Thinking of a DPV

[Jon Nellis]

It's Valentine's day again, so it must be time my traditional rant...

... Personally I feel that DPV's are one of the least reliable pieces of gear out there. I've seen cave line disable one and I've had one of my own "stick" on (although I was able to ride that out without issue, and it eventually unstuck). I've heard first hand accounts of divers who have had brush boards melt, batteries die, etc.

It always kills me when folks that have the latest computers, regulators, rebreathers and deco planing software complain about the reliability of a scooter that is based on 30 year old technology. Those variable pitch props were designed for the Tekna, a low power scooter by today's standards, and people are surprised when they snap off on a scooter with more power. They had clutch problems with the Tekna when the military tested them back in 1987 and someone's solution to use a metal clutch for the bigger motors just moved the problem to next weakest link, the prop. The same is true for people who rewound their motor for more power but don't upgrade the brush board. That design has had numerous tweaks and just as many band-aid fixes that people have come to accept. It's like someone trying to push technical diving limits on vintage, double hose regulators and a horse collar, complaining about how they don't feel safe. There is no reason to put up with a scooter that is not as reliable as your regulators, unless you choose to use outdated equipment.


Rant over...

Happy Valentine's day,
Jon

[Dsix36]

There was someone who makes the modification either here on the deco stop. I can't remember who, but he posted them for sale and I bought one. Easiest thing ever to install. I tried to search here and on deco stop, but too much stuff came up so I didn't take the time to figure it out. Maybe someone else can remember. It was less than a year ago.... good price too, $25? $50 at most.

maybe this will work: http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...042#post215042



skip

Hey, I made that handle. They can be found here:
ADD HELIUM SCOOTER HANDLE BY DSIX

[Jont]

I've decided to get a DPV. I've started some preliminary investigation and I think I've figured out what I'd like to do. I'm wondering what your opinions are.

I'm looking at purchasing a used UV18 and putting the LiFe batteries in it. I'm told (and if my math is right) I can get about 2.5 hour run times out of it.

I've spent several days diving a UV18, UV26 and a Minnus 1.5.
I'm really not a fan of the 26. It's stable, but doesn't turn on a dime, and it weighs a ton. I like the UV18. It's pretty nimble, weighs enough that I can carry it easily, fits into my Jetta trunk. But, battery time sucks. The Minnus on the other hand is nimble, fast as hell, weighs nothing. But I hate the price of those batteries, and more than that, my wife will kill me if I burn down the house.

So, I think I have my mind made up, but what are your thoughts. Also, if you have a UV18 with or without batteries, let me know. I'm looking for two unless you change my mind.

Peter,

Wait until I return, I'll be there for the month of April and possibly for a shorter 7 day trip in 2 weeks, try my G1200 before you buy anything, nothing made today comes close.

[skip]

Hey, I made that handle. They can be found here:
ADD HELIUM SCOOTER HANDLE BY DSIX

hey, that's right it was you! best scooter investment ever.

skip

[LiteHedded]

It's Valentine's day again, so it must be time my traditional rant...




It always kills me when folks that have the latest computers, regulators, rebreathers and deco planing software complain about the reliability of a scooter that is based on 30 year old technology. Those variable pitch props were designed for the Tekna, a low power scooter by today's standards, and people are surprised when they snap off on a scooter with more power. They had clutch problems with the Tekna when the military tested them back in 1987 and someone's solution to use a metal clutch for the bigger motors just moved the problem to next weakest link, the prop. The same is true for people who rewound their motor for more power but don't upgrade the brush board. That design has had numerous tweaks and just as many band-aid fixes that people have come to accept. It's like someone trying to push technical diving limits on vintage, double hose regulators and a horse collar, complaining about how they don't feel safe. There is no reason to put up with a scooter that is not as reliable as your regulators, unless you choose to use outdated equipment.


Rant over...

Happy Valentine's day,
Jon

i own a couple big gavins and I'd probably agree with that. but they work for me and do just fine if you keep up with proper care and feeding.
saving my nickels for an upgrade though

[iainmsmith]

Thanks gents. Unfortunately I misunderstood and thought you were talking about a T/motorbike-style handle for a Gavin rather than the UV. Thanks anyway.

Iain

[PfcAJ]

Even the latest and greatest Italian models can break. Whatever you do (with the exception of shallow, high flow springs at short distances) bring a spare and a buddy.

[Tegg]

We all have different risk assessment. I'll admit I've been further in a cave than I know for a fact I could SWIM out with (but never without a spare scooter). Personally I feel that DPV's are one of the least reliable pieces of gear out there. I've seen cave line disable one and I've had one of my own "stick" on (although I was able to ride that out without issue, and it eventually unstuck). I've heard first hand accounts of divers who have had brush boards melt, batteries die, etc.
.

What brand of scooters were those? Suex? Gavin? SS?

[jcr]

It always kills me when folks that have the latest computers, regulators, rebreathers and deco planing software complain about the reliability of a scooter that is based on 30 year old technology.

You may have the latest regulator but I assure you it is based on much older technology and happens to be one of the most reliable pieces of equipment we use as divers. I'm all for improving performance and reliability but let's not discount the tools that have worked quite well and hold most of the current records just because they are based on 30 year old technology.

While the latest scooter designs have certainly improved performance, it has yet to be seen whether they have improved overall reliability. In fact, some appear to be a step backwards in that department.

[Jay]

As for flooding, if you are diving FW caves there is no reason to replace a lead acid battery if you flood the scooter. The only time flooding becomes an issue is when the water has enough electrolytes or contaminants in it to be damaging. Now if you crush the batteries somehow....