has made me realised that using aluminium or steel tanks (for a doubles setup) will affect hose routing, and hence the choice of first stages used.
I am trying to decide between the Apeks FST (TX/ATX100), FSR (ATX200) and the Scubapro MK17. I will be diving (hopefully) Luxfer AL80 doubles with a Halcyon manifold.
If anyone has any pictures of FST, FSR or MK17 hose routing, preferably set up on AL80 doubles, please share. I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you.
Vie
StSomewhere
December 13th, 2005, 02:08 AM
Do you already have your manifold, because the other fix was to use a different manifold.
Vie
December 13th, 2005, 03:02 AM
I don't have the manifold yet. I am considering Sea Elite (but am confused by the many different "versions" out there) but the Halcyon is the most readily available here (in Bangkok). OMS is available here (albeit in Phuket) but I have never seen the real thing so I would have to take a look when I have the chance.
GreenDiverDown
December 13th, 2005, 10:22 PM
couple of thoughts...
Don't rule out the DS4s. Don't let the pics that I posted in the other thread scare you away from these. They work fine. You just have to tilt 'em in a little and 'maybe' get a slightly longer backup reg hose. They're great regs at a great price. There are a lot of hardcore techies that will tell you that these are the ones to get.
The Sea Elite manifold will almost certainly give you the same problem as the Halcyon manifold... they are basically the same.
I'm not positive that my friend's OMS manifold alleviates this problem. He has the older style 'captured O-ring' type manifold and I would really have to double check to see if his setup is any better.
Here are two older threads that discuss the same thing. Wreckwriter, Roakey, O-ring, etc are pretty darn good sources. Read what they have to say.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=14185&highlight=apeks+atx100+doubles+aluminum
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=18377
SCUBADIVINERIK
December 14th, 2005, 12:56 AM
Just a personal opinion but I use DS4's with both the Sea Elite and Halcyon Manifolds. I also use them with both of these manifolds on steel 108s, alum 80s and steel 72s. They work fine and route fine on all. The tilt is no big deal. :) Everything is up to personal preference and I thought I would just give you mine.
Erik
Vie
December 14th, 2005, 02:23 AM
Stephen, thank you for the links and sound advice. I have not ruled out the DS4 - I do in fact have a 24" hose.
I posted the same question on TDS and have received a great FSR routing pic. Does anyone out there have a MK17 routing pic they'd like to share, please?
WaterDawg
December 14th, 2005, 03:35 AM
Vie, if you get the MK17 pics share that w/ us.
Vie
December 14th, 2005, 03:43 AM
Vie, if you get the MK17 pics share that w/ us.
Sure, will do. I've already asked DA Aquamaster a while back but I guess this is kind of a busy time of year for everyone.
Thanks again for the FSR pic, WaterDawg.
SCUBADIVINERIK
December 14th, 2005, 08:27 AM
Chris buddy you are up early in the morning.
Erik
DA Aquamaster
December 14th, 2005, 09:53 AM
I am giving my last final exam today and life should get saner - I'll try to run out to the boat today and put things together for a picture.
Makes me realize it has been over month since my last dive.
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Vie
December 16th, 2005, 10:18 AM
Thank you, DA! Really looking forward to the MK17 pic(s).
Hoosier
January 8th, 2006, 05:39 PM
Thank you, DA! Really looking forward to the MK17 pic(s).
So, finally which reg did you get?
Is there any picture for double MK17?
Vie
January 9th, 2006, 12:05 AM
So, finally which reg did you get?
Is there any picture for double MK17?
Have not decided. Am leaning towards Apeks FST/TX100s but I still have yet to see/try an MK17/G250HP.
DA still has not posted the MK17 hose routing pic...
Hoosier
January 9th, 2006, 12:09 AM
Have not decided. Am leaning towards Apeks FST/TX100s but I still have yet to see/try an MK17/G250HP.
DA still has not posted the MK17 hose routing pic...
Thanks. I see. I hope he still remembers what you wish....;)
Vie
January 9th, 2006, 12:22 AM
I hope he still remembers what you wish....;)
lol. Yeah, I've already reminded him once - DA has always been kind enough to answer my stupid PMs so I don't want to harrass him too much. :D
Hoosier
January 9th, 2006, 12:25 AM
lol. Yeah, I've already reminded him once - DA has always been kind enough to answer my stupid PMs so I don't want to harrass him too much. :D
Just based on my experiences........
But, I can't but agree that he is a real encyclopedia on SP regulators...:D
rescuediver009
January 9th, 2006, 08:11 PM
Just based on my experiences........
But, I can't but agree that he is a real encyclopedia on SP regulators...:D
I think that you will quickly find that most disagree, nor do we see you offering much better...
Hoosier
January 9th, 2006, 09:06 PM
I think that you will quickly find that most disagree, nor do we see you offering much better...
Hey, come on~~~~don't be jealous.
