We need a DIY sub-forum!!!

[fire diver]

I know that as our numbers here grow, there will be many other DIYers on the ST board. So we need our own place to talk. I have one project I am starting right now.

Ok, this is a project I started researching and planning about 3 months ago. It is a DIY U/W video housing. These things cost well over $1K to buy, and that's just stupid. Many DIY projects have been completed, so I am embarking on my own. I will try to take pics and post as I go if anyone is interested. SB used to have a HUGE thread on this, but I think it vanished in the turmoil, cuase I can't find all that great info anymore.

I just picked up 1 foot of 4 inch schd40 PVC, 2 couplers, 1 endcap, and one 1/4" X 4.5" acrylic lens.

I'm half crazy for doing this. I bought the wife a brand new digital video camera for her birthday this year. She's not thrilled with the thought of me taking it underwater. I'll have to do some 150-200 depth tests on an empty case before she lets her new toy go under.

More to come later tonight, have to go!

FD

[thesmoothdome]

LOL...I can understand her concern. Good luck with the project. Let us know how it turns out.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Ok.. and you're the first on it the new forum!

[fire diver]

OK, no pics yet, but here is the plan. This case is being built specific to my (errr, my wife's) camera. This way I can keep it as small as possible. The camera is a Sony Handicam SR62. It is 2.5x2.75x4.5 inches. It records directly to 10 gig internal memory. I know the videographer purists poo-poo this type, but who cares. I can record 8 hours of non-stop video. Lets see that with a cassette!

Where was I? Oh yeah... I am cutting the pipe to 5 inches, so I have room for the monster battery later if I want. I am making this a double wall design. All my attachments later will mount into the outer casing, without compromising the inner wall. I still need to order the body latches and O-rings.

I have a lot of ideas running through my head right. I am going to try to draw out everything this weekend. Partly to solidify my ideas, partly to give an idea to others of my plans here.

FD

[WaterRat]

Just take out an extra policy on the camera under your home owners policy. Just make sure you check the t&c's.

Ron

[dallasdivergirl]

Let me know how this goes. I need a new housing for my digital camera. Mine broke right before a dive right at one year of use (35 dives) I was not impressed.

[medictom]

Just went through your posted threads, I HOPE you are cert. to 200 fsw!!
Or else buy a big rope!!!
Where is there a 200 foot deep lake in OK????

[diversteve]

Originally Posted by fire diver

SB used to have a HUGE thread on this, but I think it vanished in the turmoil, cuase I can't find all that great info anymore.

It's still there: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=101940

The camera is a Sony Handicam SR62. It is 2.5x2.75x4.5 inches. It records directly to 10 gig internal memory.

The Sony DCR-SR62 has a 30GB hard drive. That's one of their new models without a viewfinder right? How will you see the LCD screen? Just going to flip it partially open? Or using an endcap you weren't planning on seeing what you were filming anyway right?

You might consider using something a little thicker than a 1/4" acrylic port also. Equinox uses: "One inch cast acrylic front and rear ports" for their PVC housing line.

[fire diver]

Originally Posted by medictom

Just went through your posted threads, I HOPE you are cert. to 200 fsw!!
Or else buy a big rope!!!
Where is there a 200 foot deep lake in OK????

We've got 150ft max depth at Tenkiller lake. Tablerock has 200+. I plan on lowering it over the side of my boat on a rope for depth tests. Of course, it will be empty during the crush test phase!

FD

[fire diver]

Originally Posted by diversteve

The Sony DCR-SR62 has a 30GB hard drive. That's one of their new models without a viewfinder right? How will you see the LCD screen? Just going to flip it partially open? Or using an endcap you weren't planning on seeing what you were filming anyway right?

You might consider using something a little thicker than a 1/4" acrylic port also. Equinox uses: "One inch cast acrylic front and rear ports" for their PVC housing line.

Oops, you're right. I was trying to go by memory when I typed that, and 30gig sounded too big to me. I don't plan on seeing anyhting while shooting. The plan is to start it, seal it, then dive it. I can't change zoom or any other features during a dive anyway. So I'll film everything, then edit it to what I want.

I was thinking about changing the lens to 1/2". 1/4" sounds think, but as I was looking at it, I thought it would be better to have it thicker. The rest of the body will be 1/2" thick anyway.

FD

Fd