| Archive for SUSAC forum Stirling University Sub-Aqua Club |
| charlie |
launching an SMBWhat do the experts here think is the best method of inflating a delayed SMB?This may seem a bit of a daft question, as I always thought that the octopus was the obvious choice: it has a long hose so you can keep the mouth of the SMB well away from you to avoid entanglement. However, on Sunday, my octopus freeflowed when I used it to inflate Cheeky's SMB. Fortunately, Edd was quick-witted enough to grab it & exhale into it before I lost all of my air! So, the octopus was taken into Aquatron who said that the diaphragm had become displaced (although of course it was nothing to do with them servicing it a couple of months ago)! The guy poo-pooed the idea of using the octopus for this purpose (although this action was not the cause of the octopus failure as it had been leaking beforehand). He said that to inflate the SMB, you should use either a low pressure hose with special nozzle or expired air! I would think that either of these methods would involve being a bit closer to the line and possible entanglement than I would choose. What do you think? Interestingly, I found this video clip demonstrating the correct method http://www.divetekadventures.com/Videos/VideoShotBag.htm. Is that his octopus that he's using? He also seems to be using a spool as opposed to a reel (no handle for winding the line in). Techies, eh?! |
| Shug |
I believe one very safe way (and a way which doesn't waste any air) is to use the exhaust from your primary reg.
Guess that's not so good if you're worried about getting tangled up though. |
| charlie |
Cheers, Shuggie.
Yeah, I can see some logic in that concept, but I would be a little worried that the line might dangle down & get caught around my neck (nasty)! 
Also, I don't remember you using that method on our boat dive from Eyemouth last year! 
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| dotkis |
SMB deploymentPersonally, I tend to use my main reg to put put air into my delayed SMB. Or an even better option is to get your buddy to put air in while you control everything else. Whichever way you choose to deploy your SMB never have it clipped to you and do be careful with line tangling.Dot 
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| Sam |
(D)SMBI think mr divetek in the video be a padi diver as that was rubbish deployment!I am fortunate enough to have an air gun as part of my kit (for drysuit inflation) and would highly recommend one (Schrader be the make). Otherwise the octopus is the best way and the way I was taught. Not too sure about the tangled up in the line bit as you shouldnt let any line out till you're ready to let go of your (D)SMB. |
| Sam |
p.s. amen to the unclipped action Dotty! |
| charlie |
Cheers, guys, for sharing your expertise.
I'll have to check out your gizmo, Sam, the next time we're both diving. That reminds me, have you signed up for the night dive yet? 
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| Sarah |
Don't show him Sam, show me. It's not long till Christmas after all 
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