anybody know of a waterproof zoomie

Lookin for a waterproof zoomie. Something along the lines of a sk-68

anybody know of a waterproof zombie? :wink: Sorry, but thats how I read that. Been reading too much today. Bed time for me! lol

Well you could make it waterproof, but the process of putting RTV in the pill threads to prevent water from leaking by and by sealing the emitter wire holes also make it permanent

They aren't water "proof" because the zoomie (focusing ring) head has to move, and anytime there is movement there is a chance of leakage [even with a gasket], to prevent that, sealing the locations where water could get past the emitter to the driver and battery compartment ends up making the pill non-removeable

I am not all certain that the cheapo end cap and rubber o-ring is all that waterproof too, water resistant for a bit, but dunk it in the water and leave it...doubtful

Step 1: Buy a flood to throw light.
Step 2: Put it in a ziplok bag. :slight_smile:

I made a sk68 clone waterproof once, in fact it was airtight…

You end up with an automatic zoom flashlight because of the air pressure.

In order to cycle the zoom in a flood to throw light it is necessary to mechanically change the distance between the LED and the lens. Most zoomies do this by having the lens mounted on a sliding bezel while the LED is fixed in a traditional pill in the head of the light. The user slides the bezel in or out to cycle the zoom.

Zoomies are very difficult to waterproof for two reasons:
1. When the bezel is extended or retracted the total internal volume of the light changes. If the light were airtight, it would be very difficult to work the zoom mechanism, because air pressure equalizing would cause the bezel to move on its own back into the position it was in when the battery compartment was sealed. If you had the bezel in flood mode, when you put in the battery, then tried to extend the bezel to spot mode, you’d have to forcefully hold the bezel in that position. The moment you let go it would slide back into flood mode on its own.

The zoom mechanism functions smoothest when there is an opening to allow air pressure to equalize in the head of the light. In the Sipik 68 this is done by using a metal C-ring instead of a rubber o-ring at the bezel.

2. Even in a sealed zoom light, vacuum action can potentially “suck” water past the o-ring when a zoom is cycled underwater. o-rings are less likely to function well when metal is sliding against them while they are underwater, and having a reduction in air pressure occurring on the other side is just asking for water to come in.

It is possible to make a waterproof zoom light. This is typically done by having a very bezel that unscrews for zoom backed up by a couple o-rings. You’ll definitely need 2-hands to cycle the zoom as it must be stiff enough to prevent air pressure from moving the zoom on its own. Even then it is not advised to actually cycle the zoom while underwater. Lenslights are waterproof in this manner. Some of the Romisens might be as well.

Note that there is mechanism used for zooming in some budget lights where the internal volume doesn’t change. The lens and bezel are fixed, while the LED star moves internally up and down on a moving platform attached to a rotating ring. The user turns the ring to move the platform up and down. This design isn’t waterproof either because the ring isn’t sealed, so water can leak around it into the light. The design also has awful heatsinking to the LED so is disliked by enthusiasts.

Hahaha… I did the same with a Sipik 58. Completely waterproof, but useless because the zoom wouldn’t stay in position. I ended up removing one of the o-rings so air pressure could equalize.