Off board options: RSV-1 - Sartek Redundant Supply Valve RSV-1

[ChemicalDiver]

Hi,
I found this on the scubageeks page and was wondering if anyone is using it.

Sartek Redundant Supply Valve RSV-1 | Isolation Valves | fittings | Rebreather Accesories and Supplies | Scuba Geek Canada

I looked up a few old "gas switch block" threads indicating that there is a general trend against switch blocks.

But I would like to feed my BOV on my FFM (and maybe also wing and drysuit) from onboard initially, and then be able to easily switch to off board as I attach my off board while in the water at the beginning of the dive for example (and vice versa at the end of the dive). A gas switch block seems attractive to me for this reason as I want to bail out while staying with the FFM.
I know I could have a QD on the BOV and just switch to off board, but in a bail out situation I am not sure I believe in the "sanity breath" idea from on board and then dealing/fiddling with QDs. So I would like to feed the BOV already from off board after the first minutes of getting into the water. This way I only need to flip the BOV switch.
Of course I would have a p-ported reg around my neck in case I needed to get rid of the FFM and have direct access to bail out, but I want to avoid steps to take air sources out of my mouth or disconnect when in need of gas while bailing out.


Cheers,
Alex

[jkaterenchuk]

M&J/Omniswivel have a switch block that is operated by the turn of a large knob. It well built and easy to operate with dry gloves. I have a friend that uses it with his face mask and likes how he can positively tell wht is feeding the mask by the shape and position of the knob.

I think Golem Gear might sell them.

John

[lof]

Yes, we carry them
Gas Switch Block - Right

They are more robust and easier to use than the Sarteks.

[kwinter]

I use a slightly different method. I have a 6-port manifold block on the diluent side. The 4 outflows are to wing, ADV, manual add, and the BOV. One port is connected to my onboard dil reg. The last port has a hose running over my shoulder to a slide shutoff and an Omniswivel QD with check valve. I can plug in any offboard gas either before or during the dive. To switch to offboard gas, I just slide the shutoff open and then shut down my onboard tank. It gives me full use of the offboard gas for my BOV as well as wing inflation and ADV and MAV. This system has worked well for me. My FFM (AGA) does not have p-ports, so there may be better systems for you.