maplin underwater camera, and screen set

[gjgm]

OK, I know Neale mentioned it recently in MBM, but at £60 I(online), I thought I d have one (for checking those anodes, right!).
Well the bad news, I dont seem to have much in the way of anodes left on the props, so the boat is coming out this week!
The good news is that this really is a good way to have a look at your props or anodes without a lift out. The picture is very good indeed, and in fact the infra red lights do give a bit of aid in daylight too. (I didnt bother with a night inspection, as the day inspection left little doubt).
I had a nose under another boat that grounded the other day. Props have some small scratchings, and his anodes look fit for another 6 months, so he was very chuffed. All looks fine.And he didnt even need to buy the camera /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Anyway, just to add that of you do need to have a look under the boat for whatever reason, at £60 this is a bargain compared to a lift out.

 

[savageseadog]

We got one and find it excellent. We had our prop fouled with a line and was able to diagnose and clear it.

 

[atelford]

I second that. Help a guy recover a set of expensive glasses dropped in the drink at the side of the pontoon. Money well spent. Also good for checking on the wildlife down below. Only qualm is how to control it underwater. Just a big stick I suppose.

 

[planteater]

Here's a Youtube video of some guy testing one in a pond. Looks pretty good to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oRHkq8IgGg&feature=related

 

[gjgm]

Like Neale, I used cable ties onto the rather handy boat pole !
Might be something with a swivel/bend in it might be better, but the pole seemed to do the trick.

 

[cliff]

Bought one a few months ago from Maplin for £39.99 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
---------------------

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity

 

[oldharry]

Bought one earlier in the year - one of the best 'onboard entertainments' for grandchildren going, while at anchor - use for 'spot the fish/ crab/ grandads specs' etc.

 

[oldharry]

Bought one earlier in the year - one of the best 'onboard entertainments' for grandchildren going, while at anchor - use for 'spot the fish/ crab/ grandads specs' etc. And if bored at sea - see the silliest face you can make on TV!

 

[LadyInBed]

It looks like a useful bit of kit. What flavour of display does it come with - TFT?

 

[oldharry]

No - a small CRT, with a lead acid battery - fairly hefty to carry about. TFT would have been much neater and better IMHO, but then probably more £'s

 

[alt]

Does it have the option of plugging into a different VDU? ie. Laptop or your own TV?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Pardon my ignorance, but, what is wrong with snorkeling?

I am not doubting the evident entertainment value of the gadget but, if it does show something has fouled the prop, you would still need to dive in and get wet.

 

[Eeyore]

[ QUOTE ]
Pardon my ignorance, but, what is wrong with snorkeling?


[/ QUOTE ]

Could it perhaps be something to do with UK waters in January? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[gjgm]

Snorkeling? Er, no thanks.
I dont think anyone is going to claim that a camera can free a fouled prop.
I m only suggesting that the camera can show you your underwater gear without having to (snorkel, if you like) have a lift out.
So, in the cases I mentioned, it was useful for checking the anodes, and checking the state of the props after hitting a sandbank.
But, you are welcome to continue snorkeling, of course /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Nauti Fox]

Just ordered one, thanks for the tip.....wonder if it will cope with the crystal clear waters of the Medway? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Saguday]

OK, it's more money but they also do a colour one for £149 here
This one *does* use a TFT screen and comes in an all-in-one case. They both have an output to something else for recording.

 

[atelford]

It does have an output on it. Not sure of the cable type but theres something on the back there

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]


Could it perhaps be something to do with UK waters in January? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Ooops! Must have had a no-hair moment (i.e., worse even than blonde). /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Is it really that bad up there? Here it is still 23 Celsius - and we have people who complain that it is 'a bit chilly'. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[oldharry]

Well it was snowing across the home counties last night - so it is definitley 'a bit chilly' here at the moment. another reason for not wanting to snorkel today, perhaps?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]
Well it was snowing across the home counties last night - so it is definitley 'a bit chilly' here at the moment. another reason for not wanting to snorkel today, perhaps?

[/ QUOTE ]

Deepest sympathies! Perhaps 'another reason' for coming down to the Med? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

P.S My previous mentioning of 23 Celsius referred to the water temperature.