PATCO High Intensity Discharge ARC Light

Patco Inc. introduces Model: LH-HID arc light. The 10-Watt light head is compatible with all PATCO 12 Volt light systems. It features the same magnetic ON/OFF switch, which is incorporated into the handle. The user replaceable reflector head (UR-HID) can be also retrofitted to any halogen PATCO light head.

Patco Inc sells aqua heat, aqua lites, aqua lights, aqua guns, wetsuit heaters, drysuit heaters, underwater lights, HID lights, spearguns, spearfishing accessories and scuba diving equipment.

 

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY PACK BURN TIME
12 Volt, 12.7 Ahr. Lead-Acid 14 Hr.
13.2 Volt 9 Ahr. NiMH 10 Hr.
13.2 Volt 13.5 Ahr. NiMH 15 Hr.
13.2 Volt 18 Ahr. NiMH 22 Hr.
13.2 Volt 27 Ahr. NiMH 30 Hr.

Patco Inc sells aqua heat, aqua lites, aqua lights, aqua guns, wetsuit heaters, drysuit heaters, underwater lights, HID lights, spearguns, spearfishing accessories and scuba diving equipment.
NiMH Battery Packs

12 Volt Lead Acid Battery

 

  
There is a frequent argument about which light is better. It is the Halogen or the HID? Ultimately, it will depend on your type of diving. Here are the facts so you can decide, which light is for you. Please note that this comparison and technological data applies to not only PATCO products but to all other systems currently available on the market.

Pro: The HID light head draws only 10 Watts of power yet produces more then 3X the light of halogen. It can be therefore powered from 3X smaller battery pack. However, you must not forget that you will need certain amount of weight to be able to descent. It does not make much sense to spend extra money just to decrease the weight of the battery pack and then, just before jumping in the water, strap on 35lb weight belts. If the weight and the size of the battery pack are important, (air travel etc.) the HID should be your choice. The HID generates whiter light, although some divers prefer warmer color of the halogen. It is more resistant to impact because there is no filament. Because of its efficiency and low power drain, the HID light can be easily added to the heater system with little affect on the heating time.

Con: Initial cost of the HID is higher when compared to halogen. There is also higher cost on bulb replacement. Depending on the type of diving the HID can have a relatively short life. The HID life is measured in ON/OFF cycles. Rated median life @ 1 hour on/15 minutes off is 1000 hrs. This means that if you turn the HID light on for 2 minutes and then shut if off, you have used 1 hr of its life. If you decide to leave it on to get more useable life out the lamp, you will drain your battery pack and therefore limit its life in terms of charge cycles. If you want to occasionally peak under the ledges or into the hole, the HID is not the ideal light. Halogen lamps are rated in actual running hours regardless of the ON/OFF cycles. HID lights feature slow start. It takes approximately 30 sec. to reach their full brightness.