Illuminating a dive computer whislt deploying an SMB - advice?

[MATTBIN]

Lat last night I was reeling up the smb when I neede to see my pooter, normally its not a problem, however last night was a bit murky, so how do you guys light em up. Reel in left hand, pooter on right wrist. During the winding process I obviously need to dump gas and with my dry suit that means raising my left arm straight up and at the same time dumping gas from my wing by raising the dump (this also gets my arm in the right place). So I cant stick a Goodman on the left hand (it will be pointing upwards). My torch usually rests on my left D ring (its a handle/lantern sort) so I cant use that as I dont hae enough hands . The whole thing was made worse of course because even with everyting dumped I was just a tad light i.e. just a smidge positive, virtually neutral (until I hit 30 bar anyway)
So I wanted to check ascent rate more than depth, as if I'm negative a slow turn of the reel pulls me up at a very nice rate as I hang off the SMB, but I'd still need to check depth regularly so as to complete my stops, both safety and deco obligations. Of course my Buddy helped but I'm thinking about having to come up on my own, worst case scenario.
Computer doesnt have a back light, Gekko.

Rgds
Matt

[Juz]

I've not used one, but I'm told that a mini Q40 fixed to the mask strap works very well.

Juz

[Bantam]

Does the Gekko have the luminescent screen like the Aladdins do? Not backlight, although mine does have one, but one where you shine the torch on it and it stays mildly luminous for a couple of mins?

[tom]

It does - "Suunto Gecko is equipped with a super-bright phosphorescent LCD display that can be charged with a dive light, enabling you to read the displayed digits even in dark conditions.Ê"

Matt, maybe the answer is to 'charge it up' with the torch during stops / pauses in the ascent?

I personally think the MiniQ40 is a wee bit bright to attach to a mask strap - despite being a little torch, it's a good one and has the potential to dazzle a buddy (it was pretty bright last night).

[MATTBIN]

Tom
I asumed the computer was getting charged up as I shone the torch on it a bit during the dive, maybe not enough, I'm assuming you mean the little torch, not my main one, was a bit bright last night and not the conditions or me!
Head mounted, hmm, been blinded by Digger so dont think I'd go for head mount, probably OK in a cave but not sure about open water.

I'll have a go under the bed clothes later

Matt

[Bantam]

Usually I hold the torch right on my 'puter for a couple of secs, and it seems to last for 3 or 4 minutes like that.

[Finless]

Matt,

The Q40(?) attached to the mask strap works well but you are likely to dazzle your buddy (even when you think your are looking past them). This works very well and I only gave up because of using my FFM and it kinking the straps - is no problem on a normal mask. Using my Nightrider I have blinded about 12 divers which is the real reason why I'm into solo diving ).

I have a small LED light (long and skinny - the light, that is) that is on my wing inflator - I just drop my computer hand down to have a look. This does compromise a quick disconnect of the inflator hose but I only use the wing on the surface so I don't really see it as a problem. This depends on what hand does what and has which mounted on it (if you see what I mean).

One other option I tried was to ... erm .... how to explain - if you were to have the torch between your palm and the reel handle you can easily point the torch at your computer. Of course you could permanently tie it there or lanyard it to your wrist and ..... I'm sure you get the drift (te he - drift! - geddit).

One last thing. The little LED lights are ideal for this function as the batteries last for about 100 hours (just leave it on all dive + helps buddy to recognize me in bad viz), the light is more of a glow than a beam and they are not so bright that the glare of you computer screen is a problem.

Get a dive computer with a back light.

Lastly, go to a Star Trek convention and get some Borg eyes.

Let me know if you need any more ideas .

[MATTBIN]

Originally Posted by Finless

Get a dive computer with a back light.

I had one but it didnt do Nitrox, so I bought this one and it doesnt have a back light, but I'll try what Bantam said and see how long it stays alight.

Cheers guys
Matt

[tom]

Originally Posted by Finless

if you were to have the torch between your palm and the reel handle you can easily point the torch at your computer..

Hmm... cable tie a mini LED torch to the handle of your reel?
Probably not necessary but an interesting idea.

[Finless]

Originally Posted by tom

Hmm... cable tie a mini LED torch to the handle of your reel?
Probably not necessary but an interesting idea.

I have used this method on many occasions and it works quite well. I never tied the torch to the reel as my LED torch is quite long.

I'm just off to the patent office to register my design for a reel with a built in light in the handle .

Don't worry, when I'm rich I'll still talk to you little people .