New 2008 Features:
- Locking bulb design eliminates the risk of dislodged bulbs and sporadic ignition problems (patent pending).
- Super high-temperature polymer (PEEK) nearly eliminates risk of heat damage common within the competition.
- New, brighter bulb with a shorter stem and protection sleeve reduces risk of breakage during transport.
- The Halcyon 21watt Explorer
The 2006 release of the Explorer series established a new bar in underwater lighting by designing the industry's first sealed lid design, including a novel auto-plug battery and an impact resistant battery pod. New in 2008, Halcyon is proud to introduce the next generation of its popular Explorer lighting series, including a range of enhancements that are sure to expand upon the popularity of this trend setting line of Halcyon lights.
A new, brighter bulb together with a unique locking bulb design (patent pending) is sure to enhance performance; meanwhile a space age polymer known as PEEK insulates our new socket design. The high temperature resistance of PEEK (644 deg F) insulates Halcyon light sockets from damage common to our competitor's lights. Meanwhile the brighter bulb is shorter with an exterior sleeve, reducing the risk of breakage. These new enhancements expand upon the range of unique Halcyon features already present in the Explorer series, setting a new bar in underwater lighting systems.
Looking under the hood
See how the Explorer Light compares to the "competition”
|
Primary Light Features
|
Halcyon
|
Others
|
| Yes
|
No
|
|
| Temperature Resistant polymer PEEK bulb socket | Yes
|
No
|
| Ballast o-ring seal | Yes
|
No
|
| Industry first "sealed" lid design | Yes
|
No
|
| Gold-plated auto-plug battery connectors | Yes
|
No
|
| Impact resistant battery pod with Delrin caps and stainless steel reinforcement rods | Yes
|
No
|
| Leak resistant switch silicone switch boot | Yes
|
No
|
| Fan cooled, 4amp, 110/220v switchable charger; "easy plug" one hand operation | Yes
|
No
|
| Thorough QC evaluation including 300' (90m) pressure test for every light | Yes
|
No
|
| Worldwide warranty regardless of purchase location | Yes
|
No
|
| Worldwide service and support through Halcyon dealer network | Yes
|
No
|
When Halcyon set out to reestablish a new bar in the
manufacture of underwater canister lights we identified a
range of key areas in need of improvement. We started with
the industry's first truly leak-proof lid, expanding our
improvements across more than a half dozen key
improvements. From the rigid battery carrier to a robust,
fan-cooled charger, Halcyon's Explorer is the latest
evolution of our exploration-grade primary lighting. In
crafting the industry's first leak-proof lid, we had to
start from scratch and create a design where wiring from
the light cord did not penetrate the battery compartment.
The Explorer's lid isolates the cord wiring with O-ring
sealed, gold-plated banana plugs; these plugs connect to
the bottom of the lid where a novel auto-plug design
engages the Explorer battery pod. In testing, we've cut the
light head off of an Explorer and then tested the light to
300'/90m with the unsealed cord. Water was unable to pass
through the lid completely protecting the batteries.
Likewise, deep immersions without an o-ring on the lid
demonstrated the great success of this unique design. Even
without an o-ring on the lid water was unable to enter the
light head.
Listening to the requests of our cold-water test divers, we
then redesigned the lid's switch protector to allow for a
more positive identification of on/off positions while
wearing thick gloves. In looking at the protector, we
decided to improve on the switch boot as well: instead of a
boot that threads on via a thin plastic ring, we designed
molds for a new captured switch boot that integrates into
the switch protector. The switch boot is molded to our
specifications out of high durometer silicon.
