HH wet switches

Mark Chase · 23rd May 2006, 12:58

Well still none the wiser about the HH in the water because a whole weeks diving has been binned. I only got wet getting on and off the livaboard

However it caused a few problems with my lovely new HH.

I loaded the boat in torrential rain. Having tied off the unit to the kit bench i noticed the unit had fired up

Kevin had advised me to put a dab of Silicone grease around the wet sensors to stop this happening but I only had a little left that i use on the unit so I had hoped a liberal spray of silicone would do the trick but apparently not.

I got a towel and dabbed the hand sets dry and hid them inside the weight pouches and under the counter lungs so out of the lashing rain. The unit shut down and i went inside.

Next day its raining hard again and I notice the hand sets are on again. The weight pockets had got wet through. This time I dry them off and wrap them in gaffer tape over the wet sensor. This is not easy as I have sprayed them with silicone spray and the tape wont stick also the straps get in the way a bit.

This seems to work and periodically I check the unit and it all seems fine.

Come Monday afternoon the weeks weather is looking rubbish. There is a chance of a dive Thursday but thats about it

So i gamble on things not changing much and I head for home 250miles away. Ill kick my self if they get some good dives in but I just don't think they will.

Load the car in torrential rain again and set off. First set of lights what do I hear???

Click, Click Click

Yep its switched on again and its firing away like mad with the 02 switched off trying to hit 0.4

Pull over, remove failed tape and dry off hand sets again.

I have to say my least favorite bit of the HH so far are the wet switches

So apart from a blob of silicone grease on them how do others cope with the problem? The silicone idea seems a little odd as this might actually stop the wet switches doing their job in the water?

maybe a menu option to switch them off should be considered

On the up side, I spent a lot of time fiddling with the unit and reading the manual, and I am starting to really like the unit. I was going to get back on my standard head as soon as it arrived back from AP but I had already concluded that i wanted to dive the HH all week once I was Happy with the wet testing.

Looks like that will have to wait for my next dive on thew 1st of June. Weather permitting of coarse

ATB

Mark Chase

**woody** · 23rd May 2006, 13:16

Mark,

I have a lovely new Hammerhead and i have found the only way to stop the unit from switching on is to dry the contacts and as you said keep them dry. If you switch the unit to OC mode this will stop the solenoid firing and draining your batteries. If you have done your last dive of that day/week etc, it is best to remove the batteries as the unit will remain on whilst they are in it. The wet contacts for part of Kevin's threat matrix so being able to isolate them would make that safety feature redundant.

My unit holds a very good set point and it is a pleasure to dive with the HUD. I would alway dive this over the inspo unit and as such i sold my inspo head, so relieving me of the choice!!

Hope This Helps

R

Mike

sensor330 · 23rd May 2006, 13:51

My wet switch used to be really sensitive and after a lot of use I think they become less sensitive. I also tried silicone which worked for a while but as soon as I put the SS bezels on the problem went away.

Mdemon · 23rd May 2006, 14:57

Would some form of wide snoopy loop help?

seafox · 23rd May 2006, 15:23

I think the new units are great, but I have the same problem.It seems that the wet switch adores humididty. The sislicone works but is not foolproof.
So until I find a light waterproof pouch, I use freezer bags until I am ready to dive.
Not pretty but seems to work for now!

Jordan · 23rd May 2006, 15:30

Quote: (Originally Posted by seafox)

I think the new units are great, but I have the same problem.It seems that the wet switch adores humididty. The sislicone works but is not foolproof.
So until I find a light waterproof pouch, I use freezer bags until I am ready to dive.
Not pretty but seems to work for now!

I just let mine stay on all of the time and don't worry about it. If I were on a liveaboard, however I'd have to use the freezer bags.

***jradomski*** · 23rd May 2006, 15:32

Silicon gel is a fairly good insulator, it prevents spray from puddling up and making contact with the case.. silicon spray is not as good.. Also make sure you keep the pressure holes filled up with silicon gel.. It will prevent any contamination from blocking the holes.. just wipe some gel over the hole..

Until I am sure I am going to dive I don't leave the batteries in (except in multi day diving after the 1st dive up until 24 hrs post dive)

If I have to leave the units exposed to the elements where they can get sprayed I just put plastic baggies over the hangsets and hold them closed with a rubber band.. I haven't had the come on since..

BTW I don't find the units switch on any more than my explorer or cochran..

The annodized units are less sensitive than the nikel plated ones..

Mark Chase · 23rd May 2006, 15:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

BTW I don't find the units switch on any more than my explorer or cochran..

The annodized units are less sensitive than the nikel plated ones..

True My Suunto is often coming on in the dive bag but its not an issue when the battery lasts three or four years, isn't responsible for firring my solenoid and has a clear battery power display.

