ScubaMagazine.net Forum

Gates and sony high def underwater video package, $6800

Fasano2112 — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:51:41 GMT

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any and all questions.

Photos can be seen here

You can see actual footage shot with this particular package at:
www.FasanoUnderwater.com

Aloha Nui Loa!!

PRO-SUMER LEVEL HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO PACKAGE
Gates Underwater Video Housing w/
Sony High Definition Video Cameras w/
Light and Motion HID Full Spectrum Lights

UNDERWATER HOUSING:
-Gates HC1/A1U Underwater Video Housing
-Gates original manuals
-Gates EM253 2.5” video monitor
-Gates Fathom Wide Angle WP25 90deg port
-Gates Leak Detector visual and audio
-Gates Telemacro Control
-Red Filter Switch
-Stills Switch
-Exposure Controls
-Auto/Manual Focus Controls
-Zoom Controls
-White Balance Controls
-Zinc Corrosion Plates
-Spare monitor o-ring
-Port Interior and Exterior Lens Covers (not shown: 2nd camera, 2nd charger, and 2nd remote)
-Spare Gates Accessory Shoe and Tray with 6 extra stainless steel screws
-Storm iM2500 Locking/Rolling Travel Case with wheels (fitted as carry-on, no foam)

LIGHTS:
-Light and Motion Sunray HID Full Spectrum 55K
-3 Light Heads, 2 working Bulbs
-2 Battery Pods
-4 batteries (35min)
-1 charger
-3/4” Loc-line connectors
-G.A.S. Dual Pod Adaptor for Gates

VIDEO CAMERAS (yes, 2 identical video cameras are included):
-Sony HDR-HC1 Hi Def Video Camera
-CMOS Chip HDV 1080i
-1hr and 3hr Lithium Ion Batteries
-Original manuals, original box (1), chargers (2)
-Films to miniDVC tapes 62.5min (2)
-TV Connectors via Component and A/V
-2.1 megapix camera
-Firewire 400 and USB in/outs
-Remote Controls (2)
-Lens Cleaning Kit
-DVC Head Cleaning Tape

FULL RETAIL ~ $9500
CURRENT MARKET VALUE ~ $7700
FOR SALE $7200
$6800 without Lens Refirb

Just getting started

JAFrank — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:16:41 GMT

Hi everyone!
I dove in my teens -before certification was arround. My wife & I are relocating from NC to Jax Florida. We have decided that scuba is somethingh that we want to be involved in. We plan to do a lot of travel. We;re not certified yet and are astruggling with which certification agency to go with. Any help would be appreciated.

Dolphins Herded In Japanese Cove But None Killed

greenturtle — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:41:44 GMT

That's a GOOD start! :)
--------------------------------------------------------
http://www.wtov9.com/entertainment/24867188/detail.html

YURI KAGEYAMA, Associated Press Writer
Posted: 6:00 am EDT September 3, 2010
Updated: 6:02 am EDT September 3, 2010

TOKYO -- Japanese fishermen herded dolphins into a cove made famous by an Oscar-winning documentary about the hunt but did not kill any Friday, as conservationist groups ramped up scrutiny of the annual slaughter.

An official in the seaside village of Taiji, depicted in the film "The Cove," said a handful of the best-looking dolphins were kept to be sold to aquariums, but the rest were set free Friday morning. He declined to give details.

The decision to set most of the dolphins free marks a departure from past practice.

Conservationist group Sea Shepherd said it has been monitoring Taiji with a small crew of activists this week, and urged people to come to the village to help save the dolphins.

Dolphins swim in pods in the ocean. Taiji fishermen herd them by scaring them with noise into the cove, save some for aquariums and kill the rest, piercing them repeatedly until the waters turn red with blood.

It was not clear where the activists had stationed themselves Friday, but it was unlikely they would be able to see any slaughter since the cove is hidden from the village itself. But they would likely be able to watch the fishermen return to the village with their catch.

The shocking depiction of the slaughter in "The Cove" has launched calls for the hunt to be stopped. The film, which stars Ric O'Barry, won this year's Academy Award for best documentary.

On Thursday, a day after the annual hunt began in Taiji, O'Barry, 70, took a petition calling for its end with 1.7 million signatures from 155 nations to the U.S. Embassy.

O'Barry, the former dolphin trainer for the 1960s "Flipper" TV show and a longtime dolphin activist, has received threats from a violent nationalist group and skipped going to Taiji this year, a trip he normally makes to protest the hunt. He said he had been advised by Japanese authorities not to go.

Taiji residents say the criticism the town has received from the West is unfair because residents are merely trying to make a living in an area where a rocky landscape would make farming and livestock-raising difficult.

Nationalist groups say criticism of dolphin hunting is a denigration of Japanese culture.

The Japanese government allows a hunt of about 20,000 dolphins a year, and argues that killing them - and whales - is no different from raising cows or pigs for slaughter. Most Japanese have never eaten dolphin meat and, even in Taiji, it is not consumed regularly.

