Armadillo Sidemount Bungees

Lancer4545 · 3rd March 2008, 05:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I've done something similar to Lance, and it works very well for me. I can remove and replace tanks in a second or two, which is great.

I start by buying my own bungee from a marine store instead of using the bungee that is supplied by either DR or Armadillo (I use slightly thinner gauge). I run this bungee from the center of the backplate (through the slits), and I tie small knots in it to keep it from slipping through the slits when pulling on the bungee. At the end of the bungee, instead of using the bungee as a loop for the valve, I added round rings that I also bought from a marine store (1.75 inch size). To the round rings, I tie the retrievel strap that goes to the shoulder d-rings.

Now, I just use standard configured stages for my bailout. I clip the slider bolt from the tank neck onto the round ring, which is fast, and then I clip the tails of the tank after (which I prefer to clipping the tails first). So, for example, to remove the tanks for climbing out onto a boat, I unclip the tails as I am approaching the boat. Then, I unclip the tops of the tanks and pass them up. Works like a charm, and is great to use when traveling because you can just use standard configured stage bottles if you rent.

This is almost identical to what I have done but with a ring.......What a good idea and it'll make it a whole lot easier........

I like it!!!

One thing I noticed with the tank straps you can position the tank valves anywhere you like as you are no longer using them to hold the looped bungee in place. Now I can open/close the valve as I have it facing in toward me and I can get at it with the same side hand. I was having to use both hands before and it was a real pain!!

Thanks for all the imput guys......Lots of good ideas....Except for Mike who is just "One Tough SOB"

Lance

Mike · 3rd March 2008, 09:39

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

heck ive even put the loop over the 1st stage instead of the valve handle a few times - also works fine.

The key thing is to have the tank valve handles pointing down (or i preffer slightly towards myself) when in the water.

I actually agree with Dr Mike. I just have a loop through the side of the backplate, and I loop it over reg valve and all. Make sure I can reach the valve, and it's good to go. 40s or 80s or steel 12 litres - done it with them all, no problem. 2m+ drops into the water as well. Occasionally a tank comes out of the bungy - no big deal, put it back in. Do the same OC (which I have way too much experience of lately) Mike

w ripley · 3rd March 2008, 17:40

Thanks for the picture.

Scubadadmiami's solution would solve another problem. With traditional clips on the bottles as he describes (i.e., 2 clips on a bottle), you can pass the bottles off to someone who needs them and they can attach as they normally would to their chest and waist "D" rings, whether a OC or CCR diver.

Right now my BO bottles only have a bolt snap mounted towards the bottom of the bottle, as prescribed by the Armadillo instructions. So, I'm carrying a neck strap in my leg pocket that has a bolt snap on one end and a loop on the other (to secure around the bottle's neck) in case I run into such a handoff problem.

Interesting solution! I'm assuming that the bungie/snap bolt solution pulls the bottles in as closely as does just using the bungie loops around the handles?

Bill

silent running · 3rd March 2008, 18:10

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mike)

Occasionally a tank comes out of the bungy - no big deal, put it back in. Mike

Yes Mike, happens every once in a while to me too during a giant stride, just reach down, grab the valve/reg and put it back in ze loop.

And while we are on the subject, don't most of us have our BO cylinders rigged with a handle/rope streched btw the lower clip and the neck? I do and when I'm exiting the water, I undo the bungee first, grab my rigging, then undo the bottom clip and hand the tank up, easier done than said.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 3rd March 2008, 18:23

Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley)

I'm assuming that the bungie/snap bolt solution pulls the bottles in as closely as does just using the bungie loops around the handles?

Yes. It will take a bunch of tries until you get things adjusted just as you want though.

I got sick of adjusting everything after every dive outing. So, I finally took just my backplate and two bottles into a pool's shallow end, took a breath, played with the bottles, stood up, adjusted, and repeated this process until things were as I wanted. Got it all done in one shot, in less than 30 minutes.

Paul T · 4th March 2008, 10:47

Hi all

Can anyone tell me what the distance between the d ring on the butt plate, and the cam band on the cyl should be.

