Upside Down 1st Stages Are OK! - Scuba Tech Tips: S17E16

A viewer saw his buddy's 1st stage mounted upside-down and asked if that is wrong? Alec explains that most 1st stages can be upside-down for comfort and still function perfectly.
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[@greglyon1201]

Alec, one thing you didn’t mention is that many of the first stages with this configuration have the rotating turret. Therefore mounting with the turret up maximizes range of movement of reg hoses while mounting down dramatically limits range of movement of hoses but results in low profile. Recreational diving in down position makes sense, while some tech divers might prefer up position with greater range of motion for reg hoses.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I know about the swivel but for this video, just to show it will work upside down to answer a viewer question. It's not easy to focus on one fact/issue/feature and keep Kevin happy by not running 25 minutes! Thanks for watching and keep on suggesting. A

[@Teampegleg]

I don't know of a single tech diver that mounts their turret up. It is almost always down so that the fifth port is routed better for the long hose or drysuit (depending on side). Sidemount divers mount their facing toward their body, which allows the turret to spin a bit better but you still don't get the full range of motion.

[@greglyon1201]

@@Teampegleg side mount makes sense, I knew there was some reason for desiring increased range in hose movement or position in certain uses, dictating turret in up position. I’m a single cylinder OC recreational California diver, so don’t have to get that nuanced.

[@tomsinel8234]

I’ve always loved the way you make it sound so right and play the devils advocate and answer the question in so many different ways! Good on you buddy! Love it

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thank you! A

[@karlmason8835]

Superb tip. Slimline and streamline. Learnt this diving in Hawaii in early nineties. Saves getting caught up.Very sound advice.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it! A

[@Dive-D]

Dacor as im aware was the only company to include a separate notice in the packaging of the new Pacers 600, 900 / 760, and 950 first stage models, not in the manual itself, although it was stated there anyways. This notice recommended positioning the first stage with the swivel at the top, ensuring the diver has maximum flexibility for proper hose alignment and comfort. So if the engineers recommend a solution, they had some reasons. Good video Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Having sold and dove a great many Dacor's in my decades, It was probably just so the swivel hoses would reach the diver easily. I don't know of a really practical reason why it cannot be reversed. A

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

Turret up for open water diving, Turret down for wreck or cave

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thats a new one, thanks. A

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Those things work in any orientation look at divers who dive doubles it makes it easier for hose routing Mr Peirce thank you again for clearing up misconceptions. You have inspired many divers including me.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you for that feedback. Hope this old stone age diver can share many more tips. A

[@Str8Flossin]

Great video !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it A

[@RB-ie9wf]

Thank you! Very timely. I just got a Dive Rite XT1 and couldn’t figure out the “right way” to mount it. Nice to know I can go either way.

[@Sine1040]

That one is easy enough, with the text the right way up ;)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There should be a picture in the owners manual on what they think is should be mounted as. Still your choice for comfort. A

[@twoknife]

Many people here mount their first stages sideways and run all the hoses downwards (mainly cold water with two first stages, so there are enough downward-facing ports). This of course works best with DIN regulators and a twinset or sidemount. And I am very strongly against doing 3:30. Bumping your head on the first stage in neutral trim is really only a problem in a single tank backmount configuration which for various reasons is my least favourite to begin with - yet one I am unfortunately often forced to use for teaching.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sideways is even stranger to new divers. Sounds like a fun way to dive with twins. A

[@twoknife]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter We just teach all hoses route downwards and are as streamlined as possible to our OWD students. Sideways is just the means to achieve that.

[@aliasincognito0]

I put it "sideways" for sidemount and it breathes just the same as any other orientation. If I was diving with tanks on my back (doubles, for example), the first stage would be positioned so that the bottom LP fifth port is pointing down. 3:30 A diver should be flat and horizontal (or parallel to the structure if wreck/cave diving) at all times, especially on ascents.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A few others have commented on sideways mounting. Sounds interesting. Next time you're on a O/W dive boat, just watch the actual number of divers going along happy with a 30 degree upright. We all want horizontal but some just are happy anyway they can get it. A

[@jacquespoirier9071]

usually , internal forces due to springs, pressure and weight of the components are very important in comparizon of the forces exerted by gravity so the position or orientation have no practical effect on the performance. the most important factor in the case of a diving regulator is the routing of the hoses and the comfort of the diver. very good topic excellent video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you liked it Jacques. A

[@vincentsubmarinismo774]

🤿 Hey Alec 👋 Always good to see you. Hope you are well 🇬🇧 👌

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Doing well for such a young guy! Still putting these out and my At The Ranch channel too. Not bad for 76. A