With the changes to the lid established, we turned our
attention to the battery itself. We started by designing a
stainless steel cage that provides a rigid compartment that
can protect the NiMH batteries from the stresses often
found in the course of transporting dive gear under
difficult conditions. The battery pack has reciprocal
self-plugging connectors for the Explorer lid, simplifying
assembly before a dive. Simply unlatch and rotate the lid
from the dummy plug holes to the gold-plated connectors to
connect your battery. A milled water-trap in bottom of
canister, together with the raised battery tray, provides
additional protection for the battery in the event of
seepage from a damaged canister O-ring. The improvements
didn't stop with the work on the light itself. Selecting
the proper NiMH charger is critical to ensure maximum value
for your canister light. Halcyon has literally searched the
world for the best charger to match up with our Explorer
lights. The new dual-voltage Halcyon NiMH charger provides
reliable service in a compact, fan-cooled design.
Halcyon’s Explorer is the latest evolution of our
exploration-grade primary lighting. The Explorer’s
DNA can be traced back eight years through the original
Explorer Pro: certainly one of the most trusted dive lights
ever made. From the rock-solid battery pack and the
water-tight lid to the superior flicker-free performance of
its HID light element, the Explorer sets the new standard
against which other lights will be judged.
When
Halcyon set out to improve upon its Helios designs, we had
identified key areas that we saw lacking in canister lights
across the board. We started with a truly leak-proof lid
that could isolate the battery compartment in case of cord
damage or the light head in case of canister flood. Design
and testing began over a year ago, with many prototypes
developed and refined over the course of testing. We were
not going to release a design that was simply
leak-resistant: no wiring from the light cord could enter
the battery compartment. The Explorer's lid isolates the
cord wiring; O-ring protected, gold-plated banana plugs
extend through the bottom of the lid to connect to the top
of the Explorer battery pack. In testing, we've cut the
light head off of an Explorer and then tested the light to
300' with the unsealed cord and found that no water was
able to pass into the lid.
Listening
to the requests of our cold-water test divers, we then
redesigned the lid's switch protector to allow for a more
positive identification of on/off positions while wearing
thick gloves. In looking at the protector, we decided to
improve on the switch boot as well: instead of a boot that
threads on via a thin plastic ring, we designed molds for a
new captured switch boot that integrates into the switch
protector. The switch boot is molded to our specifications
out of high durometer silicon.
With the changes to the lid established, we turned our
attention to the battery itself. We started by designing a
stainless steel cage that provides a rigid compartment that
can protect the NiMH batteries from the stresses often
found in the course of transporting dive gear under
difficult conditions. The battery pack has reciprocal
self-plugging connectors for the Explorer lid, simplifying
assembly before a dive. Simply unlatch and rotate the lid
from the dummy plug holes to the gold-plated connectors to
connect your battery. A milled water-trap in bottom of
canister, together with the raised battery tray, provides
additional protection for the battery in the event of
seepage from a damaged canister O-ring.
The improvements didn't stop with the work on the light
itself. Selecting the proper NiMH charger is critical to
ensure maximum value for your canister light. Halcyon has
literally searched the world for the best charger to match
up with our Explorer lights. The new dual-voltage Halcyon
NiMH charger provides reliable service in a compact,
fan-cooled design.
Key
Features of all Explorer Primary Light Systems
- Sealed Delrin lid design; completely isolates battery compartment from cord and light head
- Battery and lid connect with corrosion-resistant, solid-core gold-plated plugs; plugs are O-ring sealed to ensure leakproof lid
- New secure battery tray with stainless steel rods for additional protection
- Unique captured silicon switch boot integrated into new ergonomic Delrin switch protector
- "Halcyon Blue" lid O-ring and switch boot
- Solid Delrin canisters are longer to ease the stowing of the long primary hose; water-trap in bottom of canister and raised battery tray provide additional protection for the battery
- Lifetime canister warranty
- Depth rated to 500’/152m
- NiMH battery technology
- New dual-voltage 4amp charger with built-in cooling fan
- Many new features of the Explorer series are patent-pending
Explorer 4.5 / 21watt - US$1295 / RO499.63
Explorer 9 / 21watt - US$1485 / RO573.00
Explorer 9 / 21watt E/O cord - US$1672 / RO645.00
Explorer 13.5 / 21watt - US$1750 / RO675.18
Explorer 13.5 / 21watt E/O cord - US$1926 / RO743.00