Where to attach Atomic z2x 2nd stage to 1st stage

[tubbalubba]

Hi!

I finally bought by 1st reg, an Atomic Z2x from Divers Supply and my 2nd stage came attached to the port directly opposite the 1st stage (like sort of under it and all the other lp ports). When I bought my additional gear to complete my reg (from another supplier), they moved everything around so that all the hoses (except for the spg) are attached to the lp ports all around the base of the 1st stage. It's a little bit difficult, since the band with all the lp ports does not rotate and my primary doesn't feel as comfortable in my mouth as I had expected from the z2x. =( It also looks funny in pics since it seems my primary's hose is really twisted on the right side of my face.

Should I ask that it be moved back to the original position? If so, should I mount my reg to the tank sideways, instead of the regular way I have been taught (tank's o-ring and bc should face the same way).

 

[scubafanatic]

For starters, mount the 1st stage pointing downwards ( HP ports above LP ports ). There is no magic hose-to-port rule, experiment by moving hoses about and seeing what you think, and consider going to MIFLEX and/or the Atomic swivel hoses, also, experiment with different hose lengths. There have been other threads on this subject before, which I don't have time to find for you right now, but maybe order a copy of : " Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving " (by Jarrod Jablonski--G.U.E.) and check out page 79 for some photos of how the 'tech' divers do it. It will give you some good ideas.

 

[jd950]

IMHO, You don't need a book to decide how to route your hoses, and especially not a DIR book, unless you are going for a certain look. Put the hose where it works best. Buy a properly sized wrench and move the hoses wherever you want; you don't need to have anyone do it for you. Just don't over-tighten them.

It also doesn't really matter which way the turret is mounted (up or down). See this thread for a discussion of this topic and a photo of a typical setup:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/234919-atomic-t2-mounting-question.html

 

[Scared Silly]

My suggestion would be to put the reg on a cylinder along with your BCD and see how the lp ports line up. Then attach your hoses. About the only real question is whether the primary reg is "in front" or "in back".

 

[Captain Larry]

The reason the second stage hose came out of the box mounted to the port on the bottom of the first stage is strictly for packaging. It makes the unit fit better in the box. I've never seen anyone actually dive it that way, we always remove it and place it on one of the other ports.
The other posters are correct, there is no magic to mounting your hoses, set it up on a tank with your BCD and see how the hoses bend and fit depending on which port you utilize. In Z2 and Z2x the swivel 1st stage port is an option. We can always retrofit one to your Z2 or Z2x.
Enjoy your new Atomic
Larry

 

[Doubler]

I believe you have a 5 LP port non rotatable turret with a port and starboard HP port. The one on the bottom is used as stated above for ease of packaging and basically non-useable in most dive applications. Mount your first stage on your tank and BC with the first stage mounted as you were taught. Now if you look at the first stage from the BC side there should be two obvious choices on where the 2nd stage and inflator attach. MIFLEX hoses are really the choice for routing as the are extremely light and flexible. I use a 22 inch MIFLEX on the first port left side, (looking at the 1st stage from the bcd side) for my primary, next port left side for my octopus on a 48 MIFLEX, First port right side for inflator. You could also use the same layout for necklacing the 22 inch as your backup and using the 48" inch hose as your primary. I don't like the Atomic swivel. Got rid of mine and upgraded to MIFLEX. The swivels tend to run way out and don't really swivel well under pressure. That's just my set up others may also be suitable.

 

[vladimir]

I believe you have a 5 LP port non rotatable turret with a port and starboard HP port. The one on the bottom is used as stated above for ease of packaging and basically non-useable in most dive applications.

I'm having a hard time believing Atomic put an extra port on their first stage to make it fit in the cardboard box a little better. A diver using a long hose and a single tank would probably opt for this bottom port, I think.

 

[scubafanatic]

here are those GUE photos:

 

[conman]

I have a couple of z-2x's. Love the regulator. With the numerous 2nd stage ports put it where you want

 

[Doubler]

I agree and am duly chastised. I have only seen the bottom orifice used in tech rigs and the OP didn't strick me as the tech type so I answered him as simply as I could. I have seen a lot of new divers confused by this with the "they didn't show me this in class" Next thing you know the first stage is on upside down. And it does make it easier to put in the box.