How do you control ascent with a breathable power inflator?

[dumpsterDiver]

interestingly enough, DD, I have been able to hold the unit in my mouth and, by pushing away from me in the "loop/arc" formed, I can trigger the dump. I do hear some ptd's are "stiffer", and this may not be possible (I have had success with DACOR and DUI models).

I guess with the SP, it is all part of the system - the BC also has an independent PTD on the opposite shoulder (Classic series).

Not sure how his products/brands are configured, so for him it may be quite different.

In summary, yep, work it out with your instructor/LDS. And again, practice, practice, practice...

I would assume that would tend to yank the thing out of your mouth too, right? Maybe I need to try it...? I would just take it out of my mouth and dump I think.

 

[rhwestfall]

what BC is it Bob?

 

[rhwestfall]

I would assume that would tend to yank the thing out of your mouth too, right? Maybe I need to try it...? I would just take it out of my mouth and dump I think.

depends on how "stiff" of a dump valve it is..... and also, it depends on how appropriately sized (length) the inner pull cable is...

 

[rhwestfall]

as usual - there are a bunch of options, and use what works best for you...

 

[sdiver68]

That is sorta the problem, unless you have a neck that extends 12 inches at will, it is impossible (I think anyway) to have the device in your mouth and simultaneously utilize the pull dump device that is associated with the corregated hose. To use the pull dump on the inflater the device must be removed from the mouth.

Since I've been thinking about the SS1 for awhile, I practiced last time out keeping the inflator in my mouth and dumping air. If anything, pulling the dump pushed the inflator into my mouth more.

Anyway, different configs and practice, practice, practice... The reason I went to shoulder dump is the traditional method did not work very well with my Oceanic Islander back-mount travel/minimalist BCD. My instructor told me to use the shoulder dump and it works great in combination with the lower dump when I'm not heads up.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Just a quick note to "dumpster diver" on how I "come up with stuff." My comments on this and other threads are based upon my experience and observing experiences of others for many years. I am rarely dogmatic in my posts because I understand that others have experiences different from mine. I am, however, always trying to be positive and encourage other divers, knowing that mine will not be the only contribution to the discussion. I think the comments I have made on this post, are, incidentally, accurate. And it is assuring that as far as suggestions to the poster, we are in fundamental agreement.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Jim Lapenta]

While I strongly discourage students from choosing this type of set up in favor of a conventional or bungeed octo I will train someone who insists on getting one. But my feeling is if a shop is going to sell you this they should provide FREE training on it's use or not install it on the BC. I also do not allow it's use in my AOW class as it presents unnecessary difficulties in some of the skills I require and contradicts my lesson in choosing the most optimal gear configuration. Plus it adds unnecessary expense to the set up with no real benefit.

 

[g1138]

To quickly answer one question, yes you can breath off your Gemini while inflating.

You should refer to a post I made regarding dumping air while on your Air 2.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...ng-your-line-altair-inflator-note-divers.html

I'd also like to add that in order to orally inflate with your Air 2 you'll need to depress the dump button fully. If it is pressed any less it will only allow you to dump air, and not add air orally. This can come in handy on ascents though. It means you can keep your mouth on your Air 2 while exhaling so you don't inhale any BC air, but at the same time you won't be inadvertently adding air to your BC while exhaling.

 

[flots am]

While I strongly discourage students from choosing this type of set up in favor of a conventional or bungeed octo I will train someone who insists on getting one. But my feeling is if a shop is going to sell you this they should provide FREE training on it's use or not install it on the BC. I also do not allow it's use in my AOW class as it presents unnecessary difficulties in some of the skills I require and contradicts my lesson in choosing the most optimal gear configuration. Plus it adds unnecessary expense to the set up with no real benefit.

Even though you may not like them, use of a combination inflator/second stage isn't rocket science and no special training or contortions are needed.

To add air to the BC you press the small button.

To dump air you press the big button.

None of this changes at all, regardless of whether you're breathing off it or not.

There's no reason to overly complicate things. Also, it doesn't add "unnecessary expense" and in fact, priced almost identically to a seperate second stage and inflator.

flots

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Disagree with the cost statement, all bc's come with an inflator, a second stage and hose can be had for as little as 75.00 for a good one. 110 or so for a really good one. How much is an atomic or scubapro air 2 device. And is it as streamlined or does it hang down a bit? And they are not all the same. Had a scubapro and an aqualung model in my rescue class. They did not operate the same, buttons were not in the same location, and they were more problems than they were worth IMO for the people trying to "rescue" the divers wearing them. Both of the divers planned on getting rid of them after the class in favor of standard octo set ups. Part of the rescue class I teach looks at configuring your gear for self and buddy rescue. Lowvis found out a few things about his tech set up that got him thinking. Other divers saw the importance of keeping things as simple as possible. Especially if it was their life on the line. Something that is not standardized and not taught to every diver how to deal with is not an optimal choice in equipment.

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