Imported post
Just got back from a fantastic dive at Firestone Bay at Plymouth, with DougP (high water ~21.00hrs). As usual, this well-kept-secret dive was excellent, and made even better for me by my torch.
Anyone who's been following the torch threads will recall I made my own 75w halogen umbilical torch, with a monster two 12v 7ah 8.2Kg battery pack, made from an Army ammo box. Contrary to some speculation, this hasn't imploded and has been great during dim day dives at 25+. (Cost = ~£55.00)
Tonight however, I saw for the first time how good a flood compared to a spotlight bulb is in total darkness - it was like a bloomin' night-sun! Although Doug's HID has a fantastic brilliant white beam, the halogen flood seemed to illuminate huge areas, albeit with a warmer, more yellow light.
The reason for this post, (other than to blow my own trumpet), is to remind people that you don't have to spend hundred's of pounds on a torch! Have a go at making your own, and spend what's left on a backup, and upgrading the rest of your gear.
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And if you get the chance to dive this place with Doug, make sure you take it. He seems to know every inch of the place!(We saw wrasse, red mullet, eels, nudibranchs, edible & spider crabs, scallops and pollack.)
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Just got back from a fantastic dive at Firestone Bay at Plymouth, with DougP (high water ~21.00hrs). As usual, this well-kept-secret dive was excellent, and made even better for me by my torch.
Anyone who's been following the torch threads will recall I made my own 75w halogen umbilical torch, with a monster two 12v 7ah 8.2Kg battery pack, made from an Army ammo box. Contrary to some speculation, this hasn't imploded and has been great during dim day dives at 25+. (Cost = ~£55.00)
Tonight however, I saw for the first time how good a flood compared to a spotlight bulb is in total darkness - it was like a bloomin' night-sun! Although Doug's HID has a fantastic brilliant white beam, the halogen flood seemed to illuminate huge areas, albeit with a warmer, more yellow light.
The reason for this post, (other than to blow my own trumpet), is to remind people that you don't have to spend hundred's of pounds on a torch! Have a go at making your own, and spend what's left on a backup, and upgrading the rest of your gear.
And if you get the chance to dive this place with Doug, make sure you take it. He seems to know every inch of the place!(We saw wrasse, red mullet, eels, nudibranchs, edible & spider crabs, scallops and pollack.)
