What Changes Would You Make to A Meg?

Dave Faye · 28th June 2006, 19:59

I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those!

I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...).

Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg?

Thanks.

jeff h · 28th June 2006, 20:58

Here are some criticisms from a fresh perspective. I’m a new Meg diver so maybe the more experience Meg divers can straighten me out on some of these points.

Still not sold on the loop direction. Seems like it would be good to have direct access to the diluent ADV w/o having to send it all the way through the loop. This is the first defense against the 3 H’s.
With the current configuration I would like to add an exhaust valve on the inhale lung to get a better diluent flush through the system with minimal diver input (inhaling).
I find it easier to maintain a setpoint manually when the O2 feed is hooked up to the exhale lung. I can see that it is also nice to have it hooked up to the inhale lung for time spent in shallow water (above 70ffw).
I like the electronics the way they are, however I would like a bottom timer and depth gauge (pressure transducer) to be integrated into the handset (no deco, no lockout, no beeping). I hope when the Apecs 3 comes out there is a way to put it in gauge mode.

**moley** · 28th June 2006, 21:15

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye)

I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those!

I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...).

Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg?

Thanks.

In my case:

Narked @90 stand: This facilitates easy location of argon/suit inflation bottle and spare smb, it also allows for easier lifting of the unit than the standard strap, and obviously makes getting into and out of the unit peachy!!

Halcyon SS backplate and single lead v-weight strip at 2.5kgs, this plus the weight of the backplate makes the unit nicely trimmed for horizontal finning.

Halcyon 30lb wing.....good profile and ample lift.

V4-Tech bov and hose, easy to use and lightweight on the jaw, nice enough breathe, ...in anticipation of those little trouser stiffening moments that I know are gunna come eventually!!

Pony brackets to attatch the cannister torch to the 02 bottle, this helps remove the 'clutter' issue from the chest and hips.I have on order Neoprene counterlungs......I have it on good authority from LS at the hatchery that my name is on the next set......I cant comment yet!

A spare 02 and Dil bottle to save pissing about at fill stations.

A full spares kit, inclusive of hoses, clips, two battery packs and a couple of unopened cells.

A 'head only' calibration kit from ISC, what a difference that makes to the 'recommended' method.......you can make up the cost in lost 02 in next to no time!!!!

A tupperware cereal box (Y'kow, one of those stayfresh thingy's)....holds approx 10% more than a standard fill on the lime, better than a damn great tub thats for sure....enough lime and gas for two full days diving.

As to recommendations.....get rid of all those infuriating velcro jobbies on the C/L's and just have one on each outer side.....thats good for me, and the girlfriends kitchen scissors and my zippo lighter beutifully completed the required modifications.

Maybe its my myopia, but perhaps larger digits on the displays would be good,and lastly, I fully agree that taking the head off when you want to switch the unit on or off is a pain but I do nevertheless see the logic in it from a safety perspective.

And lastly, perhaps a pull dump on the top of the C/L's would be a nice addition.

Other than that, with my fairly limited level of experience of both Rebreather's and moreover, other units ,I think the Meg is just dandy the way it is....I personally as yet have no complaints.

cedricverdier · 29th June 2006, 00:30

Quote: (Originally Posted by moley)

And lastly, perhaps a pull dump on the top of the C/L's would be a nice addition.

Hi Moley,

Why do you want a dump valve on the CL? Anything you can't do with your nose or the OPV?

Cheers

Joe · 29th June 2006, 01:53

I would like to see:

Depth & time on the display.

Make "sleep" mode optional with an enable / disable button. (Looking for your PO2 & finding a blank screen is at best very annnoying, especially when you need to look at one arm for depth & time and go to the other for PO2's but need to press a button first.)

The handset display altered to make it extremely cumbersome to get into the areas where you can change O2 %, O2 injection and altitude. The way it is now I believe one could unknowingly change those settings.

Get rid of all the velcro flaps on the CLs and offer Neoprene CLs as a substitute option.

Some modification to keep moisture off the sensors - not that this is unique to the Meg - but perhaps the judicious use of some hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the scrubber or perhaps in the sensor pod. (Have NO idea if that will work or if it is safe - just a thought.)

An insert to go under the scrubber 's bottom screen to lessen the capacity so you don't need waste lime for a shallow recreational dive.

Just my .02 worth. Feel free to shoot holes in my ideas. I'm still new at this and always willing to learn something....

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye)

I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those!

I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...).

Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg?

Thanks.

**wedivebc** · 29th June 2006, 04:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Joe)

Some modification to keep moisture off the sensors - not that this is unique to the Meg - but perhaps the judicious use of some hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the scrubber or perhaps in the sensor pod. (Have NO idea if that will work or if it is safe - just a thought.)

