Another Dumb Question - Mixing manufacturer Second Stages on 1 First Stage

[Mo2vation]

As my public humiliation (and my assimiliation) continues, I need to get another second stage to use as my back-up / primary necklace Reg.

I don't want to go with an H-valve (thanks everyoine for the input) and two first stages - I just want to ditch my AirSource (insert thunderous applause from those who hate that rig) and get a real reg for the necklace rig on my trial BP&W rig.

I'm currently using an Atomic B1. Now, I can canibal wifie's B1 second stage (yeah, she'd love that) or, can I simply add a 2nd stage (albeit, a reliable, reputable one) from another manufacturer?

For this trial, I want to pick up something cheap and simply dial it into my rippin' B1 first stage. Any issues with that...mixing manufacturers?

Aside from the dissimilar metals arguement, I can't really think of any. An LP port is an LP port is an LP port, right?

Thanks all.

Ken

 

[MechDiver]

There isn't an issue with mixing second stages. I would, however, stay with one you could get serviced easily, and that is a good solid brand, Scubapro R190, Aqua Lung Titan, whatever.

There is no dissimiliar metal problem as the fittings are the same.

Good move on the necklaced second by the way.

MD

 

[Hallmac]

No problem mixing. You may have to adjust it because the IP will be different from where it came.

Hallmac

 

[Cave Diver]

Since your original question has already been answered, I will focus my attention on your other comment:

Mo2vation once bubbled...
As my public humiliation (and my assimiliation) continues, I need to get another second stage to use as my back-up / primary necklace Reg.

Remember this; the only dumb question is the one that isnt asked...

 

[Mo2vation]

A little self flogging is good for me, believe me.

Tomorrow I fly into the ATL - I called the hotel and my Fundamentals book arrived yesterday - its at the front desk waiting for me.

I'm supposed to be conducting a National Sales meeting for the corporation - but you KNOW where my mind will be, as I piece together the trial rig. I am so fired up, I can't even tell you.

There are a couple of seconds I have my eye on - I ordered my 7' hose this morning for my main / back-up. I have my bolt snaps on the way in, too. Need a wing, a harness and some weight pockets and I'll be ready to configure the beast and give it a whirl.

Any tips on the necklace? Bungie or surgical tubing?


K


PS - if you missed the graphic Dr. Jay posted to one of my other threads, its pretty cute. Here's a re-set.

http://www.scubaboard.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=223736

 

[MechDiver]

Mo2vation once bubbled...
A little self flogging is good for me, believe me.

Any tips on the necklace? Bungie or surgical tubing?

If you go the DIR route and attach the necklace directly to the second mouthpiece with a ziptie, you pretty well have to use bungee (1/8"). I prefer to use surgical tubing and have a loop that fits over the mouthpiece so it can be removed if need be.

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Either will work, although the tubing doesn't have the life span of the bungee.

Whichever way you go, leave it long until you decide where you want it to hang on your chest.

MD

 

[Mo2vation]

where to hang it on my chest?

You mean the necklace, right? Isn't it supposed to sort of be under the chin - a quick wrist flip from my mouth?

I've read it takes awhile of tweeking to get it to the right length for each individual. That's what you mean, right?

kk

 

[Cave Diver]

I made my necklace out of 5/32" black vacuum tubing from the local autoparts store. Used two zip ties to tie the ends together leaving a loop to hold the mouthpiece. I left the zip ties a little loose til I figured out exactly how big I needed the necklace and how large I needed the loop to hold the reg. Once I figured it out, I tightened and trimmed. It works great for me!

Will attach a pic momentarily.

 

[MechDiver]

Mo2vation once bubbled...
where to hang it on my chest?

You mean the necklace, right? Isn't it supposed to sort of be under the chin - a quick wrist flip from my mouth?

I've read it takes awhile of tweeking to get it to the right length for each individual. That's what you mean, right?

kk

Yep. Location depends on your equipment setup and your comfort. Some don't like it near their throat (me), so I started long and kept getting it closer until it was in my way, then backed off somewhat. If its too long, then it tends to get tangled in other stuff, depending on how much dive junk you have on, and takes longer to retrieve and use.

MD

 

[MechDiver]

Cave Diver once bubbled...
I made my necklace out of 5/32" black vacuum tubing from the local autoparts store. Used two zip ties to tie the ends together leaving a loop to hold the mouthpiece. I left the zip ties a little loose til I figured out exactly how big I needed the necklace and how large I needed the loop to hold the reg. Once I figured it out, I tightened and trimmed. It works great for me!

Will attach a pic momentarily.

Hmm. The vacuum tubing wouldn't stretch, right? Don't think I would like that, but you have your loop the same as I do.

MD