June 2009 >> Archives

Gear Miester answers your gear questions...

Underwater life support - The Final episode

Extras and Clean up

In the last two issues, we’ve split our regulator into the first and second stages and learned how each of those pieces work. In this issue, we’ll take a look at some of the extra things we can add/change on our regulator system as well as how to take care of our life support investment.

High Pressure
Most regulator first stages have one high pressure port for the submersible pressure gauge (SPG), which indicates the amount of air remaining in our cylinder. Two other helpful gauges -  our depth gauge and our compass - are often attached to this gauge in the form of a “console.” Rather than wearing wrist-mounted gauges, the console combines everything into one neat package.

Taking our console a step further, the analog depth gauge can easily be replaced with a dive computer which combines our depth gauge with a virtual set of rapid fire dive tables. And taking the dive computer a step further, we can get one that is “air integrated”, which incorporates our SPG into the computer allowing it to estimate our air usage, and relieving us of one extra gauge.

 

But, wait! There’s more! For those who really want to minimize the amount of stuff hanging off us, we can replace the entire console and high pressure hose with a wireless system. In this set-up, a pressure transmitter screws into the high pressure port on the first stage and the diver wears a wrist mounted computer that receives all the necessary information from the transmitter.

Low Pressure
The low pressure ports on our first stage typically support our second stages-  primary and alternate -  as well as the low pressure inflator on our BCD (Buoyancy Compensation Device.) The additional LP ports could be used for our drysuit or a nozzle for inflating a lift bag.

Want fewer hoses? The low pressure port supporting our BCD and alternate second stage can be combined into one unit. Several manufactures make these and use different brand names for them. In a nut shell, the combined unit replaces the one on a typical BCD where the corrugated hose assembly screws onto the BCD. A hybrid second stage is at the end of the new assembly that combines the functions of the second stage (mouthpiece, purge, etc) with the inflate and deflate buttons of the typical BCD inflator system. Again, one less hose hanging off your regulator. Keep in mind that this does change the procedure you learned in your open water class for sharing air. With this system, the donor uses the second stage from the BCD and gives away the one in their mouth. So, if you use one of these systems, make sure to brief your buddy on the procedure just in case he needs it.

 

The Cleanup
The most important part of taking care of your regulator is to keep it safe in the first place. On the boat or on shore, don’t leave it lying in the sun for long periods of time. And don’t leave it lying where you or someone else can accidently step on it, sit on it, drop something on it, or knock it overboard. In the water, keep your alternate second stage and console attached to you. Do not let them drag along the bottom possibly damaging them as well as the environment.

After that, the biggest hazard to your regulator system is salt. Try not to let salt dry in your regulator. If it’s a long trip home, do a quick rinse of the first and second stages before you leave. The best method for rinsing is to gently swish the pieces in a bucket of fresh water for at least 30 seconds. If using a hose, use only a light flow of water to gently rinse the pieces. A high flow could accidently dislodge the diaphragms in the second stages.

At the end of a dive trip or dive weekend, soak your regulator in fresh water for a half hour or so to allow all the salts to dissolve.

At the end of the cleaning process, inspect your regulator for any problems. Check the mouthpiece, the bite tabs, and the hoses, especially at the first stage ends.

Happily ever after...

With a little simple care, your life support system should give you many years of safe and happy diving.