Deco regulators

[RainPilot]

cant comment on the -----one shouldn't use the DIN connection for oxygen-compatible devices, but a special connection.... what is the special connection you refer to?

Ginti is from France. Europe requires a M26 connection (larger diameter DIN) on all scuba tanks/regs meant for O2 greater than, IIRC, 40%.

 

[1atm]

Regarding all the well-intended comments on M26 connections: yes, that's what it says in the regulation. Nobody I know, in any European country, follows this. Neither the divers, nor the instructors, nor the dive shops. Do not buy M26 regulators, you pay a premium that is pointless. In many places it will be hard to get cylinders or fills. There may be some small exceptions, but really, I do not know anyone who uses M26.

And btw, if you meet a die-hard that tells you, that you need M26 for Nitrox, try this: ask them which connection is the EU standard for Trimix (say 21/35). They will inform you it's M25. Now carefully think how you fill Trimix. Yes, that's right, you add pure oxygen before topping off with air (or banked Nitrox). Thus, by definition, it is ok to fill pure O2 into M25 bottles ...

If you get a real nitpicker in a dive shop, telling you, you cant have Nitrox in an M25 cyclinder, then tell them you want Nitrox 32/1 or 50/1 or whatever and have fun watching them fill it ...

Also no offense intended to the many well meaning comments from across the pond, but sometimes it's important to actually know the local reality when giving advice.

 

[cerich]

Regarding all the well-intended comments on M26 connections: yes, that's what it says in the regulation. Nobody I know, in any European country, follows this. Neither the divers, nor the instructors, nor the dive shops. Do not buy M26 regulators, you pay a premium that is pointless. In many places it will be hard to get cylinders or fills. There may be some small exceptions, but really, I do not know anyone who uses M26.

And btw, if you meet a die-hard that tells you, that you need M26 for Nitrox, try this: ask them which connection is the EU standard for Trimix (say 21/35). They will inform you it's M25. Now carefully think how you fill Trimix. Yes, that's right, you add pure oxygen before topping off with air (or banked Nitrox). Thus, by definition, it is ok to fill pure O2 into M25 bottles ...

If you get a real nitpicker in a dive shop, telling you, you cant have Nitrox in an M25 cyclinder, then tell them you want Nitrox 32/1 or 50/1 or whatever and have fun watching them fill it ...

Also no offense intended to the many well meaning comments from across the pond, but sometimes it's important to actually know the local reality when giving advice.

The legal standard is the M26, that it is ignored is on the folks doing the fill. If something happens, the liability is in them. On another note, you should take a blender course. Some of your statements are close but wrong and shows some confusion.

 

[Graeme Fraser]

The only time I use M26 is to get to the Channel Tunnel!

 

[1atm]

The legal standard is the M26, that it is ignored is on the folks doing the fill. If something happens, the liability is in them. On another note, you should take a blender course. Some of your statements are close but wrong and shows some confusion.

we arent as litigous a society on this side of the pond

 

[KenGordon]

The legal standard is the M26, that it is ignored is on the folks doing the fill. If something happens, the liability is in them. On another note, you should take a blender course. Some of your statements are close but wrong and shows some confusion.

In the U.K. if you want an O2 fill for an M26 rebreather cylinder you should also own a din to m26 converter. If you want an o2 fill into a DIN cylinder you don’t need one. Absolutely the only M26 cylinders you see are on unmodified rebreathers.

OP. Buy the same (DIN) regs as you use for back gas. This improves logistics.

 

[JMBL]

Some local experience about M26 while diving in France :

- while in cave country (le Lot) or diving among cavers : nobody will make a fuss to fill your tank with a deco mix, whether your tank is fitted or not with a M26 valve

- on the coast (especially right in the middle of summer on the Med) : it's a total different story... If the filling station is not tek oriented, it's very likely that you'll be turned down if you're not a M26 user. Getting a deco mix is very often a bother (ridiculous delays, excuses, prices, you name it !) during the summer season, but without a M26 valve, it will be a total no no.

If the filling station is tek oriented, you should have better luck, but you're still taking a bet. So ask before you go there. Going abroad with your equipment is a pain in the neck, but worse if you're unable to use it...