.

Has this been a problem for you with the meg? I know the inspo doesn't like to be set on it's back post dive but I haven't seen too much moisture around the meg sensors yet. (warning MEG Newbie)

RonMicjan · 29th June 2006, 05:10

Quote: (Originally Posted by jeff h)

Here are some criticisms from a fresh perspective. I’m a new Meg diver so maybe the more experience Meg divers can straighten me out on some of these points.

Still not sold on the loop direction. Seems like it would be good to have direct access to the diluent ADV w/o having to send it all the way through the loop. This is the first defense against the 3 H’s.
With the current configuration I would like to add an exhaust valve on the inhale lung to get a better diluent flush through the system with minimal diver input (inhaling).
I find it easier to maintain a setpoint manually when the O2 feed is hooked up to the exhale lung. I can see that it is also nice to have it hooked up to the inhale lung for time spent in shallow water (above 70ffw).
I like the electronics the way they are, however I would like a bottom timer and depth gauge (pressure transducer) to be integrated into the handset (no deco, no lockout, no beeping). I hope when the Apecs 3 comes out there is a way to put it in gauge mode.

If you do a proper flush, you can exchange the gas in the entire loop in about 2.5 seconds, with all parts where they are now, and not inhale at all. cross arms over counterlungs, with left elbow specifically hold down bottom of left counterlung to help direct ADV flow around the loop instead of straight down to the OPV, right hand presses down on the ADV to activate it, loosen lips around mouthpeice and exhale while flushing. Your exhale will lower your displacement to help keep your buoyancy neutral when the CL's inflate. With a bit of practice, in a pool hopefully, you will be able to do this without even moving in the water column and see your PO2 plummet in seconds. Your next skill is a O2 flush, reach up with either hand and fold over the inhale loop hose between the T peice and the DSV, tap and hold the O2 injection button while exhaling through nose or around mouthpeice, this takes about 5-10 seconds to go to 100% O2 in the loop.

If you dont like injecting O2 into the inhale side, after you get the rig on, cross over the O2 hose to the mixed gas bypass side, viola, injection on the exhale CL. Versatility is the watch word here. I had a valve stick on my O2 side, so I just swapped the hose to the other side during the dive, fixed the valve on SI and never missed a beat.

As far as adding an exaust valve on the inhale side???? How is that going to help with a flush? dont inhale, exhale during flush!, then when you feel cool dry air, take a breath...

Apecs 3 will have lots of goodies, some you havent even thought of yet.

RonMicjan · 29th June 2006, 05:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye)

I

Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg?

Thanks.

Draeger FFM, bracket to mount my VR3 on the handset, prototype billet aluminum hose clamps, prototype 7.5 lb radial canister, experimental injection algorithm... (OK, i didnt design all that stuff, but I do get to play with it)

Explorer · 29th June 2006, 05:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by RonMicjan)

If you dont like injecting O2 into the inhale side, after you get the rig on, cross over the O2 hose to the mixed gas bypass side, viola, injection on the exhale CL. Versatility is the watch word here. I had a valve stick on my O2 side, so I just swapped the hose to the other side during the dive, fixed the valve on SI and never missed a beat.

That's the beauty of the Meg system.

I use the Halcyon SS backplate with my regular one piece webbing I use for teaching with my OC twin setup.

Oh yes, I removed the plastic clips on the CL's and now use small bolt snaps with bungies attached to the backplate. Slick, real slick.

**moley** · 29th June 2006, 06:04

Quote: (Originally Posted by cedricverdier)

Hi Moley,

Why do you want a dump valve on the CL? Anything you can't do with your nose or the OPV?

Cheers

Hi Cedric,

Given my level of experience I feel that when practicing emergency ascents 'off the loop' that a pulldump would make the control of the unit a little easier, as opposed to having to open and close the loop to vent gas, and with the BOV fitted, that is not really an ideal option. If in 'the real world' I have come off the loop it is likely that the task loading would have increased..why is the OPV fitted to the bottom of the lung?

I am sure I will probably feel differently once my experience level increases.