[@vincentsubmarinismo774]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Keep on keeping on! , you've got a few years on me , I'm just a youngster of 63 😁

[@SCUBAjoeshow]

Hey Alec, I just picked up a watergil/seapro atpak. Could you make a detailed video on it? The only thing I know, other than lead shot compartment is that you can only use a 72cuft tank? The power inflator hose is new to me, it looks like a screw on?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I would need one in hand to do a proper review. If you want to see more hard shell BC's, watch S02E07 Hard Shell Scuba BCD’s, ScubaPro & Dacor Nautilus CVS. These were big packs. A

[@geerxin]

there are few other things to consider such as the BCD, cylinder band position, tank rack on the boat. I'm 6'2 and I have a Xdeep BCD, it has 2 cylinder bands, (most the BP has 2) with first stage facing down, I need to move the tank position higher otherwise the hose position will get below my shoulders. Now, with tank high and BCD low, when the cylinder sits inside the rack on the boat, the bottom of the STA would hit the top of the rack. this could easily damage the bladder that's in between.this is only when the BC is ammost empty. when half full, the tank couldn't sits at the bottom. Also the cylinder position makes a big diffrence on the trim.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

As you pointed out, there are many big and small factors to consider to get the best comfort and trim. Giving just one idea for divers to consider otherwise I get into an hour long rant that no one watches. A

[@mrdinoco6759]

Hello sir I have came across a mask that has a sticker saying “1992 spectra mask, black/silver”. I don’t know anything about it or what to do with it. If you have any advice please reach out and I hope you have a wonderful day. Keep up the amazing video. 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Older masks are nice to look at but do not function as well as todays. The skirt was usually thin, not elastic and may have dried and cracked. Keep it on a shelf for discussions but dive with a new mask for comfort and safety. A

[@thunderball6664]

hi i have aa double hose regulator what is the best way to clean the hose and mouthpiece after a dive and how long can air stay in a tank if not being used or a while

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I believe there is a video in my Vintage Scuba playlist about care of double hose regs. While you search for that, here is a summary: rinsing with fresh water is key, over and over, then let dry fully, seal in a thick zip loc bag (or similar air tight container). As for tank air, there is a video in scuba tech tips, S11E19 Scuba Myths, Tank air goes bad. The short answer is a year as in North America tanks require annual Visual Inspections so the air would be drained. Hope this helps. A

[@maxtorque2277]

You know what would be really, genuinely useful and a significant improvement to 1st stages? An integrated tank pressure sensor! Given the near universal use of dive computers that support wireless tank pressure sensors, i always find the sensor itself to be really vunerable and it always looks like the "add on" it actually is. Currently you have two options, either directly screwing the sensor into a HP port, which is clean, robust, but can lead to the sensor sitting in a vunerable position and can lead to a sensor getting "knocked off" the 1st stage in the case of impact. Or, you use a little short bit of HP hose, and now your sensor can be tucked somewhere out the way, but there is no nice way of mounting it, and the hose and fittings are clearly a weak point that we would all be better without! So what i would like to see is the sensor integrated INTO the 1st stage!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think what you really want is a mask Heads Up Display with integrated air. I want one with TV and Netflix in case I'm bored on a dive!!! A

[@gravitylost1]

Something else: are there any regulators that make bubbles with less noise? When I exhale the bubble make me deaf. Don’t understand why I am the only one with that issue. I am a recreational instructor, but I get annoyed more and more by the loud sound… any help or suggestions appreciated.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think it may be the bubbles bouncing past your ears that is causing the discomfort. A few ideas to consider: (1) try a hood bib (small 2mm head hat) it will be a barrier to bubbles hitting your ear and deaden the sound. (2) Try Doc's Pro Plugs, these are special make for divers and have a small equalization hole. They will block the sounds but not impact diving. Hope these help and good luck. A

[@Andrew-ps6xe]

Alternatively, see if you can try out a double hose regulator. Just keep in mind that the most common ones (Aquamaster) are already 50+ years old, and the newest ones (Kraken, Mistral anniversary) are both rare & discontinued.

[@gravitylost1]

@@Andrew-ps6xe that would be the ultimate solution i guess! But a bit weird in a training session. Didnt buy the plugs yet as advised, need to fit them first in a shop i guess. But wil definitely try. Probably the type of regulator will also affect the sound the bubbles make. Even heard of bubble deflectors on regulators.

[@msw5224]

👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you. A

[@timgosling6189]

Sidemount divers do it sideways😊 (hose routing again).

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sideways, very cool. A

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿🇵🇭!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching and the thumbs up. A