Electrically Heated Vests

[jasondbaker]

What exact equipment did you buy? Can you give me an idea of the price range for this type of system? I'm planning to get some thicker undies -- like dui c4. But if its only a couple hundred bucks more I might consider a heater.

[ghosch]

Here's a link:



Except I bought the NIMH battery pack as it is rated to a lower depth than the lead acid 500' versus 150' I think, though I know people who have dove the lead acid to 230'.

Got two 25w heater pads, which are plenty (might consider a 35 for the back pad).

I guess the only draw back as opposed to passive heating systems is that undergarments can't fail (and they are a bit more pricey)! My theory is that I use the heater right when I get to the bottom, that way if it is not working, I can end the dive early if I feel I will have to.

Bought mine through GUDC, they have some product literature there, and Ron, the owner, also uses one.

Installation was a breeze. I got the double output canister because Patco also sells HID light heads and other accessories you can use, also though that that way I could plug into a buddies canister, and vice-versa if needed.

I'm guessing its more that a couple hundred bucks more than the C4 undergarments, though the lead-acid option is much less expensive.

[jasondbaker]

How much does the battery pack weigh? How did you mount the canister and route the power cable?

[Mark Y]

I purchased the same system as GHOSCH. All I can say is . . . TOASTY! ;D

The cost: only 13 scuba units :o But after a 100 min. dive in Wazee, my fingers & toes where warm!

Next purchase??? The iRiver submersible MP3 player!

[Mark Y]

Battery pack:

9 Ahr. w/ 1.5 hr. burn time (@ 50W), 5.0 lbs. dry (-2.5 lbs. buoyancy)

13.5 Ahr. w/ 2.75 hr. burn time, 7.5 lbs. (-3.5 lbs. bouyancy)

18 Ahr. w/3.5 hr. burn time, 9.5 lbs. (-4.0 lbs. bouyancy)

27 Ahr. w/ 5.0 hr. burn time, 14.0 lbs. (-7.0 lbs. bouyancy)

40.5 Ahr. w/ 8.0 hr. burn time, 21.0 lbs. (-10.5 lbs. bouyancy)

Mine you, the 40.5 battery dimensions are 3.75" OD x 24". The one I have, the 13.5 Ahr., is 3.75 OD x 11". I mount it, along w/ my HID canister on my left side, between the BC bladder & drysuit. Still working on power cable routing - it's quite long.

One of the system's perks is the fact you can turn in on/off through out the dive, so you don't get over heated!

Also, check your email, as I've sent you the 2004 Patco price list.