Over the Shoulder KISS - Convertible - Projects (pics)

brockbr

I've been working to design a solution with the KISS that allows different counterlung locations based on the need at the time. The idea is to be able to swap between back mount ("normal") and over the shoulder (a la Megalodon, etc) quickly.

There are a few different reasons for developing this that I won't go into here, but suffice it to say that swapping a CK over to over-the-shoulder counter lungs is a pretty cool project

I started out a few weeks ago working with a first cut at an idea. I learned a lot from that experiment, and applied it to version 2.

This latest incarnation is really meant to hold to the KISS ideology... That is keeping it as simple as possible.

Everything is made of Stainless Steel, and I worked up a design that would allow me to use a cylinder mount system that can be used with a Meg, such as the Northern Divers. Besides being simple, other design elements included protecting the head and scrubber from impacts (cave or wreck) and to keep the weight so that you wouldn't have to add weight when diving dry.

I started out with flat stock .25" 303 Stainless:


I then drilled and relief cut it to clear the back mount counter lungs:




Then I got ready to place the 6" outer tube. This serves the dual purpose of protecting the head and scrubber and adding weight to the frame:




Then I TIG'd the tube in place, along with the side supports:


For the cylinder mounts, I really liked the Northern Divers mounting system, which are used on some Megs. I got a set, and then "Modified" them (don't watch if you don't like carnage )




I cut the ends off because they wouldn't be needed for this build.
To keep things simple, I welded thread stainless to the tube - This let me mount the cylinder mounts without interfering with the inside of the tube, which already have VERY minimal clearances around the scrubber:




This setup allows you to remove the cylinders or scrubber independently - A HUGE help when you are just reloading sorb, or need a fill.

And the completed setup:






And now for *the*shot I was working up to...


The area above the had bolts is where the manifold is going.

More pics to come.

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ForTheFight

Very nice -
You might ask Ron Benson about his experiences with OTS CLs on a KISS, he has modified his to take Meg lungs but he hasn't had to change the case around at all.

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brockbr

Man - Judging by the MASSIVE response, I probably should keep my projects to myself

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fredrik

Wating for "More pics to come."

How will you block the normal counter lung connections?

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Dave O

It looks good, but one of the features I LOVE about the Kiss is the BMCL. They're protected and out of my way.

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Andy Del

Well, it looks nice, but can you elaborate on the reasons for doing this? (You mention in the opening post there are reasons... I just can't think of any)

cheers

Andy

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netmage

meg envy...

Question - what, other than gravity, keeps the tube seated in your holder/mount?

ReikiMaster

Now....

if instead of the ring, you had a W to hold the cylinder mounts (ie the same shape as the outside of the original kiss case) you would have a lovely travel frame for back mounted lungs. (everything would be protected by the cylinders and backplate.)

ReikiMaster

And......


What is to stop people just putting the front mounted style lungs on (with very short hose to the head) and stuffing them in the original case?

this would give far better flood recovery/prevention but still maintaining back mounted (i know we would not be able to use the dump/inflate if its in the case)

ReikiMaster

the two head bolts into the main spine. (same way the kiss head mounts to the counterlung case