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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 -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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