How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF

tauchdiscounter · 5th June 2008, 11:39

Hi,
i am looking for solution to bring the stage into the loop of my Azimuth AF.
In the normal configuration there is one port on each switch block free, so why not use it to bring the gas of the stages into the loop?
Has anyone already solved this problem or any suggestions?

Dinspiration · 5th June 2008, 13:45

Hi,

The standard Azimuth has three hoses connected to the switch block: One coming from the upper tank, one coming from the lower tank and the third going to the inhale CL. With the switch on the switch block you added the second tank to the loop.

I don't know the detailed setup of the AF version. If I'm correct it is the Trimix version with the two 10 Litre tanks.

The connectors on the switch block are standard LP hose connectors. If you have one connection left, it is the one for adding the second tank.

Possible solution: Add between the switch block and the hose coming from the first stage of your internal tank a standard inline shutoff slide valve. Add a short LP hose with a quick disconnect (Omniswivel or Swagelok QC6). Add the counterpart of the quick disconnect with an LP hose coming from your stage tank.

1. Close the inline shutoff valve to stop the gas flow coming from your internal tank.
2. Use the switch on the switch block to change the gas flow to connection with quick connect LP hose.
3. Connect your stage the quick connect
4. Thats it....

Kind regards

DINspiration

Quote: (Originally Posted by tauchdiscounter)

Hi,
i am looking for solution to bring the stage into the loop of my Azimuth AF.
In the normal configuration there is one port on each switch block free, so why not use it to bring the gas of the stages into the loop?
Has anyone already solved this problem or any suggestions?

**Dave Sutton** · 5th June 2008, 14:00

DO NOT EVER USE QUICK CONNECTS TO FEED GAS TO AN AZIMUTH.

Got that?

Using a QD will cause inclusion of water into the system. If you include ANY water in the system, it WILL corrode the orifice. The rig WILL go to a low flow state. The rig WILL do this during a dive, as a chunk of corrosion/salt/etc blows off of the inside of the block and lodges in the area of the adjustable orifice. IF you decide there is no other way, NEVER connect the QD in the water and best NEVER to dive around salt water in any case. Otherwise you run a real risk of getting killed.

Don't believe me?

I'm looking at an Azimuth across the shop. It was last dived by a friend of mine who allowed corrosion to start in the valve block. He died on the rig in less than 3 metres of water when a chunk of corrosion went to the orifice and he did not detect the dropping PP02. He died... dead, gone, forever, worm-dirt. I look at his rig every day here to remind me of what happens when we **** up around these things.

Guys: When you give advice on how to do this stuff, make damned sure you know WTF you are talking about. Using quick connects to feed gas to SCC rigs? Not good. Am I upset? You're damned right I am. Bad advice can kill.

Feed different gas to your Azi using a switch block. All of the hoses need to be hard-connected thru the system, no QD's at all.

Dave

(I still miss my friend....)

.

tauchdiscounter · 5th June 2008, 18:15

@ dinspiration
The AF Version of the Azimuth has two blocks, one for each bottle.
On each block the middle connector is free, so it might be possible to connect the stages there.

@ Dave
I do not want to make any experiments on a rebreather.
Thats the reason, why i ask if anyone already has a working solution.

@all
After thinking twice about a solution, it might be the best way to "hard connect" one or two stages to the free port of the switch blocks.
So there should be no risk of getting water into the orfices.

But if anyone else has a better solution please write it her.

Philippe GERIN · 5th June 2008, 20:29

Quote: (Originally Posted by tauchdiscounter)

After thinking twice about a solution, it might be the best way to "hard connect" one or two stages to the free port of the switch blocks.
So there should be no risk of getting water into the orfices.
But if anyone else has a better solution please write it her.

You're correct. This is the only correct way to do it: use original LP hoses with original fittings. All easily obtainable through your OMG distributor.
Now, all that means that your stages are always connected to your rig. Your next problem is what you'll do in case of loss of bouyancy, restriction, going up the ladder... Not a good idea IMO. If you want to stay longer down there, SCR is not the best solution. Change your Azi into a closed circuit or better yet, get one ccr.
Best
Philippe

**Dave Sutton** · 7th June 2008, 01:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Philippe GERIN)

If you want to stay longer down there, SCR is not the best solution. Change your Azi into a closed circuit

Agreed 100%

My friend who died on his Azi was coming to my place the next week to make it a KISS type CCR. If he had come one week earlier he would still be alive.

SCC rigs are ambiguous.. the gas % and PP02 is ambiguous. I hate ambiguous things, and in my opinion, constant flow SCC rigs are less safe than CCR's as well as being terribly less efficient.

Dave

.

