Standarizing APEKS Second Stages

[DomRep Diving]

Hi,
Maybe the title is not the best but here is my "problem". I have a Mares Abyss that I use for open water dives, and for OW training since I'm finishing my DiveCon, and Padi and Naui DiveMaster. I want to buy an octopus for it, but I though of what could be a better option.
I saw that the Apeks Tx40 with the DS4 is not that expensive. So I though I could buy the combo, and get the TX40 as my octopus for some time, since I'm getting to Cave in the near future, I know I will need some more regs.
Now, my question is, Am I going to be able to change the hose of the TX40 (1/2") to a standard (3/8") as my Abyss uses?
Also, I think I can buy a 3/8" hose, but will it fit the TX40? I mean, the side of the hose that connects to the second stage, is that also another unusual size?
I don't know if the last question was clear, but hope you understand...
Thanks In Advance...
Orlando

 

[raxafarian]

the threading on the apeks second stage is standard.


the 1/2 inch port on the first stage can be plugged (recommended) or there is an adapter (1/2 to 3/8). Once you plug it, you use one of the other three 3/8" ports with a 'standard' hose.

 

[JoelW]

The only Apeks with an odd port on the first stages are the TX100 and ATX200. The DS4 has all 3/8" ports. So the hose with the TX40 will fit the Mares first stage. The second stage end is standard.

JoelW

 

[raxafarian]

the dst 1st has a 1/2" port also.

The only ones that don't are the DS4 and US4


If you got your tx40 or tx50 with a turret 1st, it has a 1/2"port.

 

[DomRep Diving]

Thanks for all the info....
Let's see if I got It right... If I buy the Tx40 or 50 with a DS4 I will be able to remove the second stage with the hose, and just plug it into my MR22 first stage to use it as my octo.

But if I buy the DST first stage I will have to change JUST the hose and I will not have to change anything to the second stage. Just the hose and plug it to my MR22, am I right?

 

[detroit diver]

I'm confused as to what you're trying to do, but maybe this will help:

Any 3/8 hose will fit on either of those first stage and all of the second stages. You need to plug the 1/2 " port on the Apeks, if it's not plugged already. The Apeks may come with a 1/2" hose attached to it's second stage. Just throw it away (or keep it as an emergeny spare.

Now mix and match as you require.

One caveat-I'm not sure of the recommended IP settings on the Mares. Make sure that it matches the Apeks.

 

[DomRep Diving]

Well.... I guess I''ll buy the TX40 with DST since it is at a pretty nice price at DiveInn, and I'll buy a 3/9 hose for it to add it to my Mares.... Btw... which is the "RIGHT" size DIR recommends for the octo hose? I'm not a DIR diver, but I want to try the bungee back-up, so I think I should also use the size of hose they recommend...
Thanks for all the help....

 

[drizzt117]

The recommended length of your bungee backup hose should be 22-24 inches depending on your body size. The 22 inch hose might be too short and you won't be able to turn your head to the left if you are breathing off of it.

BTW, if you are planning to go to a DIRF class, I would go the route of the DS4 instead of the DST. The difference is that the DS4 is a turret while the DST is a swivel, which is not recommended as the swivel adds an extra failure point.

Thomas

 

[DomRep Diving]

So.... I guess the Turret is a "nice feature" for recreational diving, so it is more expensive... then why everywhere I see the DS4 is more expensive than the DST?
Am I right, or should I look somewhere else?
Do you know of any good place online (since I live in the caribbean and my LDS is just rec stuff) where I can find them for a reasonable price?

 

[drizzt117]

Try Simply Scuba. You can get a DS4 from there for $136 (US Dollars) minus the 17.5% VAT, so its even cheaper. For Apeks stuff, I can't seem to find better prices than here.

Thomas