Inon Strobes in cold water

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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,

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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