A-Clamp & Din Cylinder Valves

[RH_SCOTLAND]

As a relatively new diver, I have now managed to get myself all my own dive gear.

My regulator and both 15 litre steel cylinders are fitted with A-clamp valves.

Thing is, as a firefighter I am able to charge my own cylinders - but only DIN valves. Plus as a Sabre BA set technician, I am a lot happier using DIN valves.

So, can I:

a. get an adapter for my A-clamps which will allow charging using a DIN valve compressor?

b. how much would it cost to change regulator and cylinder valves to DIN type?

c. will most good dive shops/service centres be able to sell me the valves or will I have to pay them to provide them and carry out the change from A-type to DIN?

Questions, questions.

[Nick Argue]

a) Yes, it's an adaptor that screws onto the DIN end of the filling whip, I have to ask but have you checked the pillar valve to see if it's got an insert that can be removed with an Allen key? A pic of the insert can be found on Nigel H's website here:

http://www.nigelhewitt.co.uk/diving/din.html

b) Yes, most regs can be converted, think I paid £50 a few years back for one of my sets.

c) Yes, or can be bought over the internet and fitted yourself. Personally I'd rather pay someone fit them.

[Michael Purcell]

My only caution with reg conversion (which generally I recommend) is to be careful about the final product. I had my wife's Mares Abyss converted and while it is fine something just seems clunky about it...

But if you are "happier filling DIN" you should also want your regs to be DIN as well. Not just your filling whip. :)

[RH_SCOTLAND]

I think I will probably change my reg and cylinders to DIN.

The other advantage is I can borrow kevlar/carbon cylinders from work for the weekend.....

Always look on the bright side!!

[IainC]

The other advantage is I can borrow kevlar/carbon cylinders from work for the weekend.....


Not such an advantage, as they are so light, that although they are easy to carry from the car, you just need more lead on your weightbelt to sink :)

[PeteM]

Not such an advantage, as they are so light, that although they are easy to carry from the car, you just need more lead on your weightbelt to sink :)

And I don't think they cope with prolonged submersion in water.

Mind you they are ideal top up cylinders

[NickMcV]

I suspect that your compressor will be 300b - your SCUBA tanks will probably be 232b - resist the temptation to squeeze a bit more in!

[Dave Lev]

The inserts into the DIN valve are only useful if there is an indent of the rear of the pillar for the A-clamp to screw "into". Wouldn't want that clamp slipping off!

[Hickdive]

I think I will probably change my reg and cylinders to DIN.

The other advantage is I can borrow kevlar/carbon cylinders from work for the weekend.....

Always look on the bright side!!

Might not be so good for actually taking on the dive, as others have pointed out, they're really too light.

But with a decanting hose you'd be able to top off your diving cylinder from a BA cylinder between dives. Might be worhtwhile considering as you'd be able to get a good few dives in without filling the car with loads of heavy bottles