first time can light owner

[kyjellyfish]

I recently purchased my first canister light - yeah!

Given the investment and me being a first time canister light owner, could people lend me some advice on care, maintenance, storage/transport, battery charging, etc?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Peter_C]

What brand and model did you get? It should have come with care instructions. Other than keeping everything clean there isn't that much to know about can light care. The type of battery dicates how you charge it. Which battery did you get? You will want to attach a bolt snap or go with the UTD setup that uses two bungees on the light head.

Do you use a BP/W?

Do you already know your light signals?

 

[TSandM]

One thing I learned from Tobin George is to charge the battery every chance you get. They don't have "memory" and last much longer if they are never fully discharged.

 

[Lobzilla]

Is a used DiveRite 10W HID a prudent choice as the first canister light?

I am not going into wrecks or caves anytime soon but a can light would be nice to:

• wrap the long hose around
• signal
• increase task loading
• get used to it

 

[ScubaSam]

One thing I learned from Tobin George is to charge the battery every chance you get. They don't have "memory" and last much longer if they are never fully discharged.

I was told to charge it the night before the dive.

I have a 21 HID and was told not flick it on and off quickly like a flashlight or light switch.

When I turn it on, I let it fully fire up before even considering turning it off. The head gets very hot so if I'm firing it up at home I do it in the sink or in a bucket of water.

 

[kyjellyfish]

Thanks - I purchased a used 10-21W HID Light Monkey.

I've seen others cover the light head with a can koozie. Also when first turning it on would it make sense to submerge the light in water to help dissipate some of the heat?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[ScubaSam]

Thanks - I purchased a used 10-21W HID Light Monkey.

I've seen others cover the light head with a can koozie. Also when first turning it on would it make sense to submerge the light in water to help dissipate some of the heat?

Thanks for the advice!

Yes, a koozie is best to protect the head as it's expensive to replace.

 

[ianr33]

Is a used DiveRite 10W HID a prudent choice as the first canister light?

I am not going into wrecks or caves anytime soon but a can light would be nice to:

• wrap the long hose around
• signal
• increase task loading
• get used to it

Provided it works it should be fine. I've had a Diverite 10W for several years.
The orange cords are junk but they have probably all failed and been replaced by now.
Bulbs are expensive ~$100 , treat it gently. Try not to smack it on rocks. Do not turn it off immediately after turning it on and vice versa. Always give it a couple of minutes at least.

For signaling get either the focusable version or the narrow beam fixed focus.

Keep the battery charged.

 

[tstormdiver]

Thanks - I purchased a used 10-21W HID Light Monkey.

I've seen others cover the light head with a can koozie. Also when first turning it on would it make sense to submerge the light in water to help dissipate some of the heat?

Thanks for the advice!

I just also got a 21 watt Light Monkey. I can't wait to dive it! I have a 10 Watt Dive Rite that is now a back- up primary light. The Koozie isn't a bad idea, if you can find one large enough to cover the light head. I've ordered a larger sized, foam filled Pelican case for storage & transport of both lights. Yes, water is essential to keep the light head cooled, I wouldn't use a sink or something with a drain, as the drain *may* not hold water long enough, especially if burn testing the battery. Even though she doesn't like it, I use my dog's water bowl, to keep it in when I have the light burning (I have other water bowls for her also). To be honest, I don't know if there are any special instructions for keeping the batteries charged (not that it doesn't sound like a bad idea) being they are LIon batteries. I know it is essential for NiMH batteries. I looked on Light Monkey's web site & they do not yet have any manuals out on care for the light &/ or battery. Another obvious thing would be to check that the canister O-ring is clean before diving with it. My cave instructor has been using one of these lights for well over a year now & has had absolutely no problems with it at all, that is what convinced me to get one.

 

[Peter_C]

I have a few tricks that I use to keep stupid away. If my koozie is on, the battery is disconnected and the top cover is also reversed. When I plug the battery in I rotate the top the correct direction and remove the cover. Although diving off my boat I will sometimes leave the koozie on.

As you can see in the photo I have a large bolt snap mounted to the side of the light tied on with cave line. There is also a bungee loop tied at the rear that allows a double ender to be used so the light can point straight down when clipped off. All the bolt snaps I use are large size since I am a cold water diver and use dry gloves. Actually I find I have more dexterity with dry gloves since I can feel my fingers. I also put a piece of bungee over the top from one end of the goodman handle to the other. This allows me to stick my thumb through it. There is a video below that shows how UTD recommends stowing and deploying the light.

Make sure you do not do wild movements with your light. Slow back and forth motions to get your buddies attention. Fast means you are in trouble and you probably will have a reg shoved in your face. Also do not shine it in your buddies eyes. Use the light in low vis to keep the team together.