The government is also critical of Sea Shepherd, which has harassed Japanese whaling ships. In July, a Tokyo court convicted New Zealander Peter Bethune, a former Sea Shepherd activist, of obstructing a Japanese whaling mission in the Antarctic Ocean, assault, trespassing and other charges. He was deported.

"I'm not losing hope. Our voice is being heard in Taiji," said O'Barry, who has campaigned for four decades to save dolphins not only from slaughter but also from captivity.

Hello All

LANCE — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:21:01 GMT

Hello Every One,

My name is Lance and I am an IDIA Master Instructor and have been diving for 20+ years. I am pretty new to computer forums and I don't type very well but hey, I'm a diver not a computer guru. I was told to go to this forum by one of my students. So I am here.

Snorkeling with a dive knife

pdude — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:38:59 GMT

Anyone know if there are areas where bringing a pocket knife is not allowed in snorkeling areas near the shore or on dive cruises?

Sea Glass Collector From Florida

seaglass-mermaid — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:12:47 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the forum! I am a certified scuba diver but have been snorkeling more in the last few years. I love the simplicity and the quietness. I am a professional beachcomber and make sea glass jewelry for a living and am looking forward to being a member here. I lived in Puerto Rico for fifteen years and witnessed a lot of coral reef destruction. I am passionate about the reef!

Thanks,

Underwater Video of southern Leyte

klemens Gann — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:21:35 GMT

As promised a short underwater video from some of southern Leyte's best dive sites.

YouTube- Underwater DVD shows Underwater Video from southern Leyte

Important news about your uwj magazine!

Walt Stearns — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:02:52 GMT

Underwater Journal issue 17 is ready for download. We�re already hearing positive remarks about this issue, so go now to underwaterjournal.com, and subscribe � yes SUBSCRIBE to get your issue today. We�re asking our current readership to officially subscribe so we can provide special benefits only available for UWJ subscribers - you. IN FACT, when you subscribe for this issue you�re automatically registered in a drawing to win a Zeagle N2ition3 dive computer valued at $590 � winner to be notified September 30, 2010.

Issue 17 is packed with good reads � from a feature on diving the Bonne Terre Mine to a great no fuss, no rush resort on Utila, Bay Islands. Going CCR, Beyond the Basics, will give you a whole new perspective on transitioning to rebreather diving. Think the seafood you catch yourself is less likely to be toxic? Think again; we�ve taken a good hard look at this important topic. This is YOUR MAGAZINE with lots of benefits to go with. Enjoy it and let us know what �cha think. http://www.underwaterjournal.com

Attached Images

UWJ-issue17.jpg (38.8 KB)

Ondina or Indo Siren???

AlMitch — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:50:28 GMT

Hey everyone

I need some help in making a nearly impossible decision!!

I have narrowed my choices of a liveaboard cruise to 2 very amazing looking outfits!

Option 1

ONDINA - 11 Nights - Trip is from Ambon to Sorong - So you take in alot of varied dive sites and regions and get to see some very interesting old forts and spice plantations. Ambon apparently was the muck capital of the world before things well got .... spicy! And then you end the trip in Raja Ampat.

Option 2

Indo Siren - 10 nights cruising around all the best spots in Raja Ampat.

How do you make a decision like this???
BOTH is not an option!!! These trips are crazy expensive and it will be many many years before we could even consider another trip like this!!

Any ideas or help??
OR have you been on either of these boats and have some strong feelings ...either way???

Thanx
Al

Snapper from Maldives

Saxyscuba — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:54:29 GMT

Can somebody help me to ID this snapper? Picture taken in Maldives...

Much thanks,
Benita

Attached Images

unidentified snapper.jpg (153.3 KB)

Makalu trekking

himalayanExcursion — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:31:18 GMT

Malaku (8475m) the world's 5th highest peak's base camp trek is a Utterly marvelous, still very untouched and an irregular trekking area of Makalu region is very close to the Everest region. Makalu Base Camp Trekking, an extreme trekking route; encounters with old virgin wilderness throughout Makalu-Barun National Park covers about 1500 km square area in Eastern part Nepal. This remote national park is in the east from Mt Everest (8848m); the Hightest mountain of the World. Makalu Base Camp trek offers you heart breaking outlook of rugged Himalayan peaks including Mt. Makalu (8463m/ 27759ft), which is the fifth highest in the world. On the other hand additional gorgeous mountains like Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m) will definitely give your prosperity of satisfaction. This region provides you endangered wildlife, constantly green dense forests with towering waterfalls, wrinkled hard rocks and colorful flowers blossoming on the season underneath white snowy peaks. While you are searching for somewhat make stronger trail then this trek could match with your interest. Basically, our itinerary suits adventurous trekking lovers.

for more details
http://www.nepaltravelandtrek.com

Divers capture smiling pilot whale on camera

greenturtle — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:40:55 GMT

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wil...on-camera.html

Marine biologists were able to capture these pictures of pilot whales after being given permission to dive the Strait of Gibraltar.

