Right from AG,
The Z-Iso manifold connects the two tanks together, allows the gas to be distributed, and also enables left and right side isolation. That means the diver can start with “All Open” and distribute the 2 inputs (left and right) to 6 outputs (two breathing, 2 buoyancy and 2 rebreather.) By configuring the isolatable manifold in a consistent fashion with UTD/DIR back gas we are able to put 4 on one side and 4 on the other, and because they are isolatable, this creates redundancy and dramatically increases safety. We can configure the right side (primary side) with primary input, primary breathing, primary buoyancy and primary diluents (rebreather) and the left side with secondary or back-up input, breathing (necklace or BOV) , buoyancy and rebreather. So to re-iterate, the long hose primary regulator and bcd are still on the right, the necklace backup regulator and dry suit are still on the left and they are isolatable, like UTD/DIR back mount, thus eliminating a single point of failure. Of course the isolating manifold becomes unnecessary in recreational single tank Z-Side-mount and we have a simple Z-Manifold or Distribution block that is not isolatable to supply gas to the regulators and buoyancy system.
In general, side mount diving is commonly thought when using 2 or more primary cylinders that are secured alongside and in line with the divers’ body. The Z-Side-mount system, however, is “scalable” for use with one cylinder, two cylinders, three etc. and can even accommodate a rebreather. This one system is capable of all configurations. In recreational diving, side mount is commonly conducted with just one cylinder at the divers’ side and no cylinders on the back. The side mount configuration incorporates the use of bungee cords, bolt snaps, and D-rings to attach the cylinders alongside the diver. The Z-Side-mount system weighs less than a normal back mount configuration; this makes the system much more popular for dive travel.
The Z-Iso manifold connects the two tanks together, allows the gas to be distributed, and also enables left and right side isolation. That means the diver can start with “All Open” and distribute the 2 inputs (left and right) to 6 outputs (two breathing, 2 buoyancy and 2 rebreather.) By configuring the isolatable manifold in a consistent fashion with UTD/DIR back gas we are able to put 4 on one side and 4 on the other, and because they are isolatable, this creates redundancy and dramatically increases safety. We can configure the right side (primary side) with primary input, primary breathing, primary buoyancy and primary diluents (rebreather) and the left side with secondary or back-up input, breathing (necklace or BOV) , buoyancy and rebreather. So to re-iterate, the long hose primary regulator and bcd are still on the right, the necklace backup regulator and dry suit are still on the left and they are isolatable, like UTD/DIR back mount, thus eliminating a single point of failure. Of course the isolating manifold becomes unnecessary in recreational single tank Z-Side-mount and we have a simple Z-Manifold or Distribution block that is not isolatable to supply gas to the regulators and buoyancy system.
In general, side mount diving is commonly thought when using 2 or more primary cylinders that are secured alongside and in line with the divers’ body. The Z-Side-mount system, however, is “scalable” for use with one cylinder, two cylinders, three etc. and can even accommodate a rebreather. This one system is capable of all configurations. In recreational diving, side mount is commonly conducted with just one cylinder at the divers’ side and no cylinders on the back. The side mount configuration incorporates the use of bungee cords, bolt snaps, and D-rings to attach the cylinders alongside the diver. The Z-Side-mount system weighs less than a normal back mount configuration; this makes the system much more popular for dive travel.
