DSS BP/W for dummies

[jtpwils]

If you look to the left, or recognize my username from other threads I've started, you'll understand that I know nothing. As it turns out, I have as much vanity as I do scuba knowledge so I'll post here and publicly humble myself instead of bothering someone with a PM.

I just finished putting together my DSS bp/w and I've got a couple of questions.

1.) There are two sets of holes on the top and one hole an one slot on the bottom that the wing's rubber pegs fit into. Is this so you can shift the lift centroid or is there some other reason? If it's so you can change the lift center, which is the "normal" one, or the one I should try first?

2.) What's the torque that I should use to assemble the inflator hose to the first stage?


And the dumbest question of all:

3.)I can't find a "comfortable" grip on the inflator/vent valve assembly that allows me to keep my hand on it and use either button. It may be like that on purpose so that you don't accidentally do one when you meant to do the other. And that wouldn't surprise me given the thought that's obviously gone into the design elsewhere. It's just that the SP Glide Plus jacket that I've use so far does. FWIW I rotate the hose takeoff 1 notch CCW (toward my left side).

Thanks much,
Jim

 

[rstofer]

If you look to the left, or recognize my username from other threads I've started, you'll understand that I know nothing. As it turns out, I have as much vanity as I do scuba knowledge so I'll post here and publicly humble myself instead of bothering someone with a PM.

I just finished putting together my DSS bp/w and I've got a couple of questions.

1.) There are two sets of holes on the top and one hole an one slot on the bottom that the wing's rubber pegs fit into. Is this so you can shift the lift centroid or is there some other reason? If it's so you can change the lift center, which is the "normal" one, or the one I should try first?

According to the video, you use the upper hole and the slot.
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=video

2.) What's the torque that I should use to assemble the inflator hose to the first stage?

According to one of my Oceanic regulator manuals, the proper torque is 40 in-lbs. My Dive Rite Huricane manual just says don't overtighten. I guess you tighten until it strips and back off a little.

And the dumbest question of all:

3.)I can't find a "comfortable" grip on the inflator/vent valve assembly that allows me to keep my hand on it and use either button. It may be like that on purpose so that you don't accidentally do one when you meant to do the other. And that wouldn't surprise me given the thought that's obviously gone into the design elsewhere. It's just that the SP Glide Plus jacket that I've use so far does. FWIW I rotate the hose takeoff 1 notch CCW (toward my left side).

Grab it with your index finger on the purge button and your thumb on the fill button. I also rotated my elbow 1 notch so that the fitting would better clear the regulator.

Thanks much,
Jim

Richard

 

[jtpwils]

Thanks Richard,

According to the video, you use the upper hole and the slot.
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=video

Silly me - I looked at the instructions page and didn't see it.

According to one of my Oceanic regulator manuals, the proper torque is 40 in-lbs. My Dive Rite Huricane manual just says don't overtighten. I guess you tighten until it strips and back off a little.

Got it.

Grab it with your index finger on the purge button and your thumb on the fill button. I also rotated my elbow 1 notch so that the fitting would better clear the regulator.

Hmmm, tried that at first but it requires my elbow to bend more than it's used too. Having the wing in the top hole helped (naturally I had it in the other ones) but the hose is just a tad short my comfort. The backplate is at a height where I can reach the top of the plate. or easilly grasp the air take off, so I don't think it's too low. I've also got it rotated on notch. It might just be easier in the water than in my family room. I'll find out tomorrow or else take a look at more of those videos.

Thanks again Richard,
Jim

 

[TSandM]

First off, any time you change something like the placement of your inflator, it's going to take a couple of dives before it seems natural again.

Second, the inflator hose length really can't be evaluated until you are in the water and in a more or less horizontal position, as the inflator is designed to be. There, you will find it's not as short as it seems on land, but it will be shorter than what you are used to, and it will take a little time to learn the new placement.

 

[jtpwils]

First off, any time you change something like the placement of your inflator, it's going to take a couple of dives before it seems natural again.

Second, the inflator hose length really can't be evaluated until you are in the water and in a more or less horizontal position, as the inflator is designed to be. There, you will find it's not as short as it seems on land, but it will be shorter than what you are used to, and it will take a little time to learn the new placement.

Understood: like driving a new car, wearing new shoes. etc.

 

[Kern]

According to the video, you use the upper hole and the slot.
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=video

Richard

On the other hand, it suits me better to have the wing that little bit lower, so I use the lower holes.

Experiment & find what suits you best.

 

[Katamuki]

I put a longer inflator hose on mine and my wifes wing and we both like it much better. Our second wings still have the original length hoses which I havent gotten around to changing yet.

 

[rstofer]

You still have to wonder how many people that use the DSS wing are still using a snorkel? Separating the flexible snorkel from the inflator has been problematic. The thing is, I like using a snorkel on the surface and I really don't like the roll-up snorkels.

Richard

 

[cool_hardware52]

If you are seeking my input it's always best to start in the DSS forum, I'm more likely to see the post.

1.) There are two sets of holes on the top and one hole an one slot on the bottom that the wing's rubber pegs fit into. Is this so you can shift the lift centroid or is there some other reason? If it's so you can change the lift center, which is the "normal" one, or the one I should try first?

You can either set of holes, the intention is to allow for a bit of adjustment for trim.

2.) What's the torque that I should use to assemble the inflator hose to the first stage?

Just snug, remember the soft hollow brass fitting on the hose seals with an oring, so you don't need a lot of torque. My standard advise for scuba gear is to use SHORT handled wrenches.

3.)I can't find a "comfortable" grip on the inflator/vent valve assembly that allows me to keep my hand on it and use either button.

Practice. I like the inflator to lie flat against my chest. I can add using my left hand, fore finger on the add button, or I can add using my right hand with my palm against the add button. Most of the time I dump using the OPV, not the inflator. If I do dump using the inflator I kinda scoop it up with my left hand and raise it above my shoulder. Then I use my first finger on the "oral inflate / dump" button.

Tobin

 

[Fishpie]

Hi Jim,
Just a thought about the button problem....I find on most inflator systems I like to have the inflate button pointing out to the left and I've had to rotate the mechanism 180 to get comfortable....just cut the zip-tie and spin it around.
Really not that critical because as Tobin says you'll be doing most of the venting via the butt OPV.