YBOD cracked handsets

Pierre Farrugia · 2nd August 2005, 14:05

Hello all,

I am a bit worried about handsets cracking and can tell you why! Last year me and two other friends bought 3 Classic Insp. Finshed course this year in March and have limited time on them, mine 50hrs and others less than 25hrs. 3 weeks ago one of them had his unit hand set flood due to a crack near the upper screws, then last weekend the other unit suffered from same problem. Mine till now is still ok but I am becoming concerned as when warrenty is over this will be a very expensive repair! Apart from the usual YBOD problem with stickers falling of every 20hrs diving and the famous rusty magnets! Apart from Iani who bought his unit nearly with ours has anyone one had same problem!

Also to be fair , AP Valves has always been very helpful with all problem but when warranty is over I will have to pay!

cys · 2nd August 2005, 21:47

Two friends have had four hand sets crack between them (more than two times on one unit). Out of curiousity what is the YBOD warranty period?

***jradomski*** · 2nd August 2005, 22:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Pierre Farrugia)

Hello all,

I am a bit worried about handsets cracking and can tell you why! Last year me and two other friends bought 3 Classic Insp. Finshed course this year in March and have limited time on them, mine 50hrs and others less than 25hrs. 3 weeks ago one of them had his unit hand set flood due to a crack near the upper screws, then last weekend the other unit suffered from same problem. Mine till now is still ok but I am becoming concerned as when warrenty is over this will be a very expensive repair! Apart from the usual YBOD problem with stickers falling of every 20hrs diving and the famous rusty magnets! Apart from Iani who bought his unit nearly with ours has anyone one had same problem!

Also to be fair , AP Valves has always been very helpful with all problem but when warranty is over I will have to pay!

I find that cracks are usually the fault of the diver.. there are 2 main causes, the first being alot of divers let the handsets dangle when not in use.. they are pretty heavy for the size and can create alot more force than one realizes if the handsets are dropped and the cord has to stop them (not hitting anything, just swinging in air), this typically causes cracks in the area where the cable gland goes into the case..

The second reason is divers attaching things like compasses, computers, + knives (I am not saying it Can't be done but there can be no additional pressure/restriction on the hoses - ALL the house mounts I have ever seen WILL crush the hose) to the hoses of the handsets.. this restricts gas flow into the housing and now water pressure cracks the case.. Air flow from the loop to the handset must be unrestricted.. the handsets are designed to remain at ambient pressure.. Usually an early sign in mnay cases is that the backlight starts to dim since the pressure exerted (due to the shape) compresses the case differently..

A good training program should go over these basic issues and how to prevent them. I have met many divers over the years who were never taught these simple concepts..

dave t · 3rd August 2005, 09:36

I agree with Joe,

the early handsets had a thinner rubber casing around the handsets and was very prone to damage by divers, AP valves very quickly beefed up the rubber casing, especially around the area where the hose enters the handset, this stopped (almost) cracking in that area. Cracks anywhere else are usually down to diver abuse as Joe says. I teach all my students to treat the handsets like they are made of crystal glass, but I know a lot of instructors miss that bit out!!

As for warrenty, I belive its a lifetime warrenty, but of course it wont cover diver abuse!!

sorry

Dave

dave t · 3rd August 2005, 15:58

correction, Warrenty is 12 months

best

Dave

cys · 3rd August 2005, 20:58

Fair enough. One of my friends swears he treats them like egg shells... but I would take your comments as the final word.

2nd August 2005, 14:05	#1 (permalink)
Pierre Farrugia Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Malta Posts: 636	YBOD cracked handsets Hello all, I am a bit worried about handsets cracking and can tell you why! Last year me and two other friends bought 3 Classic Insp. Finshed course this year in March and have limited time on them, mine 50hrs and others less than 25hrs. 3 weeks ago one of them had his unit hand set flood due to a crack near the upper screws, then last weekend the other unit suffered from same problem. Mine till now is still ok but I am becoming concerned as when warrenty is over this will be a very expensive repair! Apart from the usual YBOD problem with stickers falling of every 20hrs diving and the famous rusty magnets! Apart from Iani who bought his unit nearly with ours has anyone one had same problem! Also to be fair , AP Valves has always been very helpful with all problem but when warranty is over I will have to pay! __________________ Pierre Farrugia My wife told me " If you don't quit diving I'm going to leave you" My reply " God, I'll miss you" www.atlam.org www.divemed.com
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2nd August 2005, 21:47	#2 (permalink)
cys Customise Me! Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: S. California Posts: 210	Two friends have had four hand sets crack between them (more than two times on one unit). Out of curiousity what is the YBOD warranty period?
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2nd August 2005, 22:00	#3 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,115	Quote: (Originally Posted by Pierre Farrugia) Hello all, I am a bit worried about handsets cracking and can tell you why! Last year me and two other friends bought 3 Classic Insp. Finshed course this year in March and have limited time on them, mine 50hrs and others less than 25hrs. 3 weeks ago one of them had his unit hand set flood due to a crack near the upper screws, then last weekend the other unit suffered from same problem. Mine till now is still ok but I am becoming concerned as when warrenty is over this will be a very expensive repair! Apart from the usual YBOD problem with stickers falling of every 20hrs diving and the famous rusty magnets! Apart from Iani who bought his unit nearly with ours has anyone one had same problem! Also to be fair , AP Valves has always been very helpful with all problem but when warranty is over I will have to pay! I find that cracks are usually the fault of the diver.. there are 2 main causes, the first being alot of divers let the handsets dangle when not in use.. they are pretty heavy for the size and can create alot more force than one realizes if the handsets are dropped and the cord has to stop them (not hitting anything, just swinging in air), this typically causes cracks in the area where the cable gland goes into the case.. The second reason is divers attaching things like compasses, computers, + knives (I am not saying it Can't be done but there can be no additional pressure/restriction on the hoses - ALL the house mounts I have ever seen WILL crush the hose) to the hoses of the handsets.. this restricts gas flow into the housing and now water pressure cracks the case.. Air flow from the loop to the handset must be unrestricted.. the handsets are designed to remain at ambient pressure.. Usually an early sign in mnay cases is that the backlight starts to dim since the pressure exerted (due to the shape) compresses the case differently.. A good training program should go over these basic issues and how to prevent them. I have met many divers over the years who were never taught these simple concepts.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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3rd August 2005, 09:36	#4 (permalink)
dave t RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Ray Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 674	I agree with Joe, the early handsets had a thinner rubber casing around the handsets and was very prone to damage by divers, AP valves very quickly beefed up the rubber casing, especially around the area where the hose enters the handset, this stopped (almost) cracking in that area. Cracks anywhere else are usually down to diver abuse as Joe says. I teach all my students to treat the handsets like they are made of crystal glass, but I know a lot of instructors miss that bit out!! As for warrenty, I belive its a lifetime warrenty, but of course it wont cover diver abuse!! sorry Dave
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3rd August 2005, 15:58	#5 (permalink)
dave t RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Ray Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 674	correction, Warrenty is 12 months best Dave
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3rd August 2005, 20:58	#6 (permalink)
cys Customise Me! Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: S. California Posts: 210	Fair enough. One of my friends swears he treats them like egg shells... but I would take your comments as the final word.
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