http://www.direxplorers.com/ DIR Diving with DIR Explorers, Gue Training discussion and GUE courses for the best DIR divers on the web in our DIR forums en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:14:46 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.direxplorers.com/images/element/misc/rss.jpg http://www.direxplorers.com/ http://www.direxplorers.com/introductions/10330-hello-scotland.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:51:01 GMT Hello all, Finally got round to posting my intro after following the site for a while. Completed Fundies in Apr with Clare at Vobster after spending some time building up my kit and skills, fantastic course and very well run. Been very commited with work (Diving but not DIR!) but relocating to the South West in 2011 and intend progressing to T1 and becoming a more active member of the community. Cheers, Balf Hello all,

Finally got round to posting my intro after following the site for a while. Completed Fundies in Apr with Clare at Vobster after spending some time building up my kit and skills, fantastic course and very well run. Been very commited with work (Diving but not DIR!) but relocating to the South West in 2011 and intend progressing to T1 and becoming a more active member of the community.

Cheers,

Balf ]]> Introductions clearancediver http://www.direxplorers.com/introductions/10330-hello-scotland.html http://www.direxplorers.com/specialist-dir-kit/10329-gavin-trmming.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:51:40 GMT OK I picked up a standard Gavin and have a short body on the way, thanks to Clare. I've had a fair bit of experience with a number of scooters over the years from Apollos to Zeps but never owned a Gavin or SS before. I'd certainly appreciate a little advice.

Having spent an evening, last week, tidying up some of the wiring and generally making sure everything was sound I took the unit in the water at the weekend to check it over, sort any weighting issues and play with towcord lengths.

The unit was well trimmed from the outset, possibly around 200g positive at the surface, so no faffing around adding/removing lead was required. However on the first dive I installed the battery pack in such a way as to have the throttle handle at 12'o'clock when resting which pushed the handle towards the 11'0'clock position when on the throttle. This was a little uncomfortable on the wrist and I imagine would be quite a strain for long durations.

On the 2nd dive I rotated the battery pack so that the throttle handle resided at the 3'o'clock position when resting. This brought the throttle handle up to the 1-2'o'clock position when on the throttle which wasn't too bad but still required more input to steer than I would like, it seemed considerably easier when towing a greater load (buddy holding rear crotch strap).

What's the preferred orientation of the Gavin when at rest? I was thinking that moving a little of the ballast around to get the scooter to rest with the throttle handle around the 1-2'o'clock position would probably be the optimum to minimise the user input required under load.

Or do I just need to just get more time on the throttle??

Your thoughts would be appreciated. ]]> Specialist DIR Kit Mark S http://www.direxplorers.com/specialist-dir-kit/10329-gavin-trmming.html http://www.direxplorers.com/general-diving-forum/10328-new-suunto-stinger-battery-new-backup-timer-depth.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:23:07 GMT My Stinger has been dead for a few years now but I am considering getting a new battery for it but have discovered that it costs around £45 for a battery and pressure test! Considering they need replacing every two years I am also considering selling it and getting something else. Will be doing fundamentals next year so would like it to be useful for that and subsequent GUE training. Already plan to get a Uwatec bottom timer (with average depth?) soon so would the Stinger make a suitable back-up? Also I have read that the Uwatec bottom timers are notorious for displaying inaccurate battery levels is this the case, if so are there any better alternatives? Many thanks as always in anticipation of your advice! My Stinger has been dead for a few years now but I am considering getting a new battery for it but have discovered that it costs around £45 for a battery and pressure test! Considering they need replacing every two years I am also considering selling it and getting something else.

Will be doing fundamentals next year so would like it to be useful for that and subsequent GUE training. Already plan to get a Uwatec bottom timer (with average depth?) soon so would the Stinger make a suitable back-up?

Also I have read that the Uwatec bottom timers are notorious for displaying inaccurate battery levels is this the case, if so are there any better alternatives?

Many thanks as always in anticipation of your advice! ]]> General Diving Forum Whump http://www.direxplorers.com/general-diving-forum/10328-new-suunto-stinger-battery-new-backup-timer-depth.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-training-gue-courses/10327-fundamentals-courses-oman.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:15:59 GMT GUE Fundamentals classes in Oman. The cost is US$890/EU685 per candidate. This fee is inclusive of gas, cylinder hire, marine park fees, boat costs and complimentary accommodation if you require it. Courses are conducted in the pristine surroundings of the Damaniate Marine reserve, a UNESCO site of 21 years standing. Escape the winter and join us for some fun in the sun, there’s even the option to stay on after the course and do some exploring. PM me for further information. GUE Fundamentals classes in Oman.

The cost is US$890/EU685 per candidate. This fee is inclusive of gas, cylinder hire, marine park fees, boat costs and complimentary accommodation if you require it.

Courses are conducted in the pristine surroundings of the Damaniate Marine reserve, a UNESCO site of 21 years standing.

Escape the winter and join us for some fun in the sun, there’s even the option to stay on after the course and do some exploring.

PM me for further information. ]]> DIR Training and GUE Courses Olly_A http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-training-gue-courses/10327-fundamentals-courses-oman.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-decompression-forum/10326-deco-gas-o2-cleaning-regs.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:59:43 GMT Hi all,
Just a question.
I know that the use of 80% as a deco gas is not recomended by DIR standards, BUT I´ve got doubts with "when the deco regulator (1st, 2nd stage and SPG) has to be O2 cleaned.
I will use 50% as deco gas in one trip and 80% as deco gas in another trip right after the firts one and I intended to use the same deco reg.
Question is: Should the deco reg be O2 cleaned? if I use it for 50% then will still be O2 cleaned? if I use it for 80% then will still be O2 cleaned?
Thanks for the replies
A lot to learn!!
Cheers ]]> DIR Decompression Forum mikelorue http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-decompression-forum/10326-deco-gas-o2-cleaning-regs.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-planned-trips-expeditions/10325-weymouth-18-19-september.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:39:09 GMT Unfortunately Chris B and myself need to pull out of the dir-x T1 trip on Graham Knotts boat out of Weymouth on 18 & 19 September, if anyone would like to take our places please contact GLOC.
Thanks
Steve Mc ]]> DIR Planned Trips and Expeditions steve mc http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-planned-trips-expeditions/10325-weymouth-18-19-september.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10324-wtb-halcyon-evolve-40-a.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:22:39 GMT As title says I'm looking for a Halcyon Evolve 40 in reasonable condition.

