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Ya know, this list really is degenerating. I'm surprised someone
hasn't said that DIN was developed because of tech. diver's tendencies
to screw the point of the yoke screw thru the valve post when they are
planning on scooter slamming! The one-liner reasons for this or that
make me think of the guys who are trying to impress you with
half-truths, but can't explain the whole picture 'cause they don't
know it.
For those who know, sorry for the bandwidth, but I just can't stand
these half-answers. If there are other good arguments for why DIN,
please chime in. I could use some more ammo for beating up the
ignorant filler who complains about having to learn how to screw an
adapter in.
Honestly guys, DIN comes from a German acronym. The D is stands for
Deutsche as in German for GERMAN.
DIN is such a better design than yolk that I'm told the yolk valve
that came on my 3300 PSI Aluminum tank is unsafe due to the high
pressure and resulting forces applied. I have replaced it for the
reasons I'm stating below, not because it failed.
Anyway as for why people use DIN vs. the yoke even for lower pressure
tanks, it isn't just because they don't break when folks bash them
into the cave ceiling. The captured o-ring design and securing
mechanism is simply superior regardless of the CGA standards for what
pressure you can use what with.
Go thru the archives and you will find that the discussion was held
regarding the o-ring on a yoke tank being subject to abuse when
handling tanks vs. the DIN o-ring nicely tucked away in the regulator
bag. Also think of the times yolk o-rings get cut when the regulator
isn't positioned correctly before the screw clamp is applied. Now
think of that big screw knob sticking out waiting to grab on to
everything it can find like fishing line, cable, nets, cave and wreck
ceilings, kelp, etc.
If you do happen to hit something with the DIN Valve, you can position
most regulators such that the valve post will take the knock instead
of the reg. Also, you won't have to worry about hitting the screw on
the yolk clamp with a DIN as you don't have one. That assumes that
you only misjudged the ceiling height or current a little bit. If you
do happen to hit the reg. that is right next to your head, the
captured o-ring is *gasp* securely CAPTURED so you don't loose your
seal in the event of a really good hard scooter slam or other hard
knocks. Please note George's post on the Sherwood slant on valves and
manifolds as being a short sided attempt to do something. It
basically put's the reg as a bad angle for impacts both from in-water
and out of water stuff. The shaft of the DIN wheel will break easier
on typical "oops my tank fell over with the reg attached". Also the
angle tends to contribute to the valve socket being deformed when it
hits the sides of pickups/boats/etc. in transit. So, not all "DIN"
are created equal. Look up the differences between 200 bar DIN and
300 bar. I'm tired of typing.
It doesn't take too many bad/cut o-rings, aborted dives, and
near-death experiences till folks start wanting to use a better mouse
trap. Tech divers are generally better educated about gear, and take
their diving more seriously regarding risk analysis, so the better
design is usually chosen. The additional cost is minor compared to
your life or a bad case of the bends. So now you know what I have
taken the time to post. Make your own decision.--DD
David Drake EDS/SATURN Infrastructure 8-320-4190 on GMnet
Spring Hill, TN USA Internet: saturn.ddrake05@gm*.co*
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