Can I attach an AIR2 myself?

[Doc Intrepid]

Love2godeep,

If, at the very worst, you screw up the corregated hose they are inexpensive parts and you can replace it.

This truly is not that hard at all, and you need to learn how to do this stuff anyway. You need to go to an LDS for many things, but this is not one of them. (And given the circumstances, I wouldn't take it to that SP dealer either.)

Ben is absolutely right about installing the cable-pull on BCs that have cable-pull valves, and I've done that. But to the best of my knowledge ScubaPro doesn't use cable-pull valves, and the LadyHawk has a 'ripcord' or pull cord located on the right shoulder to vent or dump the bladder.

So exchanging your current inflator for your AIR II should literally be a 15 minute effort.

Think of it as getting to know your equipment! Take it slow and easy, and go for it.

Doc

 

[MAK52580]

Another question. I originally responded to this post because I too am also looking to purchase an Air II and did not want to take it to the LDS to install. I have looked at my current standard inflator and it looks simple enough to install. What no one has yet mentioned when installing it is whether or not to lightly coat the Air II with silicone before slipping it into the rubber tube. It would seem to me that this would eliminate any potential for leaking at the point at which the hose meets the inflator. Is this standard practice?

Marc

 

[Genesis]

does indeed use "cable pull" dumps on their BCs. My Knighthawk had one.

In fact, the Knighthawk had dumps/OPVs on BOTH shoulders AND one on the bottom. It was dump-friendly, I guess you could say...

WIth that said, installing the Air2 is dirt trivial. Remove the clamp or tie wrap that is already there, pull back the corrugated hose. You will see a metal pin through the body of the inflator. Press it out using a small screwdriver; this releases the cable, which has a loop in the end.

Take the Air2, push the pin out enough to expose an end so you can slip the cable over, do so, then push the pin back so its flush with both sides.

Pull the corrugated hose back on and reattach the clamp or use a new tie-wrap (if you have a reusable clamp that's even better; if you do tie-wraps consider using TWO with the "nub" (which is where the "catch" is) to provide redundancy. The corrugated hose will prevent the roll pin from slipping out of either side of the tube.

Check the operation of the pull dump to make sure it works and you didn't have the cable slip off while reassembling, then install the new inflator hose (the Air2 uses a different coupling) and test.

If possible, test in a pool (no bubbles where there shouldn't be!) before you do a "real" dive with it.

 

[love2godeep]

Thanks for the input! Last night I sat down and installed the AIR2. It was just as easy as you said. And another advantage is that now I have a better feel for my equipment. A definite plus! I've had a lot of fun playing with my new BC and other equipment, getting used to how things work and where everything is located. I never had that opportunity with rental gear.

I'm leaving Sunday for a 5-week trip to the Philippines. No, I won't be able to dive all that time, but I plan to get in some good dives. I'm also hoping to do a peak buoyancy course.

One thing I've really learned on this board is that diving is a serious business. I think I've taken it much too casually. I know I'll be a better diver because of this board.

Thanks, guys!

 

[klausbh]

I recommend you check the seal between your corrugated hose and AIR-2 by submerging your slightly filled BC in a tub. I prefer finding leaks before the dive.

-Klaus

 

[Diver0001]

I have Scubapro LadyHawk BC with the regular inflator hose. I'm considering changing that to an AIR2.

Here's the question: Can I attach it myself or must I go to my professional at the LDS?

Sorry if that is a stupid question; I'm just now getting my own gear so I'm on a learning curve.

BTW I'm not really looking for opinions on the pros and cons of the AIR2. I've looked over the posts on that to my satisfaction.

Thanks!

L2GD

If you can get the old one off and you watch carefully what you're doing then you shouldn't have any trouble getting the new one on. It's straightforward and can always take it to the LDS in pieces if you're stumped.

A word of advice..... test the pull dump. You don't want it to pull off while you're diving. Been there, done that, unpleasant feeling. It left me with the distinct opinion that pull-dumps are bad. bad... bad... bad. If you're smart you'll "unlearn" using it if this is your habit.

R..