Twin set advice required.

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

On Mon, 16 May 2005 10:25:25 +0000 (UTC), "Ron MacRae"
<ronmacrae@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
>of issues I have.
>
>1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
>grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?
>
>2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
>over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
>off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
>the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
>just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
>expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?
>
>I know I could solve all this by inverting but I don't fancy the longer
>cables floating about and getting tangled during kit-up.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Ron MacRae.
>

Sherwood make very nice replacement rubber knobs.

Your LDS should be able to get them. Mine (Diversity in Potters Bar,
Herts) keeps them in stock.Can't remember the price, but cheap enough.

I dive with my post valves fully open. If you've only just started
doing shutdown drills, you will get better and your drills will get
faster. The rubber knobs help a bit.

Stick with it and practice, rather than invent a solution to a problem
that should go away once you are fully familiar with your kit.

David

Ron MacRae wrote:
> I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
> of issues I have.
>
> 1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
> grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?

The big soft rubber ones can be bought from dirdirect -

http://tinyurl.com/duc6b

For 4 quid each. Otherwise it is quite likely that your LDC will have
them. Changing them is not difficult, but if you buy them at the LDC you
won't have to pay postage and chances are they'll put them on for you.

Their softness makes them a bit easier to grab than the standard MDE
sort. Some modern knobs are ovoid rather than cylindrical. I haven't
tried with these but they may be better.

> 2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
> over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
> off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
> the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
> just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
> expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?

I have to admit I don't know a good answer to this one. I have heard so
much pseudo-science/engineering spouted backing either answer that I
don't know. My preference is to have the two sides fully open and the
centre open only one turn. My reasoning goes that I would like the
centre to shut very quickly, then I can take my time sorting out the
problem knowing that I have at least half my air still availiable. I'm
not sure what I don't have the sides open only half a turn though.

I wouldn't mind having my reasoning straightened if there's anyone with
a better understanding of the inside of the valves?

Ben

Ron MacRae wrote:
> I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
> of issues I have.
>
> 1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
> grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?

The big soft rubber ones can be bought from dirdirect -

http://tinyurl.com/duc6b

For 4 quid each. Otherwise it is quite likely that your LDC will have
them. Changing them is not difficult, but if you buy them at the LDC you
won't have to pay postage and chances are they'll put them on for you.

Their softness makes them a bit easier to grab than the standard MDE
sort. Some modern knobs are ovoid rather than cylindrical. I haven't
tried with these but they may be better.

> 2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
> over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
> off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
> the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
> just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
> expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?

I have to admit I don't know a good answer to this one. I have heard so
much pseudo-science/engineering spouted backing either answer that I
don't know. My preference is to have the two sides fully open and the
centre open only one turn. My reasoning goes that I would like the
centre to shut very quickly, then I can take my time sorting out the
problem knowing that I have at least half my air still availiable. I'm
not sure what I don't have the sides open only half a turn though.

I wouldn't mind having my reasoning straightened if there's anyone with
a better understanding of the inside of the valves?

Ben

Ron MacRae wrote:
> I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
> of issues I have.
>
> 1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
> grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?

The big soft rubber ones can be bought from dirdirect -

http://tinyurl.com/duc6b

For 4 quid each. Otherwise it is quite likely that your LDC will have
them. Changing them is not difficult, but if you buy them at the LDC you
won't have to pay postage and chances are they'll put them on for you.

Their softness makes them a bit easier to grab than the standard MDE
sort. Some modern knobs are ovoid rather than cylindrical. I haven't
tried with these but they may be better.

> 2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
> over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
> off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
> the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
> just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
> expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?

I have to admit I don't know a good answer to this one. I have heard so
much pseudo-science/engineering spouted backing either answer that I
don't know. My preference is to have the two sides fully open and the
centre open only one turn. My reasoning goes that I would like the
centre to shut very quickly, then I can take my time sorting out the
problem knowing that I have at least half my air still availiable. I'm
not sure what I don't have the sides open only half a turn though.

I wouldn't mind having my reasoning straightened if there's anyone with
a better understanding of the inside of the valves?

Ben

Ron MacRae wrote:
> I've just changed to using a twin set and would like some advice on a couple
> of issues I have.
>
> 1) While I can reach and turn of my valves I find them difficult to get a
> grip of.
> I believe I saw something about being able to get bigger handles.
> Anyone know where from?

The big soft rubber ones can be bought from dirdirect -

http://tinyurl.com/duc6b

For 4 quid each. Otherwise it is quite likely that your LDC will have
them. Changing them is not difficult, but if you buy them at the LDC you
won't have to pay postage and chances are they'll put them on for you.

Their softness makes them a bit easier to grab than the standard MDE
sort. Some modern knobs are ovoid rather than cylindrical. I haven't
tried with these but they may be better.

> 2) It takes quite a few turns to close the end valves, I guess it takes me
> over 30 secs, during which I'm loosing precious air.
> I know you can set the centre valve so it only needs 1 turn to close
> off but what about the end valves?
> I discussed this with a few people at my dive club and they said leave
> the end valves open.
> No-one could give me a reason why it isn't safe to keep all the valves
> just 1 turn open?
> Perhaps the smaller aperture makes a free flow more likely due to gas
> expansion/cooling?
> Or is it just the chance of turning the wrong way?
> What do other twin set users do?

I have to admit I don't know a good answer to this one. I have heard so
much pseudo-science/engineering spouted backing either answer that I
don't know. My preference is to have the two sides fully open and the
centre open only one turn. My reasoning goes that I would like the
centre to shut very quickly, then I can take my time sorting out the
problem knowing that I have at least half my air still availiable. I'm
not sure what I don't have the sides open only half a turn though.

I wouldn't mind having my reasoning straightened if there's anyone with
a better understanding of the inside of the valves?

Ben