Quick connect/disconnect for 2nd stage

[burna]

Is there a coupling available similar to the lph inflator coupling that could be used on an octo hose?

I can't see much point in having an octo if carrying a pony, but I don't want to carry my pony on shallow dives.

I was thinking of fitting a quick connect coupling to my octo and to first stage on my pony, then if I want to take the pony I can quickly just disconnect it from my main reg and connect it to the pony reg and vice versa.

Anyone do this already? Is it possible?

 

[maged_mmh]

what about water entering the hose!!

 

[digital_steve]

it'd have to be a 'high flow' quick disconnect setup... wouldn't it?

 

[crpntr133]

I have to say that this is the first time I have ever heard of this. Just when you thought everything had been discussed.

 

[Luis H]

The closest thing I can think of is the quick disconnect for an Air II type of device.

But I think it is far from ideal for the following reasons:
• It disconnects at the end of the hose, not next to the first stage so it leaves an unused hose behind.
• It is a true quick disconnect and has no ability of locking when pressurized. Ideally you would want a connection that locks when pressurized.
• The male fitting is part of a specific device and probably hard to find to attach to a generic second stage.

I have been thinking about a similar idea since I dive many different configurations, but I have not seen an appropriate connection.

There are quick disconnects used in hookah setups that are intended for a similar purpose, but they are big and hookah systems work at much lower pressures (about 50 psi max).

The only other alternative that I have thought of is commercial pneumatic quick disconnects, but they are also far from ideal. They are similar to the Air II type fitting and most attach using tapered pipe threads, so they would be even more trouble to adapt. They also don’t lock when pressurized.

Sorry, that I don’t have any positive answers, but hopefully it will help you eliminate some less that optimal possibilities.
Let me know if you find a good solution…I am also interested on it.

 

[spectrum]

You can get quick disconnects with SAE threads and I believe that is what you ports and hoses are. A fluid power shop can look them up. The first challenge will be getting them to play nice with the o-ring seals and this may require some custom machining. Personally I would not want to mess with a ball & sleeve coupler on my redundant air supply. I have seen BC QD pop if brushed the wrong way.

You may want to get a 3/8 - 3/8 straight adapter that you leave in each regulator or at least the main rig.. This would prevent thread abuse in the main body. I would also consider picking up a (used or eBay) second stage for the pony so it stays complete. Then you can just remove the alternate from you main regulator when not wanted.

Since you limited this to shallow diving you bypass some of the arguments for leaving the alternate second on the main regulator set.

Pete

 

[burna]

Thanks guys.

It was just a thought I had that may have saved having another reg to maintain and better than unscrewing the hose from the first stage body all of the time. Something it's prob'ly not designed for.

Seems it may cost much more to build something like I was suggesting than to maintain another reg.

The 3/8th to 3/8th adapter is definately worth a thought tho'.