You are also a gatekeeper whenever we need more info. about Apeks...;)
Vie
January 16th, 2006, 01:34 PM
Vie, if you get the MK17 pics share that w/ us.
This was posted by alexxred.
Hoosier
January 16th, 2006, 02:18 PM
This was posted by alexxred.
The hose looks a little stiff. What if each stage is put in the reverse direction?
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Vie
January 17th, 2006, 12:43 AM
What I really don't like about the MK17, now that I've seen the routing, is the angle of the HP ports.
Vie
January 17th, 2006, 12:58 AM
What if each stage is put in the reverse direction?
The way to go might be to install them so that on BOTH posts, the diaphragm cap faces to the (your) right. This way, on the right post, the angled LP port (intermediate pressure port in Scubapro-speak) where the BC inflator hose is attached, is angled towards the left and the direction of the inflator. On the left post, the HFP port is next to the isolator and the short hose leading to backup second is attached there. The drysuit inflator (on the left post intermediate pressure port) is then angled outward. This still leaves the HP port on the left with the SPG still angled forward though...
Hoosier
January 17th, 2006, 01:12 AM
Yes, like MK25 set up. The caps doesn't see each other. I think it will give more clean set up....
Anyway, I plan to get MK17s to match up G250HPs.
Vie
January 17th, 2006, 01:26 AM
Yes, like MK25 set up. The caps doesn't see each other. I think it will give more clean set up....
Anyway, I plan to get MK17s to match up G250HPs.
I really need to see a side view so I can see how angled forward the HP port is on the left post MK17. Because both the long and short second stage hoses points straight down when the MK17s are set up for doubles, I wonder how the hoses get bent when double AL tanks (short neck) are used...
Apeks XTX100s are starting to look good.
Hoosier
January 17th, 2006, 01:33 AM
I really need to see a side view so I can see how angled forward the HP port is on the left post MK17. Because both the long and short second stage hoses points straight down when the MK17s are set up for doubles, I wonder how the hoses get bent when double AL tanks (short neck) are used...
Apeks XTX100s are starting to look good.
Yeah mine is TX100/ATX100 set....... Do I need to upgrade? LOL~~~
I just hope XTX series is a kind of market scam like a facelift design....;)
Vie
January 17th, 2006, 01:39 AM
I just hope XTX series is a kind of market scam like a facelift design....;)
Well, I just like the fact that the 1/2" port has been discontinued and the choice of using the small or large exhaust tee.
Hoosier
January 17th, 2006, 02:00 AM
Well, I just like the fact that the 1/2" port has been discontinued and the choice of using the small or large exhaust tee.
The exhaust tee option is only good for a photographer. I mean it doesn't bother unless you need to take a picture professionally. For a complete bubble clearance, it had better get the bubble deflector...... And, in reality, I am not sure how many divers really switch the tee every time..... Have you ever bought the both side jacket?
1/2 port don't bother that much after using the adapter (LOL~ another failure point though).
Whatelse?
Just my 2 psi.... No harsh...:D
Vie
January 17th, 2006, 02:14 AM
For a complete bubble clearance, it had better get the bubble deflector...... And, in reality, I am not sure how many divers really switch the tee every time..... Have you ever bought the both side jacket?
Well, I really like the good 'ol TX second stage - I just don't like one hanging from my neck. The only option was to use a TX on the long hose and an ATX as the backup. With the XTX, one could have the big exhaust tee on the primary and the small exhaust on the back up without having to use two different second stages.
Hoosier
January 17th, 2006, 02:33 AM
Well, I really like the good 'ol TX second stage - I just don't like one hanging from my neck. The only option was to use a TX on the long hose and an ATX as the backup. With the XTX, one could have the big exhaust tee on the primary and the small exhaust on the back up without having to use two different second stages.
It is a quite interesting opinion.... I am using ATX100 on the long hose and TX100 as the back up.... But, I see your point because TX100 is much better breathing than ATX100 and the smaller stage is on the neck is much cool looking. :D
As for XTX, Hmmm... So, you can use two tees at the same time.... Right..... But, it will be worth a upgrade....
BTW, what is MK17 price over there?
Vie
January 17th, 2006, 02:56 AM
BTW, what is MK17 price over there?
Assuming one can wrangle a "dive professional" discount, a MK17/G250HP should be around US$ 315.00
Hoosier
January 25th, 2006, 03:26 AM
Assuming one can wrangle a "dive professional" discount, a MK17/G250HP should be around US$ 315.00
Why don't you consider MK11, not MK17?
You are a warm water diver, so I don't think you must have a cold water rig that much....
Vie
February 24th, 2006, 12:44 AM
Well I finally had the chance to try some of the regs mentioned previously...
I did most of my diving with MK20s/S600/R390 - AL80s with Dive Rite manifold and Halcyon Explorer 40; everything apart from the second stages, SPG and hoses were borrowed. The MK20s were great - no problems; the hose routing was a little tight on the top part of the wing. I ended up having to use my Apeks FSR as a deco reg!
