From the APD Rebreather Divers facebook page:
Hose length Optimisation, taken from the inspo list
"We see a lot of divers on our travels and it's clear that quite a few have not taken the time to optimise their hose lengths (breathing hoses and medium pressure hoses are all diver- adjustable). It's clear that some instructors do this for their students but it's equally clear that this is something we need to encourage. When we tidy the diver up, it makes everything so much easier -- the mouthpiece is not constantly being pushed out of his mouth, the hoses no longer kink, the BMC manual inflators are easy to reach and it looks so much better.
Here are some examples when nearly everyone will need to customise their unit:
· If you change from the original counterlungs to back mounted you almost certainly will need to shorten the rear convoluted hoses.
· If you add a flow-stop to the ADV you might need to shorten the medium pressure hose -- depending on the size of the unit and which holes you use to attach the counterlungs to the backframe.
As a guide - the mouthpiece wants to rest (when it's out of your mouth) just above your nipples. I have mine so that I can dip my chin and put the mouthpiece in without using my hands. Once in your mouth the hoses sit very nicely.
At the factory -- different size units have different length hoses -- (convoluted, medium and high pressure hoses) and we have to leave a little length in them so they are long enough to fit everyone. I would have loved to have given you the ideal lengths here but the problem is -- everyone is different and you just need to get a friend, preferably an experienced one, to help you sort out your configuration and then spend 30 mins adjusting the hose lengths -- you won't regret it. If anyone wants it doing and can bring their units to the factory we'll gladly do the job for them. If you're visiting any of the dive shows -- Belgium, Paris, Dusseldorf, London are the next shows where we'll be geared up to help and of course are always willing to work for a coffee or a beer. The only thing I ask is that you do the job properly if you're going to do it yourself. You'll need a ty-rap gun for tightening the cable ties -- don't make do with a pair of pliers.
This one works and is reasonably priced:
http://www.rapidonline.com/Ca***8230...on-Gun-85-0285 .
The cable ties we use have curved bases so they don't create a leak path like standard cable ties. (RBCT1 - £0.24 each + VAT= £0.29 + postage). All the convoluted and medium pressure hoses can be shortened fairly easily.
There are instructions for fitting the newer (since 2009) convoluted hose fittings -- ask
Zoe@apdiving.com for a copy. The high pressure hoses are not adjustable but can be ordered in any length. The medium pressure hoses are always adjustable, at least at one end -- requiring two 17mm spanners or one 17mm spanner and a vice. Cut the hose with a Stanley knife (box cutter).
If you really don't fancy doing this yourself, please contact the factory.
Kind regards,
Martin Parker"
