Wing inflator bungee loop.

[tom]

OK, this is somewhere in between a skills and an equipment question. Related to stuff that's been discussed recently, but I don't think I saw a definitive answer to this (apologies if there was and I missed it).

Wing inflator runs through loop of bungee that comes off the left harness webbing (running through the bit of webbing that holds the d-ring). So far so good.

To dump from the wing using the corrugated hose, do you

a) pull the inflator out of the bungee loop and hold it aloft, or
b) just raise it, stretching the bungee loop with it?

[Rick Huggins]

Originally Posted by tom

OK, this is somewhere in between a skills and an equipment question. Related to stuff that's been discussed recently, but I don't think I saw a definitive answer to this (apologies if there was and I missed it).

Wing inflator runs through loop of bungee that comes off the left harness webbing (running through the bit of webbing that holds the d-ring). So far so good.

To dump from the wing using the corrugated hose, do you

a) pull the inflator out of the bungee loop and hold it aloft, or
b) just raise it, stretching the bungee loop with it?

B

You should however start using the rear dump, it takes a while but like everything else, it will come with practice!

Don't however get fixated with this, or you'll end up with a run away. Also remember for the rear dump to work properly, you need to be horizontal in the water.

HTH

[JAG]

Just got back from Guildy and have been experimenting with "B". Expermenting a bit too much to be honest as I have found I have a slightly sticky inflator on my Explorer 55. Dawned on me after my buddy noticed a stream of bubbles coming from my wing inflator and I had major problems dumping air.. Just seen this on the Halcyon site..

Due to reports of isolated problems related to some Stainless Steel inflator mechanisms shipped with Halcyon BCs since October a product recall has been issued for SS inflators. Typically, the reported problem expresses itself as a leak into the BC bladder i.e. involuntary inflation

Looks like a call to DIR Direct in the morning

[tom]

Cheers guys.

[DJL]

Tom,

Another reason for using the rear dump is because it's easier to maintain trim. If you're in 3m of water and you have to sit-up slightly to dump then all the gas in your wing and drysuit will expand and add to your bouyancy - the reverse of what you're trying to achieve.

Also, with stages that left D-Ring area can get a bit crowded therefore locating the rear dump is sometimes easier.

One other point - you shouldn't be able to pull the inflator out of the bungee!! The corrugated hose goes through the bungee but the LP inflate hose doesn't. This ensures that the inflator is always there and that any pulling on the inflator doesn't cause the LP hose to disconect.

HTH - Dave.

[Janos]

I have my wing inflator on one of those retractor things. Works well for me.

Janos

EDIT: Just noticed that this is in the DIR forum. This is probably not the DIR way of doing it I suppose.

[izzyimset]

Hi Ian,

Sorry to hear about your problem re inflator. We have exchanged a majority of any of the mentioned SS inflators out there since the recall with new designs and will continue to do so with any remaining units until each and every inflator that might be part of that product line is replaced -- whether or not they give signs of a possible failure.

As you noted, details of the recall are on the UK Halcyon site and as it has been expressed here, any UK Halcyon vendor will immediately organise a replacement for you.

Hope this helps...

On a different note, all Halcyon wings brought into the UK as of 2005 are now supplied with an optional, small and inconspicuous rear dump valve toggle that might ease operations/rear deflation of wing.

Best Regards
Izzy Imset

[JAG]

Cheers Izzy.

A developement, apparantely mine isn't one of the old batch but one of the new ones, and it still happened. Four times I dumped all air from the wing, descended and within a short space of time was heading up again, only to find that I had a wing full of air again. Got it under test right now and there is definately a problem with the inflator. The wing was bought in September 04.

Ian

[izzyimset]

Originally Posted by JAG

Cheers Izzy.
Got it under test right now and there is definately a problem with the inflator. The wing was bought in September 04.

Hi Ian,

Though I have not seen it, I assume it is one subject to replacement. The original (recalled) version of the SS inflator had a smooth surface on the outer edge of the power inflation button retainer nut. The replacement inflator has a "shallow groove" cut into the surface of the nut.

A blown up photo comparison is available at http://www.halcyon.net/recall/index.shtml .

Check out the groove please and you can contact any Halcyon vendor in the UK for an immediate replacement. Just return the old one. Any problems, EM me pls. Best

Izzy

[gunsentry]

Originally Posted by DJL

Tom,

Another reason for using the rear dump is because it's easier to maintain trim. If you're in 3m of water and you have to sit-up slightly to dump then all the gas in your wing and drysuit will expand and add to your bouyancy - the reverse of what you're trying to achieve.

Also, with stages that left D-Ring area can get a bit crowded therefore locating the rear dump is sometimes easier.

One other point - you shouldn't be able to pull the inflator out of the bungee!! The corrugated hose goes through the bungee but the LP inflate hose doesn't. This ensures that the inflator is always there and that any pulling on the inflator doesn't cause the LP hose to disconect.

HTH - Dave.

Post a picture of this please.

Thx.

Gary