Comment

Comment by Michael Webb on Tuesday

Yes I can see the advantage with having the head secured to the  bands and why I would want to use it.  Maybe there is an issue with one I have compared to yours.

I have to head off for a couple of days, after that I'll take some pics and measurements and will be in touch so we can come up with a solution.

I can't wait to have my MX-KISS all setup and diveable, at the moment it is just sitting in the corner taunting me.

Oh, and those bands are one serious bit of kit, solid and well made.  A bit heavier then  expected, I was hoping to save some weight with travel compared to my ali kiss counter lung case, but I can't see myself straping 2 ali40's or steel 7's (or 80's) to my original case once I get to destination.

BTW, I'm impressed with the latest pics with the zMX-KISS configuration with the Z-Harness, the canister back mounted and side mount dil and O2.  It looks like the perfect light weight and flexible solution for travel.

Comment by Unified Team Diving on Monday

Hi Mike,

We use the brass bracket primarily to keep the head attached to the bands, so to dismantle for cleaning or repacking the head stays in place and you can simply pull the canister off. I didn't have the issue with the CL placement, but if moving the head a little solved it, that's good. We can also move the holes in the brass bracket if you want to use it.

I also found that I wanted the unit lower on my back for trim and balance, but again, that's a personal decision, and I was running steel tanks, no aluminum, so once you're in the water you can set it for the best trim and balance.

You should not notice any WOB difference with the new bands.

Keep us informed!

Jeff

Comment by Michael Webb on Monday

An update,

I removed the brass bracket and only used the cam straps.  Raising the head about half an inch to 3/4 inch solved all the issues.  Interesting enough I had another look at the pics Tom Crisp posted on his setup and it looks to be about the same hight as his and he had no bracket.

I start back at work around April so I might see about machining up a new one out of 318 stainless with the new hight.  Untill then, I think the cam straps will do fine.

Comment by Michael Webb on Monday

  I just got the bands and the manifold today in the mail. I have them set up now on ali40's and I found the process simple enough.  I was a bit suspect as to the O2 cleanliness of the flexible manifold and fittings (they had a stickyness to them) so I cleaned it up, assembled and took the opertunity to get it pressure tested (270bar) all good on the handy work.  I was let down on my order with another company on the injectors and swaglok bits so it looks like another 2 weeks before I get finish the setting up.

  This hasn't stopped me from adding in my KISS and backplate and wings to see how it looks and goes together and try it on.  Not to bad, some minor things and one thing in particular, but other then that I think I might onto something here and even starting to get the nod from my DIR dive buddy/wife.

  It is wide compared to a standard KISS setup, something I'll have get used to...no wrecks for a little while untill I spacially readjust.  But I wouldn't want to go any closer with the cylinders as I don't think the manifold would like it.

  I'm not really sold on the little brass bracket for the head.  I had adjusted the standard kiss spine so that the unit was higher up on my back but with the bands and standard backplate, the bracket locks the unit down about 1" lower then I like.  How this will affect performance and WOB, I will not know for a while yet but I do have to (really) reach back further to press or adjust the OPV.

  Also, and the main issue with useing the bracket, the head is to low on the bands and it is interfering with the bayonet nuts for the counter lungs. It is putting pressure on the nuts and I have already worn a groove in them on the edge of the band just trying to get the CL's on first time.  Also, it is impossible to get the CL's on, I had to stop as the retaining ring on the CL's was getting pinched and bent against the bands.

  If the head was about half an inch higher, there would be no problem.  I think there is an issue with the brass bracket and not using it will solve these issues.

 The other thing I noticed is with the bands, I did raise this before and found the answer did not really address the question but I thought I would wait and see once I get the bands.  In my original setup I have a Kiss Explorer and the counter lung case sits right on snug agains my back.  The distance from CL's to my lungs would be about half an inch,  the WOB is great, when I put the bands on my backplate (hollis) that distance is 3".  Again what this number means, I wont know untill I get to dive it (maybe someone can give some feed back) but I remember my instructor saying the closer to your back the better.

  I am so looking forward to getting this thing finished and in the water so I start getting some more hours up in the MX configuration for a MCCR1 class.  I would like to be able to get the most out of a Truk and Bikini Atoll trip next year

Comment by Unified Team Diving on February 4, 2012 at 6:05am

Hi Michael,

The counterlungs slide down into the UTD bands and are held in a similar position as the stock KISS. We'll also send you the small brass bracket that we made that holds the head in place on the bands.

I look forward to seeing this built up and in the water. Please feel free to call anytime as you put it together.

Comment by Michael Webb on February 3, 2012 at 11:20pm

Thank you Jeff for the email and photo's answering my question.  I have the manifold ordered and I have the injectors and fittings etc on their way as well. 

I've just ordered The Bands and am interested to see how they will affect the WOB as I am diving the KISS Explorer which keepsthe C-Lungs right on my back.  It looks like I would have a 1" to 1 1/2" gap between my back plate and counter lungs with the UTD bands.

Now to just wait for the postman.

Comment by Michael Webb on January 30, 2012 at 10:40pm

Hi there, I was hoping someone could tell me what are the optimal length hoses (LP not loop) recommended for the MX-KISS.

Right Post

• Dil MAV feed (with inline shutoff) = ??
• BC Inflator = 22"
• Long Hose = 7ft

Left Post

• SPG= 24inch
• BOV = ?? (24" for 17" Loop Hose?)
• ADV Feed = ??
• Drysuit (if using rec configuration) = variable to body shape (me 26")

KISS Head

• Dil MAV to Head = ??
• O2 MAV to Head = ??

O2 Supply

I am in the proccess of converting an Explorer model (with Preditor and HUD) over to UTD configuration with the view of doing MCCR-1 and just need a hand sorting out the bits.  I have ordered the manifold and the Ess of RB DVD (just realised I forgot to order the bands .. DOH)

I have to order the MAV's (from GD) but still need to work out what I need as far as adaptors for the QC-6 fittings and MAV's

I am not to sure how much detail the DVD goes into as far as setup and configuration so I am hoping a MX-KISS diver would give me some sort of heads up on the parts etc.

I was looking at getting one already configured from the store but a bargin dropped into my lap.

Cheers

Mike

Comment by Unified Team Diving on December 16, 2011 at 7:14am

Mike

Sorry we missed the question. The mx comes with a BOV. Your choice :) std kiss or shrimp. We have being using both with great results

Andrew

Comment by Michael Webb on December 16, 2011 at 6:23am

Hmm...thought this would have been the place to post the question below.  Still no answer.  I may have to send off some emails.

Comment by Michael Webb on November 18, 2011 at 6:33am

Will the MX-KISS now come with the new BOV? Not the one pictured at UTD MX-KISS Pics but the new new Jetsam BOV, whivh much much smaller

 

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