Perdix AI Transmitter with Rented Regulator While Travelling

[John Trecker]

Considering upgrading to a Perdix AI. I sometimes dive while traveling and carry my own dive computer but not other equipment.
How does the AI Transmitter work out in a commercial rec dive situation with rental equipment?
Are dive operators generally friendly to adding the Transmitter to Rental Regulators?
For this I am assuming that I would ALWAYS keep the existing equipment in place and only add the Transmitter if there were sufficient ports (possible to ask in advance for compatible equipment also). Also assuming then that the AI aspect is for convenience but there is backup with the existing equipment (noting often rental equipment is awful).
Are there risks to doing this? What are the considerations? Is it just that the AI function won't work or more/other risks?
Any additional tools / equipment to carry to help make easier?
Any other hints, hacks, suggestions, input?
This may be a random or repeat question, but I searched and couldn't find.

 

[lexvil]

You’re best bet is to travel with your own regulator and computer.

 

[tridacna]

What’s the issue? Carry appropriate hex wrench and replace the port plug at the end of the trip. Don’t see what the hassle is.

 

[rsingler]

While the dive company acceptance of your desire to add your transmitter may vary, it's a quick, easy thing to accomplish. And quite frankly, I wouldn't even ask. Rent the gear, pop your transmitter on in your car, and show up at the boat with it. Assuming the crew even noticed, I think in this case it's better to ask forgiveness than permission. A bureaucrat's natural inclination is to say no.
As for tools, very few:
1) a hex key to remove the other HP port plug. Most regs are 5/32", a few are 4.5 or 5mm.
2) a thin 11/16" wrench to screw in your transmitter.
I note thin, because many mfrs like to recess their ports, because it's prettier, I guess. The problem is, you then can't fit a standard 11/16" wrench between your transmitter and the reg body without scratching the chrome.

Instead, purchase a Divers Wrench set from Amazon and attachment becomes easy.
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-XS-Scuba-Wrench-Set/dp/B00AU06HAC

Alternatively, consider adding a short HP hose (requires a spool between the transmitter and the hose - DiveGearExpress.com sells them with spools). That makes it easy to use any wrench, even a cheap small adjustable.

Note the two zip ties at the transmitter end. I tether the transmitter to a nearby hose, so it doesn't get knocked about. It also prevents deck crew from using your transmitter as a handle should they "help you" getting into your gear.

One minor point. Remember that the transmitter or hose attachment is steel, while the reg is brass. It's easy to strip threads if you honk it down. A few pounds of pull a hand's width from the reg is all you need. The seal is made by the o-ring and tighter isn't better.

P.S., you'll LOVE your AI

 

[rongoodman]

I just screw the transmitter in snugly by hand. No wrench needed.

 

[tridacna]

I just screw the transmitter in snugly by hand. No wrench needed.

Agreed but sometimes easiest to use a wrench to get it off.

 

[John Trecker]

This is so very helpful
Can you tell me more about having additional short hose as that seems to make sense. What goes into that.

While the dive company acceptance of your desire to add your transmitter may vary, it's a quick, easy thing to accomplish. And quite frankly, I wouldn't even ask. Rent the gear, pop your transmitter on in your car, and show up at the boat with it. Assuming the crew even noticed, I think in this case it's better to ask forgiveness than permission. A bureaucrat's natural inclination is to say no.
As for tools, very few:
1) a hex key to remove the other HP port plug. Most regs are 5/32", a few are 4.5 or 5mm.
2) a thin 11/16" wrench to screw in your transmitter.
I note thin, because many mfrs like to recess their ports, because it's prettier, I guess. The problem is, you then can't fit a standard 11/16" wrench between your transmitter and the reg body without scratching the chrome.
View attachment 667667
Instead, purchase a Divers Wrench set from Amazon and attachment becomes easy.
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-XS-Scuba-Wrench-Set/dp/B00AU06HAC
View attachment 667668
Alternatively, consider adding a short HP hose (requires a spool between the transmitter and the hose - DiveGearExpress.com sells them with spools). That makes it easy to use any wrench, even a cheap small adjustable.
View attachment 667669
Note the two zip ties at the transmitter end. I tether the transmitter to a nearby hose, so it doesn't get knocked about. It also prevents deck crew from using your transmitter as a handle should they "help you" getting into your gear.

One minor point. Remember that the transmitter or hose attachment is steel, while the reg is brass. It's easy to strip threads if you honk it down. A few pounds of pull a hand's width from the reg is all you need. The seal is made by the o-ring and tighter isn't better.

P.S., you'll LOVE your AI

 

[rsingler]

High Pressure Rubber Hose

A 6" hose is plenty.
It's pretty straightforward. Screw your transmitter into the hose end (with the spool in between). Add a tiny bit of lube to the tiny orings in each end of the spool.
Wrench the two together lightly.
Unscrew the port plug and substitute in the hose and transmitter (again with a film of lube on the oring).
Tribolube 71 O2 Compatible Lubricant

A pillow pack (0.2oz) is $8. That'll last you two years of this kind of thing.
Again, wrench the hose only lightly to the reg body.
Add two (black, U/V resistant) zip ties to loosely tether to a nearby reg hose and you're all set. Snip the zip tie and replace the port plug to give the reg set back.

 

[Scared Silly]

This is so very helpful
Can you tell me more about having additional short hose as that seems to make sense. What goes into that.

Here are some details I wrote up a while ago:

Pictures of how to mount a transmitter using a short hose ...