Travel Rig (1st/2nd stage + octo)

[roofless]

My dive buddy (girlfriend) found the Oceanic Alpha 8 & SP-5 yoke on sale for $80 and picked up one for each of us.

Now the question is:

Should I stick w/Oceanic for the Octo? How about the console? We've both got wrist computers, (Geo's) so all I really need is a double console unit for the pressure gauge & compass.

I don't mind mixing manufacturers, but as I've never purchased nor assembled my own gear, I thought it best to start with my 'travel unit'.

Suggestions? What else am I missing? Will I need to supply my own inflater hose if I'm using the resorts bc?
Can I even use my own 1st/2nd stages & octo and someone else's bc? I've never tried.

[bubbletrubble]

Originally Posted by roofless

Should I stick w/Oceanic for the Octo? How about the console? We've both got wrist computers, (Geo's) so all I really need is a double console unit for the pressure gauge & compass.

It's probably better to stick with the same brand for 1st stage, primary 2nd stage, and octo 2nd stage. The reason you want to do this is that it makes reg repair/maintenance much easier. Some reg technicians/repair shops are only certified to work on certain brands of regs. If your octo is also Oceanic, then you can get your entire reg setup inspected/repaired/maintained at the same place. Usually LDSs which sell a certain brand of regs...also repair that brand of regs.
The SPG and compass are very standard pieces of gear. It's not necessary to have these items be the same brand as the rest of the setup. Other than the typical hose O-rings, the only thing that will be maintained on the SPG connection is the HP spool that allows the console to swivel freely 360 degrees. The spool basically connects the HP hose to the SPG. It's a standard item.
Consider getting a wrist-mounted compass, i.e., keeping it separate from the SPG. This is my personal preference, although I do know of some people who prefer a console-mounted compass. Having both a wrist-mount compass and wrist-mount dive computer makes it easy to view NDL and directional info.

Originally Posted by roofless

I don't mind mixing manufacturers, but as I've never purchased nor assembled my own gear, I thought it best to start with my 'travel unit'.

I would recommend just buying one good quality reg setup that can be used in both cold and warm water. Consider the money spent on having to maintain two different rigs. Annual inspections typically cost $40 - $70 per reg setup. That doesn't even include the cost for parts (which many manufacturer's throw in for free if you maintain the gear annually without fail).

Originally Posted by roofless

Suggestions? What else am I missing? Will I need to supply my own inflater hose if I'm using the resorts bc?
Can I even use my own 1st/2nd stages & octo and someone else's bc? I've never tried.

Yes, you will need to have your own LP inflater hose attached to your 1st stage. Then you can use your reg setup with any BCD. As long as you don't go for those octo-inflater combo dealies, you shouldn't have any problems hooking up the LP hose to any standard BCD. When initially purchased, most BCDs will come with a ready-to-install LP inflater hose.

Hope this info is helpful. Have fun diving...

[roofless]

Originally Posted by bubbletrubble

Hope this info is helpful. Have fun diving...

Incredibly helpful, especially the last bit about the LP Inflater Hose & standard bcv compatibility. I appreciate you breaking down some of the more 'common-knowledge' type parts as well. Thank you.

[keyshunter]

I second the above recommendations. I would get an Alpha 8 octo and not one of the low profile octos. It will be less expensive and breath better if it is needed.

That is a great price for an Alpha 8 SP5. It will serve you quite well for recreational warm water diving. Mind if I ask who was selling them at that price?

[character157]

I would not mind knowing where that deal was as well?

[roofless]

Originally Posted by character157

I would not mind knowing where that deal was as well?

Gander Mountain in Houston. These Oceanic Alpha 8's were bought at the store off of HWY 290. I checked the location in Spring & they were out. The guy working the scuba section told me that they're swapping brands and getting rid of the stuff they'll no longer stock/sale.

We just happened to get really lucky. The octo is going to cost me more than the 1st & 2nd stages together! heh

I tried looking at the Gander Mountain site to find a sale add I could link, but no luck. I'd call your local location and ask what scuba equipment is marked down on clearance.

[roofless]

Just spoke to someone at Scuba Toys about having them assemble my gear with the additional parts I'm purchasing and the response was "I guess". Apparently all that's needed is an allen wrench. They also said that there is no pressure testing required.

This conflicts with info obtained from another diver.

If I can attach a LP hose, console, and octo myself simply with the twist of an allen wrench, I'll do it. Especially if no pressure testing is required.

Second opinion anyone?

[SlvrDragon50]

Originally Posted by roofless

Gander Mountain in Houston. These Oceanic Alpha 8's were bought at the store off of HWY 290. I checked the location in Spring & they were out. The guy working the scuba section told me that they're swapping brands and getting rid of the stuff they'll no longer stock/sale.

We just happened to get really lucky. The octo is going to cost me more than the 1st & 2nd stages together! heh

I tried looking at the Gander Mountain site to find a sale add I could link, but no luck. I'd call your local location and ask what scuba equipment is marked down on clearance.

Woah!

I gotta check out my Gander Mtn. I thought they were like a hunting store or something...

[roofless]

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

Woah!

I gotta check out my Gander Mtn. I thought they were like a hunting store or something...

You'd think from their horrible website. I just got off of the phone w/Scuba Toys (had to work a plug in here) and finished setting up the rest w/octos, LP hoses, analog console w/pressure gauges, and a few other things that I just couldn't live without.

Someone stop me before I spend again!

[Sansho]

Apparently all that's needed is an allen wrench. They also said that there is no pressure testing required.

Second opinion anyone?

You need an allen wrench to take the plug out of the first stage. Then screw in the octo or SPG until finger tight. I believe Oceanic says to tighten to 40 inch lbs (not typical foot lbs), which is not much more than finger tight plus a little snug-up with a wrench.