High pressure waterproof switch?

[Laser_Ben]

Hello, I am making a light for diving, I have almost all of it figured out except how to waterproof a switch, I need to have it stand up to at least 130 feet of water pressure and be a constant on/off one(not push button). Do any of you know how to do this effectively?

Just to give you an Idea of what it will be, I will have a 10.4AH Li Ion pack in a secondary housing with the switch. In the light head there will be a 4 die Luxeon Prototype putting out ~16W of optical power.:twothumbs(don't ask me for one). These will be linked together with a cord.

 

[IndecisiveFlashaholic]

Having limited knowledge, I would sugggest a twistie-type switch. They would most likely keep out water better than a switch or clickie.

 

[Laser_Ben]

Okay, I've found the switch, how would you recommend getting a wire into a battery pack and keeping it waterproof?

 

[Illum]

epoxy the joint?

put a blob on both sides to ensure it wont push through by an unbalance of pressure

 

[Laser_Ben]

Okay, I really don't want a short on a high power LiIon pack at 100 feet under water.

 

[Illum]

I don't see another way, unless you utilize a conducting strip of metal instead, thats alot easier to waterproof than wires

sorry, but thats as far as my thoughts can go

 

[ringzero]

Okay, I've found the switch, how would you recommend getting a wire into a battery pack and keeping it waterproof?

Laser_Ben try using the CPF search function with "Bike Lights" and "waterproof" and various other permutations.

There was a thread on this very topic sometime in the past several months. That thread includes links to suppliers of waterproof enclosures, cabling, switches, etc. None of the hardware was that expensive.

I was thinking of ordering some of this stuff but didn't get around to it, and now I can't find the bookmarks in my browser.

They had several reasonably priced cables with waterproof, pressure-rated fittings for the ends to mount through holes you have bored into the waterproof enclosures.

Neat stuff, but I can't remember the names of the vendors.


.

 

[RustyKnee]

what about using a reed switch inside triggered by a magnet outside. you would need to use a relay though as I don't think a reed switch is designed to take much current. It would be totally sealled that way.

not sure if the magnetic field will pass through non ferrous metal though?

Stu

 

[lukestephens777]

Just curious whats the 4 Die Luxeon Prototype?
oo:

 

[cy]

barbolight U-09 has such a switch... you may want to look at how Javier has done it.

 

[Laser_Ben]

Just curious whats the 4 Die Luxeon Prototype?
oo:

Essentially a K2 package with 4 Thin Film Phosphor Plate Dies in it. They are currently under development.:lolsign:

 

[65535]

Your best bet is probably a slide type switch or something of that effect, they won't be turned on or off because of pressure but they can get knocked on. A twisty idea sound like a good one but you would need probably 4 seperate O rings and lots of grease.

 

[RustyKnee]

i have ordered some reed switches out of curiosity after i suggested them previosuly. i will see if they trigger when metal/aluminium is between the switch and magnet.

if it works, the switch wouldn't need any orings. a mechanism would need to be dvised though to position tha magnet suitably.

Stu

 

[Empyfree]

I like the reed switch Idea, as for locating the magnet, how about a rotating ring with the magnet held captive in it, the ring could run round in a groove in the barrel of the torch, not allowed to slide up or down, just round.

 

[Laser_Ben]

i have ordered some reed switches out of curiosity after i suggested them previosuly. i will see if they trigger when metal/aluminium is between the switch and magnet.

if it works, the switch wouldn't need any orings. a mechanism would need to be dvised though to position tha magnet suitably.

Stu

I'll look forward to the results of your test! I expect the battery to be inside a Plastic enclosure.

 

[RustyKnee]

I'll look forward to the results of your test! I expect the battery to be inside a Plastic enclosure.

I have the switches...need to get a magnet from work. will try them out tomorrow hopefully.

Stu

 

[steve6690]

How did the test go ?