DIY self inflating DSMB

[NamTinker]

For you guys that like to tinker... I converted my Buddy self sealing DSMB to a self inflating version by adding a simple mountain bike CO2 auto inflator. The MTB or road cycling guys will know them, a simple valve attached to a 12 or 16g CO2 cartridge. These valves are made from heavy duty plastic or brass/stainless steel. Simply attach the valve with dacron heavy duty fishing line to the inside "bell" area. This makes for a very compact installation. If you want to play super safe about accidental inflation, keep the cannister(s) in a seperate pouch, if not, screw it in. A 16g cartridge roughly fills a 20l bucket with CO2.

[aclivity]

can you post a picture?

I assume - correct me if I am wrong - that you would then have the option of filling it normally if for any reason the CO2 didn't work?

Any ideas where to get the bits from? I'm not really an MTB'er but do fancy the idea of adding a CO2 cartridge to my SMB

Andy

[NamTinker]

Andy
Sorry, digi camera on loan. Look at the site www.cambriabike.com/pumps.
About halfway down is an item called "Innovations Microflate". Mine looks similar. You just screw the cartridge in on the one side.
Try any bike shop. Some units use a valve, others a simple once-off puncture kit. Stay away from the puncture kit - allows absolutely no control!

Yes, since the inflator is positioned just inside the flare of the SMB, you can still inflate manually if required. With it positioned like that, I use one hand to hold on to the bottom and open the valve with the other. With practice you can do it one-handed.

Just make sure the valve is securely attached. I tried a velcro type installation first, but it only lasted about two trips. It's now tied on!

[aclivity]

I assumed there would be some sort of valve to attach to the SMB (like maybe a schrader car valve) but having re-read your post, do you mean that the CO2 canister discharges into the filling flare?

[TX101]

Can you get it refilled? or do you have to buy a new one each time? if so, how much?

[aclivity]

I found this on the web: http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productv...D=1&type=pumps I'm going to try my LBS (local bike shop) tomorrow.

[NamTinker]

Yep, Activity those will do fine. You can go so far as to attach a small flexible valve to the CO2 cartridge & assembly and position it upwards, but it is not required. As long as the SMB is upright (and it would be that way if used the normal way), it will fill.

No, they can not be refilled - I used to buy a pack in bulk. Not that expensive - no idea what they would cost in your area. Go to the car parts suppliers - there you can buy loose cartridges substantially cheaper than at any dealer. If you are going to be using the DSMB often, it might work out cheaper to go the dedicated DSMBi way - but not so compact!

My model submarine ballast system uses the 16g CO2, that's why I bought in bulk!