Halcyon's Explorer and Proteus lighting systems set the standard for underwater illumination. HID, halogen, and HMI lamps can be matched with any application, while a wide variety of canister/battery configurations allows you to dial in your system to meet the demands of any diving environment:

• Explorer NiMH Primary Lights
• Proteus Lead Acid Primary Lights
• 2003 10watt HID Light Head
• Apollo HID Video/Film Lighting
• Apollo HMI Video/Film Lighting
• Apollo Video Housings
• Halcyon Lighting Technology Overview
• Scout Reserve Lights

• HID FAQ
• NiMH FAQ

DIR Information Network >>Buoyancy Compensators>>Weighting

What weighting options are available for Halcyon's MC Systems?

Reasonable distribution of a diver’s ballast is one of the keys to proper trim and buoyancy control. Traditionally, divers have often been taught to put “all of the eggs in one basket” and place all of their ballast on the familiar two-inch waist belt. Increasingly, manufacturers are joining Halcyon in their recognition of the importance of thoughtful ballast distribution (also known as Ballast Mediated Airway Protection, or BMAP), and the concept of “non-ditchable” ballast.

Halcyon offers several versatile ballast distribution options so that you can decide upon an approach that is most appropriate to achieving peak performance in a particular diving environment. These options include:

• Choice of backplate – stainless steel 6 lbs (2.7 kg) or light-weight hard-coated aluminum
• Active Control Ballast – available in 12 lb (5.4 kg) and 20 lb (9 kg) systems
• Standard and Convertible Single Tank Mount (STA) – up to 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
• Trim Weight Pockets (pair) – up to 5 lbs (2.2 kg) per pocket
• V-Weight – 8 lb (3.6 kg) or 11 lbs (4.9 kg) for dual cylinder diving

A diver requiring 18 lbs of ballast can easily distribute that weight as follows:

• Stainless steel back plate (6 lbs)
• ACB 12 with 4 lbs per pocket
• Trim weights with 2 lbs per pocket

In this scenario, the diver maintains at least 1/3rd of the total ballast as “ditchable” (releasable) at all times, should the need arise. The stainless steel back plate and trim weights augment BMAP by offsetting the increased buoyancy of a near empty aluminum SCUBA cylinder.

The core of the Halcyon MC System is based on the idea that these simple options actually enhance a diver’s experience, rather than merely adding another drag-inducing approach to weighting that is, at best, of questionable value.

Of course, as with any change or addition to your equipment, Halcyon recommends a few dives with your buddy in shallow/controlled conditions whenever you change your weighting. The practice allows divers to become familiar with any changes in their equipment, and make adjustments as needed before returning to their normal diving regimen.

DIR Information Network >> Can I use a traditional weight belt with an MC System? [Next]