Secondhand regs

[t1mm]

Yes you can put a regular stage onto the existing 1st stage. There are inserts on the 1st stage which can be removed with an allen key. Make sure you connect your octopus second stage to a LP (Low Pressure) port on the first stage. The high pressure ports are for your SPG (Submersible Pressure Gauge) and can also be used for air integrated computers!

Hope this answers your question.

 

[keyshunter]

Thanks for the posts! Sorry, I guess my original post wasn't clear enough. I'm not planning on making any changes at all to my BCD, I just wondered if it's possible to basically "put another mouthpiece" on the regulator, so that it will have a first stage for me and an octopus second stage should my buddy need it - and whether this is indeed possible, or I am just revealing my own ignorance about scuba equipment!


I like to adhere to that well-known saying about buying secondhand scuba gear: "24M below the surface of the ocean is the wrong place to be wondering why your life-support equipment was sold so cheaply".

PS not that it matters, but I'm female .

You are correct, it doesn't matter. Newbies, both male and female often come here to be misguided by experts.

Since you did not mention the brand of regulator, I assume that it is fairly modern, with enough ports to support a second stage, octopus (secondary, safe second, etc.) and an inflator hose for your bc. You will probably need to have the inflator hose changed to one with a fitting that matches your bc. An octopus can be screwed into one of the unused medium pressure ports. There is really no reason to buy a new octo, if you can find a good used one. The whole process is pretty simple.

Note: the first stage is the part that is attached to your tank. The second stage is the part you breath from. And, the octopus is another second stage.

 

[halocline]

T
I like to adhere to that well-known saying about buying secondhand scuba gear: "24M below the surface of the ocean is the wrong place to be wondering why your life-support equipment was sold so cheaply".

PS not that it matters, but I'm female .

Don't forget that it's your dive behavior and judgment, not the price of your gear, that determines safety. Cheap gear is no more dangerous than expensive gear, in fact with regulators some of the cheapies (sherwood, SP MK2) are extremely reliable and have proven this over decades of use.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Thanks for the posts! Sorry, I guess my original post wasn't clear enough. I'm not planning on making any changes at all to my BCD, I just wondered if it's possible to basically "put another mouthpiece" on the regulator, so that it will have a first stage for me and an octopus second stage should my buddy need it - and whether this is indeed possible, or I am just revealing my own ignorance about scuba equipment!


I like to adhere to that well-known saying about buying secondhand scuba gear: "24M below the surface of the ocean is the wrong place to be wondering why your life-support equipment was sold so cheaply".

PS not that it matters, but I'm female .

Another well-known saying is that all scuba gear is used, once it's in the water. I have two regulators made in the 60s that I still use occasionally.

The hole in the first stage that the hose screws into is refered to as a "port." Unused ports have a "port plug" screwed into them and they usually have an allen-head slot for removal. So, if you should ever want to remove your octopus you can do so by replacing the port plug. If you don't have the plug you can most likely get one from your local dive shop. There are usually about three low pressure ports to accomodate various accessories. The high pressure port is usually maked "HP" so just make sure you don't attach at BC or second stage to that.:shocked2:

 

[PatW]

As for the safety of second hand equipment, have the LDS advise you on this. A high quality regulator is pretty bullet proof. As long as the replacement parts are available, servicing should keep it in a highly reliable condition for years and years.

Of course, any equipment can be abused. But the LDS should be able to see if there is any signs of abuse. Also since you know the seller, you are probably not dealing with a fruit cake who used the regulater as a hammer on off days.

 

[diver 85]

Don't worry about getting laughed @--just bring it in & ask away(your questions)------bet when they see some possible george's a comin' their way, they'll answer anything you ask....