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Regarding MEMO SAHINBAS' message: First, if someone is into using argon as a drysuit gas, they should have the minimal knowledge required to adjust a first stage intermediate pressure. For almost any regulator, this can be done with about $20 worth of parts (gauge, LP fitting, T-adaptor). So, for the price you'll pay a service tech to do it, most people could do it themselves. Second, the previous message said something about cleaning the first stage before re-using it with air ??? I would think that a quick flush with air would be enough? Since we seem to be debating the merits of DIY vs commercial systems, here's what I would do to setup a low-cost system: Get a cheap tank. Here in Canada, we can buy old O2 (I think they're 14 cf) steel 2015 tanks for about $15-$20 from gas supply stores. Find yourself an old 1/2" NPT scuba valve and you've got a tank for about $30. 3000 psi al. or steel tanks or not the best choice for argon since you're only using them at 2/3 capacity. You'll need a reg. first stage. Most scuba shops that have been around for some time have old first stages that they can sell you for very little money. I was lucky, I purchased three first stages for $40 and one was an old Nemrod with a built-in adjustable overpressure valve. You can get such a valve from Underwater Applications for about $30. If your dive shop sells argon, then you wont need the filling adaptor. If not, you can make one with a gauge, yoke, bleeder and CGA fitting for around $60. So, without the adapter, you're well under $100. Just paint the tank brown and label it as "argon-toxic" and you've got yourself an argon system. Am I making any sense here? or am I the only one who likes to build stuff like this? Richard
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