I recently saw a "Save-a-dive" o-ring kit. Do you have any advise on what sort of non expert tools/items like this (if you should get something like this) for someone that has started to invest in their own gear? It seems like a smart item to have on hand.
I usually keep a small adjustable spanner and an Allen key that fits the port plugs on my 1st stage. Sometimes it's handy to move hoses and replace those O-Rings. That's about all you need to a regulator. Anything else and you need to know what you're doing...
Never wash Atomic without tank connected. The storage feature that Mark explained will let the water in. I purchased a small 13cu/ft tank for that purpose.
#askmark I'm moving from the west coast of the US to Florida. I currently dive a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves. I am being told a 3mm will cover most of my needs now. What would be a good cost effective exposure protection to look into?
You can but you need to be sure that water can't find its way inside the 1st stage. Dust caps aren't always enough to keep water out. The best way is to pressurise them on a cylinder, if a cylinder isn't available then I hold my thumb over the inlet but don't let the 1st stage soak.
Thanks for the advice. It was always normal practice for us to soak the whole regulator set in freshwater at the end of a dive trip, as the set might not be used for weeks and months after. I was not aware that water had a chance of getting into the 1st stage. Now I will be more careful but surely it can't be difficult to invent a cap with an O ring that can be used (at least with a yoke style reg) for this purpose?@@ScubaDiverMagazine
Some are water-tight _ but not all_ so I need to be careful with recommendations... If water seeps inside your 1st stage or hoses it can corrode unseen and cause failures. As long as it gets a good flush of fresh water your 1st stage is pretty good. Give it a once over with an old toothbrush but, it doesn't need a proper soak as much as your 2nd stages do.
thanks for the storting tips. I have a question would like to ask #askMark, can you explain how does the pre-dive and dive switch on the 2nd stage regulator actually works please? many thanks
A pre-dive lever will usually connect to a shroud inside the 2nd stage that redirects the airflow so that it points towards the front of the 2nd stage instead of the mouthpiece. This airflow pushes the diaphragm forward to help close the valve between breaths. I'll show what I'm talking about in a few weeks
Dry bags, always useful. A hat for the surface in both hot and cold climates. More than one hood if you're diving more than once in cold water. I think I have a Top10 video coming out soon for general diving accessories
I wrap a neoprene 2nd stage cover, fitted with a water bottle cap, sandwiched between purge button and cover, to save seat on valve.
thanks so much for answer my questions ! it helps a lot
I recently saw a "Save-a-dive" o-ring kit. Do you have any advise on what sort of non expert tools/items like this (if you should get something like this) for someone that has started to invest in their own gear? It seems like a smart item to have on hand.
I usually keep a small adjustable spanner and an Allen key that fits the port plugs on my 1st stage. Sometimes it's handy to move hoses and replace those O-Rings. That's about all you need to a regulator. Anything else and you need to know what you're doing...
Never wash Atomic without tank connected. The storage feature that Mark explained will let the water in.
I purchased a small 13cu/ft tank for that purpose.
We dive all over the year ( Mauritius ) , do you recommend an anti bacterial treatment ?
I wouldn't worry too much, maybe once a season before storage. Regular dish soap should be good enough for day to day cleaning.
A similar video on how to store the BCD would be great #ASKMARK
Pro tip: you don’t need to wait for the next dive season if every season is dive season! 😎😁
#askmark I'm moving from the west coast of the US to Florida. I currently dive a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves. I am being told a 3mm will cover most of my needs now. What would be a good cost effective exposure protection to look into?
Can you not submerge and soak a yoke style regulator when it is depressurised in fresh water after a salt water dive trip?
You can but you need to be sure that water can't find its way inside the 1st stage. Dust caps aren't always enough to keep water out. The best way is to pressurise them on a cylinder, if a cylinder isn't available then I hold my thumb over the inlet but don't let the 1st stage soak.
Thanks for the advice. It was always normal practice for us to soak the whole regulator set in freshwater at the end of a dive trip, as the set might not be used for weeks and months after. I was not aware that water had a chance of getting into the 1st stage. Now I will be more careful but surely it can't be difficult to invent a cap with an O ring that can be used (at least with a yoke style reg) for this purpose?@@ScubaDiverMagazine
Some are water-tight _ but not all_ so I need to be careful with recommendations...
If water seeps inside your 1st stage or hoses it can corrode unseen and cause failures. As long as it gets a good flush of fresh water your 1st stage is pretty good. Give it a once over with an old toothbrush but, it doesn't need a proper soak as much as your 2nd stages do.
thanks for the storting tips. I have a question would like to ask #askMark, can you explain how does the pre-dive and dive switch on the 2nd stage regulator actually works please? many thanks
A pre-dive lever will usually connect to a shroud inside the 2nd stage that redirects the airflow so that it points towards the front of the 2nd stage instead of the mouthpiece. This airflow pushes the diaphragm forward to help close the valve between breaths.
I'll show what I'm talking about in a few weeks
@@ScubaDiverMagazine thank you very much, looking forward to your video.
#askmark what are some of the best accessories for scuba diving? (like heated insoles for drysuit diving)
Dry bags, always useful. A hat for the surface in both hot and cold climates. More than one hood if you're diving more than once in cold water. I think I have a Top10 video coming out soon for general diving accessories
Just take it to the shop and pay the services 🤣
👍😎🤿
Time to dust off the bz200 and heated vest and keep diving.