Some equipment questions.

[cstreu1026]

I just converted my Deep Outdoors Matrix to a normal backplate and harness type configuration. That part was pretty easy since my local Halcyon dealer had all the parts from a back plate that was sold without the harness. Now I have a few more questions about DIR equipment configurations. The first question is how long should the hose on my octo be? I purchased a 7 foot hose and I am wondering if I can use one of the hoses I have already or if I need to purchase something new. Also, does anyone have any pictures showing the normal placement of the d-rings on a harness? Finally, how should one attach a snap bolt to say a spg or other such gear? I check on GUE's website and from what I could tell in the pictures it looked as if they had used zip ties. Thanks for the help and I apreciate any pics anyone could provide to make the setup of my gear a little easier.

 

[FreeFloat]

The very best thing to do would be to pick up a copy of the book Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving which contains very detailed explanations (with pictures) of not only "how" to set up one's backplate/harness/wing, but also "WHY" it's recommended to do it that way. Then you can make more intellignet decisions about setting up your gear, instead of just following someone else's blueprint.

 

[kaliban]

I agree with FreeFloat about the book. Here's a few good links to help you also...

Plate and harness rigging diagram
http://www.gue.com/equipment/backplate6.html

Adjusting the plate and harness and d-ring locations
http://www.baue.org/faq/backplate_sizing_inline_images.html

Adjusting the harness
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html

Webbing a harness
http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/harness_2.htm



-k

 

[salty]

Since everything but the hoes length has been adressed let me offer you this info:

The back up reg hose should be long enough to allow you to turn your head fully in either direction. There are many hose lengths to accomadate both single tank and double tank configs. the best thing to do is get the shortest reg hose you have and try it out. Set up your rig put the back up in your mouth and see how comfertable it is to turn your head all the way to the left.

If the hose is too short the reg will be pulled out of your mouth. On the other hand the more likely situation will be it is too long. With your head turned left take the reg out (dont wear the bungee for this) and turn your head back to the right and look how much extra / hose is sticking out if its off you sholder its too long.

This is a fitting exercise if you dont feel comfertable doing this by your self and making a desicion perhaps going to a LDS and trying several diffrent lengths or finding someone localy to help would be approperiat.

 

[kaliban]

I should also add the advice FredT gave me. I haven't actually had time to rig mine yet, but this appears to be sound advice...

Rig plate harness bare with just harness webbing to close to your end adjustment no need to get fussy yet, but a good rough adjustment ±6" here will save time later. Then burn top center hole in the strap, install the bolt to lock it and mark where your plate pass through points and D-ring locations are on the webbing with chalk or soap. Record the locations for future reference in case you get another plate and/or need to remove the harness from this one.

Remove the now rough cut webbing and install any inner tube or other chafe protection/ locking devices at the shoulder locations and work out down each webbing end installing the hardware, chafe protection or retainer tubing, bungies , etc on the webbing as you go out to the ends of the webbing. Remember you need to reserve a yard and half to two yards of webbing for your crotch strap so you can't just burn a hole in the cente of the web supplied and trim off both ends. once the bare plate is rigged and adjusted to comfortable in the correct position THEN start worrying with the wing and STA

With the exception of installing the center hole the harness is fully adjustable with the STA and wing in place, but doing it with the wing in place will get to be a bear if you need to move the shoulder locations to install chafe protection.

 

[roakey]

The first question is how long should the hose on my octo be?

To avoid any confusion, if you're donating the primary, the "other" reg is no longer called an octo, it's a backup.

Roak

 

[cstreu1026]

thanks all that is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Davey_Willo]

What you may find with your backup hose is that if it is too long then it tends to lay directly over your right chest d-ring making the clipping off of equipment i.e. primary reg, light head etc a real PITA

I think the most common lengths for the backup hose is 24"-26"

HTH

Dave