The Scuba Regulator is the life support of any scuba diver. The Dive Tank may hold the compressed air, which makes it possible for us to breath underwater, but it is the scuba regulator that reduces the almost 2000 pounds per square inch (psi) of compressed air to safe, breathable pressure of about 135 to 150 psi. Made of two main components, the first stage and second stage, the first stage converts air in the dive tank to ambient pressure and then to a preset intermediate pressure. Meanwhile, the second stage supplies breathable air at ambient pressure to the diver on demand.
Although it sounds very simple, find the the right scuba regulator is not as simple as it looks. In fact, many new scuba divers are often confounded with the different types of first and second stages when buying their first regulator. Because, regulators are not a generic piece of scuba diving equipment, one type of regulator will not work for all divers. Regulator manufacturers need to consider performance, cost, comfort and compatibility when designing a new regulator. Therefore, different regulators have been designed to meet different diver preferences as well as to match a certain dive profiles. Below are some tip to consider when making your choice.
Performance Features.
Balanced or unbalanced? Sealed or unsealed? These are terms you will need to know, especially in First and Second Stage Components. Seasoned divers would always recommend the use of a balanced first stage and reject the notion of using an unbalanced first stage, even for shallow dives. These days that would not be too much of an issue, because most regulator with balanced first stages right out of the box. Meanwhile second stages are either balanced or unbalanced. An unbalanced second stage will suffice as long as the balanced first stage is able to sustain uniform intermediate pressure. Nonetheless, getting a balanced second stage to match a balanced first stage promotes easier breathing and entails lesser inhalation effort on the part of the diver.
Cost Considerations.
Should you go for a mid-Range or a top of the line regulator ? If you got deeper pockets , why settle for low range when high performance scuba regulators could create a big difference in breathing comfort as you pursue multi-level dives, particularly below recreational depths. Nonetheless, the perception of comfort and performance varies from one diver to the next and only the diver can determine which type of scuba regulator set design conforms to his needs. For recreational diving, a budget to mid-range regulator set would be appropriate while the top of the line regulators fit specialized and professional diving activities.
Acquiring a Scuba Regulator
Should I Rent or should I Buy? It would probably take a few open water dives before a diver will be able to determine the scuba regulator that he will be most comfortable with. When renting scuba equipment, make sure to take note of the maker, model number and specifications of the scuba regulator set used. This would save you time and energy the next time you decide to purchase a regulator set to complete your scuba gear [http://www.scubasuppliers.com] and accompany you on your upcoming scuba diving adventures.
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
How to Keep Your Scuba Regulator Working For Many Years to Come
Your scuba diving regulator is a crucial piece of dive gear. After all, without it we wouldn't be diving. And who can imagine life without diving?
Since it is such an important piece of equipment, we need to take care of it properly. Luckily, it is not hard to take good care of your regulator. So no excuses. Just follow the scuba regulator maintenance tips below and you should be breathing nice and easy underwater for years to come.
Steps for Scuba Regulator Care
* Dry Dustcap and Seal Properly
* If you are going to be rinsing your regulator while it is off the tank, you need to make sure no water gets in the second stage. First, ensure that the dustcap is dry. One way to do this is to blow the water off with air from the tank. Alternatively, you can use a towel to dry the surface of the dustcap. Then securely fasten the dustcap on the opening. Make sure you have a proper seal because you do not want any water to get in the first stage of the regulator. Soak the Regulator
* If you only do one thing in your scuba regulator care routine, make it be this step.This is an important step and will get rid of any deposits that may be on your regulator. Swoosh the regulator around a bit to get rid of any loose particles. Dive shops usually have a rinse tank that you can use after a dive to rinse your gear. If you are not at a shop, rinse your regulator as soon as you get a chance. Move the Levers (but not the purge!)
* Work any levers/buttons back and forth to loosen anything that may have attached to your equipment. Do this while the regulator is underwater. However, make sure you do not push the purge button. This will let water into the second stage which could travel up to the first stage. Something you do not want to happen. Finish With a Stream of Water
* While you will probably get most of the debris out of the regulator with the above steps, if you get a chance, run a stream of water through the first and second stages (again, with the dust cap securely in place and without pushing the purge button). This should get rid of any remaining particles in the chambers and other openings. Dry the Regulator
* Before you store it, let the regulator dry thoroughly. Do not dry in the direct sunlight as it can affect any rubber parts. Store Properly
* Store the regulator in a cool, dry spot. Store away from sunlight and fumes. Position the regulator in such a way that the hoses are not kinked. Get Annual Scuba Regulator Service
Most scuba regulator manufacturers require the regulator to be serviced annually in order to remain under warranty. Check the terms on your regulator. While this step has been subject to debate, it is probably the safest thing to do.
