump your wing or check your gas. You don't really need to grip the handle on a well adjusted goodman handle. It should be tight enough that it will stay in your hand but not so tight that it's hard to insert or remove your hand. I just curl my fingers lightly over the palm bar.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Listen to Five Finger Death Punch.
The song "Under and over it" might help you remember dealing with the cord at first.

Yeah. I know some people can't stand 5FDP.......whatever.
That song was a great mnemonic for me during Fundamentals.

Cheers!
Mitch

 

[Lorenzoid]

Check through your Fundies package. It includes a PDF file named "Standard Operating Procedures". In it you should find detailed instructions on the correct sequence for the S-drill and handling of the light cord. Searching for "GUE S drill" in youtube will probably bring up what you need. . . .

I have found plenty of S-drill videos, but none I found clearly shows all the movements of the hands, cord and hose/secondary. It's more an issue of the video quality--shaky, too far away, etc. Got a specific link to recommend?

Also, can you point me to a pic that clearly shows how to hold a Goodman handle? I THINK I understand what you and everyone else is saying, but I'd like to see it. There are hundreds of pics of people holding a Goodman handle, but I haven't been able to find even one that clearly shows all the fingers and the handle together, especially the thumb.

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far! Sometimes it seems the simplest questions are the hardest to search for answers.

 

[Imla]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOBTOiJ1PzY

 

[WhiteSands]

I have found plenty of S-drill videos, but none I found clearly shows all the movements of the hands, cord and hose/secondary. It's more an issue of the video quality--shaky, too far away, etc. Got a specific link to recommend?Also, can you point me to a pic that clearly shows how to hold a Goodman handle? I THINK I understand what you and everyone else is saying, but I'd like to see it. There are hundreds of pics of people holding a Goodman handle, but I haven't been able to find even one that clearly shows all the fingers and the handle together, especially the thumb.Thanks to everyone who has replied so far! Sometimes it seems the simplest questions are the hardest to search for answers.

S-drill - YouTubeThis video answers both your questions. Watch the guy on the left. Only comment I have is the OOA light signal should be done from the elbow not the wrist. There is no right or wrong way to hold the light. As long as it feels comfortable to you, its the right way.