Scuba detection : GoPro Helmet with video lights from Sola

[frogmaster-riviera]

Hi all!

Here is my last creation for making underwater detection videos when I dive alone. I wanted to put some video lights due to the lack of sun below 30m (100ft).

The helmet is from Petzl, the VERTEX Vent model. Drilled to evacuate air, bubbles and water
2x Sola 3000 video lights (3000 lumens each)
1x GoPro Hero 4 black (4k full HD)
1x Red Filter from SRP

Will be testing next week if sea is ok...

 

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[Gold Maven]

looks great.

 

[G.I.B.]

It looks like a very professional job. How much counterbalance weight did you use on the back?

 

[MrMikeJackie]

3000 lumens, what's the battery life on that? Is the battery mounted elsewhere?

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

At the present time none I just put it on my head and thought: I need counter balance weight!

Do you have any idear of the type of lead I can use? Fishing lead?

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

3000 lumens, what's the battery life on that? Is the battery mounted elsewhere?

Batteries are include in the chassi of the Sola 3000 lights, these are the most versatile led lights I've found for underwater video flood projectors. Run 1h at full power, 2h 1/2 power etc... 265g per light of 3000 lumens

Take a look on the Sola light & motion website for more info:
Sola Video 3000 Flood - Light & Motion

 

[MrMikeJackie]

I think the buoyancy from the lights and go pro would negate any balance issues when underwater.

 

[G.I.B.]

What about mounting the light batteries back there?

 

[G.I.B.]

I think the buoyancy from the lights and go pro would negate any balance issues when underwater.

Interesting- it may, I don't know how buoyant they are. It might just take additional strapping to keep the rig in place.

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

What about mounting the light batteries back there?

Light batteries are in the lightd and they are factory sealed, can't be removed.... maybe I will put a scuba weight pocket, or I see that they are counterweights for Army helmets (counterweight for the night vision binoculars).

 

[G.I.B.]

Light batteries are in the lightd and they are factory sealed, can't be removed.... maybe I will put a scuba weight pocket, or I see that they are counterweights for Army helmets (counterweight for the night vision binoculars).

I used a roll of dimes for my counterweight on the NVG's, but that wasn't dealing with buoyancy issues, and if it came to that, I had bigger problems.

Put it in a big tub of salt water and see how it floats.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Interesting- it may, I don't know how buoyant they are. It might just take additional strapping to keep the rig in place.

Then again I could be completely wrong. I guess we will find out after it's maiden voyage. Cool rig though!

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

Interesting- it may, I don't know how buoyant they are. It might just take additional strapping to keep the rig in place.

I've choosed the petzl helmet for the stripping system + the plastic adjustable ring that cercle the head. There is almost Foam in the helmet to avoid buoyancy problem + water pressure that could change the inside size.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Looks great!

I would take it for a test run before mounting any counter-weights. Play with light position to make sure you aren't getting shadow from the gopro or the front of the helmet.

How did the test dive and video go with your buddy?

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

Looks great!

I would take it for a test run before mounting any counter-weights. Play with light position to make sure you aren't getting shadow from the gopro or the front of the helmet.

How did the test dive and video go with your buddy?

Rain storm, strong wind...and a few sunny days but 0 visibility underwater. So not tested the tray yet. here is a picture of it, mount with the securities for the light (same for the helmet)

I have tested the helmet in my garage, and no shadow from the gopro except on lateral due to the >110° beam angle of the Sola lights in the Air (90° in the water). Anyway, it won't be seen on the video shoots.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Will you be diving in the Mediterranean? I can see a lot of sea weed getting caught on the lights.

 

[frogmaster-riviera]

Will you be diving in the Mediterranean? I can see a lot of sea weed getting caught on the lights.

yep sir, in the Med sea, in the Swiss lakes and the Rhone river during summer time also. I scuba detect in the Adriatic sea also and the Egean sea in Greece. Lights are new, no dive yet

We don't have any sea weed issue in here... they are very small, nothing compared to the one I've seen in Monteray Bay CA!

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Cool! Let us know how it goes. Mike