IE - the length of the line and size of clip

Thanks

Paul

Philippe GERIN · 5th March 2008, 10:00

I use the medium sized clip with the shortest length of line I can fit there rigged through the slider as shown on the Armadillo manual .
Best
Philippe

Ben Field · 5th March 2008, 10:19

Quote: (Originally Posted by Philippe GERIN)

I use the medium sized clip with the shortest length of line I can fit there rigged through the slider as shown on the Armadillo manual .
Best
Philippe

Ditto, I run the tail clip really close to the tank, seems to help lift it up your side and away from your legs.

w ripley · 6th March 2008, 17:56

For some reason my wings are riding in between my tank and my canister. So, when I reach back to work the rear dump valve on my wings, the tank is in the way. Not having immediate access to that valve is of concern to me.

I have tried two different wings so far with the same conclusion. I was actually thinking about increasing - not decreasing - the distance between the tail bolt snap and the tank, so the tank would hang farther away from the wings, to more easily get to that dump.

When I asked Curt about this he mentioned that the wings designed for the Armadillo have the inflator hose attached to the rear dump valve fitting. Naturally with the inflator/dump buttons resting on your shoulder and the inflator hose running back to the rear dump valve there is no issue with working the rear dump valve.

I want to be able to dump my wings in the heads-up position when in the ocean, so I'n not inclined to rig that way. Anyone else having a problem getting your hand to the wing's rear dump valve and, if so, how have you worked it out?

Bill

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 6th March 2008, 18:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley)

For some reason my wings are riding in between my tank and my canister. So, when I reach back to work the rear dump valve on my wings, the tank is in the way. Not having immediate access to that valve is of concern to me.

You just have to keep playing with things until you can get to the dump valve, tank valve, and whatever you need. The tank might not lie perfectly horizontal when you get done, but it is more important to be able to get to the crucial equipment quickly for obvious reasons.

You might also have to consider changing wings until you find one that will position the valve correctly while providing the proper lift and wrap.

3rd March 2008, 05:55	#31 (permalink)
Lancer4545 Closed Circuit Divers Aus Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cairns QLD Australia Posts: 660	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I've done something similar to Lance, and it works very well for me. I can remove and replace tanks in a second or two, which is great. I start by buying my own bungee from a marine store instead of using the bungee that is supplied by either DR or Armadillo (I use slightly thinner gauge). I run this bungee from the center of the backplate (through the slits), and I tie small knots in it to keep it from slipping through the slits when pulling on the bungee. At the end of the bungee, instead of using the bungee as a loop for the valve, I added round rings that I also bought from a marine store (1.75 inch size). To the round rings, I tie the retrievel strap that goes to the shoulder d-rings. Now, I just use standard configured stages for my bailout. I clip the slider bolt from the tank neck onto the round ring, which is fast, and then I clip the tails of the tank after (which I prefer to clipping the tails first). So, for example, to remove the tanks for climbing out onto a boat, I unclip the tails as I am approaching the boat. Then, I unclip the tops of the tanks and pass them up. Works like a charm, and is great to use when traveling because you can just use standard configured stage bottles if you rent. This is almost identical to what I have done but with a ring.......What a good idea and it'll make it a whole lot easier........ I like it!!! One thing I noticed with the tank straps you can position the tank valves anywhere you like as you are no longer using them to hold the looped bungee in place. Now I can open/close the valve as I have it facing in toward me and I can get at it with the same side hand. I was having to use both hands before and it was a real pain!! Thanks for all the imput guys......Lots of good ideas....Except for Mike who is just "One Tough SOB" Lance __________________ You can run but you can't hide! ISC Appointed Megalodon Dealer for East Australia http://www.closedcircuitdivers.com.au info@closedcircuitdivers.com.au
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3rd March 2008, 09:39	#32 (permalink)
Mike Prism 'prentice Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Melbourne Posts: 329	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) heck ive even put the loop over the 1st stage instead of the valve handle a few times - also works fine. The key thing is to have the tank valve handles pointing down (or i preffer slightly towards myself) when in the water. I actually agree with Dr Mike. I just have a loop through the side of the backplate, and I loop it over reg valve and all. Make sure I can reach the valve, and it's good to go. 40s or 80s or steel 12 litres - done it with them all, no problem. 2m+ drops into the water as well. Occasionally a tank comes out of the bungy - no big deal, put it back in. Do the same OC (which I have way too much experience of lately) Mike __________________ Open ....... Closed Mind ........ Loop
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3rd March 2008, 17:40	#33 (permalink)
w ripley Sorta New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norfolk VA USA Posts: 152	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Thanks for the picture. Scubadadmiami's solution would solve another problem. With traditional clips on the bottles as he describes (i.e., 2 clips on a bottle), you can pass the bottles off to someone who needs them and they can attach as they normally would to their chest and waist "D" rings, whether a OC or CCR diver. Right now my BO bottles only have a bolt snap mounted towards the bottom of the bottle, as prescribed by the Armadillo instructions. So, I'm carrying a neck strap in my leg pocket that has a bolt snap on one end and a loop on the other (to secure around the bottle's neck) in case I run into such a handoff problem. Interesting solution! I'm assuming that the bungie/snap bolt solution pulls the bottles in as closely as does just using the bungie loops around the handles? Bill
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3rd March 2008, 18:10	#34 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,836	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by Mike) Occasionally a tank comes out of the bungy - no big deal, put it back in. Mike Yes Mike, happens every once in a while to me too during a giant stride, just reach down, grab the valve/reg and put it back in ze loop. And while we are on the subject, don't most of us have our BO cylinders rigged with a handle/rope streched btw the lower clip and the neck? I do and when I'm exiting the water, I undo the bungee first, grab my rigging, then undo the bottom clip and hand the tank up, easier done than said.
(Online)

