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From: <ScottBonis@ao*.co*>
Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2000 20:44:48 EDT
Subject: Re: thoughts on emergency services and 'personal preference'
To: se2schul@uw*.ca*
CC: techdiver@aq*.co*, cavers@cavers.com
In a message dated 4/8/2000 8:40:51 AM US Mountain Standard Time, 
se2schul@uw*.ca* writes:

<< I searched the archives in 1999.  One LONG thread is called "Upside
down
 tank mounting - What's your opinion."  Then it changes to "Upside down tank
 mounting and other convolutions" because it is an idea that makes NO sense.
 There are similar threads before this too.
 The horse is decomposing and maggot infested, yet it's still being beaten.
 steve  >>

Hi Steve,

Now I don't want you to get the idea that you're being constrained or be 
hesitant about letting me know how you feel about this idea.  Just let it all 
come out.  You don't have to hold it in.  You're among friends .....

All kidding aside, I really appreciate the reference in the archives and I've 
looked it up.  You're absolutely right that it was a long thread.  
Unfortunately it also talked about a possible method of air management 
without using an SPG.  And a number of the posts talked a lot about that idea 
rather then concentrating mainly on the upside down tanks.

As I suspected they would be, most of the entries were purely emotional and 
basically contained the message, (although sometimes in much more flowery and 
descriptive language), that "it's ridiculous" but gave no reason why.  I need 
to accept these entries as general opinions.  On the other hand, there were 
no entries to the effect of "sounds like a cool idea."  Also a number of the 
entries asked "Why do you want to change a known system?"  They said if you 
have problems shutting down valves then learn how!  And don't change your 
equipment to compensate for a lack of ability.  I agree with this strongly 
but am still wondering if protecting the valves might still be a worthwhile 
idea, particularly when using a scooter.

However there were some definite reasons why some people objected to the 
idea.  The reasons that I mentioned in my previous posting of handling of the 
tanks on land, new and unique hose lengths and routings, and the fact that 
the entire method was untried and therefore unproven, were also mentioned.

But as I had hoped to learn, there were also some other problems that I had 
not foreseen.  One idea was to the effect that with the valves at the top of 
the tanks, should a leak occur I could probably hear it and quickly know 
which valve to shut down.  With the tanks upside down, the leak was compared 
to a bodily function sometimes occurring after eating beans, and it would be 
difficult to differentiate the valves.

Another point was that the rear "D" ring on the crotch strap would be 
difficult to use and still permit access to the manifold isolation valve.  
And a third point was that the entire setup would be so unique that my buddy 
might become confused should I need his help.  Another entry indicated that 
the writer had actually tried the system and "it just did not work."  
Unfortunately the writer didn't say exactly why it didn't work.

So based on these comments, I need to do some more thinking and planning 
before I decide whether or not to continue pursuing this idea of using upside 
down tanks in a cave.  To me the answer is obviously to not immediately 
proceed but rather to do a whole lot more thinking.  And who knows, maybe 
after all of my analyzing and planning, I may decide also that the idea 
simply is not smart.  Right now I do not yet know.

I'd like to thank the people who supplied the information to the archives.  
You have given me a great deal to think about and just may have saved me from 
blindly going out and doing something dumb.  As Al Pertner, my technical 
instructor trainer, used to say "There may be a significant difference 
between what I know and what I think I know." (And in this business, the 
difference just might possibly be fatal.)

Take care and safe diving,       Scott

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