Sorry Another Kit configuration Question

[Air Guzzler]

After the DIR introduction Mal arranged at Stoney lats weekend i had a few questions that i never got chance to ask. and following reading the new GUE site and the article on Equipment Configuration it still does not answer one of the questions.

Quite simple A Clamp 1st stage's

Ive dived with my Mk II now for 3 years with a R190 & R290 regs and they appear to function verywell in all weathers & temps from 4 degrees to 30 degrees.

But the aritcle deos not state that the Din style is mandatory neither does the picture
http://www.gue.com/files/page_images...jjboat0246.jpg

http://www.gue.com/files/page_images...bimini-311.jpg

ok so at present i dive using a single cylinder & stage for OOA & back up with A clamps would i have to change the 1st stages to comply with the ethos of GUE

[MartyC]

If you look at the equipment requirements on the GUE web site, there is no stipulation as regards A v DIN, I think that the majority of DIR divers use DIN due to the reduced ability to knock and unseat the first stage o ring with a DIN reg

[IanDennis]

Irrespective of whether your DIR or not, then DIN offers a number of advantages over A Clamp. By using a captured O ring system and screw in valve then the DIN – Deutche International Norm -offers much greater security and are less likely to become unseated. 300Bar Din threads can be used in 232 bar cylinders and provide a high level of security for the valve. When the Din regulator is screwed into a DIN valve it creates a gastight seal between the cylinder and the regulator and whilst it is possible that if the regulator is depressurised that the diver could loosen the regulator to tank connection this is highly unlikely in normal diving.

A clamps have been around for a long time but in a technical environment that may be considered unsuitable due to the potential for them to become unseated from their position on the cylinder valve.

If you look through books such as

An introduction to Technical Diving- Rob Palmer
The Technical Diving Handbook – Gary Gentile
Doing it Right- the fundamentals of Better Diving – Jarrod Jablonski
IANTD technical Diving Encylopedia – Tom Mount

Then all suggest that DIN regulators are more appropriate for technical diving.

I do not believe that the GUE site states whether AClamp or DIN should be used but for the reasons above DIN may be a better choice for more adverse environments.

[MartyC]

Also on the plus side mkII's can be easily converted without too much cash outlay
One of my original mk25's was an A clamp, which cost about £25 to convert by my LDS

[pieater]

Converting your A clamps to DIN doesn't mean you have to get new first stages, most regs can be changed fairly easily. However - while you're at it you should consider whether you'd be better off going for the new "nitrox" M26 thread.

[Woz]

Originally Posted by pieater

Converting your A clamps to DIN doesn't mean you have to get new first stages, most regs can be changed fairly easily. However - while you're at it you should consider whether you'd be better off going for the new "nitrox" M26 thread.

And then shortly afterwards decide "no".

For the team environment (which the DIR method is) you should stick to what the team dives. Which you'll find will be DIN.

However if yo're starting off then stick with your A clamps until you have to change.

[Bardo]

Originally Posted by Woz

And then shortly afterwards decide "no".

For the team environment (which the DIR method is) you should stick to what the team dives. Which you'll find will be DIN.

However if yo're starting off then stick with your A clamps until you have to change.

Unless, of course, you're planning to undertake any form of diving that involves either mandatory decompression or you're entering an overhead environment (the inside of a wreck, for example). For these environments, DIN connections should be treated as obligatory.

At Fundamentals level, though, there's nothing inherently wrong with A-clamp - after all, the vast majority of divers here and abroad use it and they all seem to come back alive. If you're looking to progress towards more 'techie'-type diving, though, you should seriously consider getting your regulators converted. Certainly if Tech-1 or Cave-1 is your aim then it's a no-brainer...

[Woz]

Yep can't argue with that.

Once you've attended Woz's new "field repairs of diving equipment" course (which includes a bit on how O rings work) all will become apparent.

[RichW]

Originally Posted by Air Guzzler

ok so at present i dive using a single cylinder & stage for OOA & back up with A clamps would i have to change the 1st stages to comply with the ethos of GUE

I would have no problem with the A clamp regulator. However, a single cylinder and stage is an "interesting" combination.

If you're using the stage for redundancy and you truly need the redundancy, then a twin set is the GUE preferred solution. If the dives are single tank dives then good gas management and team skills are the way forward.

Rich

EDIT: I may have made a mistake in reading your post. If you mean stage as in having a single 1st stage, then this is also fine. If you mean stage as in a pony, side slung, thing then it isn't fine

[Bardo]

Originally Posted by RichW

EDIT: I may have made a mistake in reading your post. If you mean stage as in having a single 1st stage, then this is also fine. If you mean stage as in a pony, side slung, thing then it isn't fine

I suspect he's carrying the stage just to get used to it rather than it being an integral part of his dive plan, Rich. If it's there for redundancy then - as you say - a twinset is the way to go...