Ways to reduce bubble noise?

[mikemath]

Why do you dismiss the idea of double hose regulators? A lot of photographers use them.

Apologies if I came off as dismissing the idea. I only meant to indicate that I had considered it and liked the idea, but had questions about the reasons they are not used.

Were it me, I would get the DA AM and see if VDH has the parts to install a Phoenix nozzle. The nozzle replaces the inlet to the regulator and you wind up with a balanced regulator (the DA AM is unbalanced) with ports for octo, SPG, inflator, etc. I just had this done to my DA AM and it works great. Yes, I actually dive the thing at Monterey and I use an Oceanic Omega II as an octo.

I'm going to try some of the less-expensive options suggested first, but this seems like a good alternative if I'm still not happy with the noise. Thanks for the pointer to the vintage forum, will spend some time looking at the info on double hose setups there.

 

[spectrum]

If bubbles are distracting you visually it may be as simple as a different second stage or an optional diffuser. The walrus T on the Sherwoods keeps the bubbles out of my vision just fine. Low profile masks do not channel bubbles away as well so mask selection is also a factor..

If you want to get up close and personal with the critters and stay open circuit then a double hose regulator is the ticket. With a little upgrading they are totally compatible with today's dive gear options. read about mine here.

Why did they become obsolete? Some of the vintage wonks can probably say better. I believe it was a combination of marginally easier use of the detached second stage, planned obsolescence adn lower manufacturing cost.

The superficial driver was the advent of the LP accessories such as power inflators, alternate second stages and dry suits with injected air. Most vintage double hose regulators had little if any low pressure accessory capability. I call this a superficial reason because a clever diver / engineer found a way to add plenty of ports decades latter in the form of the Phoenix nozzle upgrade. Had the manufacturers desired they could have done the same decades ago. There were a few products that did offer LP ports. A double hose regulator actually poses some very significant design advantages including a second stage that remains sealed and dry at all times. This thread may give you some indication of the designs capability.

I dove mine today and enjoyed it thoroughly!

Pete

 

[Nemrod]

Very quiet and smooth.

N

 

[Michael Folise]

Omega II great for photography, see side photo.

 

[DCBC]

If it really bothers you, you can:
1. Go with a side exhaust reg like the Poseidon or an Oceanic Omega;
2. Double Hose;
3. Closed-Circuit;
4. Become a freediver; or
5. Take-up golf...

 

[alewar]

what about a snorkel that you can easily place on the regulator's exhaust?

1 1/2 hose

 

[miketsp]

There is an old thread somewhere in the DIY section where a poster took a loop of bicycle inner tube, zip-tied each end to the exhausts of his conventional single hose mouthpiece. A larger hole was cut in the loop that would sit at the back of the neck for the exhaled air to escape from and some smaller holes closer to the mouthpiece to cover the situation of being inverted and to avoid any sifon effects affecting breathing.
IIRR he and a couple of other posters tested the idea with good results.
Almost as good as a dual hose setup for a very small investment.

 

[rstofer]

There are 3 DA Aqua-Master and 1 Royal Aqua-Master available at Vintage Double Hose. The DA AMs would be great for the Phoenix conversion but I believe the nozzles are out of stock. It might be worth a call to find out when the next batch might be available.

The DA AMs vary in price from $200 to $250. The Royal is more costly at $450 but that's what they sell for when they are in nice shape. I like mine!

You know, the reason for adding the Phoenix nozzle is to get IP for the octo and LP inflators. A 19 CF sling bottle will do the same thing. Then there is no reason to modify the DH reg and that Royal just looks better and better. Dive it like you bought it! In fact, the Mistrals are highly regarded even though they are only single stage regs. The sling bottle is the answer to all of the issues. Well, that and a banjo fitting to get tank pressure.

Actually, I don't prefer the banjo fitting between the valve and the reg. I like the old J valves with the port for the SPG. Even if you lock down or defeat the J feature, having the SPG directly connected to the valve is a sweet setup. I know, one gauge for each tank. Bummer... But I can live with it. I bought a bunch of these valves - some locally and some through eBay. Would you believe some people are taking off their J valves and replacing them with K valves?

Richard

 

[DevonDiver]

I do beleive he expressely excluded rebreathers...

What about SCR? Semi-closed rebreather systems are now readily available on the second-hand market at cheap prices.... the training is quick and simple (regular PADI courses for the Drager units..)

They provide all the benefits of nitrox diving, with a (mostly) bubbleless unit and are relatively easy to own and run.

 

[spectrum]

what about a snorkel that you can easily place on the regulator's exhaust?

1 1/2 hose

Without getting into a bunch of physics (which you can find threads about) the exhaust discharge point needs to be as close as possible to the location of the diaphragm that controls air delivery in order to have the system breathe right.

Pete