Its a minor thing i know, but at first glance it seems a very annoying feature. In light of the battery munching nature of the unit its potential for leaving the diver without deco info and electronic solenoid operation seems to outweigh its benefit as a back up to the pressure sensor?

Of all the options posted and Emailed to me I think the idea of setting the unit to OC mode seems best to stop the solenoid firing. I don't like the idea of turning the solenoid off as i might forget to switch it back on

Plan B goes to the freezer bags

ATB

Mark Chase

***jradomski*** · 23rd May 2006, 16:37

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase)

True My Suunto is often coming on in the dive bag but its not an issue when the battery lasts three or four years, isn't responsible for firring my solenoid and has a clear battery power display.

Its a minor thing i know, but at first glance it seems a very annoying feature. In light of the battery munching nature of the unit its potential for leaving the diver without deco info and electronic solenoid operation seems to outweigh its benefit as a back up to the pressure sensor?

Of all the options posted and Emailed to me I think the idea of setting the unit to OC mode seems best to stop the solenoid firing. I don't like the idea of turning the solenoid off as i might forget to switch it back on

Plan B goes to the freezer bags

ATB

Mark Chase

The wet switches have otehr important functions as well.. Future revisons will remove the turning on by the pressure sensor.. The periodic powering up of the digital sensor wastes more power than the old pressure sensors, also the pressure transducer wouldnt help with someone on the loop at the surface.. The wet switches are the most useful..

Even if the solenoid is OFF, should the loop go below 0.19 thje solenoid WILL fire..

Mark Chase · 23rd May 2006, 17:51

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

Even if the solenoid is OFF, should the loop go below 0.19 the solenoid WILL fire..

But air is 0.21 ish so surely it shouldn't fire much?

Whilst I am in question mode...

The HUD in warn mode?

15% error on set point and it flashes red but it seems to be off when not flashing red? Is that correct?

There is a detailed description in the manual about PP02 mode but warning mode isn't described exactly unless its the general warning modes shown in the flow chart. In which case I expected the HUD to be showing orange or green when not showing red? Is this correct?

