Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release

**sfldiver** · 11th March 2008, 17:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by Tienuts)

They are not needed - the remora will still work fine. But the 5.5 inch DR bands are a hell of a lot more stable when securing the larger cylinders. The remora is too mickey-mouse IMO. Also less corrosion issues as John pointed out.

I have never attempted to separate my sets of doubles, but I have heard of people having trouble with corrosion with the remora. If it becomes a problem in the future, I will consider the bands; however, given that my tanks are still relatively new and that I only use the lighter 13's, it has not become an issue, yet.

Thanks for the info guys!

JCdesign97 · 11th March 2008, 17:28

I say why bother with any of those extraneous potential weak points?? While Don has the MIG fired up, just have him weld the AL tanks together and into the backplate permanently - this would definitely be more Tony the Tiger and less Mickey Mouse ...

**Dsix36** · 11th March 2008, 22:11

Quote: (Originally Posted by JCdesign97)

I say why bother with any of those extraneous potential weak points?? While Don has the MIG fired up, just have him weld the AL tanks together and into the backplate permanently - this would definitely be more Tony the Tiger and less Mickey Mouse ...

Now here is a fella that has his crap together!

This is exactly the way to do it. I just can't get "lil ricky" to fill the tanks anymore (coward that he is and all)

Weld=strong
anything else=weak

Can you tell that I am a welder?

edasque · 17th March 2008, 18:45

Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ?

I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac
and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins

Tienuts · 17th March 2008, 19:29

Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque)

Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ?

I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac
and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins

By my estimation of the volume of the plate, it should be 5 lbs negative. I haven't been able to validate that underwater, as I am using different exposure protection now. When I get back to the 3mm, I will know better.

It's dry weight is 7lbs 10oz. The Optima, fully assembled with EAC, full AL20's, and AL plate - the dry weight of the unit is 77 lbs.

**Dsix36** · 17th March 2008, 23:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque)

Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ?

I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac
and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins

From my initial dives with the alum plate, my best calculation is 4 pounds less. I was still very new with my Optima then and may not have had my weighting 100% accurate.
I have since gone to a drysuit and am still working the weight out again.

Tony_Q · 21st April 2008, 00:56

One of Don's backplates has made it safely to the land of Oz.

I use the alloy, Luxfer 20 cuft tanks which necessitates having the foot on the standard DR plastic backplate on full extension. This made the whole kit hopelessly unstable when it was stood upright on the ground during kit preparation etc.

Don's backplate has solved this problem and makes it so much easier to work on during assembly, pre and post dive checking.

While I could have used additional stainless steel reinforcing to support the DR foot, it would not have been as elegant a solution.

This may not be such an issue for people using the shorter 13cuft tanks, with the foot up closer to the base of the DR backplate, but if you wish to change tanks, then seriously consider Don's backplate.

Don's ingenuity has solved one of my only two criticisms of the Optima (the fragility and stability of the DR backplate/foot system). This only leaves the lack of a DR recommended and supported BOV as a major issue for me.

If only DR could get together with Golem Gear or whoever to sort out the WOB issues and provide a recommeded and supported BOV for the Optima I would be a very happy customer.

Tony

jiseson · 10th May 2008, 11:35

I just noticed that the DSIX backplate is now losted on DR Expr web site. congrads Don. Hope u have much success with it.

dnscarboro · 11th May 2008, 01:19

Just wanted to say I have been diving the backplate for about 6 weeks,
Ilove it, with the weight I now use one lbs weight on each side. Not only that I can set the unit up and worry about it falling over. Thanks IF you have not seen it- it is well worth the money...

**Dsix36** · 17th May 2008, 17:28

Quote: (Originally Posted by jiseson)

I just noticed that the DSIX backplate is now losted on DR Expr web site. congrads Don. Hope u have much success with it.

Thanks!

I have received several PMs about this and people wanting to buy from me directly. If it is something custom then please PM me for more information, otherwise sales will be through DR Expr web site.

My aluminum supplier and machine shop have raised their prices substantially. This cost increase combined with the free shipping has raised the price of my backplate at DR Expr. The markup is very low and DR Expr is not making very much money on these plates.

