Halcyon Explorer placement?

[PfcAJ]

Really now...how much "instability" are you experiencing with the can being an inch from the backplate? I dive a 13.5aH can, and guess what? I keep it an inch from the plate. There is no "instability" and thats a real big cannister.

If you're finding the switch hard to hit, try lowering the cannister a bit on your waist strap (by raising the belt loop up).

If the switch is on the inside and you like it, great. If its on the outside, great too! If the 2cm raised switch protector is trapping line and ruining your day, you probably shouldn't be anywhere near that line and you need more practice with that pitching wedge.

 

[nadwidny]

You guys are all soft because you started out with well built gear. The older can lights didn't have nice switch protectors and this happened a lot more often.

Just wondering how old? My Pro14 is 10 years old and it came with a switch protector (and for those wondering, yes I still use it. A lot).

 

[Rainer]

I've always just used a triglide to keep the light a few inches from the plate. Makes a helpful difference in cold water.

 

[RTodd]

Just wondering how old? My Pro14 is 10 years old and it came with a switch protector (and for those wondering, yes I still use it. A lot).

Pre-Halcyon. I know my oldest and most used AUL doesn't have one and I would have to dig the others out of whatever box they are in to see if they have them. With the size of the cannisters now, even turned out the switches are about the same distances in from your body as they were turned in using the older cannisters. It isn't a huge deal, particularly in open water. But, it is one of the little things which needs to be done properly as the complexity of the dive goes up. Accidently bumping off a switch on a fairly short mix dive and not being able to restrike the light isn't that big of a deal. Accidently bumping a switch and not being able to restrike with a 2+ hour scooter ride to the exit is a bigger deal and really, really sucks.

As for leaving a little slack on the cannister, again it is not as big of a deal with the smaller size and better construction of the new lights. But, those dumb enough to try to learn DIR on the internet are typically the ones that will add up every single little deviation from what a proper DIR configuration is and create some abomination. For OW diving and the types of mix dives that 15 years ago we did in open water gear, sure, the variations don't really matter. But, this garbage advice doesn't scale up to the bigger dives so it defeats the purpose of what DIR is supposed to do.

 

[mikeguerrero]

I finally got a chance to dive the light in Monterey with 35+ viz and was really impressed. I was able to turn the light on but had a hard time turning it off, I think I don't know the correct side to place the switch.

Can anyone elaborate on how to position the light switch? I'm not understanding the differences in towards the body and away from the body. I wear the DUI compressed neoprene gloves and so it's rather hard to feel the switch and perhads a better placement of the switch will help?

Thanks,

MG

 

[b1gcountry]

Can anyone elaborate on how to position the light switch? I'm not understanding the differences in towards the body and away from the body.

The canisters have two latches. However you have the lid attached, you can also un-latch the lid, turn it 180*, and re-latch it. The lid will not be rotated 180* in relation to how it sits on your body as well. In one of these positions, the light cord is closest to your body, and in another, the switch is closest to your body. If I was a more motivated person, I would take a picture, but I'm not.

Tom

 

[mikeguerrero]

So am I wanting to have the switch close to my body or the cord closer? I see what you are saying. Just need which method to apply.

Thanks,

MG

 

[Belmont]

Hi Mike,

This thread seems to have cooled off.

When I started DIR training my instructor told me to place the 18W canister next to the plate and hold it there with a metal clip, switch near the body.

Now, I have rather big forearms, not like Popeye though, but large enough that when bent at the elbow my fingers don't reach the shoulders.

It was nearly impossible for me to turn the light on with bare hands, let alone with gloves.

He agreed that for open water diving a 1-2 inch space between the plate and the canister would be fine, he remained adamant about the switch near the body, I agree with him.

I will possibly try putting a clip between the plate and the canister, it would support it better than a triglide and permit a snug fit.

Just a tought.

How are you doing now with your lamp?

 

[ivobj]

I use the can almost 2 inches from the plate, switch on the outside so the cord is near my body, the reason for that is that I mainly dive wrecks, so my major concern is entanglement, with cord close to my body I have less chances of entangling the light cord or even having it cut by some sharp edge in a wreck. Also, with the switch in the outside I find it easier for my hand to manipulate it (close to the body is tigher) to turn light on and off.

About the positioning, ocasional movement of the can probably wouldn't be a problem anyway, but to completly eliminate any movement from the what I did is to put a clip (I don't know if this is the proper name, I am talking about that piece of steel you use to hold D-Rings in place in the harness), as the space to pass the harness thru the can is very tight, this is more than enough to avoid the can from going further close to the plate, but small enough not to bother me a bit.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Moving the CAN two inches from the plate and placing a triglade has been a blessing. I then slide the the light until it hits the triglade then an extra belt buckle snugs it in place.

I can turn the light on/off without any problem. Placement was key to making this setup work. The light is just awesome, powerful and very strong it's built for strength. It will light up the crevices that go deep into the pinnacles that I dive.

I believe this is one of the best investments I did along with the backup light Scout, I'm a very happy diver and enjoyed removing 4 lbs off of my belt, I use to dive 12 lbs and felt I was overweighted, now I dive 8 on the belt and with the CAN light I have a total of 10.7 lbs.

Feels great and thanks to all that posted on placement on the strap, I will post a picture soon so other newbees like me can follow some guidance.

MG