Newbie FFM Questions

JaceCady

So, I've been reading the threads here plus various websites and have a couple of questions...pardon my newbie ignorance.

1. The Apeks Panorama and Draeger Panorama Nova are the same mask, yes?

2. The Panorama mask is nicely compatible with the Megalodon rebreather if you order the correct DSV from ISC when you get the Megalodon. With that hookup you can use one of the two side ports on the Panorama to connect a OC regulator for emergency bailout without removing the mask, right?

3. Which BOVs would be compatible with the Megalodon *and* Panorama?

caveseeker7

Yes, the mask is made by Dräger in Germany. Dräger's civilian dive gear is distributed by Aqualung of all companies, as are products from Apeks. Hence the mask is sold in the UK as an Apeks mask. By the way, the Apeks 2nd stage is considerably better than the Dräger Shark that's also available with the Dräger quick connect for the mask.

Yes, the bailout 2nd stage gets mounted in one of the side ports of the mask. It's a simple plug.

The BOV from Divematics USA is available with an adapter that plugs into the Dräger QC on the mask. Also available are adapters for the AGA, Poseidon and M-48.

On the inlet and outlet side threads are available for all common RBs (Dräger, Inspo/Evo, PRISM, Kiss), a few less common ones as well as simple hose clamps.

Last but not least, the BOV can be fitted with most 2nd stages. Oceanic and Poseidon are popular due to their small size and side exhaust. I've also seen them with Apeks and Atomics attached.

If a configuration hasn't been done Tracy probaly can do it.
The ultimate in versatility.

I posted pics in one thread of the Nova with a Divematics BOV, and they should be in the gallery somewhere, too.

__________________
Cheers
Stefan



"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority,
and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media,
which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"

JaceCady

That sounds perfect. I can get the mask with the Apeks second stage (I believe it's the Apeks TX100?) for my "starter" OC rig, then fit it with the BOV and keep using it once I upgrade to rebreather.

Doorduijn, Niels

I know about windowshopping. However, a full face mask is not something for a starter OC rig, and many experienced divers do not have one at all. Also, a full face mask is only a complication in the early stages of learning to dive.

For most people, the sequence of purchasing equipment is something along the following lines:

- mask, snorkel and fins;
- regulator
- suit, boots, gloves
- knife, computer and compass
- jacket / wing
- weights
- dive light
- cylinder

Then dive, dive dive and decide if you really want a rebreather, stages, twins etc if you have more experience. Scooters are great, too

Rgs,
Niels

JaceCady

I like FFMs as a matter of principle, and I already know I'm not claustrophobic or panicky so that won't be an issue.

Do you know if Apeks sells the Panorama-adapted version of the TX100 regulator by itself, so I could get that first and the bare mask later?

iani

Yes, they do sell the FFM ready TX100 separately, it has a P-port adaptor fitted though so you can't use it as an OC reg (well, not for any length of time anyway).

Ian

RonMicjan

the paranova mask is great for ccr, I have the unit and have been diving it for a year now, ISC has the DSV now available and will have the masks and apecs tx 100 P port regs soon, we are just waiting for ordering information to get them in the pipe.

after trying a few different configurations, I have decided, for a bailout strategy, to go open loop for the first couple breaths while deploying the tx 100 and I will plug the tx 100 in place of the DSV, this allows a smaller dead space and mouth breathing, also removes the added bulk of a reg attached to the side of your face, which is constraining.

__________________

iani

I too use the Nova, the bailout strategy you mention doesn't help if you have a loop flood, this happened to me and I had a mouthful of cocktail. I bailed onto the side mounted tx 100, breathing through the nose is ok in theory but I wouldn't want to have to do it for long, luckily I only had a few mins of stops and was on the surface quickly. I think the best strategy is to bail onto a side mounted 2nd then replace the CC mouthpiece with another 2nd stage so you can minimise the dead space and also breathe comfortably.

Ian

JaceCady

Oh darn.

caveseeker7

If you but Divematics BOV between the mask and the Apeks you can use the Apeks OC after opening a couple of screws and attaching the bite piece again.

__________________
Cheers
Stefan



"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority,
and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media,
which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"