28th June 2006, 19:59	#1 (permalink)
Dave Faye Know the wreck below? Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Megalodon Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 168	What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those! I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...). Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg? Thanks.
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28th June 2006, 20:58	#2 (permalink)
jeff h New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 97	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Here are some criticisms from a fresh perspective. I’m a new Meg diver so maybe the more experience Meg divers can straighten me out on some of these points. Still not sold on the loop direction. Seems like it would be good to have direct access to the diluent ADV w/o having to send it all the way through the loop. This is the first defense against the 3 H’s. With the current configuration I would like to add an exhaust valve on the inhale lung to get a better diluent flush through the system with minimal diver input (inhaling). I find it easier to maintain a setpoint manually when the O2 feed is hooked up to the exhale lung. I can see that it is also nice to have it hooked up to the inhale lung for time spent in shallow water (above 70ffw). I like the electronics the way they are, however I would like a bottom timer and depth gauge (pressure transducer) to be integrated into the handset (no deco, no lockout, no beeping). I hope when the Apecs 3 comes out there is a way to put it in gauge mode.
(Offline)

28th June 2006, 21:15	#3 (permalink)
moley Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: wiltshire, Uk Posts: 133	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye) I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those! I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...). Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg? Thanks. In my case: Narked @90 stand: This facilitates easy location of argon/suit inflation bottle and spare smb, it also allows for easier lifting of the unit than the standard strap, and obviously makes getting into and out of the unit peachy!! Halcyon SS backplate and single lead v-weight strip at 2.5kgs, this plus the weight of the backplate makes the unit nicely trimmed for horizontal finning. Halcyon 30lb wing.....good profile and ample lift. V4-Tech bov and hose, easy to use and lightweight on the jaw, nice enough breathe, ...in anticipation of those little trouser stiffening moments that I know are gunna come eventually!! Pony brackets to attatch the cannister torch to the 02 bottle, this helps remove the 'clutter' issue from the chest and hips.I have on order Neoprene counterlungs......I have it on good authority from LS at the hatchery that my name is on the next set......I cant comment yet! A spare 02 and Dil bottle to save pissing about at fill stations. A full spares kit, inclusive of hoses, clips, two battery packs and a couple of unopened cells. A 'head only' calibration kit from ISC, what a difference that makes to the 'recommended' method.......you can make up the cost in lost 02 in next to no time!!!! A tupperware cereal box (Y'kow, one of those stayfresh thingy's)....holds approx 10% more than a standard fill on the lime, better than a damn great tub thats for sure....enough lime and gas for two full days diving. As to recommendations.....get rid of all those infuriating velcro jobbies on the C/L's and just have one on each outer side.....thats good for me, and the girlfriends kitchen scissors and my zippo lighter beutifully completed the required modifications. Maybe its my myopia, but perhaps larger digits on the displays would be good,and lastly, I fully agree that taking the head off when you want to switch the unit on or off is a pain but I do nevertheless see the logic in it from a safety perspective. And lastly, perhaps a pull dump on the top of the C/L's would be a nice addition. Other than that, with my fairly limited level of experience of both Rebreather's and moreover, other units ,I think the Meg is just dandy the way it is....I personally as yet have no complaints. __________________ *You think I know nothing.....and I do!!!*
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 00:30	#4 (permalink)
cedricverdier S21 M.I.B. Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Worldwide! Posts: 497	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by moley) And lastly, perhaps a pull dump on the top of the C/L's would be a nice addition. Hi Moley, Why do you want a dump valve on the CL? Anything you can't do with your nose or the OPV? Cheers __________________ Cedric Verdier PADI Course Director, ANDI-IANTD-PSAI-TDI-DSAT-DAN-NAUI-CMAS Instructor Trainer Trimix (CCR and OC) and Cave Diving Instructor Trainer www.CedricVerdier.com DIRrebreather member
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29th June 2006, 01:53	#5 (permalink)
Joe Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 272	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? I would like to see: Depth & time on the display. Make "sleep" mode optional with an enable / disable button. (Looking for your PO2 & finding a blank screen is at best very annnoying, especially when you need to look at one arm for depth & time and go to the other for PO2's but need to press a button first.) The handset display altered to make it extremely cumbersome to get into the areas where you can change O2 %, O2 injection and altitude. The way it is now I believe one could unknowingly change those settings. Get rid of all the velcro flaps on the CLs and offer Neoprene CLs as a substitute option. Some modification to keep moisture off the sensors - not that this is unique to the Meg - but perhaps the judicious use of some hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the scrubber or perhaps in the sensor pod. (Have NO idea if that will work or if it is safe - just a thought.) An insert to go under the scrubber 's bottom screen to lessen the capacity so you don't need waste lime for a shallow recreational dive. Just my .02 worth. Feel free to shoot holes in my ideas. I'm still new at this and always willing to learn something.... Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye) I recently started playing around with a Meg. I am curious about the changes, modifications, improvements other Meg divers would like to see made to the overall design of the system. I know about all the good features so don't bother rehashing those! I'm more interested in constructive criticisms or recommended changes be they big or small (i.e. calibration technique, power on/off outside head, electronics, carry strap, etc...). Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg? Thanks.
