Remote manifold isolator hand wheel

[simontripp]

Does anyone out there know if the OMS remote isolator valve handwheel system will fit on a new 300bar DiveRite manifold?

 

[The Chairman]

I think I need one as well!

 

[loosebits]

You know, I've never actually seen one of those in person. Of the hundred of different cave divers I've run across and causally looked over their rig, I've never encountered a remote isolator valve.

 

[The Chairman]

My flexibility is such, that while I can reach the side knobs, the center knob is really tough to get at.

 

[loosebits]

I assume you've tried tilting it forward about 30 - 45 degrees. Also, flexibility exersizes work really well (reach over your shoulders and push your elbow against a wall).

Of course if your drysuit or your undergarment is too tight, you'll never reach it.

 

[The Chairman]

Not everyone is built the same. There is really no compelling reason to NOT use this kind of remote manipulation. IOW, safety would increase and not decrease.

 

[simontripp]

Yep, there is lots of discussion on the board surrounding whether or not the use of these devices is a good idea (to be fair, most seem to think not). I agree 100% with the general sentiment that it is certainly preferable to be able to reach back and manipulate each of the valves directly.

Currently I can just reach the manifold valve, but it is tough, and I cannot reach the left or right tank valves -- I am, however, working hard on increasing my range of motion (another Scubaboard poster recommended the "Fitness for Divers" book that has specific exercises in it to help shoulder mobility for reaching manifolded valves - I found the relevant article online and started the exercise regime). I also just met with my chiropractor to get his recommendations for increasing my range of motion. So, I'm not wimping out on the real need to make myself more flexible.

In the meantime, however, a remote valve actuation assembly for the isolator at least seams like sensible insurance while I work on a physiological solution. Changing my range of shoulder motion will take several months of stretching exercise. Hence my asking for any knowledge of whether the OMS actuator will work on a Dive Rite manifold as an interim solution. Anyone know?

 

[simontripp]

My drysuit is not too tight. Same range of motion in it as in a t-shirt. I have the isolator pointed towards the back of my head. Set-up is:

Hammerhead ss backplate
Basic horgarthian harness
DeepOutdoors covalent wing
DiveRite bands
DiveRite 300 bar manifold
HP Worthington steel 100's
Aqualung Legend LX regs

So distance to the tanks is about as minimal as it can be -- I just have a lousy range of shoulder motion.

 

[cool_hardware52]

My Isolator contacts the back of my head pretty all the time when I'm horizontal, it limits how far back I can tilt my head. I can reach the back of my head.

I have a question for you folks that have trouble reaching the Isolator. Where is it relative to the back of your head? Are your tanks much lower?

I'm not throwing stones, just having a hard time picturing the problem.


Tobin

 

[Soggy]

If you can reach the back of your head while in a prone position looking forward, you can reach your isolator. If you can reach the back of your head, but cannot reach your isolator, one of a few things is happening:

you are horribly out of trim (tanks are falling down away from you)
your harness is far too loose (tanks are falling down away from you)
you are in trim and looking down, rather than continuing to look forward, which will give you better range of motion. Don't "make room" for your hand...keep your head pegged to the isolator, at least until you get ahold of the thing.

I've seen some incredibly muscle-bound, inflexible guys reach their isolators. It's all about technique.

Other potential issues are drysuit or undergarment fit or a poorly adjusted backplate harness.