Manifold and Band Spacing

[b1gcountry]

First off, when I was measuring the c-c spacing, I was referencing the side of the DIN outlet on both tanks. I was getting a pretty consistent 8.25"

I just got done setting up the tanks. I put the two valves on the tanks, laid them down, and threaded the adapter in as far as it would go. I made sure that when I had it turned 1/4 turn, that both sides were engaged, then I just turned away, keeping the tanks parallel as I went.

I lifted up the bottom a little, and put the bottom bands around. Then carefully slid the top band over the top. The tanks were about parallel. I tightened up the bands, and they still looked about parallel. The isolator manifold now pointed away from the back of my head if the doubles were on my back. The bar could move with a bit of resistance for about 1/4 of a turn (now pointing down), but once I got it here, there was quite a bit of resistance, and I did not want to force it any more. I still need to turn the isolator bar another 1/2 turn or so to get it in a useable position, but I know I will not be able to turn it that far without breaking it.

The bands are of known origin...I ordered them from Divers Supply last month. I ordered Dive Rite Bands, so I would assume that's what they are, although it is possible I have an older band that had a smalled c-c spacing, or I they just messed up the c-c spacing on this set. Those are really the only things I can think of. I'm giving Mark at Divers Supply a call, and see what he has to say. I will also contact Dive Rite. Hopefully I can get this solved. Otherwise, I'll be shopping for some new bands.

Tom

 

[rjack321]

It does sound like those bands are off, either intentionally or just a goof. I would return the bands and start anew with a different vendor. BTW there's no way diverite bands sell for $82 new, current MSRP is almost double that. So I suspect they are cheap knockoff bands. Start with some Xscuba or real diverite bands and life will be alot easier. You don't want these hassles every year at VIP time.

 

[Jimmer]

If you can't get these bands to work for you, consider PMing Detroit Mudpuppy on this board. He makes really nice high quality bands, for a good price. I have a set on my 72's and if I need to ever replace my bands on my 108's, I'll happily get a set from him again.

 

[Colliam7]

I put the two valves on the tanks, laid them down, and threaded the adapter in as far as it would go. I made sure that when I had it turned 1/4 turn, that both sides were engaged, then I just turned away, keeping the tanks parallel as I went.

Sounds like you got the threading started optimally.

I lifted up the bottom a little, and put the bottom bands around. Then carefully slid the top band over the top. The tanks were about parallel. I tightened up the bands, and they still looked about parallel. The isolator manifold now pointed away from the back of my head if the doubles were on my back. The bar could move with a bit of resistance for about 1/4 of a turn (now pointing down), but once I got it here, there was quite a bit of resistance, and I did not want to force it any more. I still need to turn the isolator bar another 1/2 turn or so to get it in a useable position, but I know I will not be able to turn it that far without breaking it.

The only thing that I notice about the sequence is that you appear to have fully tightened (threaded 'in as far as it would go') the bar before starting the bands, but that may just be my mis-read. I usually get the bar started with a couple of turns, slip the bands on, and work them together. Don't know that would make a difference. My only other thought would be to thread the bar in as far as possible, back it out until the isolator valve is in the correct position, then tighten the bands. Let us know what Divers Supply says. I would be as suspicious of the manifold as the bands, though.

 

[b1gcountry]

Since I measured the bands as smaller than the manifold, I just went ahead and threaded the manifold all the way in because I knew the bands were a little smaller than spec. I don't think its the manifold because it is supposed to be 215mm wide, and I measure it as just a little smaller when the isolator is threaded in all the way.

Thanks everyone for the help. Doing this by yourself for the first time can be challenging enough when you have the correct parts

Tom

 

[b1gcountry]

Yay!
Thanks to everyone who helped me out. I finally got the doubles worked out. I ordered a set of Bands from Victor (Detroit Mudpuppy), and I picked them up from the PO today and installed them no problem!

These bands are really nice. The welds and the finish are much better than the Dive Rites I had. The bolt holes are even nicely deburred and countersunk. Take a look:

 

[Sonofasailor]

those first bands you ordered definitely are not dive rites

Tanks are not perfectly round, and perfectly straight, or exactly on size either.

while youre on the subject of tanks sizes Tobin, have any of you experienced two identical tanks straight from the manufacturer with one longer than the other?

I just got through setting up some fabers and one is about 1.5 in longer than the other.

 

[b1gcountry]

those first bands you ordered definitely are not dive rites.

The ones on the right in the picture are definitely not dive rites. The ones in the middle look a lot like Dive Rite's, but they might not be since they are not the right center spacing. Both were sold to me AS Dive Rite's.

Tom

Just to clarify to be entirely fair to Dive Rite.

 

[cool_hardware52]

those first bands you ordered definitely are not dive rites







while youre on the subject of tanks sizes Tobin, have any of you experienced two identical tanks straight from the manufacturer with one longer than the other?

I just got through setting up some fabers and one is about 1.5 in longer than the other.

Yep, often not exactly the same length. Never seen a 1.5 inch difference, may 3/4"

Tobin

 

[Sonofasailor]

The ones on the right in the picture are definitely not dive rites. The ones in the middle look a lot like Dive Rite's, but they might not be since they are not the right center spacing. Both were sold to me AS Dive Rite's.

Tom

Just to clarify to be entirely fair to Dive Rite.

yeh, I was bragging on the quality of DR's bands, they are up there with the XS scuba (highland mill) bands. did you ever settle that with divers-supply? I am sure DR wouldn't be too happy if divers supply was trying to pass off their brand with some knock-offs.