Newbie to Mares Products: Questions

[Greg Barlow]

Thanks Guys, and what wonderful enthusiastism on the topic. For a newbie, I'm learning a lot quickly here, so many thanks.

Okay now I can make clear what I purchased. A few more questions: Jeremy, it's a MR32T first stage with Proton Metal second stage, not the MR42 as assumed here. I note in the regulator picture in the Mares 2008 catalogue that MR32 does not seem to correspond with the Stage 2 Proton Metal, but shows a relationship -a series of lines connecting/linking to the Proton Ice Extreme and Prestige NTT, so not sure what this means, if any implications on my arrangement/ purchase of a MR32T connected to the Proton Metal?

Also I understand from the catalogue - unlike the MR42, the MR32 has similar characteristics except having a Primary LP??? What does that mean and given your diagram above, does this make redundant how I connect all?? I'm assuming the answer is not, but what is a Primary LP?

The console is Mission-3 which I understand can be upgraded to a computer connection?? or something like that. As I have a Suunto D6 which also has the capacity to connect to a PC, is this worth the upgrade effort??

BTW, I'm very happy I have settled with Mares, especially the community out there!!!!, but still have a learning curve to overcome, but then its the journey, not the destination eh...! Best regs, Mike.

Mike,

The MR32 first stage is a bit larger in size than the MR42. It uses the same internal parts as the MR22, and many of the other Mares diaphragm first stages. The 42 is considerably smaller than the other offerings, and it does not offer many interchangeable parts. For example, the HP assembly will only fit the 42, while the same HP tri-material valve is used in the 22/32/16/12 series.

The 32 also has a 1/2" primary port rather than the 3/8" found on the 42. The remaining 3 LP ports on the 32 are 3/8". No problem, as 1/2" hoses are easy to locate. The MR22 also has the same hose sizing as the 32. The 42 uses all 3/8" LP hoses.

Your Suunto D6 is perfectly fine to use. The Mission console allows the computer to be on the same unit as the SPG, depth gauge, and compass. I use wrist mounted computers, so it is not a big deal to me.

Greg

 

[esguerra1]

Thanks for that Greg. I'll have a look now!

Scubaseeker - I sent you a PM (private message) have a look. Good luck!

 

[scubaseeker]

Hi all, this is just a quick thanks for you advice and help on preparing my regulator and other useful information on my Mares kit. Last week I did two wreck dives nervous about my equipment, but thanks to you, esp. esquerra1, it worked fine, though still need to find my optimum buoyancy. which I hope to do this weekend. Once again, many thanks.

 

[Ouvea]

Hi Greg:

I think my US Divers Micra with SEA first stage also has 1/2" connector for the primary hose. Why did the manufacturer chose this? Does it offer better performance in some way?

Thanks,
Claude

 

[gNats]

Dear Jeremy,

First of all my deepest appreciations for such a detailed reply. I would never expected such a response, incl. a image showing how to connect each of the hoses! WO!!! and a first E-mail to this group!

I think the best thing for me to do, is go through your wonderfully detailed reply, to check to see tonight if my first stage is indeed an MR42, and then take it from there.

Lastly, I initially was wanting to buy all SP!, and a little disappointed initially, (for me a newbie) an unknown brand, but your E-mail has turned me around, and given me the confidence that I made the right choice in investing in Mares SCUBA gear - products.

Once again many thanks for your kind efforts. Mike.

By SP I think you mean ScubaPro. I'm not doing a comparison of the two companies (Mares vs SP) or their products. But, rest assured, YOU DO NOT HAVE AN UKNOWN BRAND with Mares.

They are very respected within the dive community.

I dive a Mares She-Dive (The female version of the proton) along with their fins, and BCD. I am very pleased with my Mares choices.

 

[NCadiver]

Hi Greg:

I think my US Divers Micra with SEA first stage also has 1/2" connector for the primary hose. Why did the manufacturer chose this? Does it offer better performance in some way?

Thanks,
Claude

It does offer better air flow and preformace but you would have to use a machine to see it. Current models don't have 1/2" connector anymore.