Flares

[Pikey Dave]

Re electronic flares:-
Just checked mine, bought new last year, never been used in anger. The supplied batteries were dead, flat as a frat. Just replaced with fresh Duracells.

[Fenlander]

Do you think it was so close to switched on that in storage the contacts closed and it's been flashing away unseen... because the supplied batteries should have some long life like 6-10yrs??

[treerat]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

LED flare - no a one-shot solution, and no disposal issues. As PD says it is bl**dy bright.

My pyro hand helds are just about in date but not for long, will be interested to see the LED in teh flesh if you're joining us Sunday Bob?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Do you think it was so close to switched on that in storage the contacts closed and it's been flashing away unseen... because the supplied batteries should have some long life like 6-10yrs??

Possibly, it’s still stored in its original clear plastic tube. I’ve not noticed it flashing. Dunno🤷*♂️ I’m going to order a couple of sets of lithium batteries for it & keep a spare set on the boat.

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by treerat

My pyro hand helds are just about in date but not for long, will be interested to see the LED in teh flesh if you're joining us Sunday Bob?

Won't be out on Sat - long old run solo from Brixham, + I have engine problem - since service- which taking time to resolve. Sure we'll catch up later in the season. Have fun on Sunday

[charliee]

Ah, its great when a service creates a problem you never had prior!

[Jeff]

so ,,,,, having finally almost( ) decided to join the LED flare club - which of these would you suggest. The specs look similar/same but I do like the idea of 50m depth rating
Mk3 v Mk4 ??

Just answered my own question re specs - but still unclear. Mk3 higher max output, Mk4 IR capability, similar ranges


MODEL MK 3 Lithium MK3 Alkaline Part number - Tube pack 30-001A 30-003A Part number - Bag and Blister pack 30-002A 30-004A Part number - Tube pack - No Batteries 30-005A Body colour Orange Body material Glass re-inforced Nylon Light output At full voltage the Odeo FlareTM has a peak light output of 100cd LED - Colour Red Coverage Full upper hemisphere plus 20 degrees below Detection Range Minimum 3 nautical miles; up to 6 nautical miles in ideal conditions Batteries 3 x AA L91 Lithium iron disulphide cells 3 x AA Alkaline cells Batteries - Daniamant Part Numbers 49-115 30-119 Battery - Marine use Recommend battery change every two years Water tightness Tested to IP68 & 100 meters for 1 hour Operating temperature -40 C to + 60 C -18 C to + 55 C Operating life 6 hours at full illumination 4 hours at full illumination Drop test 1.5 metres Weight - including batteries 200 g 225 g Floats Yes Protective bag supplied separately 30-135

MODEL Lithium Alkaline Part number - Tube pack 31-001A 31-003A Part number - Tube pack - No Batteries 31-005A Body colour Orange Body material ABS LED - Colour Red IR Specification 830nm, 10mW/sr x 5 Coverage Horizontal plane: Maximum: 90 cd / Minimum: 35 cd / Average: 63 cd Vertical beam: 35 cd Other directions: approx. 20 cd Detection Range Minimum 3 nautical miles; up to 6 nautical miles in ideal conditions Batteries 4 x AA L91 Lithium iron disulphide cells 4 x AA Alkaline cells Batteries - Daniamant Part Numbers 49-115 30-119 Battery - Marine use Recommend battery change every year Water tightness Tested to IP68 & 100 meters for 1 hour Operating temperature -40 C to + 60 C -18 C to + 55 C Operating life 9 hours at full illumination 3 hours at full illumination Drop test 2 meters Weight - including batteries Lithium 150g Alkaline 180g Floats Yes

[GuyC]

From the spec's, both are tested to the same depth.

The Mk 4 has an additional battery and it is recommended that they are changed annually whereas the Mk 3 is every two years (PD might have a different view).

The operating life is a bit odd. Whilst with lithium batteries, the Mk 4 lasts 50% longer than the Mk 3 but if you put alkaline batteries in it, the Mk 3 lasts 33% longer.

