Simple question about removing backup regulator

[mcavana]

Right now my current setup has a primary regulator, and a backup regulator (for a buddy). Now a days I am diving solo. I just got the spair air 3.0 bottle. My question is... If I wanted to simply eliminate the backup regulator for now (because I have the spare air) is it as simple as unscrewing the backup regulator hose and screwing in the cover for that hole that came with the 1st stage?

It seams easy enough! just wanted to know if you more experienced equipment guys have anything more to tell me on this subject.

Thanks,

Mikey

 

[300bar]

Yes it's as simple as that.
But why would you want to do it.
If your primairy fails,you could still make your way up on your alt.air.
Better option IMO would be 2 seperate 1st stages.Or even twin tanks.

 

[Otter]

Typically yes. You might want to consider leaving it there in case you come upon someone else in need of an alternate air source (yes, you could hand him/her the Spare Air -- after getting the situation under control). It also is a convenient backup in case your primary second stage fails.

 

[mcavana]

? maybe I am not explaing myself corectly??? I have one tank with 2 regulators (you know the basic diving with a buddy setup). I use the primary regulator, the second one hangs on my chest so I can offer it to a buddy when in need.

I just got the spairair bottle... Submersible Systems - Spare Air Models So that if my primary regulator fails for whatever reason or if I somehow run out of air, I can resort to my spairair bottle and head up.

Please correct me if my thinking is flawed here. I figure if I am diving solo, and have the spairair bottle, there is no reason for me to keep my backup regulator hooked up.

 

[mcavana]

I should add, I am diving offshore.... usually in 80 - 100 feet of water. It isn't like I am at the springs with lots of other divers around.... It is just me! (and of course the captain in the boat)

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Hi mcavana,

For a little "light reading" I'd suggest doing a search on "Spare Air" on this board

Briefly: While in theory 3.0 cu ft could get you to the surface in an emergency from the 80-100 feet dives you are considering and is better than nothing, if you think about it for a moment you'll quickly realize 3.0 cu ft it is just not much air at depth... At a mildly stressed breathing rate of 1.0 cu feet per minute, you have 3 minutes of air at the surface, 1.5 minutes at 33 feet (2 Atm), 1 min at 66 feet (3 Atm), 45 seconds at 99 feet (4 Atm).... you need a larger redundant air source for the depths you are talking about. And that assumes a good fill.

Just something to consider.

Best wishes.

 

[bamamedic]

Yeah, it's that simple. Just unscrew the backup regulator hose, and screw in the correct size plug. You'll want to do a bubble check prior to diving with it, though.

However, there's a couple of things I'd love for you to think about first:

A 3.0 c.f. Spare Air isn't very much air at the depths you are solo diving in...it will last you about a minute with a SAC rate of 1.0 (no idea as to what your SAC rate is...). A minute isn't much time to sort out the situation and ascend. Since you're solo diving, you've got to rely completely upon yourself. Instead of a Spare Air, you might consider getting a bigger bottle such as a 19 c.f. pony bottle. You'll find that it isn't much more expensive than the Spare Air, and it gives you a whole lot more air to deal with any emergency that might come up.

Anyways, that's it. It would probably be an awesome idea for you to do the math and make sure that your Spare Air is sufficient to get you safely to the surface.

 

[Jorgy]

Not sure how to start...........

Is this post real? Solo diving to 100 feet with a Spare Air????????

If the post is real, then stop doing this right away..............this is very risky behavior and not in accordance with any training I am aware of..........

How many dives do you have, how long have you been diving? Update your profile......

A lot can happen at 100 feet other than issues related to air..........hence the buddy is needed...............

A 3 CU FT Spare Air is not nearly enough for 100 feet..........for those who carry pony's to those depths a 19 CU FT seems to be the most popular choice................many advocate even more 30-40 CU FT......

Recall your secondary regulator is not just for a buddy, you may have to use it yourself.......so no don't remove it.............

I actually hope this a joke/troll post...........

M

 

[mcavana]

Ok, thanks for the replies so far. Live and learn!

To Jorgy, I understand the points of your post are very important, and I read them with that regard, but the negative undertone of your post I can do without. No I am not a troll... just a diver looking for information from people that likely know a lot more then me. Looks like I am at the right place. Thanks for trying to help me. I will seriously consider what I am told.

So I will definately leave the extra regulator on.

As far as the spare air goes... I honestly thought I had done the math. Yes, I agree that I would have less then a minute at 100 feet breathing off the spair air. But this is what I figured when I purchased it.... At 100 feet, If I am suddenly somehow out of air, It makes sense to me that I can grab the bottle, take a breath or two and immediately start heading up. I would not sit there at 100 feet and breath until I am out of air. I may be forced to skip the safety stop, but I figure I would have enough to head up at a decent speed.

Keep in mind, the spair air would only be for that freak instance when it is needed. I keep very close track of my times and air amounts while at depth, and head up with plenty of reserve in my tank.

Thanks,

Mikey

 

[Jorgy]

Sorry about the tone................

You are right, SB is a great place to learn.............

I often look at the profile of the poster to help gauge my response.......

You were not "challenged" (not exactly the right word, I know, but I think it fits for this) about the solo diving.........

Other new divers read these posts and I wanted to be clear.......

At least you asked the question............

M