Rb Pages

Rb configuration should start with a solid
frame, the frame is intended not only to
carry subtantial bailout gas but also,
primarily to protect rb Integrity.

The smallest bottle for OW diving is 8.5lt /
65ft3 (same bailout of 18's at 100bar) for
cave training build up should be 12Lt or
al80's, the later are easier to start setting
up the rb and getting use to the procedures
in land also are lighter, therefore an option
for wet suit diving and in rare  remote
extremely deep and cold wreck diving
activities.

Up the ladder and into what the rb was built
for talking about long range cave diving,
double 20Lt is the prefer choice.

Double manifold isolation is a must in all
cases, but specially in single back gas
bailout and/or single stage dives.
The center connection, should be fixed
steel pipe. Notice the fixed one is a "use
and change" seal system.

In special situations, I use custom thread
isolation valves that  allows to remove/
change tanks from frame without empty
them, for expedition transportation where
carrying the whole frame as unit is not
possible IE. Sumps, jungle, horse, etc.











On the right picture there is a Double rb
frame to back mount double rb80 style
rebreathers, frame is mounted of course in
double 20lt tanks

The downside is that you can't fit a larger
sofnolime canister and need tools to open
the frame to remove the rb let alone you
mus remove back plate and wings.

I will design a better frame soon

In the pictures on the left you can see  travel frame
is not really an advantage for expedition rb diving

In my experience travel frame and similar are the
worst choice and not an option on the long run, in
fact should be avoided for cave diving.

Single tank adapters frames jeopardize rb integrity
and therefore catastrophic failure, the rb was not
designed to carry any weight.

Common problems with expose rb frames is rb
damage or failure upon un-desire impacts.

Main problem with small tanks is that rb dump
valve could hit in the table when de-gearing off.

The pictures below show the many problems
dealing with soft frames and/or short tanks !

Let alone a HUGE pain in the butt to set it up
EVERY time!
Frame
and
Manifold
The right frame
Al S080
12 Lt tanks
20 Lt tanks
The original Halcyon STA Soft frame
Guillotine dump Valve,
check that often
Undesired Impacts on
expose rb scars
If you must, use the soft travel frame made with
STA's watch line snatching latches should be inside
not outside; Notice they damage rb upon closure
and can open accidentally, align in "V".
I used during the GUE rb class and for 150hrs and
it suck big time.

Fitted in large tanks and double isolation valves
manifold the new halcyon frame offer the possibility
of fitting a larger absorbent canister to the rb but
same problems of STA's as picture above show, but
also having to regulate the rb height every time,
also is way heavier than Euro frame.
And rb falls when you unlatch him.
The original frame on the "Fridge rb"
was also cage style allowing different
tank mounting and easy absorber
charges and unit cleaning
Cave Explorer Knowledge Base