Hopefully you will agree with me that scuba diving regulator maintenance is pretty easy. Just follow this guide and you should have many great and safe dives ahead of you
Since it is such an important piece of equipment, we need to take care of it properly. Luckily, it is not hard to take good care of your regulator. So no excuses. Just follow the scuba regulator maintenance tips below and you should be breathing nice and easy underwater for years to come.
Steps for Scuba Regulator Care
* Dry Dustcap and Seal Properly
* If you are going to be rinsing your regulator while it is off the tank, you need to make sure no water gets in the second stage. First, ensure that the dustcap is dry. One way to do this is to blow the water off with air from the tank. Alternatively, you can use a towel to dry the surface of the dustcap. Then securely fasten the dustcap on the opening. Make sure you have a proper seal because you do not want any water to get in the first stage of the regulator. Soak the Regulator
* If you only do one thing in your scuba regulator care routine, make it be this step.This is an important step and will get rid of any deposits that may be on your regulator. Swoosh the regulator around a bit to get rid of any loose particles. Dive shops usually have a rinse tank that you can use after a dive to rinse your gear. If you are not at a shop, rinse your regulator as soon as you get a chance. Move the Levers (but not the purge!)
* Work any levers/buttons back and forth to loosen anything that may have attached to your equipment. Do this while the regulator is underwater. However, make sure you do not push the purge button. This will let water into the second stage which could travel up to the first stage. Something you do not want to happen. Finish With a Stream of Water
* While you will probably get most of the debris out of the regulator with the above steps, if you get a chance, run a stream of water through the first and second stages (again, with the dust cap securely in place and without pushing the purge button). This should get rid of any remaining particles in the chambers and other openings. Dry the Regulator
* Before you store it, let the regulator dry thoroughly. Do not dry in the direct sunlight as it can affect any rubber parts. Store Properly
* Store the regulator in a cool, dry spot. Store away from sunlight and fumes. Position the regulator in such a way that the hoses are not kinked. Get Annual Scuba Regulator Service
Most scuba regulator manufacturers require the regulator to be serviced annually in order to remain under warranty. Check the terms on your regulator. While this step has been subject to debate, it is probably the safest thing to do.
Hopefully you will agree with me that scuba diving regulator maintenance is pretty easy. Just follow this guide and you should have many great and safe dives ahead of you
What might cause my scuba regulator to wheeze when getting low on air?
I was browesing Yahoo answers the other day and came a cross this thouth it was very interesting and some I should share with you.
What might cause my scuba regulator to wheeze when getting low on air?
I have a brand new first and second stage from oceanic. I've taken the equipment on two dives so far and both times towards the end of the dive I would hear an occasional wheezing noise as I inhaled. Couldn't tell whether it was first or second stage reg, or the hose itself. Anyone have this issue before or know what it means? Thanks for any help. I'm with DMG - if you haven't had your reg in to be serviced, take it in. Your primary regulator should never 'wheeze' or 'honk'. It's almost certainly the second stage.
I learned recently that it's not unusual for regulators to ship from the factory *not* correctly set to factory specs. I've got an AquaLung (the one actually built by APEKS) and when it came back from its first annual service I had to learn how to handle it all over again because it seemed like it wanted to free-flow. Turns out, my reg was not set right to start with (not bad out of spec, but the difference was noticeable).
Your regs need to go back to the shop to be serviced. And you should never go below 50 bar. People who do, need their head examined.It's just too dangerous.
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What might cause my scuba regulator to wheeze when getting low on air?
I have a brand new first and second stage from oceanic. I've taken the equipment on two dives so far and both times towards the end of the dive I would hear an occasional wheezing noise as I inhaled. Couldn't tell whether it was first or second stage reg, or the hose itself. Anyone have this issue before or know what it means? Thanks for any help. I'm with DMG - if you haven't had your reg in to be serviced, take it in. Your primary regulator should never 'wheeze' or 'honk'. It's almost certainly the second stage.
I learned recently that it's not unusual for regulators to ship from the factory *not* correctly set to factory specs. I've got an AquaLung (the one actually built by APEKS) and when it came back from its first annual service I had to learn how to handle it all over again because it seemed like it wanted to free-flow. Turns out, my reg was not set right to start with (not bad out of spec, but the difference was noticeable).
i would take it back to were you got if from that doesn't sound normal. i have never had that issue before but i don't have a oceanic.
Your regs need to go back to the shop to be serviced. And you should never go below 50 bar. People who do, need their head examined.It's just too dangerous.
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Ways to clean a rented scuba regulator?
I recently rented some scuba gear for a dive and the regulator mouth piece.. i wanted to make sure its not dirty and gross. Plus i want to make sure that i got all the previous spit from that last user off. How would I clean the mouth piece of the regulator so its truly clean and it wont damage or change anything.
You can take germophobia too far you know. Every dive centre I've worked for made sure that all the gear was washed thoroughly after it was returned. A good slosh in the rinse tank, followed by hanging it up to drip dry, is more than sufficient to clean the spit out.
