Search found 1023 matches

by fmerkel
Sat Jun 15, 2019 2:14 pm
Forum: Technical Support
Topic: Infrared Computer Download - Win10 ver 1903
Replies: 2
Views: 8661

Infrared Computer Download - Win10 ver 1903

If you use infrared to download a dive computer, or probably any other device to a PC DO NOT UPGRADE TO Win10 ver. 1903. Something is seriously not right. There's a discussion in ScubaBoard about it. For more detailed info read from page 3 on: https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/irda-for-wi...
by fmerkel
Thu May 23, 2019 8:08 am
Forum: Gear Central (Recreational)
Topic: Drysuit repair
Replies: 18
Views: 6645

Re: Drysuit repair

Interesting. I have one of those but never thought to use it on the nut.

Once you have it out modify it so it's easier to grab. For that tool you could grind 3 indentations in the side for a better grip and more clearance.
by fmerkel
Wed May 22, 2019 7:00 pm
Forum: Gear Central (Recreational)
Topic: Drysuit repair
Replies: 18
Views: 6645

Re: Drysuit repair

I have the same valve. I have used a needle nose vise-grip to hold the nut > You can then unscrew it if it's not too corroded/tight. The needle nose works....barely. Obviously Si-Tech (it's a Si-Tech valve, no matter the sticker) wants you to have/buy a proprietary thin wall large socket for this. T...
by fmerkel
Wed May 01, 2019 8:12 am
Forum: Critter Watchers - PNW Marine Life
Topic: Whidbey Island Critters
Replies: 5410
Views: 932594

Re: Whidbey Island Critters

OUTSTANDING! I'll forward the picture and see how he wants to handle the next step.
Thank you.
by fmerkel
Fri Apr 19, 2019 6:44 pm
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: Deception Pass 4/13/2019
Replies: 30
Views: 6854

Re: Deception Pass 4/13/2019

Sunday/26 is probably a better day, and later!, with slack around 10. Monday is fine and an hour and a quarter later yet. Tues is maybe OK with slack around noon but the flood and ebb are nearly equal which could make some odd things happen. Last year we had a failure to reverse current for about 30...
by fmerkel
Fri Apr 19, 2019 10:16 am
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: Deception Pass 4/13/2019
Replies: 30
Views: 6854

Re: Deception Pass 4/13/2019

Amazing to get that shrimp hitchhiking on the jelly. Really nice hydroid + nudi picture.
by fmerkel
Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:15 am
Forum: Gear Central (Recreational)
Topic: Anyone got a old DIN they would trade for a old yoke 1st stage?
Replies: 5
Views: 3235

Re: Anyone got a old DIN they would trade for a old yoke 1st stage?

If you have to find an allen wrench to convert the TANK, that's a covertible valve, 3442 and shallower threads than 3500psi/HP.

What reg is up for offer? You've never specified.
by fmerkel
Mon Apr 15, 2019 5:34 pm
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: Deception Pass 4/13/2019
Replies: 30
Views: 6854

Re: Deception Pass 4/13/2019

Planning on being at DP on the 27th. I'd check it out but have to be back in Seattle later.
by fmerkel
Mon Apr 15, 2019 3:48 pm
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: Deception Pass 4/13/2019
Replies: 30
Views: 6854

Re: Deception Pass 4/13/2019

How is that Bastion Brew Pub? Certainly be more convenient than going into Anacortes. NO WAY am I hitting up Skagit Brewery in Mt. Vernon during Tulip Festival. Made that mistake once.
FWIW the Bowling Alley in Anacortes is a gem.
by fmerkel
Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:23 pm
Forum: Buy/Sell/Trade Dive Gear
Topic: Selling Gear -- Retiring from Instructing
Replies: 3
Views: 1849

Re: Selling Gear -- Retiring from Instructing

PM sent: MK2 DIN, white metal SPG
by fmerkel
Tue Mar 19, 2019 3:10 pm
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: Skyline Wall - St. Patrick's Day
Replies: 6
Views: 1933

Re: Skyline Wall - St. Patrick's Day

Hydroids are particularly nice.
May I ask your splash time? Always looking for Skyline data. It's a challenging site to predict.
I'm gonna guess ~12, the current was outgoing, and never switched?
by fmerkel
Sat Feb 02, 2019 7:04 pm
Forum: Critter Watchers - PNW Marine Life
Topic: Lumpsucker on Fox Island East Wall
Replies: 11
Views: 4935

