Cave Diver Lights - Canister

[mddolson]

I have no experience with water proof switches.

I used a toggle switch, make sure it's at least 1 -1 1/2 HP rated due to inrush current on lamps. (As hi as 50 Amps)

To seal it I used a water proof boot, that threads over the switch, inplace of retaining ring.

These are availabe from Dacor USA or Ikelite .

Mike D

 

[SquintyPete]

Just curious how much your avg. DIY canister light costs vs the cost of buying one.... I am wondering if its worth getting the plans and parts and trying to make one for the first time...

 

[mddolson]

They cost about $600 here to buy new, and over $1000 Can for a HID.

Mike D

 

[scuba-punk]

You can get the Latches and Waterproof switch boot from McMaster-Carr. I got the switch from Cumberland Electronics (about $4 USD each).

After dinner (supper or tea - depending on where you're from) I'll post some URL's and part numbers.

-Frank

 

[scuba-punk]

url's

www.mcmaster.com
www.cumberlandelectronics.com

7501K13 Cutler-Hammer Toggle Switch - 10A - Solder Terminals - about $3 USD

1794A43 Nonlocking 304SS Latch - about $5 USD for the latch assembly - NOTE: this does not come with any screws

hope that helps

-Frank

 

[DIR Tec Diver]

Homemade lights and cave diving???? Come on! Please please please do not do this. Your life is not worth saving a few bucks. These lights are expensive, but that is for a reason - they are the best. Building these things by yourself can and will most likely result in a failure and then what do you do??? Your life is not worth the pride of saying I made this myself. Just make the investment in the proper light and make the smart choice. You will appreciate it every time you dive, and have 1 less thing to worry about during your dive

David

 

[nickjb]

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
Homemade lights and cave diving???? Come on! Please please please do not do this. Your life is not worth saving a few bucks. These lights are expensive, but that is for a reason - they are the best. Building these things by yourself can and will most likely result in a failure and then what do you do??? Your life is not worth the pride of saying I made this myself. Just make the investment in the proper light and make the smart choice. You will appreciate it every time you dive, and have 1 less thing to worry about during your dive

David

Next you'll be saying we shouldn't build our own rebreathers for cave diving (where's Duncan when you need him )

There isn't much rocket science in a torch and it is certainly simpler than my day job. Have you ever thought that any of the home builders might actually build a BETTER torch than those currently available.

 

[Duncan Price]

nickjb once bubbled...

Next you'll be saying we shouldn't build our own rebreathers for cave diving (where's Duncan when you need him )

Hullo! The simplest method of making a homemade cave diving light is to take a 12 V gel cell, attach the two pin connector used to power electric lawnmovers with the other end wired up to a 12 V dichroic bulb inside a bit of plastic pipe. Everything is open to the elements so it can only be used in fresh water (which is what virtually all of the caves in Europe are in). When you want to switch it on simply push the connector together, when you want to turn it off, unplug it. Good to 50 m + at least. Very popular with French cave divers and tight-fisted Brits.

I hate to tell you this but one of the deepest caves dived was by a couple of Brits on homemade CCR's in March in Mexico. - 1200m from daylight.

Seriously though, anyone diving in a cave should have more than one source of light...no matter how expensive your primary one was.

Duncan

 

[Waterlover]

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
Homemade lights and cave diving???? Come on! Please please please do not do this. Your life is not worth saving a few bucks. These lights are expensive, but that is for a reason - they are the best. Building these things by yourself can and will most likely result in a failure and then what do you do??? Your life is not worth the pride of saying I made this myself. Just make the investment in the proper light and make the smart choice. You will appreciate it every time you dive, and have 1 less thing to worry about during your dive

David

These DIR sockpuppets are really starting to get annoying. :wacko:

 

[jonnythan]

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
Homemade lights and cave diving???? Come on! Please please please do not do this. Your life is not worth saving a few bucks. These lights are expensive, but that is for a reason - they are the best. Building these things by yourself can and will most likely result in a failure and then what do you do??? Your life is not worth the pride of saying I made this myself. Just make the investment in the proper light and make the smart choice. You will appreciate it every time you dive, and have 1 less thing to worry about during your dive

David

Do you own the Halcyon DIR knife, too?