Single Tank, cut slots or STA

[mth1993]

I have an older Dive Rite AL backplate that does not have slots for the single tank bands (straps) and a 32 lb Hog wing. I am comfortable working with AL as I have done a bunch in the past. Should I just cut some slots or buy a STA?

If I cut the slots where should they line up? The hog wing has three sets of mounting holes and very long band slots, I want to make sure that the slots I cut will work with other wings.

Thank you.

 

[ams511]

I would look for a used STA. There are plenty of divers switching to doubles or side-mount that do not use their STAs anymore. With an STA you can mount other wings as long as they have mounting holes.

A new 1-piece STA is probably going to cost you around $40 to $50 including shipping. You can purchase a new AL plate for not much more and sell your old one. The cheapest STA I found is this, it is steel so I would invest in some plastic washers so you don't get galvanic corrosion.

If you want to cut slots there is a thread on SB discussing plate compatibility that thread may have your answer.

 

[kelemvor]

I'd get the STA personally. I tried using a diverite bp/w on single tank with no adapter for a few dives. It worked but the tank wasn't totally secure and often ended up kind of cockeyed.


DRIS has the diverite sta for $40 Singles Tank Adapter (STA)

There's a used STA on the trade forum for $50 lol. Some people have high hopes I guess....

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

A little in contrast to ams511 post above, but I would personally cut slots in the plate and run it without a STA.
To do that I would lay the wing down where you think you want it and mark the plate through the slots with a sharpie. Then I would drill each end of the slot with a 1/4" or 5/16" drill bit to make a nice round end, then cut the straight part with a cut off wheel on a die grinder. To round over the slots you could use a utility knife and carve it like a piece of wood or use a chisel. Aluminum is soft enough that you can tool it with regular tools.

STA's add weight, and with an aluminum plate I'd assume that's why you are using it, to save weight.
STA's also move the tank further away from your back and can slightly change your center of gravity making the rig a little top heavy.
The dissimilar metals issue I don't think is a big deal because if you do decide to get a STA then you'll have the wing in between the stainless and aluminum plus for any electrolosis to begin the metals have to be immersed for the activity to start. With a plate rig you will rinse it and break it apart after each dive session and it will dry so it's a non issue.

 

[ams511]

In clarification to my post:

1) I could be biased as I don't own a die grinder (I do own a drill though). Eric is the master of metal.

2) The 2 piece STA adds less than a pound, a 1-piece a bit more than a pound so we are not talking much weight. I assumed he had an AL plate without slots because he dives doubles where extra weight (or slots) is not needed.

3) An STA moves the tank a fraction of an inch off your back. I have never noticed a difference when diving but if the diver is like the "Princess and the Pea" then he might. Also some divers prefer an STA because they feel the rig is more stable. In addition some wings are narrow (the Hog is not) and moving the tank off your back a bit allows it to inflate more.

4) The bolts of the STA are steel and will pass through the brass or steel grommets of the wing and through the AL backplate. The wing nuts that hold the STA to the plate are steel so you do get a steel to AL connection. That is why I recommended plastic washers between the wing nut and the plate. Another alternative are delrin speed nuts but plastic washers are cheaper. Look at some old plates on eBay and you will see the discoloration around the bolt holes where the STA attaches.

5) It is easier to clean a rig with an STA than without because the diver does not need to undo the cam straps to separate the wing from the plate.

6) It all comes down to diver preference and money. If you are handy and want to save $25 - $50 then cut the plate.

 

[buddhasummer]

Oxycheq mini STAs are around $27. I've used them before they work well.

 

[ams511]

Oxycheq mini STAs are around $27. I've used them before they work well.

I wondered about them. Are they aluminum or steel? The Manta is steel.

 

[buddhasummer]

I wondered about them. Are they aluminum or steel? The Manta is steel.

Steel.