Oxycheq Mach V and Diverite SS Backplate Assembly Question

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

macado

Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages
1,734
Reaction score
1,664
Location
Salem, MA (New England)
# of dives
2500 - 4999
Forgive me, I'm new to the whole backplate/wing setup so I may have my terminology mixed up.

I recently purchased the following...
Diverite SS Backplate
Diverite Basic Harness
Soft tank band and Cam Buckle Assembly
Oxycheq Mach V Wing (OxyCheq Mach V Signature Wing reviews and discounts, OxyCheq)


I had no problem threading the backplate using the video from scubatoys.com (I realize I still need a crotch strap). One problem I noticed was it doesnt seem the cam strips line up perfectly to the holes in the back of the wing.

I was wondering if anyone is using both of these products together and can offer some advice? The CAM straps fit but they're slightly off centered and I dont think it would allow scuba sex bolts to fit. (I havent bought these yet) Is this safe or would I need an STA? I assumed I didnt need one with this wing but it doesnt seem to quite fit right.

I would like to avoid an STA if possible since I want to use this setup for traveling and would like it to be as streamed lined as possible. Is there a better SS blackplate I should buy? I guess if I have to I see no problem purchasing an STA since it would also mean less weight but I just figured I would ask some advice here before buying an equipment.

Thanks for any help/advice in advance,
-macado
 
Congrats on the new purchase.

What do you mean that "they're slightly off centered?"

The cam bands are able to go through both the wing and backplate?

But the problem is that your center holes (the ones that are 11" apart) do not line up 100% to allow for sex bolts?

Sex bots serve two purposes:
1. Prevent the wing from sliding up (or down) on the rig.
2. Keeps the unit together for easier set-up.

A zip tie may be sufficient.

If you want to insure proper line-up, best to buy the same brand. In this case, an Oxycheq BP with an Oxycheq wing, or a Dive Rite BP with a Dive Rite wing.

If you have pictures, please post them. Can better trouble shoot as the result.
 
I have attached pictures to show what I mean. The cam strips do fit through the backplate but it's off centered. Not sure if I can get away with this or would be better off getting a STA or another backplate where the slots line up better.

Thanks for the help
 

Attachments

  • IMG00008-20090518-2103.jpg
    IMG00008-20090518-2103.jpg
    28.9 KB · Views: 363
  • IMG00009-20090518-2103.jpg
    IMG00009-20090518-2103.jpg
    29.2 KB · Views: 331
  • IMG00011-20090518-2105.jpg
    IMG00011-20090518-2105.jpg
    54.5 KB · Views: 340
  • IMG00012-20090518-2109.jpg
    IMG00012-20090518-2109.jpg
    49 KB · Views: 350
  • IMG00013-20090518-2111.jpg
    IMG00013-20090518-2111.jpg
    43.8 KB · Views: 325
The cam strips do fit through the backplate but it's off centered. Not sure if I can get away with this or would be better off getting a STA or another backplate where the slots line up better.

Since the cam bands successfully goes through the backplate and wing slots, you're okay.

If you're concerned about the bands being centered in the slots, this is not usually a big deal. The slots are large to allow acceptance of different backplates, and some will be higher or lower in the slot.

If there is an area to watch, check how the 11" OC holes line up. They should line up or be very close. Otherwise, the wing will be too high or too low when you assemble everything together.
 
... should be two sets of slots for the cam bands on that wing? i also have a dive rite al plate and oxycheq mach v camo wing and use sex bolts to secure the wing to the back palte - the holes line up; there are 2 sets of slots for the bands on it. i don't use an sta...
 
You don't actually NEED sex bolts. Where is the wing going to go? It's clamped between the plate and the tank with two straps through it. You don't need a STA either since the Mach V has the stabilizer thingies built in to it. I say dive it and if the tank is reasonably stable you're good.

If the tank is too wobbly for your taste, Oxycheq has a nice, light two piece compact STA that is ideal for travel and it's relatively inexpensive (by scuba gear standards). It will require the holes in the plate to have the same spacing as the holes in the wing, however.
 
I use the same Oxycheq wing with a OMS backplate and have similar alignment issues.
My solution was to use the Oxycheq mini STA. It really doesn't add significant weigh for traveling. It uses the 11" eyes to mount the wing to the plate. Makes setting up and breaking down the rig simple and easy. The profile is the same as if you were using no STA.
 
You don't actually NEED sex bolts. Where is the wing going to go? It's clamped between the plate and the tank with two straps through it. You don't need a STA either since the Mach V has the stabilizer thingies built in to it. I say dive it and if the tank is reasonably stable you're good.

If the tank is too wobbly for your taste, Oxycheq has a nice, light two piece compact STA that is ideal for travel and it's relatively inexpensive (by scuba gear standards). It will require the holes in the plate to have the same spacing as the holes in the wing, however.

The main reason I use sex bolts to hold the wing to the plate is it makes changing out tanks on a rocking boat much easier - you don't have to fight the wing wanting to slip down while trying to place the tank and backplate in proper alignment. It is not NEEDED and if doing shore dives, it is not a big issue, but it sure makes life easier on a boat when doing multiple dives.

A trick I use when diving a Double Hose Reg is to just use the Oxycheq mini-STA on the bottom (sex bolt only at the top) - it tilts the tank so the reg is closer to your back, which makes for easier/more consistent breathing.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think i'm just going to buy an STA. Seems like everything would be a bit more stable and I wouldn't mind the extra weight when I dive in cold water. Assuming everything is 11 inches then it shouldn't matter what brand, right? I'll probably stay with Oxycheq or Diverite

More stupid questions... Bolts would go through backplate, wing, and STA. Cam bands go through STA.. I'm guessing that's correct? The sex bolts are just low profile screws. I'm assuming I could also pick up stainless steel hardware at Home Depot that would work?

The cam bands will fit through the wing and backplate right now but I dont like the placement/alignment.

OxyCheq Mini Single Tank Adapter reviews and discounts, OxyCheq
Oxycheq Single Tank Adapter - STA reviews and discounts, OxyCheq

Thinking of going with either one of these two. I'm guessing the two piece would be a bit lighter for travel. Anyone have any other suggestions?
 

Back
Top Bottom