I also had the chance to play around with (but not dive) a pair of MK17s - did not like the hose routing at all... The LP hoses routed straight down and the HP hose came out at a weird angle. Sorry, did not have a camera, so no pics.
The people I was diving with were using Apeks FSTs and FSRs with assorted Apeks second stages (TX50/100s, ATX200s etc.) - the hose routing is very nice on the Apeks, especially on a wing like the Evolve where the long hose needs to be in front of the wing...
Anyway, I sold my one FSR and bought a pair of Apeks FSTs that the LDS sold to me at a good price...
Hoosier
February 24th, 2006, 01:59 AM
Well I finally had the chance to try some of the regs mentioned previously...
I did most of my diving with MK20s/S600/R390 - AL80s with Dive Rite manifold and Halcyon Explorer 40; everything apart from the second stages, SPG and hoses were borrowed. The MK20s were great - no problems; the hose routing was a little tight on the top part of the wing. I ended up having to use my Apeks FSR as a deco reg!
I also had the chance to play around with (but not dive) a pair of MK17s - did not like the hose routing at all... The LP hoses routed straight down and the HP hose came out at a weird angle. Sorry, did not have a camera, so no pics.
The people I was diving with were using Apeks FSTs and FSRs with assorted Apeks second stages (TX50/100s, ATX200s etc.) - the hose routing is very nice on the Apeks, especially on a wing like the Evolve where the long hose needs to be in front of the wing...
Anyway, I sold my one FSR and bought a pair of Apeks FSTs that the LDS sold to me at a good price...
MK20 is almost identical to MK25... Yes, LP hose on the primary is a little bit tight angle. Hence, the stage isn't always isn't parallel. It is worse if you are using the hose protector on AL80s.
Man... How could you forget the camera?
Are you getting the new XTX series or ATX series?
Vie
February 24th, 2006, 02:15 AM
It is worse if you are using the hose protector on AL80s.
The Scubapro hose protectors are pretty over-designed - I used Oceanic hose protectors. I'll still be using my MK20/S600/R390 for single tank diving.
Man... How could you forget the camera?
Yeah, I know... I was taking a course and we were diving/in the classroom at least 12 hours a day - I just couldn't be bothered with a camera (and housing); unfortunately nobody (seven students in three classes) had one!
Are you getting the new XTX series or ATX series?
I will be using my ATXs (I sold the FSR first stage only, not the second stages) - I do have an old TX50 lying around, so I might use that as my primary and put one of the ATXs on my deco reg (I still have not made up my mind as to what first stage to get for the deco setup - DS4 or DST, probably...).
Hoosier
February 24th, 2006, 02:29 AM
I will be using my ATXs (I sold the FSR first stage only, not the second stages) - I do have an old TX50 lying around, so I might use that as my primary and put one of the ATXs on my deco reg (I still have not made up my mind as to what first stage to get for the deco setup - DS4 or DST, probably...).
It sounds like you aren't a true DIR by considering DST...;) I prefer DST because it is swivel turnet and is much easier to handle 1st stage as a deco bottle....
BTW, how many DIR divers is there in Kingdom Thiland?
rescuediver009
February 25th, 2006, 03:21 PM
How ironic that the scubapro MK20/25 is DIR and the DST is not. What does one have that the other does not?
Hoosier
February 25th, 2006, 03:36 PM
:D :D :D :d
Vie
February 26th, 2006, 08:33 AM
It sounds like you aren't a true DIR by considering DST...;) I prefer DST because it is swivel turnet and is much easier to handle 1st stage as a deco bottle....
I never claimed to be DIR... :D
Unfortunately, because of my inexperience and/or lack of "DIR" trained teammates, it is impossible for me to dive "DIR" all the time.
Btw, I am not aware that the DST is not "DIR" - using DSTs for backgas confers no hose routing advantage over the DS4/FST/FSR (so should be avoided as the turret is an "additional failure point") but I see no reason not to use a DST for deco where having a swivel turret does offer some ease of use...
BTW, how many DIR divers are there in the Kingdom of Thailand?
Very, very few... There are a few recent Fundies "graduates," one guy who recently completed Tech 1, and there is a former GUE instructor exploring caves in the southern part of the country (this gentleman dives with a few DIR divers based in Australia and other locations).
Jason Ooi
March 17th, 2006, 01:24 AM
Hi,
I prefer MK17 for dual back gas, the port just perfectly for the long hose routing and pressure gauge.
Jason
Vie
March 17th, 2006, 01:30 AM
I prefer MK17 for dual back gas, the port just perfectly for the long hose routing and pressure gauge.
Ok... How about some pics?
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Jason Ooi
March 17th, 2006, 01:36 AM
Hi Vie,
I just came back Puerto Galera, sorry I forget take picture maybe I ask friend in PG get some picture sharing with you
Ok... How about some pics?
Vie
March 17th, 2006, 01:49 AM
Thank you, Jason - that would be greatly appreciated.
