Atomic SS1 experience

[davehicks]

I didn't employ any scare tactics or say anything at all about safety. (others did however)

My objection is to an expensive and over complicated LDS upsell with dubious value and long-term inconveniences. Every diver gets to pick and choose their gear configuration which leads to lots of questions, inquiries, and adjustment over time. Hopefully the debate assists in this process.

 

[PDodson]

It's good you have a backup 2nd, but if the Air2 starts to free flow or has some other major failure what will you do then?

• Disconnect it
  • Now you don't have a BC inflator
• Replace with a backup generic inflator
  • Can't connect it to the special high flow LP inflator hose
  • Do you have a standard BC LP inflator hose?
  • The BC dump hose itself won't fit a standard inflator
  • Do you have a spare BC?

Depends, I do know how to adjust it so that would be the first try. But if it was a "major failure" are we talking pre-dive or during?

Pre-dive, I'd swap to my normal inflator that the BC came with and the standard LP hose. The standard inflator and Air2 both fit on the dump hose. From what I've seen it has been years since they made the BC dump hose attachments different for standard inflators vs octo inflators, that was bad design.

During, I'd disconnect it (I've had to do this on a standard inflator when the BC was filling continually). Then I'd just manually inflate when needed (typically just the end of the dive). Sure, you lose the back up second stage at that point if it's something where you couldn't just reconnect it, but if I have any major failure underwater I'm probably headed to the surface anyways.

But I will consider your thoughts as I might be able to convince my wife I need a 2nd BC now and it's about time I start dabbling in a BPW setup.

 

[Bob from California]

I started with an SS1 and love it so far. 32 or so dives in and I regularly switch between my main and ss1 just to be familiar with it. I also had happen while practicing safe accent's remembering that the deflate button was on my face although I deflated while still breathing on it. Something to test out next dive

 

[Nemrod]

It's good you have a backup 2nd, but if the Air2 starts to free flow or has some other major failure what will you do then?

• Disconnect it
  • Now you don't have a BC inflator
• Replace with a backup generic inflator
  • Can't connect it to the special high flow LP inflator hose
  • Do you have a standard BC LP inflator hose?
  • The BC dump hose itself won't fit a standard inflator
  • Do you have a spare BC?

We can solve some of these concerns by instead having the DGX BCI.



The BCI has a screw on connection to the adapter in the standard corrugated hose. This allows removal of the BCI for storage with the regulator set for cleaning and protection thus reducing the likelihood of a "major failure" for the regulator.

The BCI uses a standard (regulator) LP hose and the high flow fitting screws into the LP hose and if wanting to use a standard K inflator just have in carry spares a standard BC adapter and K inflator. Quick and easy to change the fitting and the BCI adapter, just a few minutes if that.

The BCI fits the standard corrugated hose.

As to difficulties breathing from the BCI while venting or inflating is just over stated. I find no problems. For one thing I mostly vent my wings using the rear kidney dump as I try to be horizontal trimmed. During any breathing cycle there is an inhalation and an exhalation, if air is needed in the wing, do so during exhalation. Breaths and works just fine for who and what it is for.

FWIW, I have taken to carrying a single reg set for all but the most off the grid remote diving. It is the above set with the Mark 11 and a G250 on a 40 inches hose and high flow 70 degree swivel with the BCI. But in the bag is also a second necklaced G250 with a 22 inches hose and a standard K inflator. The second G250 not only provides a back up to the primary in a standard configuration but it also can act as a parts donor or replacement second stage. I may also carry a 60 inches hose, depends upon where I am going.

 

[johndiver999]

A diver can inhale from the SS1 and inflate the BC at the same time. If the device is removed from the mouth for venting, then obviously, that should be done on the exhalation phase. Not too hard to coordinate.