To convert or not to convert ?

[nixsie]

I have a A clamp Aqualung LX Supreme regs, not bad although not sure why it makes a noise whilst taking in air (on surface) seems ok underwater.

Anyways question is - I want to take these abroad, and reading most threads mention DIN connections are the way to go. Not only that 300Bar instead of 230Bar - few more mins to play with.

WIll be doing Florida and OZ in fact OZ for long time. I havent bought my Cyl yet - no point if am jetting off to OZ for a while also.

But needed to get things straight in my mind on what I should be looking for.

Anyone give some good advice here ?

[Chris Bone]

My first regs Mares nikos MR12 were A-Clamp have since converted them to Din and puchased all new regs in Din had no problems with cylinders. some dive centers do have old cylinder which cant have insert removed bun most also have new cylinders as well.

[Adrian Kelland]

nixsie,

The A clamp to DIN conversion itself should be no problem. I would make sure that the Second stage itself is 300 bar rated. Some (usually older) are only 232.

As A clamp (yoke) is still common around the world, you may find you will have to take a DIN to A adaptor, or take your old fitting and swap back.

HTH,

Adrian

[nixsie]

Great - just need to check the Aqualung LX Octo for 300bar then and pick up A to Din conversion kit ?

Is this ok - my buddies just nip off and fill regular 230bar, whats the difference for me getting 300bar then - except more air time. Is this a special request ?

[Druid]

If you are going to be hiring cylinders, you might as well leave the A clamp on your regs. Dunno about Oz, but the Yanks have yet to take to DIN for recereational diving and a lot of dive shop cylinders are A clamp only, so you would need a DIN to A clamp adaptor anyway. They're horrible things that make my Apeks DST first stage really bulky and slightly uncomfortable where it presses against my back.

Convert your regs when you get back.

300 bar fills need 300 bar cylinders as well. I think it's highly unlikely that a shop will have 300 bar cylinders for hire, so it makes no difference whether you have DIN or A clamp, you still only get 232 bar - or 3000psi in Florida

[Dive In Paphos]

Originally Posted by Druid

300 bar fills need 300 bar cylinders as well. I think it's highly unlikely that a shop will have 300 bar cylinders for hire, so it makes no difference whether you have DIN or A clamp, you still only get 232 bar - or 3000psi in Florida

I think you meant 300 bar fills need 300 bar regs....................Not being pedantic .....................Honest :-D

ATB

Jonno

[daz]

People seem to get so hung up on this!

DIN are inherrently safer due to a captive O ring, that said....

Right A-Clamp - fine they work, generally accepted world wide. 232 bar.
(Anyone know anywhere that doesn't have cylinders that are A-Clamp compatible?)

Din 232 bar - 5 threads, 232 bar maximum, captive O-ring

Din 300 bar - 7 Threads, 300 bar, captive O ring.

OK generally A-Clamp are OK, accepted worldwide.

DIN, if you are going to do it then go 300 bar DIN fitting, get an A-Clamp convertor and rest easy that you have a good setup that is streamlined, works with 232 bar and 300 bar DIN fitting cylinders and with an A-clamp convertor can be used world wide.

Daz

[nixsie]

Dunno about getting hooked up but - when you start out you automatically get A clamp regs like me - well my local scuba shop/instructor. Not knowing any better, until you decide to go abroad and do other things. I can see the benefits of Din but this has only come with time and knowledge and great forum help.

But as I have A clamp regs already I am looking at getting a convert wherever I can find one for my Aqualung Titans.

[turbanator]

Get the regs converted and keep the old bits.

They are lighter than a converter, can be changed in seconds (albeit with tools), no extra bulk when diving.

At least this was the case with my Oceanic bal piston 1st stage (my only a-clamp reg).

hth
Paul

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by daz

(Anyone know anywhere that doesn't have cylinders that are A-Clamp compatible?)
Daz

Never seen those bloody cylinders with fatter pillars that some regs won't go on?