Optima O2/Dil Sidemount

zmcave

Hi guys,

so, after a long time getting the bits and pieces I finally got in the water with my sidemount configuration of oxygen and diluent for the optima.

Why? After some trips carrying tanks on planes and all the hassle, I decided to pursue a configuration that I could use even in a place that only carries S80 tanks (like many down here). When traveling to places where ccr diving is more developed this configuration is not so useful anymore, as I can probably find good enough back mounted tanks.

To start I decided to try it out with two S40 on simple and shallow dives this week. next step, a couple of S80s and one S40 and so on. I don't really believe this will go too far as too many tanks make the configuration confuse.

The idea was to get pieces that are simple enough to be sold on the internet and do some modifications on an old cover (first style cover) that I had saved for something like this. I also had a new plate make for it, as seen on the pictures.

Today my buddy shoot a couple of small videos with a photo camera and I had it sent to youtube, and put it here for you guys to see.

Hopefully I will be able to find some time and refine the idea. My buddies Edu, Luis and Carlos helped me out with this, thanks to them.
Hope you guys enjoy and maybe someone can give me some ideas for the next step!

Best,

Zé.

Pics: Left the sidemount plate, right a "normal" plate (made one in SS some time ago)







Video: (don't know how to put it here directly...)


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ScubaDadMiami

Greenworthy! Keep the experiment going!

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Howard Packer
IANTD CCR Instructor
Miami Beach, Florida
CCRDiveTraining.com

Gill Envy

Zé I know what you mean about the hastle of traveling with tanks after just getting back from another Indonesia trip with four flights each way.

have you considered using the Armadillo side mount kit? got to see one in use recently and it looks like it might help make the tanks more manageable.

Would you still carry BO with all that extra gas? I would think the addition of a reg to each would significantly reduce the need for it... depending on the dive of course. I could still see the argument for totally independent BO since you have more points of failure trying to combine it all.

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Gill Envy

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Brad_Horn

very neat idea.

Noting that diverite make a lot of caving gear, it is a wonder that that concept is not an off the shelf option, either for sidemount caving or just for travel!

Pity that the ExtendAir cartridge isn't available in a flatter oval , lowering the obstruction behind the head.

Regards
Brad

dvrstev

awesome idea, thanks

Steve

zmcave

Thanks guys!

Gill, I have seen the armadillo in action, actually by it's creator, and I liked it, built strong. On the other hand the nomad sidemount system was the easiest choice, I already had one at home, we sell them at the shop and I recommend it to my sidemount students (it's good to wear what you sell). I do prefer the nomad for its versatility though.

As for the bailout, for no stop shallow diving I believe I am fine using the same S40 for both diluent and bailout, and thats what I plan on doing while I develop the idea. I did consider the use of the O2 bottle as a possible bailout for very very light deco dives, I even have a 2nd stage that can be connected into one of the hoses on my O2 bottle, and I also have the same connector on my diluent bottle (line of QD conectors sold by Golem).
For longer dives I plan on adding more sources of bailout, depending on the dive. I don't think I would go more than 2x S80 plus 2x S40, it gets too weird to configure in my opinion.

Brad, as for the obstruction, we don't have flat scrubber yet, but, a later development step is to be able to temporarily move the scrubber in front of the divers head, to go through that tight passage... just an idea, lets see if it happens.

Best,

Zé.

jiseson

I am diving an O2ptima with the Nomad w/ butt plate.... An issue to be aware of on ocean dives when there is considerable swell on deco the BO tank on your right side swings up and down-it has the inate ability to shut your onboard O2 off. Even from a fully open position i watched it do it several times. Once aware not an issue-but i will need to re rig this so it does n't occur again. Was lucky enuff to get in one nice long dive yesterday on the Andrea Doria- vis ok, majestic. lots of Dolphin schools, current subsided enuff. rest of trip blown out. Still a great dive as always.

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jcassara

How do you carry your bail out gas?

zmcave

It depends on the dive...
That first test was in shallow waters, I could just go to my diluent S40 (yes, it had a 2nd stage connected).
On deeper no stop dives, just sling another S40 sidemounted, take the 2nd stage from the diluent.
On deeper dives with deco, sling yet another one, and so on... depending on your bailout needs. And, I have the rig set with QD fittings w/ check valves on both oxygen and diluent, and a 2nd stage with QD fitting on my dry suit pocket, in case I want to use those gases.
Best,

Zé.

jiseson

i am using dive rites nomad with the butt plate- i use the clip on top of bail out tank right onto the bungee and the bottom clip onto the butt plate attach point. You do not know you are wearing them! they hang right wear u can grab the 2nd stage. i like it and they are secure this way
see DR catalog:
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Solution Finder i am sure u can rig this up yourself too. i may be on a sunday oregon trip soon so i can show you

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