Drager Panorama FFM questions

womble · 17th December 2007, 21:45

I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve ..

It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough.

However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this?

Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then??

TIA

**Monkey** · 17th December 2007, 21:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by womble)

I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve ..

It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough.

However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this?

Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then??

TIA

I have not had any problems with the mast other than the nose crushers needing to be bent in a little..

Mine does not leak at all....

but it does go positive when I asend.. and the first few times it felt really weird... the mast kept trying to float off my face.

and I only clean the purge valve by flushing..

womble · 17th December 2007, 22:06

Thanks, please keep the replies coming.

Rebreatherlab · 17th December 2007, 23:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by womble)

I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve ..

It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough.

However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this?

Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then??

TIA

Hi,

I had the same problem in the beginning. You have to start tightening the lower straps first. They should be so tight that you get near a perfect seal with no tension on the top strap. then give the top strap a few tugs and you will have a perfect seal.

I found the spring tension on the purge valve too high so i just lift the skirt with a finger when clearing. Unless you have water leaking in from the purge I would leave it alone.

Andy

steveharriss · 29th December 2007, 18:00

I've been diving with Simon TW recently in Hurghada and he found that the purge valve setting was too stiff as well. He has spoken to Dave Cooper who recommends relieving the tension in the spring by reducing it's length by about a third.

Looking at the part in question it looks a simple modification but perhaps Dave himself can give you more information.

Micko · 30th December 2007, 00:12

Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues?

Chris · 30th December 2007, 07:40

I am yet to have a drop of water in mine, make sure you do the bottom straps nice and tight then the middle ones and then I find I need hardly any tension on the top strap one at all.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Micko)

Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues?

Lots and lots of spit and a really good finger rubbing

Cheers
Chriso

Lancer4545 · 30th December 2007, 09:46

I have found just about anything that works on a regular 1/2 mask will work on the Drager. I have tried spit, baby shampoo and Sea Gold all work well.

I have'nt used toothpase on it as I think the fine grit will scratch the lens and I am not going to try!!! So be very careful if you are tempted.......

Regards,

Lance

HMP · 30th December 2007, 11:45

I havent had any water in mine either, but I do know this FFM doesnt fit everybody, though its much better in this respect than the Kirby Mk. 48.
As said before the most important thing to do when putting it on is to tighten the bottom straps first. Most of the tension is put through these bottom straps. The slack is just taken up by the other three. Its easy to over tighten the top strap and thus move the mask into the wrong position. The mask seems on me at least, to sit well when its fairly low on my face.

As for the purge I havent found the tension to much, though I do push the mask onto my face as I breath out through my nose, in order for it to purge properly through the vent rather than from around the skirt.

Anti-fog, spit works fine for me, though again this varies from person to person. 'Simple' shampoo works well as its unperfumed so doesnt hurt your eyes or get up your nose!

I have noticed an annoying internal reflection issue on the mask, from light entering through the frosted side panels. Covering the rear half of these panels with some black tape sorts it out.

Hope you get it working for you!

womble · 30th December 2007, 17:37

Quote: (Originally Posted by steveharriss)

I've been diving with Simon TW recently in Hurghada and he found that the purge valve setting was too stiff as well. He has spoken to Dave Cooper who recommends relieving the tension in the spring by reducing it's length by about a third.

Looking at the part in question it looks a simple modification but perhaps Dave himself can give you more information.

Cheers Steve, purge tension seems ok to me. As mentioned above gently holding the mask as you clear helps to ensure unwanted water goes out through the purge, not around the skirt.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Micko)

Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues?

I just use spit, and it seems to do the trick. Havent toothpasted the inside yet, could a more experienced user of the mask advise if its necessary??

Cheers

17th December 2007, 21:45	#1 (permalink)
womble Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 188	Drager Panorama FFM questions I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve .. It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough. However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this? Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then?? TIA __________________ "What could possibly go wrong?? . . "
(Offline)

17th December 2007, 21:59	#2 (permalink)
Monkey Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lauderdale By The Sea Florida Posts: 343	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions Quote: (Originally Posted by womble) I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve .. It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough. However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this? Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then?? TIA I have not had any problems with the mast other than the nose crushers needing to be bent in a little.. Mine does not leak at all.... but it does go positive when I asend.. and the first few times it felt really weird... the mast kept trying to float off my face. and I only clean the purge valve by flushing..
(Offline)

17th December 2007, 22:06	#3 (permalink)
womble Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 188	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions Thanks, please keep the replies coming. __________________ "What could possibly go wrong?? . . "
(Offline)

