Halcyon Pioneer, adding weight w/o STA

[jonnythan]

Jagfish: I've poured two channel weights for my Halcyon BP. The first was for using with the Pioneer W/O STA, and the second for using the Pioneer WITH STA.

Pictures of the one you're looking for are at http://jonnythan.com/scuba

It's really quite easy. I'm not at all mechanically inclined but my cheapness drove me to it. I used 10 pounds of old lead I had laying around, a pot I bought at Salvation Army for $3, a spatula from the same place for 75 cents, and a $5 tub of plumber's putty. All told, I probably spent around $20 for the turkey fryer and everything. Came out to about 8 pounds.

Another option for you is a weighted STA. Oxycheq makes one that's, I believe, 6 pounds. STA's work fine with the Pioneer - I use one now and like it quite a bit.

 

[jagfish]

Thanks for that mate
The idea of molten lead tightens my sphincter (sp?). Like the DIY, though. Saw on another thread a guy who did the same kind of thing. My hats off to both of you...

JAG

 

[mcrae]

Hey Jonnython, nice job I have been tring to sort out how to do a weight that would allow the cam bands to work.
Guess I know what I will be doing this weekend.

Also I have been diving a 36 # Pioneer for about 4 years with out an STA. I find even with a 104 that it is very stable. I do not see how adding an STA is better but then I have never dove with one.
Doesn't seem logical as you are moving the tank out from the BP and still fastening it with the bands.

Any way thanks for the pictures.
Gary

 

[jonnythan]

BTW, I used some thing aluminum shims to plug up the backplate holes. I found them at home depot.. about 10 4" x 4" sheets for a couple of bucks. Cut easy with some shears, and made a nice platform for the putty. I highly recommend you use a torch or something to heat up the backplate some immediately before you pour the lead.