Rapid Diver Tips

[Rapid Diver]

Post your Rapid Diver Tips here!

[Admin]

As you know there are two basic types of 1st stages. The piston 1st stages have there low pressure ports in a wagon wheel configuration, so the hoses don't shoot straight up to the intended direction. The enviormentally sealed 1st stages like the Mk 17 have 2 low pressure ports and a high pressure port aiming straight up putting little stress on the LP hoses. The Miflex hose have super flex and the new Rapids (2010 model) will have the Miflex as standard.

So if you have a piston regulator (Razor, Rezort, MK2) with standard type LP hoses here is a great modification tip for you:

This tip is from Blub Blub.



When using the Envoy-Razor regulator the inflation hose has too
much strain put on it. No hose should ever be put in a bind. To correct that
I added the hose swivel to the inflation hose. That is not a problem when
equipped with the optional Envoy-ReZort regulator. I use the Razor 1st stage
on my dry suit inflation tank (also with a over pressure relief valve on a
low pressure port, which must be used when not having a second stage regulator)
with the same swivel as well as both on a pony tank. I have found the swivels
to be very reliable. It does not add another place to fail over the conventional
yoke or DIN regulator first stage.



Note the inflation hose is attached using a swivel fitting thus taking the
strain off of the three hoses when using the Razor 1st stage. Note also that
the Razor's on/off valve knob is to the outside.



Note the inflation hose swivel angle is 100° which gives better clearance.



Note how the swivel will allow movement laterally of the inflation hose.
I did not see a need of a hose protector on the inflation hose.
Also a looped length of 1/8 inch bungie cord to added to the pressure gauge
and attached to one of the nylon loops will hold it in place and allow easy
viewing.

[Rapid Diver]

I will blow some air into the HP nipple before I fill up the tank. This will dry out the internal orfice if there is any moisture.

Chris

[Rapid Diver]

The manufacturers recommend getting your equipment serviced once a year. If you do not have a reliable dive store to bring your equipment in for service here is link to a dedicated regulator service facility. They come very recommended:

Air Tech Scuba Service

[Rapid Diver]

It is a good idea to inflate your Rapid after use and let dry. I usually leave the unit inflated about 3/4 full. This is a good time to make sure that all the BC connections are tight. The BC connections will loosen up over time, due to vibration (vehicle) et. So it is a good idea to get in the habit of inflating the BC and checking the connections.

[Rapid Diver]

Here is a tip that I employ to empty any extra air in the bladder.

1. Heads up profile in the water and lean back.

2. Pull dump cord making sure that the dump (OPV) is at the highest location to ensure a fully compressed bladder.

3. I use the RE valve for fine tuning once my dive is under way.

[Rapid Diver]

We put on an 11 inch pressure gauge as standard for the Rapid Diver system. There are two placements for the gauge, one is on the shoulder and the other is on the tank. You can also use a standard size gauge hose (pressure, depth, compass/computer) works great too. All you have to do with the standard size gauge hose is connect it facing straight down and then loop it around the tank. A bungee shock cord works great in attaching the gauge to the vest so that it is easily stowed and ready for use. The bungee shock cord works excellent as a retractor.

[Admin]

The new Web Dominator with shock cord lanyard is one of the best ways to secure any of your equipment to the Molle webbing on the Rapid Diver system.

The system uses the Web Dominator and elastic shock cord. One reason I like this mod so much is because it allows you to "daisy chain" the elastic shock cord. The shock cord can stretch about double its size, this way you can secure your equipment and still have a degree of retractability. One great thing about shock cord is that it can easily be cut if you have an entanglement issue.

Below are some pictures of the mod on the Tri Gauge console on the MILPRO model:

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