3rd March 2008, 18:23	#35 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,141	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley) I'm assuming that the bungie/snap bolt solution pulls the bottles in as closely as does just using the bungie loops around the handles? Yes. It will take a bunch of tries until you get things adjusted just as you want though. I got sick of adjusting everything after every dive outing. So, I finally took just my backplate and two bottles into a pool's shallow end, took a breath, played with the bottles, stood up, adjusted, and repeated this process until things were as I wanted. Got it all done in one shot, in less than 30 minutes. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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4th March 2008, 10:47	#36 (permalink)
Paul T New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: england Posts: 39	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Hi all Can anyone tell me what the distance between the d ring on the butt plate, and the cam band on the cyl should be. IE - the length of the line and size of clip Thanks Paul
(Online)

5th March 2008, 10:00	#37 (permalink)
Philippe GERIN ccr apprentice Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Strasbourg, France Posts: 634	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees I use the medium sized clip with the shortest length of line I can fit there rigged through the slider as shown on the Armadillo manual . Best Philippe
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5th March 2008, 10:19	#38 (permalink)
Ben Field CK+Shearwater Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: London, England Posts: 1,635	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by Philippe GERIN) I use the medium sized clip with the shortest length of line I can fit there rigged through the slider as shown on the Armadillo manual . Best Philippe Ditto, I run the tail clip really close to the tank, seems to help lift it up your side and away from your legs. __________________ Know your PPO2, Pre-breath, Use checklists, Validate cells at 6mtrs, Use pure O2 at or near surface, Use a BOV, Don't dive Solo, Change Slime and Cells as recommended by Manufacturer and RTFM! Beware Fridge Suck! www.hugsac.org.uk
(Online)

6th March 2008, 17:56	#39 (permalink)
w ripley Sorta New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norfolk VA USA Posts: 152	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees For some reason my wings are riding in between my tank and my canister. So, when I reach back to work the rear dump valve on my wings, the tank is in the way. Not having immediate access to that valve is of concern to me. I have tried two different wings so far with the same conclusion. I was actually thinking about increasing - not decreasing - the distance between the tail bolt snap and the tank, so the tank would hang farther away from the wings, to more easily get to that dump. When I asked Curt about this he mentioned that the wings designed for the Armadillo have the inflator hose attached to the rear dump valve fitting. Naturally with the inflator/dump buttons resting on your shoulder and the inflator hose running back to the rear dump valve there is no issue with working the rear dump valve. I want to be able to dump my wings in the heads-up position when in the ocean, so I'n not inclined to rig that way. Anyone else having a problem getting your hand to the wing's rear dump valve and, if so, how have you worked it out? Bill
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6th March 2008, 18:26	#40 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,141	Re: Armadillo Sidemount Bungees Quote: (Originally Posted by w ripley) For some reason my wings are riding in between my tank and my canister. So, when I reach back to work the rear dump valve on my wings, the tank is in the way. Not having immediate access to that valve is of concern to me. You just have to keep playing with things until you can get to the dump valve, tank valve, and whatever you need. The tank might not lie perfectly horizontal when you get done, but it is more important to be able to get to the crucial equipment quickly for obvious reasons. You might also have to consider changing wings until you find one that will position the valve correctly while providing the proper lift and wrap. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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