DIY canister-like dive light

[dwery]

Hello divers,

I'm quite new to light modding and I would like to detail my ideas about making a dive light, just to know if I'm making dumb errors

I would like to build a single led light (too low?), using a commonly available emitter like the Cree XR-E Q5 and one of the many reflector sets,
with a bit of aluminum to dissipate heat.

For the canister, I was planning to us an Otterbox like this one,

I know it might bend inwards under pressure, so I will
add some perspex near the o-ring in order to keep the sides apart.

For the head, I have two options in mind:
- using this accessory http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/acc_case.html
- plumbing pipe

I yet have to decide about the appropriate driver circuit, the AMC 7135
seems a nice one. Power will be switched by a reed switch.

I'd love to have suggestions about the power source type (NiMh, Li-Ion?) and quantity and on the overall construction.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Packhorse]

Why bother with a cannister light if you only want to use a single die LED?
Modify a W200 instead. You get 4 hours+ run time at full power with it.

But if you want a can light then I suggest using a MC-E or P7 LED instead.
Forget the Otter box and build/ buy a proper cannister.

As for the head use a maglite. They are cheap and do not require any special tools to modify. Just a hacksaw and some glue plus new O rings and a lens.

 

[dwery]

Why bother with a cannister light if you only want to use a single die LED?
Modify a W200 instead. You get 4 hours+ run time at full power with it.

I didn't know it would last so long... it might be good for a start.

But if you want a can light then I suggest using a MC-E or P7 LED instead.
Forget the Otter box and build/ buy a proper cannister.

As for the head use a maglite. They are cheap and do not require any special tools to modify. Just a hacksaw and some glue plus new O rings and a lens.

The otterbox was quite cheap while I bet a canister would cost a little bit more. I'll do some research on home made caisters.

ty.

 

[Packhorse]

I didn't know it would last so long... it might be good for a start.

The otterbox was quite cheap while I bet a canister would cost a little bit more. I'll do some research on home made caisters.

ty.

My PVC cannister cost me about $100 in parts including latches, gland, Reed and Mosfet. The PVC for the cannister was the cheapest part.
It helps to have a lathe to make one but you dont need one.

 

[Fluor]

I have seen some lights been built with the otterbox. It works but it's risky! The box will give up sooner or later and crack. It might last for 50 dives or only just one.

Agree with Packhorse. Don't make it more difficult than necesary. Modify a divelight or make one of simple parts before you do a cannister one.

And post pictures and comments! Good luck!

 

[dwery]

thanks, I'll follow a learning path.

what happens when salt water floods in? it's conductive, but enough
to pose any danger?

 

[Barbarin]

My advice:

Those walls are not strong enough, so you will have to reinforce them with a metal square tube or with a battery SLA fitting perfectly.

Javier

 

[dwery]

So the learning path could be:

- W200
- W200 with R2
- W200 with R2 plus driver
- Canister light (eventually)

Then maybe it won't became one of my usual never finished
projects

 

[Fluor]

My PVC cannister cost me about $100 in parts including latches, gland, Reed and Mosfet. The PVC for the cannister was the cheapest part.
It helps to have a lathe to make one but you dont need one.

How can you make one without a lathe? I dont have one and they are rather expensive and huge. For that matter i don't know how to use one.

You know any good sites for learning to use a lathe? I can accsess one at work but they demand you know how to use it :mecry:

 

[Goldigger]

For the canister, I was planning to us an Otterbox like this one,

Your best off using the Otterbox to keep your lunch in for after your dives..

 

[Packhorse]

How can you make one without a lathe? I dont have one and they are rather expensive and huge. For that matter i don't know how to use one.

You know any good sites for learning to use a lathe? I can accsess one at work but they demand you know how to use it :mecry:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do...ive-light-canister-less-expensive-option.html

 

[dwery]

I was giving a look to the driver's list . It seems
that a 1-mode 3xAMC7135 would do with either 3xAAA
or one Li-Ion . http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1885

If I manage to stuff a reed in the handle along with the
Li-Ion cell I could even use a 3-mode driver

 

[H20doctor]

If you would like I could post step by step instructions on how to make a pvc canister.. For under 20.00 .. Its an easy thing to do .

 

[dwery]

If you would like I could post step by step instructions on how to make a pvc canister.. For under 20.00 .. Its an easy thing to do .

H2Odoctor, that would be nice! ty!

 

[MrSpock]

Otterbox waterproofing claims is a joke. I purchased their 1000 box, which is supposed to be waterproof at 100 ft, but it's flooded at around 30ft.

 

[dwery]

I've got an Otterbox 8000 . I'm not comfortable with the O-ring.. will post photos.

 

[lil_mac]

If you would like I could post step by step instructions on how to make a pvc canister.. For under 20.00 .. Its an easy thing to do .

Yes I would like to see too please!

 

[CBR-runner]

I'd like to see also. I'm currently trying to build my own light as well.

Wish waterproof lights had there own forum...