Inon Strobes in cold water

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi all,

 

There has been a post about this before, but I was just wanting to find out what people did!

 

I am using two Z220's, with a D2Xs, which means that I am in manual mode. I'm diving in very cold water, and hence am wearing dry gloves.

 

I'm really struggling to get hold of the power settings knob. I have tried the trick of putting a cable tie around them-but these seem to fall off. Someone mentioned some type of cold water knob-does anyone have any further info on this?

 

Any help much apreciated!

 

Adam

Edited January 7, 2009 by adamdiveruk

[CADiver 2]

Hi all,

 

There has been a post about this before, but I was just wanting to find out what people did!

 

I am using two Z220's, with a D2Xs, which means that I am in manual mode. I'm diving in very cold water, and hence am wearing dry gloves.

 

I'm really struggling to get hold of the power settings knob. I have tried the trick of putting a cable tie around them-but these seem to fall off. Someone mentioned some type of cold water knob-does anyone have any further info on this?

 

Any help much apreciated!

 

Adam

 

How about clue a a nail on top or drill a small hole on the side and insert a stainless steal/brass nail. I am just improvising probably not a good idea.

[Tom_Kline 141]

I use either 7mm or 1/4" 5-finger neoprene gloves and have been able to adjust Inons. I gave up on dry gloves a number of years ago as they are too much of a PITA and leak at the most opportune moments. A wet dry glove is colder than a a neo glove. I also use neo hoods.

Tom

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi Tom,

 

I used to use neo gloves, but since switching to dry about 5 years ago, have never looked back The comfort level is so much better for me. I use a cuff ring system on my drysuit, and it is very reliable-I can't say that I've had any problems in about 1000 dives!

 

Agree on hoods-the Waterproof 5/7mm hood is by far the best-it is the only hood wherein I have "warm" ears after 50 mins in 4 degree water!

 

I use Drygloves for all my diving (UK) and have no problem with multiple stages, scooters etc etc, but do struggle with the Inon knobs!

 

Adam

[Tom_Kline 141]

Hi Tom,

 

I used to use neo gloves, but since switching to dry about 5 years ago, have never looked back The comfort level is so much better for me. I use a cuff ring system on my drysuit, and it is very reliable-I can't say that I've had any problems in about 1000 dives!

 

Agree on hoods-the Waterproof 5/7mm hood is by far the best-it is the only hood wherein I have "warm" ears after 50 mins in 4 degree water!

 

I use Drygloves for all my diving (UK) and have no problem with multiple stages, scooters etc etc, but do struggle with the Inon knobs!

 

Adam

 

I have used both Viking and DUI dry gloves and found them both a PITA. One system had removable cuffs the other fixed. Cuffs also make it problematic to wear things on ones wrist.

Your problem with dexterity may be due to the glove slipping over the liner - too baggy so you do not get a purchase on the knobs or cannot push them on one side. This is a recollection - it was not a significant issue. Back when I use dry gloves I was using mainly Nikonos cameras and did not have major issues with those knobs (e.g., shutter speed and aperture on RS). You may want to be more specific about the problem since we can't see it over the net.

Tom

Edited January 7, 2009 by Tom_Kline

[JackConnick 76]

I have used both Viking and DUI dry gloves and found them both a PITA. One system had removable cuffs the other fixed. Cuffs also make it problematic to wear things on ones wrist.

Your problem with dexterity may be due to the glove slipping over the liner - too baggy so you do not get a purchase on the knobs or cannot push them on one side. This is a recollection - it was not a significant issue. Back when I use dry gloves I was using mainly Nikonos cameras and did not have major issues with those knobs (e.g., shutter speed and aperture on RS). You may want to be more specific about the problem since we can't see it over the net.

Tom

 

I've used both wet and dry gloves with the Inons. It isa struggle at times for sure. But I found that 3/5 wet gloves worked pretty well; 3mm fingers.

 

I switched to dry gloves and if you use thinner liners and pull the gloves well up onto your hand/wrist - I find that I have very good dexterity. I'm now using the SI-5 Vikng system and can even use very thin dishwashing gloves if I find I need fine adjustment ability.

 

Experiment with your system of gloves and liners, you should be able to find a happy meium.

 

Jack

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi Jack,

 

To be honest, the dryglove has a built in liner that is actually very dextrous. As I mentioned before, I can manage just about every othertask without a problem. It is just the actual size of the fingertips in the space that is around the knobs! I'm really looking for a solution that makes the knobs easier to grip, not one based on changing a glove system that works really well for me.

 

Thanks for all the input so far.

 

Adam

[Timmoranuk 10]

The most versatile solution I have found is to slip long cuffed 'marigold' gloves on before donning my dry suit. They seal perfectly with the neoprene wrist seals. I top them off with 3mm neoprene gloves.

