LARVII TO BOB

Aquanomad

Member
Just picked up a brand new LARVII complete with manual and full parts kit in original case. Steel and aluminum bottles as well. Temped to give it a few dives and turn it over but its so simple, compact, and light I've started considering the bob route with it. Initially I thought I was getting a Combi which is already plumbed for a second bottle but mine is the standard LARVII version A. I picked up a White Arrow SDV3 recently which is a chest mount/ side mount deco breather. It came with (2) p port cell holders with fischer connections. I figured I could use 1 of them to plumb into the counter lung as well as a dil bottle and mav. Iv heard rumblings of these conversions before and came across this break down on the rebreathersite.
http://www.therebreathersite.nl/13_Inspiration/bailout_ccr.htm
Not sure if the DMD (dynamic mixing device) is some sort of electronic mixer or just a mav? But apparently the 2 designs based on the LAR configs worked out. Id rather find an aftermarket counter lung and keep the original as is and my biggest concern is the difficulty in obtaining parts. Flame retardant suit is on. Lets hear it.
 
Does anyone have info on rebuilding the Drager valves? I have 1 with an exposed slot and 3 that have caps I cant figure how to get off. The valves are on the bottle pretty tight and there isnt anywhere to get a wrench on tight to take them off. Tap with a rubber mallet? Also any instructions on rebuilding the dsv?
When I dove this thing I noticed it had to be pretty loose on my chest to breath reasonably but made for a lot of shifting while moving around. Didn't breath quite as smooth as I had thought. I am using 812 sofnolime instead of the recommended Dive Sorb Pro but expected a better wob. Maybe positioning or??
Also there is a bungee on the bottom of the lung. Is that just for hanging for drying or is suppose to be wrapped around something?
Any help is appreciated!
 

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Check with UTDABN on RebreatherWorld. That guy did my Dolphin training. He has parts for all LARS and can rebuild just about anything. Good dude.
 
I contemplated a LAR for a BOB a while ago, but was told by people that know better that their WOB would be too high for anything at a depth where a BOB would be useful. As cool as O2 units are, it seems they just aren't very useful outside of their intended tactical application. Well, and catching sea Otters...
 
Ha! Thats awesome. I think I remember seeing that in one of the AAUS journals or the Scientific Diving book. I thought cool. Sounds sweet. But how well does it actually work!? Apparently pretty well. Thanks for sharing that.
Converting and o2 rig to a bob seems reasonable and I have seen a few good examples of it done but Im questioning how much I want to spend and modify for uncertainties. A new Triton is starting to look tempting. Just wish they had dealers/instructors in the states.
 
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