----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl" <[log in to unmask]>

>
> Of course, the Halcyon is also depth compensated.  To put it
> basically, the deeper you go the less gas gets added each time.
> Think about doing a 100' dive (4 ATA) - that means that you only
> have to add 1/4 the gas you would add at the surface, so you just
> extended your gas time by a factor of 4.  Then add to the fact
> that it's RMV driven (i.e. it only breathes when YOU do) and
> the gas gets extended even more.
>
> Carl

I sure won't argue that the Halcyon is a _much_ better unit than the
Dolphin. I would love to have one but that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
And I also agree with the deficiencies that you indicate with the Dolphin,
but I think that they are all simple risks to handle if you dive the unit
properly. I know the limitations of the unit and I dive my profiles
consertatively so that I don't cross these limitations. I don't have a dime
of my personal money invested in them and I would not buy one but I do like
diving them. :-)

Bottom line for me is that I don't work hard diving them, I purge the loop
every so often so that I know I have a good supply of O2 in the loop, I
monitor the Oxyguage to monitor my PO2 and I check the ole gas guage pretty
regular. While doing all that, I enjoy the relative quiet operation and the
warm moist air that I'm breathing. Sometimes when diving it, I dream about
Halycon though...  :-)

Mike


>