[E_viking 30]

Hi Adam,

 

I am also quite used to dive in cold waters. These Lakes in the Alps are fresh. In 4°C water then, atleast for me, I need them dry gloves. I also have the INON's. So, I have

 

There are a lot of different dry glove systems and all of them have their pros and cons. If you are happy with your system don't change them.

I am personally using the Rollock system, mainly in order to be able to put them on/off myself. The gloves came without Liners. As strange as it sounds it is actually an advantage, since I can vary the thickness of the inner glove. I am using a thick Thinsulate as Liner on my left hand and a thin fleece glove as a liner on my right hand. That gives me a warm and cosy left hand and a possibilty to twiddle around with those knobs of the INON's. This way gives me a lot warmer fingers than neo gloves. I also find that I have better control of the different knobs than with neo gloves. If I have the thick Thinsulate on my right hand as well, then I am also not able to fiddle with the Inon knobs.

 

I don't know your system, but normally you can change the rubber glove itself. Most of the drygloves are simply Chemical protection gloves and can be bought in your nearby handyman store. One of my mates got himself orange gloves that way, so that his students would easily notice him.

 

I did a small modification for basically the same reason on my Zoom knob on the Housing. I drilled a hole and screwed in a small metal rod in order to get an easier grip. I don't think that I would dare to do the same thing to the Inon's.

 

I am not sure that my comments will help you, but I wish you good luck.

 

/Erik

[Udo van Dongen 5]

Hi all,

 

There has been a post about this before, but I was just wanting to find out what people did!

 

I am using two Z220's, with a D2Xs, which means that I am in manual mode. I'm diving in very cold water, and hence am wearing dry gloves.

 

I'm really struggling to get hold of the power settings knob. I have tried the trick of putting a cable tie around them-but these seem to fall off. Someone mentioned some type of cold water knob-does anyone have any further info on this?

 

Any help much apreciated!

 

Adam

 

Hi Adam,

Since your question was not about which gloves to wear but about how to modify your strobes i might have a good solution for you that i use myself as well. I have some buttons that i obtained from Hugyfot. The adjustment knobs that they use in their housing can be fitted with a nylon Swagelock tube (as an insert) which perfectly fits the axis on your INOn strobe. With these buttons i'm able to control both knobs with one finger or the outside of my 7 mm three finger gloves. I never use dry gloves, but i quess they wouldn't form much of a problem. If you want i can post some pictures of my strobe buttons later.

 

cheers, Udo

[photovan 0]

Hi Adam,

Since your question was not about which gloves to wear but about how to modify your strobes i might have a good solution for you that i use myself as well. I have some buttons that i obtained from Hugyfot. The adjustment knobs that they use in their housing can be fitted with a nylon Swagelock tube (as an insert) which perfectly fits the axis on your INOn strobe. With these buttons i'm able to control both knobs with one finger or the outside of my 7 mm three finger gloves. I never use dry gloves, but i quess they wouldn't form much of a problem. If you want i can post some pictures of my strobe buttons later.

 

cheers, Udo

 

Udo,

I use my Z240s in manual and have been frustrated by the "fiddly" nature of the control, even without gloves. I've been thinking of gluing something on to increase the size/accessibility... I'd like to see some pics of your modifications for sure, as I'm sure other Inon users would. Thanks!

Edited January 9, 2009 by photovan

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Quite a few folks just use small (1cm) sections of hosepipe or rubber tubing on the end of the control dials. Increases the size and makes them less fiddly.

 

Alex

[Udo van Dongen 5]

Udo,

I use my Z240s in manual and have been frustrated by the "fiddly" nature of the control, even without gloves. I've been thinking of gluing something on to increase the size/accessibility... I'd like to see some pics of your modifications for sure, as I'm sure other Inon users would. Thanks!

 

Right now i'm not at home but as soon as i find time to take i picture i'll post one (i'm very busy the upcoming 24 hours... we have the very rare opportunity to go icediving in the Netherlands at the moment). BTW, i think Alex' solution in the next post looks very promising too and really easy to make.

 

cheers, Udo

[Udo van Dongen 5]

Udo,

I use my Z240s in manual and have been frustrated by the "fiddly" nature of the control, even without gloves. I've been thinking of gluing something on to increase the size/accessibility... I'd like to see some pics of your modifications for sure, as I'm sure other Inon users would. Thanks!

 

 

Hi colleague INON users,

i managed to take a few minutes to make a picture of my strobe buttons so you all can have an idea what it looks like. These buttons enable me to control the buttons with one finger in a 7 mm three finger glove.

 

Best, udo

 

Edited January 9, 2009 by Udo van Dongen

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi Udo,

 

Thanks for posting those pictures, and your input. Perfect!

 

I'll get hold of Hugyfot tomorrow.

