Quick disconnect for second stage?

[j yaeger]

remember,youre a role model
the students sometimes pay more attention to you than the instructor
monkey see/do
with equipment also
borrow the rental stuf from the shop youre assisting
better to wreck their stuff
if you use a different set-up,make sure they all know how and why's
and approve it with the "boss" first
merry christmas to you all
have fun
yaeg

 

[knowone]

An inline occto OR inflator QD that screws into a reg hose.

 

[hypertech]

...not too worried about a pool scenario, more worried about students mimicing their instructor and his gadgets, and getting the idea a 2nd-stage LP QD is a good idea for use out in the real world (open water).

I don't think the students would even notice. I expect more questions along the lines of "why does your BC have two straps" than "hey what is that QD connector on your octo for." And, if they do happen to notice, then I'll explain and explain why it is for training in the pool only.

In open water, I generally use my drysuit so this would not be used at depth, but at that point, they have already practiced the standard octo out of air drill and if they end up paired with me due to an odd number of students, etc, they can learn about a different setup.

 

[hypertech]

Why not just bungee a wrench to your octo hose-the one you'll teach with? You could change out the hoses very quickly.

That's the backup plan. I just thought this might be quick an easy. If it turns out to be an absolutely horrible idea, that's what I'll end up doing.

 

[Scared Silly]

I don't think there's enough air flow through the standard inflator/drysuit hose......plus you really don't want a 2nd stage on a QR.

The hose that is used for a dry suit is the same for a BCD which some attach an Air2 or other to it. Further, that Air2 is on a QD as well (of course it is attached to a hose so if it does become detached it will not fall off).

 

[PfcAJ]

I think the air 2 has a different QD fitting.

There are quick disconnects that will work, but its kinda silly for the intended purpose, and they're expensive.

 

[rjack321]

I would use your rig "as is" to demonstrate donation from the mouth and a long hose while the instructor can use a conventional octo. Since so many people are actually diving a long hose in the real world, the sooner students are exposed to it the better. Not only that, they may then skip rigging up an octo when they buy their own reg

 

[aquaregia]

I know a lot of people who use the cheater BC QD -> Air2 QD adapter. They say it's okay during drills @ 30', but I still wouldn't trust it in an emergency. I'm sure a standard QD would be enough flow for demonstration purposes. As long as you're donating the other regulator, I bet it'd hold up.

 

[DevonDiver]

Did they not explain the difference between Low Pressure (LP), Intermediate Pressure (IP) and High Pressure (HP) when covering regulators on the equipment section of your DM course?

Regardless of air supply issues, I would suggest that using an your suggested modification would not demonstrate role model behaviour and would certainly confuse the students - possibly leading to a dangerous 'lesson' being taught. As an instructor, I certainly wouldn't want an assistant in that configuration.

Even if you are diving long-hose, what is to stop you donating your AAS/Octopus? If you have it bungeed at your neck, just make sure it can pull free (rather than being zip-tied directly to the bungee). Alternatively, just get a cheap reg set for the pool.

 

[Ed Palma]

I've recently completed my DM course. So, now comes the issue of reconfiguring gear if I decide to continue assisting in classes. I have a standard long hose setup which the instructors are OK with...

If they're okay with it, then I think you should leave it as is. Sooner or later they're going to have to realize that there are many ways to configure gear. Sooner or later, they're going to meet someone in a hog set-up, and they'll have to know what to do in that case. I'd echo the sentiments that as a role model, setting up a cheap octo at the end of a QD (because its just a 8 - 10 foot swim up in the pool) is not really setting a good example.

That being said, an octo on a QD would supply just the same amount of air as the regular reg. It'll still have an IP of 130 - 150 PSI over ambient. I've got a small 13cu ft tank and reg set-up that I've attached my old airsource II to. I do NOT use this for diving though... (long story ) But it proves the point that it CAN be done though.

Should you do this? Sure, why not. But not in the context of a classroom environment.