The Halcyon Multifunction Compensator System (MC System) is the recreational and technical solution to what other manufacturers call a Buoyancy Compensation Device. The Halcyon MC System enables the diver to achieve good buoyancy, proper trim and weighting. It lends itself to efficient propulsion while providing integrated life support for safe and enjoyable diving.
The Halcyon Multifunction Compensator was designed from the ground up to give recreational and technical divers the best in each of the critical areas. For buoyancy, the MC System allows complete flexibility for buoyancy compensation. There are two types of Wings for single tank diving, the Eclipse and Pioneer series, while the Explorer series are for double tank diving.
The Eclipse wing has an outer shell of super tough 1680 denier ballistic nylon material with an inner bladder of 400 denier nylon. This two piece construction with a circular zipper on the inside of the wing allows the removal and inspection of the inner bladder as seen in the above left photo. The Eclipse requires a Single Tank Adapter for use with the tank. There is protective webbing over the elbow to prevent strain as seen in the above right photo. The Eclipse comes in two sizes, 30 lb. and 40 lb. lift. We recommend the 40 lb. for all around diving in Izu. For the diver searching for the ultimate expedition grade wing, the Eclipse is it.
The Pioneer wings are specifically designed for single tank use, facilitating streamlining and diving ease with the narrow wing design. Many features make this an outstanding choice for single tank diving.
The Pioneer has a special integrated single tank adaptor welded into the backbone of the wing. There are no separate pieces, so the wing rests closer to the diver, making it very streamlined and convenient as seen in the above photo.
There are several sizes available. The 27 lb. wing has a circular buoyancy tube to prevent air from being trapped in one side of the wing. It is ideal for diving in tropical to temperate waters where moderate exposure protection and neutrally buoyant tanks are commonly used. The 36 lbs. wing with circular buoyancy tube is designed for use in cold water with heavy exposure protection and a steel cylinder. Bellowed side panels on the 36 lbs. wing increase lift at the waist, improving trim for those wearing heavy weight belts. The Pioneer 45 wing is specifically designed for extreme cold water use or when required to offset unusual amounts of ballast.
For sizing, please feel free to consult with us to finalize your choice. We recommend the 36 lb. wing for Izu diving.
The Explorer series of Wings are used for streamlined double tank diving. There are three sizes available, 40 lb. for Aluminum doubles, 55 lb. for steel doubles and steel tanks, and 70 lb. for steel doubles and steel stage bottles, or when the diver has additional lift requirements.
The wings incorporate the new precision flow inflator with internal components and buttons of Stainless Steel 316 material. The inflator provides a controlled low volume flow to allow fine tuning of buoyancy.
Stainless steel or Aluminum backplates are available. The Stainless backplate provides 2.5 kilos/6 pounds of non ditchable weight distributed evenly across the divers back, which allows for a better trim profile. For divers who need less weight or for diving in the tropics, the Aluminum 1 kilo/2.2 pounds backplate is also available. One of the most frequently asked questions is which backplate material to choose. For the Izu diver, a Stainless steel backplate is good for getting weight off the belt. For the traveling diver, the lightweight but strong Aluminum plate may be preferable, especially in warm water with Aluminum tanks and minimal protection. Also,
For trim, the MC System has a rock solid 5 Point Secure Harness which evenly distributes the weight and shifts the center of gravity up to the central torso, making a more streamlines horizontal profile in the water. This proper trim reduces swimming effort and thus gas consumption, making diving easier and more enjoyable. With a more horizontal profile and less frontal area, drag is reduced and propulsion efficiency is increased. Emergency and utility lift devices such as the Divers Alert Marker for signaling, or Lift Bags can be stored transparently in the Storage Pak in the curve of the backplate and deployed immediately. The MC System is uniquely adjustable to provide a perfect fit for all divers. The five point system insures a snug fit and eliminates tank roll and drift. Bent D-rings on the harness provide attachment points for accessories such as Scout lights or stage bottles. The Halcyon ACB Weighting System can be attached to the belt harness. This lets the diver customize ditchable weighting from 5 kg./12 pounds per side to 14 kg./30 pounds per side.
Many people prefer a weight integrated system instead of having to use a traditional weight belt. For this purpose, the Halcyon MC Active Control Ballast is available. There are three configurations- ACB 30 (15 lbs. (6 kg.) per side), ACB 20 (10 lbs. ( 4 kg.) per side), and ACB 12 (6 lbs. (2 kg.) per side). The side release buckle prevents accidental weight loss while allowing the diver or dive buddy to quickly release the weights. The ditching of only half of a divers weight can prevent a too rapid ascent common with dropping an entire weight belt. The ACB 30 has a stainless steel buckle with two inch webbing which allows attachment of a cannister light. The ACB 20 and ACB 12 are more streamlined and utilize a side release buckle which acts as the release mechanism as well as the weight handle as shown in the above photo. Please note that the ACB 30 has been discontinued from the lineup but we still have some remaining stock. Please inquire for details.
Halcyon Diver Alert Markers feature a closed circuit construction with one way valve and no lock inflator mechanism. They can be inflated at the surface to attract attention or be used as a surface marker buoy when inflated at depth and attached to a spool or reel. Other uses are for redundant buoyancy or for surface support. They are small enough to be rolled up and stuffed in the MC Storage Pak or placed in a Halcyon thigh pocket. The Small Alert Marker is 3.3 feet long (1 meter) with 6 lbs. (2.5 kg.) lift. The Big Alert Marker is 4.5 feet (1.37 m.) with 40 lb. (18 kg.) lift. The Super Alert Marker is 6 feet (1.8 m.) with 52 lb. (23.6 kg.) lift. The Big and Super Alert Markers come with Coast Guard approved SOLAS reflective tape across the top for improved visibility as per the above photo.
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Revised: April 23, 2005
Copyright (c) Mar Scuba 2005
Note: Images Copyright (c) Halcyon USA, used with permission.