Re: Lumpsucker on Fox Island East Wall

Super picture. I've seen them occasionally at Day Is. but never heard of one on Fox Is. E.
by fmerkel
Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:03 pm
Forum: Dive Recaps & Trip Reports
Topic: NYE Skyline Crabfest
Replies: 4
Views: 1498

Re: NYE Skyline Crabfest

Nice! Don't see the PSKC too often.
by fmerkel
Fri Dec 21, 2018 4:01 pm
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

I've been diving custom Seasoft suits for years. Bruce has his slant on things but I can assure everyone that it's hard to find a more sincere person. That kind of fine would likely be the end of a small business like that.
by fmerkel
Thu Dec 20, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

There is a lengthy note/explanation from SeaSoft owner Bruce Justinen on Scubaboard. He seems pretty upfront about the issue. If you are interested in this topic it's worth reading. https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/illegal-dumping-of-lead-arsenic-into-waterways-by-seasoft.571601/#post-84...
by fmerkel
Tue Dec 18, 2018 5:15 pm
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

It actually doesn't, depending on what you get and how you set them up. I went from zeagle style pouches with soft weights, to hard uncoated lead, literally duct taped together with a looped rope for a handle. It's easier to get in and out of the weight bags, and smaller.
by fmerkel
Tue Dec 18, 2018 2:34 pm
Forum: Underwater Imaging - Photography & Video
Topic: How do you secure and protect your camera?
Replies: 9
Views: 4646

Re: How do you secure and protect your camera?

I use the linked leash. Inside is one of the ubiquitous plastic coils I think, but the webbing 'helps' prevent the coils from snagging (as badly), and provides a fail-safe should the plastic break.
by fmerkel
Sun Dec 16, 2018 11:17 am
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

Did some [Googling] on various forms, uses, and types of lead contamination. Near as I can tell the stuff probably should have exceeding little use for just about anything if health is at all a consideration. The uses it has been put to over history are simply appalling given modern knowledge about ...
by fmerkel
Sun Dec 16, 2018 9:05 am
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

I won't wash them in the same container. Lead gets it's own dedicated bucket. The water gets dumped in a Juniper bush, dirt that will never see edible plants.

There's gotta be a chemist in this group with some more info on what the milky stuff is.
by fmerkel
Sat Dec 15, 2018 10:30 am
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

I do know someone that went to tungsten due to personal concerns about this issue. She's left the area long ago or I'd ask.
by fmerkel
Sat Dec 15, 2018 10:23 am
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

You get tungsten...where? Gotta be expensive, and lead has gotten pretty steep over the years. My brother is a machinist. He got a wrongly delivered order for a large quantity of tungsten carbide cutting bits. They weren't sharp, weren't like anything he would use, and didn't know what they were for...
by fmerkel
Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:30 pm
Forum: Everything Else
Topic: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic
Replies: 43
Views: 14501

Re: Seasoft Fined For Dumping Lead, Arsenic

How does arsenic get in lead shot? If it's just inherent in it, how is that allowed? As CaptnJack points out, that stuff was banned a long time ago. There shouldn't be any around. Soft weights for divers: They are ubiquitous, not just a Seasoft product. After using them awhile I noticed a milky exud...
by fmerkel
Mon Oct 22, 2018 11:01 am
Forum: Buy/Sell/Trade Dive Gear
Topic: Canon Powershot G9 - free stuff
Replies: 0
Views: 1175

Canon Powershot G9 - free stuff

If anyone is using one of these I have an original box, instruction manual, CD, 2 batteries + charger, connection cables, and straps up for grabs. PM me and we can set something up.

Fritz
by fmerkel
Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:59 am
Forum: Buy/Sell/Trade Dive Gear
Topic: FS - boat coats (sizes XL and M)
Replies: 2
Views: 1817

Re: FS - boat coats (sizes XL and M)

Hey Bob, dibs on the M. We can figure out how to connect soon.
Fritz
by fmerkel
Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:39 pm
Forum: Diving Education (Recreational)
Topic: diving in current
Replies: 11
Views: 8595

Re: diving in current

All great advice so far, except [planyourdive]. That site is (or at least has been) very poor at helping predict areas where current is actually likely to be an issue. TTN 'generally' has low currents. 2 additional points: 1. If you simply let go, ride the current, while you drift you are effectivel...