ATB

Mark Chase

23rd May 2006, 12:58	#1 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,470	HH wet switches Well still none the wiser about the HH in the water because a whole weeks diving has been binned. I only got wet getting on and off the livaboard However it caused a few problems with my lovely new HH. I loaded the boat in torrential rain. Having tied off the unit to the kit bench i noticed the unit had fired up Kevin had advised me to put a dab of Silicone grease around the wet sensors to stop this happening but I only had a little left that i use on the unit so I had hoped a liberal spray of silicone would do the trick but apparently not. I got a towel and dabbed the hand sets dry and hid them inside the weight pouches and under the counter lungs so out of the lashing rain. The unit shut down and i went inside. Next day its raining hard again and I notice the hand sets are on again. The weight pockets had got wet through. This time I dry them off and wrap them in gaffer tape over the wet sensor. This is not easy as I have sprayed them with silicone spray and the tape wont stick also the straps get in the way a bit. This seems to work and periodically I check the unit and it all seems fine. Come Monday afternoon the weeks weather is looking rubbish. There is a chance of a dive Thursday but thats about it So i gamble on things not changing much and I head for home 250miles away. Ill kick my self if they get some good dives in but I just don't think they will. Load the car in torrential rain again and set off. First set of lights what do I hear??? Click, Click Click Yep its switched on again and its firing away like mad with the 02 switched off trying to hit 0.4 Pull over, remove failed tape and dry off hand sets again. I have to say my least favorite bit of the HH so far are the wet switches So apart from a blob of silicone grease on them how do others cope with the problem? The silicone idea seems a little odd as this might actually stop the wet switches doing their job in the water? maybe a menu option to switch them off should be considered On the up side, I spent a lot of time fiddling with the unit and reading the manual, and I am starting to really like the unit. I was going to get back on my standard head as soon as it arrived back from AP but I had already concluded that i wanted to dive the HH all week once I was Happy with the wet testing. Looks like that will have to wait for my next dive on thew 1st of June. Weather permitting of coarse ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
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23rd May 2006, 13:16	#2 (permalink)
woody Mmmm Rubber!! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wiltshire UK Posts: 192	Re: HH wet switches Mark, I have a lovely new Hammerhead and i have found the only way to stop the unit from switching on is to dry the contacts and as you said keep them dry. If you switch the unit to OC mode this will stop the solenoid firing and draining your batteries. If you have done your last dive of that day/week etc, it is best to remove the batteries as the unit will remain on whilst they are in it. The wet contacts for part of Kevin's threat matrix so being able to isolate them would make that safety feature redundant. My unit holds a very good set point and it is a pleasure to dive with the HUD. I would alway dive this over the inspo unit and as such i sold my inspo head, so relieving me of the choice!! Hope This Helps R Mike __________________ Not eloquent enough for a smart arse signature!
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23rd May 2006, 13:51	#3 (permalink)
sensor330 Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 549	Re: HH wet switches My wet switch used to be really sensitive and after a lot of use I think they become less sensitive. I also tried silicone which worked for a while but as soon as I put the SS bezels on the problem went away.
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23rd May 2006, 14:57	#4 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,888	Re: HH wet switches Would some form of wide snoopy loop help? __________________ www.southwestmafia.com It's as easy as abc; a) "Carry adequate bailout" b) "If in doubt, bail out" c) "Always know your PO2" If you find that hard, stick to crochet. "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"
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23rd May 2006, 15:23	#5 (permalink)
seafox 02ptima Instructor Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TORONTO, CANADA -Have "02ptima" will travel! Posts: 172	Re: HH wet switches I think the new units are great, but I have the same problem.It seems that the wet switch adores humididty. The sislicone works but is not foolproof. So until I find a light waterproof pouch, I use freezer bags until I am ready to dive. Not pretty but seems to work for now! __________________ Protect the SHARKS! Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards!
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23rd May 2006, 15:30	#6 (permalink)
Jordan Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: North Florida Posts: 219	Re: HH wet switches Quote: (Originally Posted by seafox) I think the new units are great, but I have the same problem.It seems that the wet switch adores humididty. The sislicone works but is not foolproof. So until I find a light waterproof pouch, I use freezer bags until I am ready to dive. Not pretty but seems to work for now! I just let mine stay on all of the time and don't worry about it. If I were on a liveaboard, however I'd have to use the freezer bags. __________________ Is it clear? No. Well, let's go anyways. "Those who would sacrifice a little freedom for a little order, will lose both, and deserve neither." Thomas Jefferson
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23rd May 2006, 15:32	#7 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: HH wet switches Silicon gel is a fairly good insulator, it prevents spray from puddling up and making contact with the case.. silicon spray is not as good.. Also make sure you keep the pressure holes filled up with silicon gel.. It will prevent any contamination from blocking the holes.. just wipe some gel over the hole.. Until I am sure I am going to dive I don't leave the batteries in (except in multi day diving after the 1st dive up until 24 hrs post dive) If I have to leave the units exposed to the elements where they can get sprayed I just put plastic baggies over the hangsets and hold them closed with a rubber band.. I haven't had the come on since.. BTW I don't find the units switch on any more than my explorer or cochran.. The annodized units are less sensitive than the nikel plated ones.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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23rd May 2006, 15:59	#8 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,470	Re: HH wet switches Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) BTW I don't find the units switch on any more than my explorer or cochran.. The annodized units are less sensitive than the nikel plated ones.. True My Suunto is often coming on in the dive bag but its not an issue when the battery lasts three or four years, isn't responsible for firring my solenoid and has a clear battery power display. Its a minor thing i know, but at first glance it seems a very annoying feature. In light of the battery munching nature of the unit its potential for leaving the diver without deco info and electronic solenoid operation seems to outweigh its benefit as a back up to the pressure sensor? Of all the options posted and Emailed to me I think the idea of setting the unit to OC mode seems best to stop the solenoid firing. I don't like the idea of turning the solenoid off as i might forget to switch it back on Plan B goes to the freezer bags ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
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23rd May 2006, 16:37	#9 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: HH wet switches Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase) True My Suunto is often coming on in the dive bag but its not an issue when the battery lasts three or four years, isn't responsible for firring my solenoid and has a clear battery power display. Its a minor thing i know, but at first glance it seems a very annoying feature. In light of the battery munching nature of the unit its potential for leaving the diver without deco info and electronic solenoid operation seems to outweigh its benefit as a back up to the pressure sensor? Of all the options posted and Emailed to me I think the idea of setting the unit to OC mode seems best to stop the solenoid firing. I don't like the idea of turning the solenoid off as i might forget to switch it back on Plan B goes to the freezer bags ATB Mark Chase The wet switches have otehr important functions as well.. Future revisons will remove the turning on by the pressure sensor.. The periodic powering up of the digital sensor wastes more power than the old pressure sensors, also the pressure transducer wouldnt help with someone on the loop at the surface.. The wet switches are the most useful.. Even if the solenoid is OFF, should the loop go below 0.19 thje solenoid WILL fire.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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23rd May 2006, 17:51	#10 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,470	Re: HH wet switches Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) Even if the solenoid is OFF, should the loop go below 0.19 the solenoid WILL fire.. But air is 0.21 ish so surely it shouldn't fire much? Whilst I am in question mode... The HUD in warn mode? 15% error on set point and it flashes red but it seems to be off when not flashing red? Is that correct? There is a detailed description in the manual about PP02 mode but warning mode isn't described exactly unless its the general warning modes shown in the flow chart. In which case I expected the HUD to be showing orange or green when not showing red? Is this correct? ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
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