Scout back up

scubajay · June 17th, 2006, 01:52 PM

OK. I use the scout backup light, and have found that whilst the under driven bulb might be a goiod idea for the extreme lack of failure type of diving, for the sort I do, where I want a bright light, this thing just ain't cutting it. I know there is a LED upgrade, but this is costly.......far too much so.

Does anyone have a link to site that sells them at human prices? Or does anyone have an led upgared kit they want to flog to me 2nd hand?

Alternatively, does anyone have an option that allows me to upgrade the bulb in this for something that actually penetrates the gloon a little more?

J

Rob Dobson · June 17th, 2006, 03:35 PM

In testing we found that xenon lights actually penetrate the water better than LEDs if there is a fair amount of sediment suspended in the water. In clear waters (i.e not UK conditions - think Florida or the Red Sea) then the LEDs are whiter, brighter and generally much better than xenon bulbs. But in UK type conditions with all the gunk and snot in the water the non-LEDs can typically project a beam notable further.

So it depends on the conditions and what you want it to do - personally I would rather have the bright white light of an LED over the dull yellow glow of a xenon/halogen - even if the others can penetrate a bit further. Typically I'd only want to see my gauges for the ascent - if you've lost your primary the chances are you'll be calling the dive anyway.

As for cheap LED upgrades - Knackers had some LED heads that were compatible with the Scouts so I'd suggest dropping him a line to see if he still sells them.

**GLOC** · June 17th, 2006, 04:54 PM

Talking of which, how is the report coming?

Rob Dobson · June 17th, 2006, 05:06 PM

On hold until the Heser drops onto my door mat

tanto · June 17th, 2006, 05:30 PM

The bulb in the Scout is not underdriven, it is just the correct match for the 4.5V nominal tension of the 3 C batteries. Most lights use overdriven bulbs, because they emit a whiter, more powerful beams.
I believe failures with the latter is higher but still not very likely, so why don't you just swap the bulb for the typical bulb used with 3C lights?
You'll get a brighter whiter light at a negligible cost.
By doing so you clearly give up the advantage of the reduced failure rate, but at least you don't have a pale yellow beam any longer.
Your choice, really.
(I use Tec-40 and the amount of light they emit make the Scout disappear, but this has been beaten to death)

caverkevin · June 17th, 2006, 05:57 PM

If you want a bright handheld get the Salvo backup. Those puppies are really bright. They are driven by 8AA batts. It is a over driven bulb. Looks just like the Princeton Tec Surge Light.

I would not want to depend on these lights as my last two to get out of a bad dive. But would be great if you want a small handheld to use instead of a can light.

Cheers!!

Kevin

floater · June 17th, 2006, 10:41 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay)

OK. I use the scout backup light, and have found that whilst the under driven bulb might be a goiod idea for the extreme lack of failure type of diving, for the sort I do, where I want a bright light, this thing just ain't cutting it. I know there is a LED upgrade, but this is costly.......far too much so.

How much are they? The new UK SL4 eLeds are listed at about $50 at leisurepro, so if the bulb fits the scout (as one would expect) and offers enough brightness for you, then maybe that would be one option.

Howard Payne · June 18th, 2006, 11:05 PM

I think quite a few of us have found the Heser backup lights which come as standard with an LED head are the absolute business. They have a really bright beam with a tightly controlled pattern. Apparently someone burn tested one on new C cells and it lasted 42 hours! From UE or Jack at Dublinbay (when he's better) - loads of money - but then the best usually is!

