Auto Air inflator (AP Buddy Commando) swap to standard inflator (Scubapro)

[neevo]

I purchased the Atomics AI inflator. The plug and play nature of having the adapters to fit the tube, plus the long service time for me were the key drivers. Plus it was only $80 AUD more than the Scubapro and will be a world of difference vs the Auto Air monster that I’ve had on there for the past 20 years.

Really excited to use it before the water in Sydney gets too cold!

I’ve also revived my other Buddy Commando thread as I’m also going to give that an overhaul too. I did that back in 2018 but some of the other parts are brittle and need replacing. Waiting to hear back but it should be back up and running soon.

I’ve toyed with plates and wings but I just love the Commando too much and I’m so used to wearing it, it’s like an old friend.

 

[neevo]

The AI arrived today and as you’d expect it’s a nice bit of kit! It’s a really clever design as the barb can be swapped out to adjust the size:

The biggest barb is 25.4 which is bigger than the standard auto air one which is 24.6mm so the standard AP corrugated hose clamp won’t fit. So I’m thinking I’ll use a couple of small zip ties and attach it like standard hoses are done.

Otherwise the other options are:

1. 3D print new split clamps and a ring

Or

2. Machine a new barb that’s the correct size

Given zip ties are a standard attachment mechanism and easily replaced and won’t alter the design of the inflator, I’m going to go with that for now:

 

[neevo]

Another couple of options I’ve just considered to lock the corrugated hose to the barb are:

3. 3D print a collar with the same profile as the inner rings from AP that will compress the corrugated tube but provide some grooves for properly tightening 2 cable ties
4. Machine new inner and outer rings from Delrin in my machine shop.

 

[happy-diver]

Go for it man!