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>Dr. Ali Lawrie asks for field experience of manifolds vs two independent
>cylinders.
>
>I dive in Lake Superior; water temps are just above freezing to about 50 F.
> I, like Dr. Lawrie, could never reach a manifold isolator valve because of a
>drysuit and thick underwear.  A valve block in front of the diver would help,
>if one exists.

Home made chest mounted air blocks are used in the eastern states of 
Australia for wreck diving, these have been previously described on the 
list, two first stages, air block, one second stage, block selects for 
either or both first stages.  I'll let someone who actually uses one 
describe it better.


>Problem with 2 independent cylinders:  A friend of mine nearly died of the
>bends in Lake Superior some years back as a result of not opening the valve
>on his second cylinder.  A small but critical error!  He ran out of air at
>140 during an ascent from a 190 for 20 exposure.  Lots of permenant damage
>resulted.  Buddy was below by 20 feet or so and didn't realize the problem in
>time to reach him.

This doesn't sound like a problem inherent in the equipment.


regards,

David Doolette
ddoolett@me*.ad*.ed*.au*

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