Connecting Mares AirII to 1st stage.

[SULLIVAN2049]

I was hoping someone could tell me how to go about attaching the AIRII on a Mares BCD to a ScubaPro MK25? I am just starting out and have the regulator and the BCD is getting inspected but I am not sure what I need to do to get the AIRII attached to the 1st stage. May sound like a stupid question but I really have not got a clue as to how to attach something to the 1st stage. Thx in advance for everyones advice.

 

[SteveAD]

The AirII is actually a Scubapro product. You just need to have the right size inflator hose on the MK25.

 

[SULLIVAN2049]

So I need to buy an inflator hose to go from the 1st stage to the AIR II. Now how to I attach the inflator hoses for the BCD and AIR II to the 1st stage?

 

[OldNSalty]

The inflator hose should have come with the AIR II. If it didn't, yes, buy one but make sure that it is an inflator hose for an AIR II - it has a different connection then most. You could also buy a normal inflator hose (or short LP hose) and get a special adapter.

The hose should route out of one of the LP ports on the first stage so that when connected to a tank, it will come over your left shoulder.

Hope that helps.

 

[SULLIVAN2049]

I bought the Mares BCD with the AIRII used so it didn't come with an inflator hose. I bought the MK25 new but didn't think ahead about how to attach things to it. Does the inflator hose require any special tool to attach it to the MK25? How about length of the hose. I have heard that when you use the AIR II and turn your head to the right that the hose is too short? Do they come in different lengths? Thanks for all of your help.

 

[aquaregia]

You'll probably have a couple hoses on your first stage: a primary 2nd stage regulator, an SPG/Console and an inflator hose for your BCD (and drysuit if that's your style). The inflator hose screws into one of the low-pressure ports on the Mk25. The empty ports are plugged by a screw with (I think) an Allen head. You can remove the port cover and install the inflator hose in its place by screwing it in. The seal is made by the o-ring on the hose not by the tightness on the threads, so don't go too crazy on it.

Some/most/all (?) Air2s require a different inflator hose to standard BCD inflators. Apparently ScubaPro found that the standard disconnect didn't flow sufficiently to use it for a regulator. The connector on the Air2 hose is a little bigger. I know a guy who uses an adapter to use a regular inflator hose on the bigger connection, but I think I'd take ScubaPro's word on this one.

I might be inclined to go into your LDS and have them give you a hand. Never hurts to build rapport.

 

[SULLIVAN2049]

Thx for your feedback. The MK25 is new and all that is attached to it is an S600 Scubapro 2nd stage. I didn't know how things were attached to the 1st stage. I bought the MK25\S600 at my LDS and I am a little confused as to why they didn't tell me I needed other hoses. I am taking my SSI certification classes there and they know I didn't have any equipment. Even if I hadn't bought the used BCD with the AIR II, it appears that I would still have needed a hose to connect to their rental BCD? Maybe just an over reaction on my part, but it seems kinda like going in and buying a car and then finding out I was supposed to by the tires seperatly? lol

 

[OldNSalty]

There are no special tools needed, wrenches is about it but I am sure one of the DIY guys can talk to you about how tight 'tight' is and not to cross-thread, etc. Your LDS should be able to sale you a hose and attach it for a fair price and that is what I would suggest doing at this point.

As for length, I think it is about 24" but if you need an exact answer I will measure mine and post it when I get home.

Turning your head isn't a problem, it's just that you don't want to use this for an hour long site-seeing tour in the Keys because it would be uncomfortable. But remember, that isn't what it is for. If you have to switch to your AIR II the dive is over in all probability. Time to find your exit point and head up.

As for different lengths, don't think so unless you are going to use an LP hose and some sort of adapter but this is primarly an inflator hose. There is a narrow range in which it will work well.

 

[aquaregia]

I'm surprised that your LDS didn't give you more guidance. I tried doing a google image search for hose routing, but I mostly came up with DIR and doubles guides, neither of which are really going to help you.

Are they going to supply you with a gauge console for the class, or do you have your own? Minimally you'll need a pressure gauge for the tank that will attach to the Mk25 in a similar manner to the inflator/Air2 and a depth gauge.

 

[aquaregia]

As for different lengths, don't think so unless you are going to use an LP hose and some sort of adapter but this is primarly an inflator hose. There is a narrow range in which it will work well.

No kidding. All my hoses are currently crazy lengths. My inflator hose is about 4" too long and my octo is either 6" too long or 6" too short. Unfortunately with hoses being as expensive as they are (but not unfairly so) I don't really want to be messing around with custom lengths.