There's a difference in the brightness with the Mk 3 being about 10% brighter but this is peak output and it might be less efficient in more directions than the Mk 4 so you can't really compare the brightness figures. I doubt Odeo would have made it dimmer.

I guess the main difference is the fact that the Mk 4 has an IR capability which the Mk 3 doesn't.

The Mk 4 is half the length of the Mk 3 which may benefit some storage options.

The prices appear to be similar.

I'd go with the Mk 4 and make sure you put Lithium batteries in it.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by GuyC

From the spec's, both are tested to the same depth.

The Mk 4 has an additional battery and it is recommended that they are changed annually whereas the Mk 3 is every two years (PD might have a different view).

The operating life is a bit odd. Whilst with lithium batteries, the Mk 4 lasts 50% longer than the Mk 3 but if you put alkaline batteries in it, the Mk 3 lasts 33% longer.

There's a difference in the brightness with the Mk 3 being about 10% brighter but this is peak output and it might be less efficient in more directions than the Mk 4 so you can't really compare the brightness figures. I doubt Odeo would have made it dimmer.

I guess the main difference is the fact that the Mk 4 has an IR capability which the Mk 3 doesn't.

The Mk 4 is half the length of the Mk 3 which may benefit some storage options.

The prices appear to be similar.

I'd go with the Mk 4 and make sure you put Lithium batteries in it.

Mine’s the mk4 version (the short fat one) I wasn’t aware that it had IR capability. Every day’s a skool day.

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Mine’s the mk4 version (the short fat one) I wasn’t aware that it had IR capability. Every day’s a skool day.

So's mine, and I wasn't either now where's the instruction leaflet?

[Fenlander]

>>>Mine’s the mk4 version

There's a Mk.4? Just when I thought I was at the cutting edge I've been superseded again.

[Jeff]

Mk 4 - the stumpy one

Just purchased - at a fair price

https://www.cactusnav.com/odeo-distr...e-p-22825.html

[Obsidian]

That is a bargain, very tempted by that!

... The thought of it flashing an SOS pattern for 9 hours visible for at least 3nm.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

So's mine, and I wasn't either now where's the instruction leaflet?

,,,, it doesn't mention it
I emailed Daniamant Ltd but as yet, no response and have just done similarly to Ocean Safety
.... time will tell

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

So's mine, and I wasn't either now where's the instruction leaflet?

Cctusnav sire has it listed so maybe ask them?

Benifits:

NO HEAT, NO FLAMES, NO RISK
No explosive compounds for shipping or disposal
Increased safety
Longer operating life- now 9 hours 25% more than ODEO Mk3
Supplied with lanyard
Search and rescue aircraft safe
Simple activation (with wet or gloved hands)
Ideal for diving; tested to 50m for 1 hour
Floats
Easy user battery change
Now includes IR LED and NVG search and rescue
SOS signal built in
Small compact design (grab bag item).
Dual function including flicker and SOS strobe

[GuyC]

https://www.odeoflare.com/products/odeo-distress-flare/

The attachment is from the product specification.

They both mention the IR capability.

I have noticed one difference though.

On the 'Major Benefits', it says it is ideal for diving and has been tested to 50m. In the Technical Data Sheet, it says it is tested at 100m.

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by GuyC

On the 'Major Benefits', it says it is ideal for diving and has been tested to 50m. In the Technical Data Sheet, it says it is tested at 100m.

If I'm ever 50m down it will be sort of academic

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

If I'm ever 50m down it will be sort of academic

I thought the same but I suppose divers might carry one.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by GuyC

I thought the same but I suppose divers might carry one.

,,, I have one of these for my plb ,,,, my dive buddy

https://www.customdivers.com/plb-div...ount-744-p.asp

Have considered whether to carry the signal flare too ,,, jury is out at the moment.

[paintman]

Done a bit of searching on youtube & whilst there are plenty of clips showing how good the LED ones are at night I can't find one that shows their use in daylight from a distance.
Anyone point me in the direction of one please?