6
5
. Use & Care of Housing:
5.1
Pre Dive Function Check.
Just before entering the water, make a habit of reviewing that you have carried out the
proper steps to close the housing. and the pressure release plug screwed home. Make a
visual check of the O-ring seal. It is also useful to switch on the camera, and check that
controls e.g. on/off, zoom, shutter functions operate normally.
Check housing is closed.
Close pressure release plug
Check battery and memory card status on the LCD display.
Check control knob and zoom function.
If there is a large change of temperature and the housing is not opened for maintenance
between dives, it is recommended to equalize the possible pressure difference between the
inside of the housing and the ambient by opening the pressure release plug and close it firmly
subsequently. Always avoid submerging the housing in hot water for a prolonged time or a
cleansing tank where the water may be heated up by the sun.
5.2
General Operation.
The control levers and push buttons consist of internal double O-ring seals on a stainless steel shaft.
This arrangement is very reliable, however as a precaution, when operating the controls, avoid excessively
rapid movements, as this may distort the O-ring. Also please allow for the fact that the camera takes a few
seconds to power on. If the camera dose not appear to respond to a control action, make sure that no other
controls are pressing on the camera, i.e. locking out further actions. Wear the wrist strap; it is easy to
inadvertently let go of the housing, especially if you are distracted.
5.3
Cleaning & Storage.
The body & lid of the housing are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was selected for its
outstanding strength stiffness, hardness and toughness. As well as its crystal clear transparency and high gloss
surface. It has good resistance to weathering, although long term exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
Normal operating temperature range is 3
¡
C to 36
¡
C (Storage temperature: -10
¡
C to 50
¡
C) It is good practice
to rinse off your housing with fresh water after every dive. Avoid exposure to fine sand. After a series of 10 or
more dives, e.g. after a dive holiday, it is recommended to immerse the housing for 2-3 hours in warm water to
dissolve any salt deposits that may have built up. No chemical cleaners should be used. Mild detergents e.g.
shampoo and soap based cleaners are permitted.
Some household chemicals may harm Polycarbonate; the
housing should never be exposed to the following classes of chemicals:
benzene, toluene, xylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, methanol, any other solvents,
strong acids and bases. For long term storage please remove the main o-ring from body.
5.4
Transportation.
When transporting by air, please ensure the housing is not sealed, to allow the air pressure to
equalize. Either remove the O -ring (recommended), or open the pressure release port (a spacer is provided to
keep the pressure plug in the open position, please make sure there is no bending of the plug while open).
Please protect the housing during transportation. It is recommended to remove the handle, and shutter
extension, and wrap the camera in foam or bubble wrap.
5.5
Accidents.
The impact resistance of the housing is excellent. However after an accident the alignment of the
housing may have been damaged. Therefore in the event of your housing suffering an impact force, e.g. being