Do I need to bring free tubes of Dialectirc Silicone Grease to TCR?
----- Original Message ----- tFrom: Andy Gluesenkamp
To: Mark Minton ; texascavers@texascavers.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 7:25 AM
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
I second everything that Mark said below about the StenLight. A dab of
dielectric grease on the connector seems to do the trick. Exceptional customer
service. They sent me a waterproof battery pack at one point but the thing is
pretty bulky compared to the standard pack and won't stay on the helmet using
the velcro they provide. I just strap it down like every other battery pack.
Andrew G. Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
700 Billie Brooks Drive
Driftwood, Texas 78619
(512) 799-1095
a...@gluesenkamp.com
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From: Mark Minton <mmin...@caver.net>
To: texascavers@texascavers.com
Sent: Mon, June 13, 2011 8:37:40 PM
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
Whatever kind of light you get, you'll definitely want to go with
LEDs. Incandescent just can't compete when it comes to brightness and battery
life. And for batteries, you can't beat lithium ion. They are small,
lightweight, long-lasting, very reliable and much cheaper in the long run over
disposable types. I dislike waist-mounted battery packs with their respective
cords, but with lithium ion you can easily mount the battery on the helmet.
For my money, the Sten Light is the best available for general
caving. It is not a diving light, but it is definitely waterproof enough to
use on any normal trip, even in a wet cave like Honey Creek. According to
their web site it is waterproof to 8 meters, which is enough for anything most
cavers will encounter. I've worn mine on free dives a couple of meters deep
with no problem. The cord connector, while definitely not watertight, has
never been a problem for me. They're not cheap, but a very worthwhile
investment. They also have excellent customer service and will usually repair
any problem short of actual abuse for free.
Mark
At 04:54 PM 6/13/2011, Stefan Creaser wrote:
> I second the durability of FX-2's; I've had mine for more than 15yrs and
it's still going strong. It's outlasted numerous helmet mounted lights, though
it is more robustly made (for caving).
>
> Looks like you can still get old ones:
>
>
http://www.thecavingandclimbingshop.com/epages/BT3421.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3421/Categories/Caving_Equipment/Lighting%5B1%5D/SpeleoTechnics
>
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300555317667
>
> Cheers,
> Stefan
>
> From: Josh Rubinstein [mailto:kars...@gmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 3:26 PM
> To: Allan B. Cobb
> Cc: Tim Stich; Don Arburn; Mallory Mayeux; Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
>
> Allan,
>
> I like my Sten Light too. It is not NOT a good waterproof light. The
battery contains circuitry. The plug connection between the battery and the
light is a portal for water. Not a good combination. The risk can be lessen by
coating the connection with dielectric grease.
>
> The light I use for exploring water caves is no longer available. Speleo
Technic FX2 was the brightest, least bulky and most robust light of its day.
Now the incandescent light powered by a NiCd battery on a belt is still one of
the most robust. Mine is a twenty plus years old. If I have not killed, it is
not for lack of trying. I have surveyed with the head piece half filled with
water with no ill effect. But in this era of retina burning lasers, it is no
longer the bright light.
>
> Josh
> On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 12:45 PM, Allan B. Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
> I am really fond of my Sten light. It is not cheap but it is dependable,
robust, and fairly water resistant.
>
> In answer to Malory's original question, I used to use a Duo and it worked
well for me. I highly recommend the LED version. For casual caving, it will
work just fine.
>
> Allan
>
> From: Tim Stich
> Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 12:40 PM
> To: Allan B. Cobb
> Cc: Don Arburn ; Mallory Mayeux ; Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
>
> I'm kind of curious as well about the best waterproof headlamp for the
money out there. For what I used them for these days, the cheap ones work fine.
But for caving I would want a much tougher light.
> On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 11:35 AM, Allan B. Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
> Autolite Carbide Lamp!
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Don Arburn
> Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 12:15 PM
> To: Mallory Mayeux
> Cc: Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
>
> Wheatlamp!
>
> Don's iPhone.
>
> On Jun 13, 2011, at 12:15 PM, Mallory Mayeux <mmay...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Cavers!
>
> I am toying with the idea of purchasing a new headlamp and wanted some
opinions--is anyone using the Petzl Duo? If so, how do you like it? For the
money, is there something else you would recommend?
>
> Mallory
Please reply to mmin...@caver.net
Permanent email address is mmin...@illinoisalumni.org
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