However, if you want to make absolutely sure, a general rule would be, don't wash the mouthpieces in anything you wouldn't put in your mouth. I would suggest you soak the second stages in a weak solution of antibacterial mouthwash (e.g. listerine) overnight. If you do that, and then rinse the mouthpieces out with fresh water, you can be reasonably sure that it's clean enough to use.
Although I should point out, as soon as you jump in the sea with it, you'll be exposing yourself to far higher levels of bacteria than what might have been on the mouthpiece in the first place...
I agree with TJS on this one. Between the ocean, dive boat, and everything else, you'll be exposed to other sources of bacteria. If you have good oral health and no open sores in your mouth, the level of exposure from a rental regulator is negligible.
Most places that rent gear count on the gear lasting for a long time. After a rental, the rental gear is rinsed (dunked) in fresh water. While this won't sanitize the mouthpiece, it will make it safe for the next renter (if the next renter has good oral health).
If you are still not convinced, then the best thing to do is when you rent a regulator, buy a new mouth piece at that time. Ask the dive shop to swap the mouthpieces for you. This way you have a non-contaminated mouthpiece, and the dive shop put it on for you.
There are other nooks and crannies in the mouthpiece and where the mouthpiece attaches. I doubt just soaking, wiping, or spraying the mouthpiece will really sterilize it. Go with the new mouth piece if you must. You could even keep the old mouth piece from the rental regulator and then have the dive shop switch it back once you return it. Then you have your own personal mouthpiece to take with you.
Get a large bucket and fill with warm water and put some vinegar in it. Soak for 30 minute or more and rinse out thoroughly with clean fresh water. This will clean out the reg and mouth piece without damaging it.
If this is a serious concern of yours, I highly recommend buying your own regulator.
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You can take germophobia too far you know. Every dive centre I've worked for made sure that all the gear was washed thoroughly after it was returned. A good slosh in the rinse tank, followed by hanging it up to drip dry, is more than sufficient to clean the spit out.
However, if you want to make absolutely sure, a general rule would be, don't wash the mouthpieces in anything you wouldn't put in your mouth. I would suggest you soak the second stages in a weak solution of antibacterial mouthwash (e.g. listerine) overnight. If you do that, and then rinse the mouthpieces out with fresh water, you can be reasonably sure that it's clean enough to use.
Although I should point out, as soon as you jump in the sea with it, you'll be exposing yourself to far higher levels of bacteria than what might have been on the mouthpiece in the first place...
I agree with TJS on this one. Between the ocean, dive boat, and everything else, you'll be exposed to other sources of bacteria. If you have good oral health and no open sores in your mouth, the level of exposure from a rental regulator is negligible.
Most places that rent gear count on the gear lasting for a long time. After a rental, the rental gear is rinsed (dunked) in fresh water. While this won't sanitize the mouthpiece, it will make it safe for the next renter (if the next renter has good oral health).
If you are still not convinced, then the best thing to do is when you rent a regulator, buy a new mouth piece at that time. Ask the dive shop to swap the mouthpieces for you. This way you have a non-contaminated mouthpiece, and the dive shop put it on for you.
There are other nooks and crannies in the mouthpiece and where the mouthpiece attaches. I doubt just soaking, wiping, or spraying the mouthpiece will really sterilize it. Go with the new mouth piece if you must. You could even keep the old mouth piece from the rental regulator and then have the dive shop switch it back once you return it. Then you have your own personal mouthpiece to take with you.
Get a large bucket and fill with warm water and put some vinegar in it. Soak for 30 minute or more and rinse out thoroughly with clean fresh water. This will clean out the reg and mouth piece without damaging it.
If this is a serious concern of yours, I highly recommend buying your own regulator.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
How to Choose The Right Scuba Regulator
here is nothing worse than choosing the worse regulator.
Here’s what I’m talking about:
You buy a scuba regulator to later find out will not work for the diving you do.
or you ought a reg and later found out that it was not Nitrox compatible.
Ouch!
Some divers forget what they need in a new regulator
or just don't know how to choose the regulators that best suits there diving needs.
Fortunately the guys at LeisurePro created a video on this topic
Here it is:
LeisurePro has best choices of regulators and dive equipment on the Internet at the most affordable prices. You can visit them Here or click the banner below.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Here’s what I’m talking about:
You buy a scuba regulator to later find out will not work for the diving you do.
or you ought a reg and later found out that it was not Nitrox compatible.
Ouch!
Some divers forget what they need in a new regulator
or just don't know how to choose the regulators that best suits there diving needs.
Fortunately the guys at LeisurePro created a video on this topic
Here it is:
LeisurePro has best choices of regulators and dive equipment on the Internet at the most affordable prices. You can visit them Here or click the banner below.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
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