The small channel of water, which is busy with huge cargo ships entering and leaving the Mediterranean, is rarely dived but Rory Moore, 28, a British marine biologist, and his fellow free-divers were granted permits.

Mr Moore, from Crickhowell, Wales, said: "Some of the whales came up to the camera and started to blow bubbles and 'bark' loudly. It was an amazing thing to witness but it was actually a clear sign to keep our distance.

He said: "We think these pilot whales will have had minimal contact with humans. It's great because they are very curious and they were very keen in coming to investigate us and were looking at their reflections in the camera lens.

"But they must be treated with the upmost respect and you have to be very aware if they become aggressive.

"As toothed predators, they are more like orcas than say blue whales. There have been stories about divers being drowned after having an arm grabbed and taken into the deep.

"But I think this will only happen if you are foolish enough to touch them. You should never make physical contact and take a non-invasive approach towards them to stay safe.

"One of the mothers in this pod had a calf so we had to be particularly careful in case she felt threatened.

"As soon as there are any signs of aggression it's time to back off.

"There are risks, but the opportunity to see these creatures up close was a dream come true."

Pilot whales are found between South America, South Africa and Australasia, and further north between North America and Europe.

New Life for Old Dive Lights

acelockco — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:46:08 GMT

As I am sure most of you are aware there have been many recent advancements in dive light technology. There are newly available HID and LED lights that burn brighter, whiter and are much more efficient. There is new battery technology as well, allowing shorter and easier charging with longer run times less weight and less space.

I have been shopping recently for a new dive light for some training dives next week. I was shocked at the prices for some of the new dive lights! I never expected to see a $1500 price tag on a dive light!

I really wanted an LED dive light, but just don't want to spend hundreds let alone thousands of dollars buying new dive lights. I decided to use my old dive lights for now. After pulling them out of the bottom of a never ending pile of gear in my basement I picked up some fresh batteries and fired them up. I was immediately disappointed when only one of my three lights actually turned on and even that one only produced a dim yellow light. What to do, what to do....

I started looking around on the internet and decided to modify my dive lights with new high power LED's. It sounded like something that might be difficult if not imposable, but to my surprise it was really easy and something anyone handy can do with a few tools. I found a source for LED modules (pre-soldered connections and reflector) on the web and was able to modify them to fit my lights fairly easily.

Attached is a photo of the both lights shining against a white wall. On the left you will see the light with original Xenon bulb and on the right the same light with the modified LED module. Both have new batteries and are identical lights. Not too bad for $15 in parts ($25 or so if you don't have supplies around - Tape, PVC pipe, glue, etc.)

Attached Images

images.jpg (2.3 KB)

GoPro HD uw housing test videos..2 more

Peteguam — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:15:18 GMT

HI,
I just put up 2 more. This one shows what the camera will do in varied conditions.

GoPro HD Camera and housing test 2 on Vimeo

The second clip just shows two different filters put over the lens.

GoPro HD with u/w color correction filters on Vimeo

Shark Trip 9/25-10/1/ 2010

TN DIVER — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:33:16 GMT

Join us September 25 � October 1, 2010, for a Tiger Shark Trip to Tiger Beach and the outer reefs along the Little Bahamas Banks. The cost of the trip is 2805.00 USD and includes diving for Tiger, Great Hammerhead, Lemon and Caribbean Reef Sharks for 5 days. We will spend 7 nights aboard the M/V Shear Water with all food, beverages, tanks, weights and air fills included. Nitrox is available for $100.00 if you want it, but you wont need it. It is not a cruise ship but an adventure vessel. The boat will depart and return to West Palm Beach, Florida where there are hassle free flights available in and out. The airport is 20 minutes to the boat. This trip is planned for underwater photographers and experienced divers who have an interest in sharks and close - up action. There will be no cage and you will be underwater with several large sharks that are baited to provide the safest interaction you might ever experience. This trip provides some of the most exciting, extreme, and rewarding diving you might ever do. I can guarantee that you will return with a new appreciation of sharks and if you are a photographer you will return with great images.
We will spend some time taking images of Tiger Sharks and Lemon sharks topside with cameras trying to get bite shots as the sharks chase after bait on the surface, as well as a chance to swim with dolphins.
Tiger Beach is located about 25 miles north of Grand Bahamas Island is near the western side of the Little Bahamas Banks. The M/V Shear Water is owned and operated by Jim Abernethy. Jim and his professional crew have been diving the Bahamain waters for the past 15 years and taking divers on these adventures for almost as many years. Jim and his crew are some of the most skilled and experienced shark operators in the world and have an excellent record for getting All food and drink is provided along with snacks throughout the day. divers close up with sharks. If you are serious in participating please contact Steven Anderson � (615)335-1494 or thecreech@cs.com.

Not included :
*Liquor � No alcoholic beverages provided other than wine with dinner
*Additional fees for Bahamas taxes � $ 110.00 US per person, payable by cash or credit card.
* A fuel surcharge will be added and determined at the time of the trip
*Crew gratuities � 15% of charter price is standard