| Re: Hybrid Rebreathers At this point, I'm leaning towards diving the system with both active.
First, though, I have a slightly different take on why people are apparently safer on mCCR. With no other evidence than talking to lots of divers, I find that mCCR divers seem to understand what's going on with their systems better. Why? Because they have to. I see eCCR divers with fairly significant misconceptions even after a year of diving.
So my take is that the manual nature of the unit cause the diver to create a "clear mental model" of the system early in their career. This serves them well when problems occur.
At this point, if I were to put another family member on a rebreather, I would want them to do a year on an mCCR. I like the idea of starting off with mCCR, then adding eCCR later if you want.
As far as diving, I would propably dive it as eCCR and use the orifice to delay onset of o2 problems. The orifice drives when you are at a steady depth and relaxed. As your exertion increases, the solenoid kicks in.
I don't see any need to change the first stage. I just leave it blocked. Of course, our diving is almost all 250 or less.
But I think this is an evolving area, and there's still lot's to learn.
Bruce
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Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement. |