 

I was diving again today and was vexed by the knobs!

 

Thanks also to all those who suggested alternative glove combinations-I'm not deaf to your suggestions, just happy with what I've got!

 

All the best to you all

 

Adam

[Udo van Dongen 5]

Hi wetpixellers,

I had a few PMs asking me for pictures about the buttons i use on my INON Strobes so i decided to post some pictures of how to remove the original INON buttons and the replacement buttons i use.

 

First of all you need a tiny screwdriver to remove the little metal pin that mounts the original knob to the axis. This metal part looks as follows when it comes out of the knob:

 

 

The axis of the INON strobe looks as follows. You can basiccally attach anything you like on the strobe as you can see:

 

 

The buttons that i have on my strobes have a Blue insert of Swagelok Nylon tubing (i think it's size 5 but i'm not sure) which fits over the INON axis perfectly. Like this i have been happy with my INONs for quit a while now. As you can see my knobs are significantly larger then the original INONs. These enable me to operate a knob with one finger which makes sense while diving in cold water with 7mm three finger gloves:

 

Hopefully this information is useful for some of you.

 

cheers, Udo

[adamhanlon 0]

Hey Udo,

 

Thanks again for the info-I've ordered some knobs from Hugyfot-once they had arrived I was going to ask how you had fitted them!

 

Adam

[Jood 0]

Hi Adam,

 

Here is a similar solution to the Hugyfot buttons, my opinion with less fiddle to fit on to the strobe.

The buttons I use there is no need to replace the original Inon buttons.

You just place the extension button on to the Inon button and lock it with the two screws that come with it, the screws lock on to the Inon button metal pin.

These buttons work very well with dry gloves.

 

http://a01-b01.mypicturetown.com:80/P2Pweb.../item.jpg?rot=0[/img]

 

http://a01-b01.mypicturetown.com:80/P2Pweb.../item.jpg?rot=0[/img]

 

Jonas

Edited January 18, 2009 by Jood

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi Jonas

 

Those look great!

 

Where did you get them from?

 

Many many thanks

 

Adam

 

Hi Adam,

 

Here is a similar solution to the Hugyfot buttons, my opinion with less fiddle to fit on to the strobe.

The buttons I use there is no need to replace the original Inon buttons.

You just place the extension button on to the Inon button and lock it with the two screws that come with it, the screws lock on to the Inon button metal pin.

These buttons work very well with dry gloves.

 

http://a01-b01.mypicturetown.com:80/P2Pweb.../item.jpg?rot=0[/img]

 

http://a01-b01.mypicturetown.com:80/P2Pweb.../item.jpg?rot=0[/img]

 

Jonas

[Jood 0]

Hi Jonas

 

Those look great!

 

Where did you get them from?

 

Many many thanks

 

Adam

Hi Adam,

 

They are my own design, I made them my self.

I have a side-line making accessories for UV-cameras and strobes.

 

If you’re interested in purchasing the buttons you can send me a massage and I will reply with price and delivery time.

 

Jonas

[paquito 1]

I think Udo's option looks to be the best so far. As an alternative, for a quick fix, you could get a couple of electrical wire connectors, the larger type and fit them atop the current Inon knobs. Though they would have to be snug enough as there is no set-screw. As said, its just a quick-n-dirty option while you wait for proper replacements.

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi all,

 

The answer!

 

I ordered two of Jonas's Inon "knob extenders" last Friday. they were here in the UK on Wednesday, and I have just returned from diving them today. I have just spent an hour in 4 degree water, with a damp and very cold right dry glove, and could adjust the exposure settings on my strobes with ease throught. They have definately solved my problems with Inon strobes in cold water-I can't rate them highly enough.

 

They cost 8 euros each (and it was 2 euros for shipping to the UK). They are super easy to fit-he even supplies an allen key! They can be ordered from jonas.odell @bredband.net. I think they are a must for anyone using Inon strobes in cold water.

 

Best

 

Adam

[Pfiffikus25 2]

Hi Folks!

 

Here how I solved the problem with the all too small knobs. After failing to remove the existing knobs, I decided to go for "overshots" to the existing ones. I know it should be possible to remove them as shown in this thread, but for some reason I did not manage.

 

I really got some good input thanks to this thread ...

 

Material is black POM (Delrin) with two stainless steel screws made to fit

 

The two screws are ground to fit in length and conical in the end to grip into the holes of the existing knobs

 

... from the side

 

... from the top

 

 

They work wonderfully ... happy diving, Wolfgang

[Scubysnaps 9]

Has anyone made a knob extender for the bottom left button? (to light the strobes up) I dont see a real need for the top left one extended as I turn the strobes on before I put my gloves on, just the top right and botttom left

[Lasse 1]

 

 

http://www.aquaphoto.no/index.php?page=sho...&Itemid=251