jfe 2 Posted October 23, 2018 I’ve noticed droplets in my Ikelite housing (Canon T2i) on previous dives and put it down to condensation from the heat buildup, normal I suppose. I usually put 2 x silica packs in the housing. This past weekend I did a long dive but didn’t put the silca pack in. After the dive I noticed water in my housing, about 1-2 ml if I have to guess. I’ve put new o-rings in the day before and did 2 night dives and this particular dive was the next morning and never opened the housing. Is this something that does happen, the amount of condensate present in the housing? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimG 62 Posted October 23, 2018 That seems like a lot of condensation. Could you tell if the water was salty? Any residue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Larry C 24 Posted October 23, 2018 Probably not condensation. Last time that happened to me, I thought the same thing. Then had a major flood because the recently serviced housing had a sync port that was finger tight and wobbling. Maybe put a weight and a large wad of paper in the housing, toss it in the sink, swish it around and leave it for a couple of hours. Then pull it out and see where the paper is wet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfe 2 Posted October 23, 2018 Thanks. Had it in the tub submerged for about 24hr and dry inside, but I did remove the camera first. I think vacuum is my future, the housing doesn’t have a vacuum port yet, will this assist as a safeguard? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hyp 72 Posted October 23, 2018 Vacuum is amazing for peace of mind. Not very expensive either considering what you are getting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimG 62 Posted October 23, 2018 Vacuum valve? No-brainer! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Larry C 24 Posted October 24, 2018 Go for the vacuum. When I bought my new Nauticam I resisted, because it seemed like just one more pre-dive thing to do, but it's great for your peace of mind when you drop down and that little green light is still on. No more guessing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnyboy010101 12 Posted October 24, 2018 The real value of the vacuum valve, IMO, is when you are unsure of something. For example, last week I assembled everything as usual, but for some reason the back wouldn't 'seat' without a few attempts. Even though I knew in the end it was seated and latched properly, without the vacuum valve I would have taken it all apart a few times 'just to be sure'. With the vacuum valve, once I could see the o-ring and seal looked good, I just turned it on and pulled the vacuum. Then the flashing green light all day simply confirmed all was well. So no more second-guessing and worrying and redoing things over and over. It's all about peace of mind. :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisRoss 150 Posted October 25, 2018 Agree the vacuum valve gives great peace of mind. BTW, heat does not cause condensation, it occurs when humid air is trapped inside the housing and then condenses when the housing cools. The water must be inside the housing already unless you have a leak. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfe 2 Posted October 25, 2018 Thanks all, appreciate the feedback Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
