Distribution block question.....

[Mitchell Teeters]

So if I were to run HP to HP on the first stages and have an extra HP port for a SPG I'd have a good reading. The reason I want to use the distribution manifold is to reduce the task loading while diving. Not needing to manage the valves and when to switch is what I'm trying to do. Simplify.

The KISS mindset with managing two valves, locations of regs, stowage of hoses, etc, is that REALLY KISS? Versus set up one whip hose between two first stages, one SPG, never having to switch between tanks, just worry about your traditional primary and octo set up coming off your back is what I'm going for.

 

[amascuba]

Yes, you will need a spg on both tanks. The system doesnt equalize the pressure from both tanks. If you turned both tanks on and breathed them down, the first stage with the more sensitive pressure seat will drain first. it's unadvisable to dive the system that way. It's quirky and is npt going to work like you think it is. therefore, id suggest getting trained on that specific system before you use it.

 

[DaleC]

Remember I said I wouldn't recommend it and probably no one doing cave or technical dives would dive with you either. My project was for an open water vintage rig. One blown hose and you would loose all your gas. Either you isolate tanks in some way to provide redundancy or you dive one big tank. Perhaps someone who dives a Z system can tell us what happens if you blow one of the feeding LP whips to the block.

Take your time. If that degree of task loading is daunting one shouldn't be using the technique. When it's time, the task loading won't be an issue. You should be comfortable doing reg swaps (what about using stage/deco bottles) it's a bonus when it comes to donating a reg and monitoring gas is not that hard when the SPG's are right in your face.

Before spending all that money on a very unique rig that can't be used for anything else, get comfortable in the water with your basic skills and then seek out a mentor or instructor that will let you use a more traditional SM rig. You may find it's not that big a problem.

I wonder if the Z system delivers what it promises. Most SM divers are going to wonder what the heck you are doing and, while the reg position is similar, BM divers are going to be confused by the equipment configuration and not feel it's standardized within the team. I dunno, perhaps a team could comment on that one.

 

[amascuba]

Running hp to hp on the first stages will not work either. you're not grasping how the first stages work. The UTD z system only allows you to breath the same second stage, while still managing the gas in both tanks by turming on off and the other on. It's only advantage is having the same procedures for donating to an out of gas diver while diving in a mixed team environment. it does not equalize or simplify gas management of the side mount diver. It's still the same procedure, minus having to swap the second stage. If you plan on solo divong, the havimg a completely separate system still makes more sense.

So if I were to run HP to HP on the first stages and have an extra HP port for a SPG I'd have a good reading. The reason I want to use the distribution manifold is to reduce the task loading while diving. Not needing to manage the valves and when to switch is what I'm trying to do Simplify.

The KISS mindset with managing two valves, locations of regs, stowage of hoses, etc, is that REALLY KISS? Versus set up one whip hose between two first stages, one SPG, never having to switch between tanks, just worry about your traditional primary and octo set up coming off your back is what I'm going for.

 

[amascuba]

It's a misconception that with the z system that you will lose all your gas in the event of gas failure. You dive it with one tank turned off and swap based upon your current side mount gas management strategies. If a o-ring were to fail anywhere on the system, you have the capability of isolating the problem and continuing. If the o-ring is on the manifold, you disconnect the tanks and either breath from a second stage directly attached to the second stage that is tucked under bands on the tank, or you connect a spare second stage to the qc6 that is connected to the manifold.

Yes, you will need a spg on both tanks. The system doesnt equalize the pressure from both tanks. If you turned both tanks on and breathed them down, the first stage with the more sensitive pressure seat will drain first. it's unadvisable to dive the system that way. It's quirky and is npt going to work like you think it is. therefore, id suggest getting trained on that specific system before you use it.

 

[Slamfire]

Running hp to hp on the first stages will not work either. you're not grasping how the first stages work.

I do transfill and equalize my tanks by running hp to hp on the first stages all the time. It is effectively my transfill whip. In that sense it does work very well actually. I have never done it underwater while diving and do not intend to do so. I would not feel safe doing so under water and have no need to do so. I would NOT recommend it to anybody as a way to equalize sidemounted double while diving. It is not robust enough to be dive worthy and you just set up to very easily lose the gas supply of both tanks. You effectively kill redundancy. I personally think it would be a bad idea.

 

[tech_diver]

I seem to recall that someone once sold a 'soft' manifold system where a braided HP hose allowed the two tanks to communicate. I did a quick google and couldn't turn it up. It might be interesting to hear from someone who used one.

Also, most HP ports have flow restrictors such that they may not equalize as fast as they are breathed. This may or may not have an impact in real diving.

 

[Slamfire]

Also, most HP ports have flow restrictors such that they may not equalize as fast as they are breathed. This may or may not have an impact in real diving.

Good point. HP to HP transfilling can be much slower when compared to using a traditional transfill whip. It's not really a concern when transfilling; in fact I see as an advantage when dealing with high O2 mixes -- you just can't fill too fast. Still have to be careful to open valves slooowly, though.

 

[TSandM]

You know, I think I misspoke . . . I'm not a sidemount diver. Trying to remember diving sidemount with Rob, I don't recall turning the tank off when I switched regs. But you DO have to do it with the Z-system, because of the IP mismatch problem.

If you blow a connection or hose downstream of the block on the Z-system, you have to disconnect both QDs, and then either breathe a regulator which has been bungied to your tank like a deco reg is, or pull a spare second stage out of your pocket and stick it on one of the QD hoses. Andrew doesn't think this is a problem, but I can't see myself getting that done expeditiously in the middle of a restriction somewhere.

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

So I would need to run a spare reg on both sides or have a QD attached so that I can change out the reg to the good side. Did I get that right?