First dive on KISS

[Reeve]

After several months of stripping and rebuilding my KISS I finally took her for my first dive today at the NDC.

Very pleased with the dive, had a few bubbles during the first dive and these were corrected for the second dive. Only one remaining is on the 15micron filter. It has a steel washer and after stripping the O2 side, and cleaning it all in the ultrasonic bath the filter has a small leak. Not sure how I'm going to ba able to fix it, tried PTFE but did not work, may try turning the washer over too.

Total dive time 1hr 40m, max depth 22.8m. Had a small amount of water enter the loop when similating a bail out on the first dive. The 2nd stage flapper valve wasn't seated correctly and I had a small amount of water which was transfered to the breathing loop. Has anyone changed the old sherwood 2nd stages for something like a cyclon etc?

Currently only got one display tracking the O2 correctly, one is way out and the other is close. Waiting for new displays to be modified from Lascar which should correct the problem.

I have quite a lot of tinkering to do with the unit before I'll be happy. It's set up with 2 7l's currenly, piller valves upright. Am thinking of making or buying a stand, setting the 7's the other way around (correctway for RB's) and putting a little 3L on the bottom for O2 and use both 7's for diluent / bailout. Thoughts anyone.

Gareth.

p.s the NDC was heaving today, not seen so many people there for a long time.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by Reeve

Currently only got one display tracking the O2 correctly, one is way out and the other is close. Waiting for new displays to be modified from Lascar which should correct the problem. .

Glad you had a good dive, but can I ask how you knoew which one was tracking correctly if they all read different? With dil flush? or 100% o2 at surface?

[wreckweasel]

you'll normally find that the leftmost display tracks slower than the others, but thats due to its position in the gaspath. It doesnt overshoot so much as the other two will when you inject gas, which normally means its the best one to watch.

/Z

[Reeve]

Originally Posted by zepp

Glad you had a good dive, but can I ask how you knoew which one was tracking correctly if they all read different? With dil flush? or 100% o2 at surface?

Yes a combination of surface calibration and dil flush.

Took the unit for another dive last night, in the local silica mine. 70mins run time, max depth 7.2m, 7deg.C and all worked well.

The current on board 7l's are way too big. I can see myself changing them for some smaller cylinders. Was thinking maybe 3l Heiser or Worthington, Not sure yet. It seems a waste as I used less than 15bar O2 and about 40bar of Dil (mostly in the suit & wing). And my back is in agony after the long carry from the carpark to the dive site.

Has anyone got any suitable spare cylinders they'd like to sell? or recommendations.

Thanks
g.

[wreckweasel]

Try Brett www.divelife.co.uk, I think he had some 3L heisers in.

/Zak

[NotDeadYet]

The mine at Dinas? No wonder your back is hurting!

I'm going to Divelife today, I'll have a shufty to see if they have any.

[Reeve]

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

The mine at Dinas? No wonder your back is hurting!

I'm going to Divelife today, I'll have a shufty to see if they have any.

Stuart

Thanks for that, & yes at Dinas........

[NotDeadYet]

Hi Gareth,

I asked tonight and they are out of stock for the next couple of months.

However I just may happen to have one for sale

[Janos]

I think my local shop (Amphibian in West Norwood) has some dumpy threes in. I'm there later so I can check if you want.

Janos

[aquaholic]

Originally Posted by Reeve

I have quite a lot of tinkering to do with the unit before I'll be happy. It's set up with 2 7l's currenly, piller valves upright. Am thinking of making or buying a stand, setting the 7's the other way around (correctway for RB's) and putting a little 3L on the bottom for O2 and use both 7's for diluent / bailout. Thoughts anyone.

Hi Gareth,

why bother fitting a stand when the upright 7's fullfill the same purpose and give you a greater reserve/better filling logistics? I dive this configuration and found that it suits me very well (but I know I'm in the minority there) I suspect you'll find they stick out too much if you invert them. 3L are better for that. Though I also use long 3L valves up if I need a lighter unit and less gass.

Re changing the DSV second stage - most new Kiss owner look at that and then find it can't be done (easily) as the pargon has such a small mouthpiece stem that nothing else seems to fit.

Have fun

Anke