I'm flustered. I love my Special Edition MkII Photon Freedom Micro light. It's a must-have EDC item for me. The problem is, I have now twice had to take the batteries out and use sand paper to get corrosion off the batteries due to moisture getting inside. Afterwards, it works fine. Have to buy new batteries now though, fine grit sandpaper still wearing the batteries out before the juice is used up.

This is due to my mode of carry, which I can't change. Around my neck hooked to my emergency meds. capsule, the light won't get damaged. It definitely will get damaged on my hip, in my pocket, or on my keychain of many work keys, due to my work. I don't always have a shirt pocket.

Ok, so Sasquatch sweats too much on his Photon. What is the solution? Can I moisture proof the light with something? This has been the perfect carry mode for me with this light until now. I never know its there until I need it.

How about some large heat shrink tubing? I don't know if they make it in a transparent form, but I know that you can find some in a large enough diameter. Just use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun and take it sllloooowwwww. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

how about some 'press n seal' wrap from Glad. It would protect it from moisture and even waterproof it to a certain extent.

See waterproofing a photon

Why isn't the Photon made waterproof at the factory?

Try this, coat the battery and contacts with dielectric grease (try radio shack or similar), this should take care of your problem.

Thanks williamlatham, that sounds like a real solution!

Thanks to everyone else for their ideas! I was thinking of using a particular Saran Wrap method of mine (that probably wouldn't work) before I ever posted my question, but this one sounds like a more sensible approach to my problem. If for some reason you disagree with dielectric grease to solve my particular problem please speak up, I want to know. I am open-minded to more suggestions.

Maybe another solution is to pony up for an Arc AAA-P or a Fenix L0P or some other small waterproof light?

Or keep Photon in a watertight container with your EDC PSK and have a cheapie dollar fauxton in your pocket so it deosn't matter if it is wasted by moisture while being used on a regular basis. And you have your quality backup in your kit.

I like the size of the photon. It has to be just as small or smaller to carry around my neck. Cost is not a barrier, just size, because this is a must-have for me. Anything that has a AAA battery is already too big. I have a Maglite Solitaire that is way too bulky, even if it was light as a feather and waterproof (not to mention it isn't LED, much less puts out much light altogether). The Arc-AAA Premium Edition I would like to purchase only to put in a kit.



I don't EDC a PSK. Those are stashed here and there. Just EDC items. Therefore, I would be stuck with a low-quality light that didn't work when I most needed it.

No! No! Please not dielectric! Dielectric means insulating! You need grease that is conductive. I have some that was made to enhance the contact between a model rr locomotive & the track. This is from a hobby shop. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Hobby shop? Do you remember the name of the lubricant? I haven't picked up a lubricant yet, but I did pick up new batteries. I'm no electrician/electronics whiz, so thanks for the heads up. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />


Edited:
This confused me, so I looked it up and it was pointed out by an expert:

"The primary purposes of dielectric grease is to keep out moisture, and prevent corrosion. Prevention of corrosion keeps the metal-to-metal contact point in a connector conducting electricity. If the grease conducted electricity, it would allow the tracking to ground of the power or signal being conducted. It's neutral and forms an excellent 02 block. Also lubricates but w/o any specific bulk."

Simon--

Contact Bryan Avery at LRI (the company that makes Photon lights). He has a well written procedure for "waterproofing" a Photon using something as simple as petroleum jelly...but I've lost my copy of it.

It will probably work with some of the greases mentioned above, too.

David

http://forum.photonlight.com/waterproofing-a-photon-ii-vt228.html

http://forum.photonlight.com/update-on-waterproofing-and-brightness-adjustment-vt229.html

Simon--

Well, there you go! Sorry I was unable to find them...but thank you for doing so!

I've had a PII spend the night in a puddle, & still keep right on chugging along...it was still working fine when my wife lost it!
<img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

David