DIY metalsub 200

[scubadog]

So this weekend I dived with my buddy who had a metalsub 50W HID.

All I can say is wow - what atorch.

It uses a xenon 50W bulb that is used in a car headlight. I think it is known as DS2?
The thing that struck me as handy is that being a simple automotive bulb you can buy replacements for £10.
His lamp head is huge! It houses the ballast/starter and also has magnetic switch for power dimming.

So the point of this post!.
I have parts of various umbilical torches.
I have the cannister that can hold 9ah batterys.
I am being given a 50w halogen lamp head. This is made by metalsub but is shorter than my buddys HID head as there is no ballast/starter.

I am hoping that I could pull the guts out of the lamp head and fit a 50W HID ds2 bulb.
I am also hoping that I can fit a ballast/start in the cannister.
I can get hold of the reflectors for my buddys torch.

So my questions:
Is it acceptable for the starter/ballast to be in the cannister and not in the torch head?
If I can get the same reflector and can fit it in a lamp head will the light output be similer?

 

[Packhorse]

Q1. This depends. The distance from the ignitor and or ballast can not be to great or you will have trouble starting the HID. ( I am far from an expert here but you may find some specs on the equipment you are using).
Q2.If you use the same reflector and the same bulb and they are set up the same and they are getting the same power from the same ignitor/ballast over the same length cable from the same battery pack and you use the same lens........it will be the same.

Personally I have never been a fan of HID. LED always seems so much simpler.

 

[DIWdiver]

Personally I have never been a fan of HID. LED always seems so much simpler.

+1

The strike voltage is several hundred volts. While theoretically your components should handle this with no problem, trying to run this from the canister to the head while everything is submerged in salt water is asking for trouble, IMHO.

 

[scubadog]

Oa thanks for your comments.

I agree with your thaughts.

So LED it is then.