New Life for Old Dive Lights

[acelockco]

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.)

[Okeanos]

I have now bought 2 x CREE P7 LED torches from China. $86 including batteries, charger & delivery.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29069

Very bright, so good on fact I've sold all my Greenforce lights.

[acelockco]

Do you have any photos? I would love to see some of the unit and of the light it produces.

By the way, I just flooded one of my old lights....well flooded isn't exactly correct, the plastic disintegrated on a dive. The clear plastic bezel/lens cracked while on the dive, but the light kept working just getting dimmer as the dive progressed. I touched the bezel to make sure it was tight and it fell apart in my hands. Fortunately I was able to hold onto all of the broken pieces, so they made it to the trash.

[The Publisher]

slick light!

[Okeanos]

slick light!

I have 2 and I am thinking of another pair with obscure covers for video lighting, especially as they have 3 different power settings. For the size & price they are very good. I have now done about 40 dives with the 2 down to a max of 40m so far.

[acelockco]

I was looking for his photos.

Anyway, knowing that you have made 40 dives with this light is a real positive. I have had more then one dive light fail, and even a new one on the first dive.

[The Publisher]

Ace, oh, you must have mean his critter photos taken with the lights....ok, that makes more sense now to my pea-brain....

[acelockco]

Ace, oh, you must have mean his critter photos taken with the lights....

That, or even shining on the sand underwater or whatever. I just wanted to see what the color of the light and brightness looked like underwater.

[Okeanos]

I can take some pics of the lights but I have nothing to compare them too as I have sold everything else! There is a new 1200 lumen version out there now too, might have to try that

[acelockco]

There is a new 1200 lumen version out there now too, might have to try that

Do you have a link?