Thanks,
Ulrich ]]> DIR Kit for Sale UlliDK http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10324-wtb-halcyon-evolve-40-a.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10323-explorer10w-torch-spares.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:57:50 GMT Halcyon Explorer 10W dive light for spares. Originally supplied by Underwater Explorers, Portland Bulb was working and protective glass is intact. reflector, goodman handle and clip. canister battery and charger This is a pre 2002 model. All in working order, maintained and used regularly until July this year when fault emerged. Thought it was a breakage in the umbilical cable, UE reports that the ballast has gone, is no longer supplied by Halcyon and cannot be repaired. I have owned the light from new. Useful spares for another diver out there! questions here or contact direct on rsw.post@gmail.com going to eBay as well Halcyon Explorer 10W dive light for spares.
Originally supplied by Underwater Explorers, Portland
Bulb was working and protective glass is intact.
reflector,
goodman handle and clip.
canister
battery and charger
This is a pre 2002 model.

All in working order, maintained and used regularly until July this year when fault emerged. Thought it was a breakage in the umbilical cable, UE reports that the ballast has gone, is no longer supplied by Halcyon and cannot be repaired. I have owned the light from new. Useful spares for another diver out there!

questions here or contact direct on rsw.post@gmail.com
going to eBay as well
]]> DIR Kit for Sale RichardSW http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10323-explorer10w-torch-spares.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10322-twin-7s-weighting.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:29:17 GMT Hi all,

Im trying to work out a starting point to how much lead I need with a 7ltr twinset (232 bar). With twin 12's in salt water I wear 4kg so dropping down to 7's what are my weight requirments?

Interested in what other people are using??

I am going to have a play in the shallows but have no idea what to start with :(

Dan ]]> DIR Kit questions DAN BREWER http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10322-twin-7s-weighting.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10321-wtb-smurfy-blue-yellow-halcyon-h2-evolve-40-wing.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:08:16 GMT As the title says Im after a Halcyon H2 Evolve 40lb wing in the Europe Blue and Yellow colours. Cash waiting. TIA, Simon. As the title says Im after a Halcyon H2 Evolve 40lb wing in the Europe Blue and Yellow colours.

Cash waiting.

TIA,

Simon. ]]> DIR Kit for Sale Aquaboy80 http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-sale/10321-wtb-smurfy-blue-yellow-halcyon-h2-evolve-40-wing.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10317-travel-fins.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:50:49 GMT Hi all
I've been thinking about/looking for an alternative to my 2XL Turtles, which are a bit heavy for air travel. I really can't get on with my old rec fins any more - too long, narrow and floppy.
Hollis F1s seem to be slightly lighter, but not by a huge margin, and are quite pricey.
The new Spro 'Jet Sport' fins JET SPORT - SCUBAPRO-UWATEC don't seem to resemble jet fins at all, and as long, narrow and floppy as any rec fin, or am I mistaken?
Any advice?
Thanks
Fourie ]]> DIR Kit questions fourie http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10317-travel-fins.html http://www.direxplorers.com/announcements/10316-spam.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:33:54 GMT Got some spam by PM today from someone called Serendipity. :spam2:
What's that all about? :poke: ]]> Announcements fourie http://www.direxplorers.com/announcements/10316-spam.html http://www.direxplorers.com/general-diving-forum/10313-report-into-incident-reporting-uk-recreational-diving-industry.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:53:02 GMT Ladies & Gents

The report into "Incident Reporting in the UK Recreational Diving Industry - An Assessment of Current Practices and Potential Ways to Improve Them" has now been published and can be downloaded from Report - Cognitas - "To Err is Human"

There is a full report, an executive summary and several annexes, one of which has some comments extracted from the questionnaire. The full questionnaire database is also available for download so that users can conduct their own analysis if they wish. The only data removed the questionnaire has been initials & year of birth and location.

This report will make the basis for the presentation that I am going to give on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 at the BDSG.

Regards ]]> General Diving Forum GLOC http://www.direxplorers.com/general-diving-forum/10313-report-into-incident-reporting-uk-recreational-diving-industry.html http://www.direxplorers.com/introductions/10312-hi-all.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:44:13 GMT I thought it's about time I say hello. It looks like I've been a member of this forum for quite a while but not posted anything.

I'll be back in the UK for October and wonder if this may be the best place to find DIR buddies in scotland. I'll be up in Moray but happy to trek around for some good dives, I hear we have some great wrecks so I suppose it's about time to do some diving at home!

At the moment I'm T1/Cave1 and Open Water instructor with UTD.

Dave ]]> Introductions Dave1981 http://www.direxplorers.com/introductions/10312-hi-all.html http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10307-dui-flx-extreme.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:02:08 GMT Has anyone seen or tested the new DUI FLX Extreme? They say it is a little more durable trilam suit than a TLS and can be ordered with all the same extras that we need. I'm considering getting one and would like to hear any comments and experiences on this one.

-aleksi ]]> DIR Kit questions aleksi http://www.direxplorers.com/dir-kit-questions/10307-dui-flx-extreme.html