11th March 2008, 17:14	#11 (permalink)
sfldiver Team Optima Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 665	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Quote: (Originally Posted by Tienuts) They are not needed - the remora will still work fine. But the 5.5 inch DR bands are a hell of a lot more stable when securing the larger cylinders. The remora is too mickey-mouse IMO. Also less corrosion issues as John pointed out. I have never attempted to separate my sets of doubles, but I have heard of people having trouble with corrosion with the remora. If it becomes a problem in the future, I will consider the bands; however, given that my tanks are still relatively new and that I only use the lighter 13's, it has not become an issue, yet. Thanks for the info guys! __________________ *Currently piloting & shooting...* Dive Rite O2ptima FX Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.* Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera *Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes.
(Online)

11th March 2008, 17:28	#12 (permalink)
JCdesign97 My unit can beat up yours Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PA, USA Posts: 350	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release I say why bother with any of those extraneous potential weak points?? While Don has the MIG fired up, just have him weld the AL tanks together and into the backplate permanently - this would definitely be more Tony the Tiger and less Mickey Mouse ... __________________ Cheers, John
(Offline)

11th March 2008, 22:11	#13 (permalink)
Dsix36 Going Down? Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida Posts: 891	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Quote: (Originally Posted by JCdesign97) I say why bother with any of those extraneous potential weak points?? While Don has the MIG fired up, just have him weld the AL tanks together and into the backplate permanently - this would definitely be more Tony the Tiger and less Mickey Mouse ... Now here is a fella that has his crap together! This is exactly the way to do it. I just can't get "lil ricky" to fill the tanks anymore (coward that he is and all) Weld=strong anything else=weak Can you tell that I am a welder? __________________ THE MORE THAT I LEARN, THE MORE THAT I STILL NEED TO LEARN!!!!!!
(Offline)

17th March 2008, 18:45	#14 (permalink)
edasque Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 211	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ? I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins
(Offline)

17th March 2008, 19:29	#15 (permalink)
Tienuts The man from Nantucket Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 149	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque) Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ? I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins By my estimation of the volume of the plate, it should be 5 lbs negative. I haven't been able to validate that underwater, as I am using different exposure protection now. When I get back to the 3mm, I will know better. It's dry weight is 7lbs 10oz. The Optima, fully assembled with EAC, full AL20's, and AL plate - the dry weight of the unit is 77 lbs.
(Online)

17th March 2008, 23:42	#16 (permalink)
Dsix36 Going Down? Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida Posts: 891	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque) Hey, what difference in weighting do you see with the plate ? I used to use 2x2lbs at the head with a 5mm and Transpac and 2x5lbs with a dry suit, medium insolation, Transpac and negatively buoyant fins From my initial dives with the alum plate, my best calculation is 4 pounds less. I was still very new with my Optima then and may not have had my weighting 100% accurate. I have since gone to a drysuit and am still working the weight out again. __________________ THE MORE THAT I LEARN, THE MORE THAT I STILL NEED TO LEARN!!!!!!
(Offline)

21st April 2008, 00:56	#17 (permalink)
Tony_Q New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 40	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release One of Don's backplates has made it safely to the land of Oz. I use the alloy, Luxfer 20 cuft tanks which necessitates having the foot on the standard DR plastic backplate on full extension. This made the whole kit hopelessly unstable when it was stood upright on the ground during kit preparation etc. Don's backplate has solved this problem and makes it so much easier to work on during assembly, pre and post dive checking. While I could have used additional stainless steel reinforcing to support the DR foot, it would not have been as elegant a solution. This may not be such an issue for people using the shorter 13cuft tanks, with the foot up closer to the base of the DR backplate, but if you wish to change tanks, then seriously consider Don's backplate. Don's ingenuity has solved one of my only two criticisms of the Optima (the fragility and stability of the DR backplate/foot system). This only leaves the lack of a DR recommended and supported BOV as a major issue for me. If only DR could get together with Golem Gear or whoever to sort out the WOB issues and provide a recommeded and supported BOV for the Optima I would be a very happy customer. Tony
(Offline)

10th May 2008, 11:35	#18 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 454	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release I just noticed that the DSIX backplate is now losted on DR Expr web site. congrads Don. Hope u have much success with it. __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson*
(Offline)

11th May 2008, 01:19	#19 (permalink)
dnscarboro New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 29	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Just wanted to say I have been diving the backplate for about 6 weeks, Ilove it, with the weight I now use one lbs weight on each side. Not only that I can set the unit up and worry about it falling over. Thanks IF you have not seen it- it is well worth the money...
(Offline)

17th May 2008, 17:28	#20 (permalink)
Dsix36 Going Down? Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida Posts: 891	Re: Optima Backplate - Final version ready for release Quote: (Originally Posted by jiseson) I just noticed that the DSIX backplate is now losted on DR Expr web site. congrads Don. Hope u have much success with it. Thanks! I have received several PMs about this and people wanting to buy from me directly. If it is something custom then please PM me for more information, otherwise sales will be through DR Expr web site. My aluminum supplier and machine shop have raised their prices substantially. This cost increase combined with the free shipping has raised the price of my backplate at DR Expr. The markup is very low and DR Expr is not making very much money on these plates. __________________ THE MORE THAT I LEARN, THE MORE THAT I STILL NEED TO LEARN!!!!!!
(Offline)

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