DiveRite Optima CM upgrades

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I'm not sure if I'd recommend anyone start with MAV instead of ADV.

I would not suggest it either.

I got rid of my ADV and replaced it with a MAV because the ADV was finnicky and needed frequent adjustments.

When learning to dive the CCR having the ADV is smart and reduces task loading. Later on--say 50 hours later then yea, maybe.

 

[addohm]

For sidemount, assuming the same diluent and off board bailout, would it make sense to have a QC6-splitter so that you can use balanced amounts of diluent from both sides?

 

[Tracy]

For sidemount, assuming the same diluent and off board bailout, would it make sense to have a QC6-splitter so that you can use balanced amounts of diluent from both sides?

How big of dives are you doing that you require enough diluent to need balancing during a dive?

 

[addohm]

How big of dives are you doing that you require enough diluent to need balancing during a dive?

Not that this answers my question, frequently (2 days/week) 2.5+hr dives. Long enough to feel the unbalanced cylinders and also long enough that moving the clamp position isn't enough.

 

[Tracy]

Not that this answers my question, frequently (2 days/week) 2.5+hr dives. Long enough to feel the unbalanced cylinders and also long enough that moving the clamp position isn't enough.

If it isn't within the span of one dive, a transfill on the surface would be more logical than incorporating some type of Y block to use during a dive.
I generally use 50-100psi from an AL80 in a 2 hour dive, I can't imagine ever needing to balance the cylinders under water.

 

[addohm]

If it isn't within the span of one dive, a transfill on the surface would be more logical than incorporating some type of Y block to use during a dive.
I generally use 50-100psi from an AL80 in a 2 hour dive, I can't imagine ever needing to balance the cylinders under water.

Perhaps that would be the case for me many hours down the road but it's not the case now. Also, for whatever it's worth, my dive profiles are usually very complex and there's a lot of changes in depth. I'm not concerned about the volume I use, I've managed that through planning. I'm asking purely for sidemount tank balance. I don't ever need to use my right cylinder except for emergencies.

 

[inquis]

For sidemount, assuming the same diluent and off board bailout, would it make sense to have a QC6-splitter so that you can use balanced amounts of diluent from both sides?

I don't, and will run off of one side for 7 or 8 dives, 1.5-2 hrs each. It's the descents that burn Dil, so that's about 1500 cumulative ft and some maintenance, requiring roughly 28-30 cuft. I do it this way because:

• I have a full bottle for BO (these are OW dives, not caves)
• It's easier/quicker to refill one bottle and acceptably match the mix. I fill myself, but substitute cheaper if your LDS does your fills.
• The lighter dilout bottle better balances a deco bottle on that side. (However, I haven't noticed an issue when everything is full.)

 

[inquis]

@addohm, another option is to run your wing off the opposite bottle from your Dil. This should help keep them better aligned since both usages are mainly dependent on depth changes rather than time.

 

[addohm]

@addohm, another option is to run your wing off the opposite bottle from your Dil. This should help keep them better aligned since both usages are mainly dependent on depth changes rather than time.

Yeah I've thought about that recently too. It'd probably stay pretty well balanced.

 

[lostsheep]

If you can afford a rebreather, you can afford a transfill whip.

I use a transfill whip to balance my SM LP50s and then top them off with my hp100s. You’d be shocked how long that works.