HTH

June 17th, 2006, 01:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
scubajay(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Great Totham, Essex Posts: 59	OK. I use the scout backup light, and have found that whilst the under driven bulb might be a goiod idea for the extreme lack of failure type of diving, for the sort I do, where I want a bright light, this thing just ain't cutting it. I know there is a LED upgrade, but this is costly.......far too much so. Does anyone have a link to site that sells them at human prices? Or does anyone have an led upgared kit they want to flog to me 2nd hand? Alternatively, does anyone have an option that allows me to upgrade the bulb in this for something that actually penetrates the gloon a little more? J __________________ We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. 20,000mm Under the Sea

June 17th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
GLOC(Offline) Moderator and aka Mavis Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Malmesbury, Wilts Posts: 2,772	Talking of which, how is the report coming? __________________ Gareth Images of Life Photography DIR Team Foxturd Travels Underwater and Further Afar “Set your expectations high; find men and women whose integrity and values you respect; get their agreement on a course of action; and give them your ultimate trust.” “It is far better to be trusted and respected that it is to be liked.”

June 18th, 2006, 11:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
Howard Payne(Offline) The Voices And The Becks Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London Posts: 2,024	I think quite a few of us have found the Heser backup lights which come as standard with an LED head are the absolute business. They have a really bright beam with a tightly controlled pattern. Apparently someone burn tested one on new C cells and it lasted 42 hours! From UE or Jack at Dublinbay (when he's better) - loads of money - but then the best usually is! HTH __________________ Eastbourne Sub-Aqua Club 0513 Nitrox & Trimix, Club Boat, Plenty of Good Value Diving, Regular Club Trips & Holidays, Rec & Tech Training, GUE / Hogarthian Friendly Come Try Us!

June 17th, 2006, 03:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rob Dobson(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oxford Posts: 690	In testing we found that xenon lights actually penetrate the water better than LEDs if there is a fair amount of sediment suspended in the water. In clear waters (i.e not UK conditions - think Florida or the Red Sea) then the LEDs are whiter, brighter and generally much better than xenon bulbs. But in UK type conditions with all the gunk and snot in the water the non-LEDs can typically project a beam notable further. So it depends on the conditions and what you want it to do - personally I would rather have the bright white light of an LED over the dull yellow glow of a xenon/halogen - even if the others can penetrate a bit further. Typically I'd only want to see my gauges for the ascent - if you've lost your primary the chances are you'll be calling the dive anyway. As for cheap LED upgrades - Knackers had some LED heads that were compatible with the Scouts so I'd suggest dropping him a line to see if he still sells them.

June 17th, 2006, 05:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rob Dobson(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oxford Posts: 690	On hold until the Heser drops onto my door mat

June 17th, 2006, 05:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
tanto(Offline) New Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: italy Posts: 63	The bulb in the Scout is not underdriven, it is just the correct match for the 4.5V nominal tension of the 3 C batteries. Most lights use overdriven bulbs, because they emit a whiter, more powerful beams. I believe failures with the latter is higher but still not very likely, so why don't you just swap the bulb for the typical bulb used with 3C lights? You'll get a brighter whiter light at a negligible cost. By doing so you clearly give up the advantage of the reduced failure rate, but at least you don't have a pale yellow beam any longer. Your choice, really. (I use Tec-40 and the amount of light they emit make the Scout disappear, but this has been beaten to death)

June 17th, 2006, 05:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
caverkevin (Online) Doing It Caverkevin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Boca Raton & Fort White, FL Posts: 473	If you want a bright handheld get the Salvo backup. Those puppies are really bright. They are driven by 8AA batts. It is a over driven bulb. Looks just like the Princeton Tec Surge Light. I would not want to depend on these lights as my last two to get out of a bad dive. But would be great if you want a small handheld to use instead of a can light. Cheers!! Kevin

June 17th, 2006, 10:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
floater(Offline) Mostly harmless Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Currently in the US, but I'm not American Posts: 155	Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay) OK. I use the scout backup light, and have found that whilst the under driven bulb might be a goiod idea for the extreme lack of failure type of diving, for the sort I do, where I want a bright light, this thing just ain't cutting it. I know there is a LED upgrade, but this is costly.......far too much so. How much are they? The new UK SL4 eLeds are listed at about $50 at leisurepro, so if the bulb fits the scout (as one would expect) and offers enough brightness for you, then maybe that would be one option.