5th June 2008, 11:39	#1 (permalink)
tauchdiscounter New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 4	How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF Hi, i am looking for solution to bring the stage into the loop of my Azimuth AF. In the normal configuration there is one port on each switch block free, so why not use it to bring the gas of the stages into the loop? Has anyone already solved this problem or any suggestions? __________________ Enjoy the silence, Christian www.tauchdiscounter.de Oxygen sensors and Analyzer
(Offline)

5th June 2008, 13:45	#2 (permalink)
Dinspiration Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Switzerland Posts: 213	Re: How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF Hi, The standard Azimuth has three hoses connected to the switch block: One coming from the upper tank, one coming from the lower tank and the third going to the inhale CL. With the switch on the switch block you added the second tank to the loop. I don't know the detailed setup of the AF version. If I'm correct it is the Trimix version with the two 10 Litre tanks. The connectors on the switch block are standard LP hose connectors. If you have one connection left, it is the one for adding the second tank. Possible solution: Add between the switch block and the hose coming from the first stage of your internal tank a standard inline shutoff slide valve. Add a short LP hose with a quick disconnect (Omniswivel or Swagelok QC6). Add the counterpart of the quick disconnect with an LP hose coming from your stage tank. 1. Close the inline shutoff valve to stop the gas flow coming from your internal tank. 2. Use the switch on the switch block to change the gas flow to connection with quick connect LP hose. 3. Connect your stage the quick connect 4. Thats it.... Kind regards DINspiration Quote: (Originally Posted by tauchdiscounter) Hi, i am looking for solution to bring the stage into the loop of my Azimuth AF. In the normal configuration there is one port on each switch block free, so why not use it to bring the gas of the stages into the loop? Has anyone already solved this problem or any suggestions?
(Offline)

5th June 2008, 14:00	#3 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,689	Re: How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF DO NOT EVER USE QUICK CONNECTS TO FEED GAS TO AN AZIMUTH. Got that? Using a QD will cause inclusion of water into the system. If you include ANY water in the system, it WILL corrode the orifice. The rig WILL go to a low flow state. The rig WILL do this during a dive, as a chunk of corrosion/salt/etc blows off of the inside of the block and lodges in the area of the adjustable orifice. IF you decide there is no other way, NEVER connect the QD in the water and best NEVER to dive around salt water in any case. Otherwise you run a real risk of getting killed. Don't believe me? I'm looking at an Azimuth across the shop. It was last dived by a friend of mine who allowed corrosion to start in the valve block. He died on the rig in less than 3 metres of water when a chunk of corrosion went to the orifice and he did not detect the dropping PP02. He died... dead, gone, forever, worm-dirt. I look at his rig every day here to remind me of what happens when we ** up around these things. Guys: When you give advice on how to do this stuff, make damned sure you know WTF you are talking about. Using quick connects to feed gas to SCC rigs? Not good. Am I upset? You're damned right I am. Bad advice can kill. Feed different gas to your Azi using a switch block. All of the hoses need to be hard-connected thru the system, no QD's at all. Dave (I still miss my friend....) . __________________ "Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes, Nothing remains quite the same".... www.nobubblediving.com** Last edited by Dave Sutton : 5th June 2008 at 14:03.
(Online)

5th June 2008, 18:15	#4 (permalink)
tauchdiscounter New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Azimuth Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 4	Re: How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF @ dinspiration The AF Version of the Azimuth has two blocks, one for each bottle. On each block the middle connector is free, so it might be possible to connect the stages there. @ Dave I do not want to make any experiments on a rebreather. Thats the reason, why i ask if anyone already has a working solution. @all After thinking twice about a solution, it might be the best way to "hard connect" one or two stages to the free port of the switch blocks. So there should be no risk of getting water into the orfices. But if anyone else has a better solution please write it her. __________________ Enjoy the silence, Christian www.tauchdiscounter.de Oxygen sensors and Analyzer
(Offline)

5th June 2008, 20:29	#5 (permalink)
Philippe GERIN ccr apprentice Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Strasbourg, France Posts: 634	Re: How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF Quote: (Originally Posted by tauchdiscounter) After thinking twice about a solution, it might be the best way to "hard connect" one or two stages to the free port of the switch blocks. So there should be no risk of getting water into the orfices. But if anyone else has a better solution please write it her. You're correct. This is the only correct way to do it: use original LP hoses with original fittings. All easily obtainable through your OMG distributor. Now, all that means that your stages are always connected to your rig. Your next problem is what you'll do in case of loss of bouyancy, restriction, going up the ladder... Not a good idea IMO. If you want to stay longer down there, SCR is not the best solution. Change your Azi into a closed circuit or better yet, get one ccr. Best Philippe
(Offline)

7th June 2008, 01:00	#6 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,689	Re: How to connect stage at the switch block of Azimuth AF Quote: (Originally Posted by Philippe GERIN) If you want to stay longer down there, SCR is not the best solution. Change your Azi into a closed circuit Agreed 100% My friend who died on his Azi was coming to my place the next week to make it a KISS type CCR. If he had come one week earlier he would still be alive. SCC rigs are ambiguous.. the gas % and PP02 is ambiguous. I hate ambiguous things, and in my opinion, constant flow SCC rigs are less safe than CCR's as well as being terribly less efficient. Dave . __________________ "Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes, Nothing remains quite the same".... www.nobubblediving.com
(Online)

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