battery heated vest anyone?

[TSandM]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I've fried a $350 battery using the vest. I spent yesterday taking apart the whole system to try to figure out where I had lost electrical continuity, and tomorrow I'm replacing the connectors for the vest, which simply refuse to mate. (Apparently it's a known problem with that type of connector; if you have to put too much heat into the terminals to get a good solder joint, the plastic softens and the blades of the connector move, and they won't fit any more.) I've owned the thing for over two years, and done about a dozen dives with it . . .

 

[Diver0001]

Yeah, that's the thing isn't it? I think I'd be more inclined to seriously consider buying one if I thought the design was bullet proof.

R..

 

[PfcAJ]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I've fried a $350 battery using the vest. I spent yesterday taking apart the whole system to try to figure out where I had lost electrical continuity, and tomorrow I'm replacing the connectors for the vest, which simply refuse to mate. (Apparently it's a known problem with that type of connector; if you have to put too much heat into the terminals to get a good solder joint, the plastic softens and the blades of the connector move, and they won't fit any more.) I've owned the thing for over two years, and done about a dozen dives with it . . .

which connectors are you moving to? Same style or something different?

 

[andrewy]

my heated vest story started when i scored unused Typhoon vest from some Ebay guy for $50. No battery.
I used Marshall Underwater male bulkhead connector (26-5MBRA wit 3/8 x 24 3/4 inch thread) and two 2 inch PVC washers with 3/8 center hole.
i've installed it on my two TLS 350 suits. On right side from inflator valve. i made 3/8 hole on Trilam (like p valve installation really) and i made a hole in a zipper protector material. The bulkhead is attach to trilam, not to cover material. So when i dont use heater, i simply pull connector head back and cover it when zipped. inside i used Anderson power poles as connectors, they are simple as 1-2-3. For battery at first i used 2 canisters one outfitted with Marshall Underwater cable (26-5FC62), but now i've built 30AH canister that drives both Vest and 35Wt HID, if you want details let me know. P.S. It is very nice to be warm , Since then i found that same heating elements are use in Synergy Heated Vests (i found them on ebay) so i guess they can be used as well.