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 04:00	#6 (permalink)
wedivebc Dave Tomblin Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada Posts: 1,444	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by Joe) Some modification to keep moisture off the sensors - not that this is unique to the Meg - but perhaps the judicious use of some hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the scrubber or perhaps in the sensor pod. (Have NO idea if that will work or if it is safe - just a thought.) . Has this been a problem for you with the meg? I know the inspo doesn't like to be set on it's back post dive but I haven't seen too much moisture around the meg sensors yet. (warning MEG Newbie) __________________ Cheers, Dave.... Man is the only animal burdened with the knowledge he will eventually die
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 05:10	#7 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,100	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by jeff h) Here are some criticisms from a fresh perspective. I’m a new Meg diver so maybe the more experience Meg divers can straighten me out on some of these points. Still not sold on the loop direction. Seems like it would be good to have direct access to the diluent ADV w/o having to send it all the way through the loop. This is the first defense against the 3 H’s. With the current configuration I would like to add an exhaust valve on the inhale lung to get a better diluent flush through the system with minimal diver input (inhaling). I find it easier to maintain a setpoint manually when the O2 feed is hooked up to the exhale lung. I can see that it is also nice to have it hooked up to the inhale lung for time spent in shallow water (above 70ffw). I like the electronics the way they are, however I would like a bottom timer and depth gauge (pressure transducer) to be integrated into the handset (no deco, no lockout, no beeping). I hope when the Apecs 3 comes out there is a way to put it in gauge mode. If you do a proper flush, you can exchange the gas in the entire loop in about 2.5 seconds, with all parts where they are now, and not inhale at all. cross arms over counterlungs, with left elbow specifically hold down bottom of left counterlung to help direct ADV flow around the loop instead of straight down to the OPV, right hand presses down on the ADV to activate it, loosen lips around mouthpeice and exhale while flushing. Your exhale will lower your displacement to help keep your buoyancy neutral when the CL's inflate. With a bit of practice, in a pool hopefully, you will be able to do this without even moving in the water column and see your PO2 plummet in seconds. Your next skill is a O2 flush, reach up with either hand and fold over the inhale loop hose between the T peice and the DSV, tap and hold the O2 injection button while exhaling through nose or around mouthpeice, this takes about 5-10 seconds to go to 100% O2 in the loop. If you dont like injecting O2 into the inhale side, after you get the rig on, cross over the O2 hose to the mixed gas bypass side, viola, injection on the exhale CL. Versatility is the watch word here. I had a valve stick on my O2 side, so I just swapped the hose to the other side during the dive, fixed the valve on SI and never missed a beat. As far as adding an exaust valve on the inhale side???? How is that going to help with a flush? dont inhale, exhale during flush!, then when you feel cool dry air, take a breath... Apecs 3 will have lots of goodies, some you havent even thought of yet. __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 05:18	#8 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,100	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Faye) I Also, what changes have you made to your own stock Meg? Thanks. Draeger FFM, bracket to mount my VR3 on the handset, prototype billet aluminum hose clamps, prototype 7.5 lb radial canister, experimental injection algorithm... (OK, i didnt design all that stuff, but I do get to play with it) __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 05:22	#9 (permalink)
Explorer I will teach you a..... Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 773	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by RonMicjan) If you dont like injecting O2 into the inhale side, after you get the rig on, cross over the O2 hose to the mixed gas bypass side, viola, injection on the exhale CL. Versatility is the watch word here. I had a valve stick on my O2 side, so I just swapped the hose to the other side during the dive, fixed the valve on SI and never missed a beat. That's the beauty of the Meg system. I use the Halcyon SS backplate with my regular one piece webbing I use for teaching with my OC twin setup. Oh yes, I removed the plastic clips on the CL's and now use small bolt snaps with bungies attached to the backplate. Slick, real slick. __________________ 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet
(Offline)

29th June 2006, 06:04	#10 (permalink)
moley Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: wiltshire, Uk Posts: 133	Re: What Changes Would You Make to A Meg? Quote: (Originally Posted by cedricverdier) Hi Moley, Why do you want a dump valve on the CL? Anything you can't do with your nose or the OPV? Cheers Hi Cedric, Given my level of experience I feel that when practicing emergency ascents 'off the loop' that a pulldump would make the control of the unit a little easier, as opposed to having to open and close the loop to vent gas, and with the BOV fitted, that is not really an ideal option. If in 'the real world' I have come off the loop it is likely that the task loading would have increased..why is the OPV fitted to the bottom of the lung? I am sure I will probably feel differently once my experience level increases. __________________ *You think I know nothing.....and I do!!!*
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