SeaQuest Balance LPI - swapping out Airsource for regular inflator?

[RJP]

So here's the deal. In doing my DM with my LDS I need to use a regular BCD with "standard" regulator and octo set-up.

My usual gear config is a BP/W, but I do have a SeaQuest balance BCD from when I first started diving. The only problem is that it has an AirSource LPI/Alternate on it. What's the best bet for me to put a "regular" inflator on it?

Particularly, can I simply swap out the Airsource (not the corrugated hose, just the LPI) for a regular LPI inflator?

I thought I could just put a DiveRight corrugated hose/inflator I have on it, but the screw into the BCD bladder are different sizes.

To further complicate matters, I need to/get to use the rental regs at the shop which has a LPI hose that will not fit the "non-standard" SeaQuest inflator.

I'm hoping there is a "standard" brand of LPI inflator (not the hose, just the inflator) that I can attach to the current corrugated hose I have my AirSource attached to.

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[redacted]

I suspect you should be able to swap the Air Sorce with the inflator on your BP&W.

 

[Damselfish]

would it be ok to leave the Airsource on the BC as long as you have a regular octo too? Just cause the Airsource is there doesn't mean you have to use it for other than an inflator.

 

[RJP]

would it be ok to leave the Airsource on the BC as long as you have a regular octo too? Just cause the Airsource is there doesn't mean you have to use it for other than an inflator.

The problem is that the AirSource has a "non-standard" LPI hose connector, so it will not accept the hose from the rental regs at the shop.

The shop is fine with me using the rental BC as well, but the Oceanics they have don't fit me well, but my SeaQuest fits perfectly.

 

[RJP]

I suspect you should be able to swap the Air Sorce with the inflator on your BP&W.

Not really an option, since one of my objectives is to leave my "real" diving configuration intact.

 

[Thalassamania]

There are two ways to handle it.

The hard, cheaper way: take the retainer that holds the corregated hose onto the air source. Drive the pin out of the air source and put it aside. Install a new seaquest inflator in it's place, using the pin to hold the dump cable.

The easier, more expensive way: using a spanner undo the ring that holds the inflator to the BC. Get a standard seaquest inflator (complete assembly, inflator, hose, etc.) and screw it onto the BC.

 

[RJP]

There are two ways to handle it.

The hard, cheaper way...

There's a joke in there somewhere:

"I like my inflators same as I like my women..."