17th December 2007, 23:55	#4 (permalink)
Rebreatherlab RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Classic Kiss Pelagian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thailand Posts: 193	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions Quote: (Originally Posted by womble) I've done all of 2 dives with my new mask, and it leaks like a leaky sieve .. It only happens when I look up and the water enters the top of the mask. Having examined it closely, it seems as if the top strap isnt quit tight enough. However, The strap is as tight as it will go, so I need to move the sliding buckle attachment to the 2nd hole on the top strap. Has anyone else had to do this? Secondly, do you have to strip the unit to clean the purge valve or is it just a case of flushing it through with fresh water every now and then?? TIA Hi, I had the same problem in the beginning. You have to start tightening the lower straps first. They should be so tight that you get near a perfect seal with no tension on the top strap. then give the top strap a few tugs and you will have a perfect seal. I found the spring tension on the purge valve too high so i just lift the skirt with a finger when clearing. Unless you have water leaking in from the purge I would leave it alone. Andy __________________ www.rebreatherlab.com
(Offline)

29th December 2007, 18:00	#5 (permalink)
steveharriss Bubble free by choice Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Yorkshire Posts: 161	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions I've been diving with Simon TW recently in Hurghada and he found that the purge valve setting was too stiff as well. He has spoken to Dave Cooper who recommends relieving the tension in the spring by reducing it's length by about a third. Looking at the part in question it looks a simple modification but perhaps Dave himself can give you more information.
(Offline)

30th December 2007, 00:12	#6 (permalink)
Micko Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: perth Posts: 114	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues?
(Offline)

30th December 2007, 07:40	#7 (permalink)
Chris Go Nude Or Go Home Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Prism Topaz Sport Kiss Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 601	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions I am yet to have a drop of water in mine, make sure you do the bottom straps nice and tight then the middle ones and then I find I need hardly any tension on the top strap one at all. Quote: (Originally Posted by Micko) Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues? Lots and lots of spit and a really good finger rubbing Cheers Chriso __________________ Megalodon Sorb and Sensors whilst in Australia www.divetub.com.au Diving & Photography @ www.uwphotog.com
(Offline)

30th December 2007, 09:46	#8 (permalink)
Lancer4545 Closed Circuit Divers Aus Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cairns QLD Australia Posts: 565	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions I have found just about anything that works on a regular 1/2 mask will work on the Drager. I have tried spit, baby shampoo and Sea Gold all work well. I have'nt used toothpase on it as I think the fine grit will scratch the lens and I am not going to try!!! So be very careful if you are tempted....... Regards, Lance __________________ You can run but you can't hide! ISC Appointed Megalodon Dealer for East Australia http://www.closedcircuitdivers.com.au info@closedcircuitdivers.com.au
(Offline)

30th December 2007, 11:45	#9 (permalink)
HMP New Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Dolphin Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plymouth, U.K. Posts: 95	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions I havent had any water in mine either, but I do know this FFM doesnt fit everybody, though its much better in this respect than the Kirby Mk. 48. As said before the most important thing to do when putting it on is to tighten the bottom straps first. Most of the tension is put through these bottom straps. The slack is just taken up by the other three. Its easy to over tighten the top strap and thus move the mask into the wrong position. The mask seems on me at least, to sit well when its fairly low on my face. As for the purge I havent found the tension to much, though I do push the mask onto my face as I breath out through my nose, in order for it to purge properly through the vent rather than from around the skirt. Anti-fog, spit works fine for me, though again this varies from person to person. 'Simple' shampoo works well as its unperfumed so doesnt hurt your eyes or get up your nose! I have noticed an annoying internal reflection issue on the mask, from light entering through the frosted side panels. Covering the rear half of these panels with some black tape sorts it out. Hope you get it working for you!
(Offline)

30th December 2007, 17:37	#10 (permalink)
womble Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 188	Re: Drager Panorama FFM questions Quote: (Originally Posted by steveharriss) I've been diving with Simon TW recently in Hurghada and he found that the purge valve setting was too stiff as well. He has spoken to Dave Cooper who recommends relieving the tension in the spring by reducing it's length by about a third. Looking at the part in question it looks a simple modification but perhaps Dave himself can give you more information. Cheers Steve, purge tension seems ok to me. As mentioned above gently holding the mask as you clear helps to ensure unwanted water goes out through the purge, not around the skirt. Quote: (Originally Posted by Micko) Another problem i am finding is the mask fogs really bad .Anyone else having these issues? I just use spit, and it seems to do the trick. Havent toothpasted the inside yet, could a more experienced user of the mask advise if its necessary?? Cheers __________________ "What could possibly go wrong?? . . "
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode