Aq Regulator Owners Manual
Aq Regulator Owners Manual
Aq Regulator Owners Manual
OwnerÊs
Manual
Regulator OwnerÊs Manual
Copyright
This owner’s manual is protected by the law of 11 March 1957 concerning
literary and artistic property. It may not, in whole or part, be copied, photoco-
pied, reproduced, without prior consent in writing from Aqua Lung.
A certain number of icons have been used in order to make this User Manual
easier to understand. They have the following meanings :
DANGER indicates situations of risk or danger that could cause serious acci-
dents or death if these indications are not followed correctly.
A NOTE is used to indicate information that will allow you to enjoy the best use
of your regulator.
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Summary (to reach directly a chapter, click on the title)
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1. GENERAL PRECAUTION & WARNINGS
• Before using this regulator, you must have successfully received training and
certification in the technique of SCUBA diving from a recognized certification
agency. Use of SCUBA equipment by uncertified, or untrained persons, is dan-
gerous and can result in serious injury, or death.
• This regulator is not configured for commercial use with surface supplied air.
• Always pressurize the regulator gradually by opening the cylinder valve
SLOWLY.
• NEVER lubricate any part of the regulator (particularly the O-ring providing
the seal between the cylinder valve and the regulator) with any lubricant.
• DO NOT apply any type of aerosol spray on the regulator. Doing so may
cause permanent damage to certain plastic components.
• The user should not undertake any assembly, disassembly or adjustment
other than those prescribed.
WARNING :
• DO NOT attempt to disconnect the second stage from the hose while the
regulator is pressurized.
• DO NOT perform any disassembly while the regulator is under pressure. Any
disassembly, including removing the second stage from the hose should only be
performed by an authorized Aqua Lung Dealer.
• DO NOT pressurize the regulator with the second stage disconnected from
the hose.
• Factory prescribed service for this regulator must be performed at least
once annually by a factory trained Aqua Lung Service Technician who is
employed by an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer.
• DO NOT use the regulator first stage as a carrying handle when lifting or
transporting the cylinder as this can damage the regulator or the cylinder
valve.
• When diving in cold water (below 50°F, or 10°C), you must have received
training and certification in the techniques of cold water diving from a recogni-
zed training agency.
• If you are using a first stage in the Legend series, you are recommended to
use a compensated Octopus (LX Octopus, Legend Octopus, Kronos Octopus,
Mikron Octopus) to avoid the possibility of a free flow at depth.
DANGER : This chapter contains important information concerning use with oxy-
gen-enriched air (Nitrox/EAN). Do not attempt to use this product with enriched
air without having entirely read and understood this chapter. If you do not do this,
you risk serious accident or death.
Your Aqua Lung regulator has been prepared for use with Enriched Air Nitrox
(EAN) where the percentage of oxygen in the EAN does not exceed 40%. This is
possible because each regulator is built to a high standard of cleanliness using
EAN compatible components and lubricants. In addition, each regulator design
has passed stringent adiabatic compression testing to ensure its safety and
compatibility with increased percentages of oxygen.
If it is your intention to use your new Aqua Lung regulator with Nitrox EAN (O2
not to exceed 40%), it is imperative that you maintain the internal cleanliness of
the regulator (see section on Care and Maintenance). If it is your intent to use
the regulator interchangeably with breathing air, the breathing air should be
oxygen-compatible or “hyperfiltered” whereas the condensed hydrocarbons do
not exceed 0.1 mg/m3. Your local authorized Aqua Lung dealer can help you
determine whether the breathing air that they provide meets this criterion.
Therefore, if a regulator has had use with Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air,
it should be returned to an authorized Aqualung dealer for overhaul service
including hydrocarbon cleaning, prior to being put back into nitrox service.
Although second stage components are not exposed to high pressure EAN,
Aqua Lung recommends that the same cleaning procedures be followed for the
complete regulator. This prevents the possibility of cross contamination and
guarantees the cleanliness of the entire regulator.
NOTE : Aqua Lung offers a range of regulators designed and manufactured spe-
cially for use with oxygen-enriched mixtures, over 21% and up to 100% oxygen.
This range has been certified according to the EN 144-3 and EN 13949 stan-
dards and meets the requirements of the adiabatic compression tests. They
have received CE certification for this type. For further information on this range,
contact your Aqua Lung specialist centre.
DANGER : These regulators fitted with special connections should be used only
with complementary equipment (tank valves, tanks, pressure gauges, etc.) des-
igned and prepared for use with an oxygen-enriched mixture. These items are
marked Nitrox/O2.
DANGER : If the regulator that you use is fitted with a yoke or DIN connection, it
is designed for use only with compressed breathing air (21% oxygen and 79%
nitrogen) which meets the EN 12021 standard. DO NOT USE this equipment
with other mixtures or with gases containing more than 21% oxygen.
Disregarding this rule could result in serious accident or death caused by fire or
by an explosion.
Perhaps, more than any other item of equipment that you have bought, the bet-
ter care you take of your regulator, the better it will perform for you. Its perfor-
mance will be guaranteed by regular servicing at an appointed Aqua Lung
Service Centre. Before diving with your new Aqua Lung regulator it is important
that you read this manual in its entirety so that you can familiarise yourself with
its features and the rules for using the regulator before, during and after the
dive so as to retain optimum performance for the years to come.
2.1 CE Conformity
This regulator has successfully passed all the tests required by the EN
250:2000 standard and has received certification for this type. The maximum
operating depth limit required by the standard for certifying the equipment is
50 metres.
Notified Company:
INPP N°0078
Port de la Pointe rouge - E3 - BP.157
13267 MARSEILLE CEDEX 8 - FRANCE
If your regulator carries the >10°C mark, this indicates that the regulator is not
intended for use in water at a temperature below 10°C.
This marking will be found on the 1st stage body of the Kronos regulator or on
the second stage for the other regulator models.
In accordance with the EN250, the regulators are not forseen to be used by
several persons at the same time.
If this regulator is configured and used by several divers at the same time, the
freezing resistance and the breathing performances can not correspond any
more to the requirements of the EN250.
Most of our second stages are fitted with a Vane Adjustment Switch (VAS).
The VAS can be found in one of two different locations depending upon which
model you have. It can be located on the side opposite the hose connection OR
it can be found on top in front of the mouthpiece. It helps to maintain a high
flow of air once you have started to take a breath.
When the VAS is set to the “MAX” (or “+”) position, the regulator will provide
maximum venturi assistance.
When the VAS is set to the “MIN” (or “-”) position, breathing resistance is
increased.
You should put it on the “MIN” (or “-”) position whenever the regulator second
stage is out of your mouth.
You may put it on the “MAX” (or “+”) position whenever the mouthpiece is in
your mouth.
It’s recommended to use the hose clip (pn 216047). The clip will allow the end
of the hose to be attached onto
the hose itself or onto the D-ring
of the BC.
2.5.2 Disassembly
To disconnect the hose, pull the lock away from the nut
while at the same time loosening the nut. The double
action of the quick-connect fitting will prevent the hose
from accidentally disconnecting.
REMINDER: This operation must only be performed with
the regulator depressurized and in a clean environment.
If you attempt to loosen the hose while the regulator is
still under pressure, a large air leak will happen approxi-
mately 2 turns before the nut is completely unthreaded.
If this occurs, stop loosening the nut and close the cylin-
der valve. Wait until the leak stops before continuing.
Disconnect the first stage from the cylinder valve.
Final removal of the hose.
To avoid contamination, don’t leave the hose disconnec-
ted from the second stage.
2.5.3 Reassembly
Confirm the hose is clean and the first stage is not connected to a cylinder
valve.
Reconnect the hose by tightening
the nut onto the second stage until
it locks into place. While tighte-
ning, the nut will push the lock in
causing a clicking noise until it
locks into the final position.
With the cylinder valve facing away from you, release a small amount of air from
the cylinder by turning the handwheel counter-clockwise to open the valve only
slightly. When air is heard exiting, immediately close the valve. This will clear any
moisture or debris that may be inside the cylinder valve outlet opening.
CAUTION : Before pressurizing the regulator check the condition of the hoses
fitted to the regulator.
2. SLOWLY open the cylinder valve to pressurize the regulator. When the valve
is completely open, screw it back a quarter turn.
3. Check that there are no leaks from any of the hoses or from any other acces-
sories fitted. NEVER DIVE with a regulator that shows any leaks when placed
under pressure. If there is a leak between the regulator and the cylinder check
that the regulator is correctly fitted and that the O-ring is in good condition.
WARNING : Never attempt to reposition the hoses once the regulator is under
pressure. If they are not correctly oriented, Close the cylinder valve, purge the
regulator and reposition them.
WARNING:
• DO NOT attempt to disconnect the second stage from the hose while the
regulator is pressurized.
• DO NOT perform any disassembly while the regulator is under pressure. Any
disassembly, including removing the second stage from the hose should only be
performed by an authorized Aqua Lung Dealer.
• DO NOT pressurize the regulator with the second stage disconnected from
the hose.
5. Depress the purge button momentarily to ensure that sufficient airflow is pro-
vided to blow out any dust or debris which may have entered the second-stage.
6. Place the regulator in your mouth and set the Venturi knob to position "+", for
the Mikron and the Legend LX, completely unscrew the sensitivity adjustment
button (anti-clockwise).
7. Inhale slowly and deeply from the regulator several times. The regulator must
deliver enough air for you to breathe easily without noticeable resistance.
The Mikron for the lady is equipped with a specific mouthpiece. It will per-
fectly fit the small jaw. The silicone bridge is in contact with the roof of the
mouth, if it is uncomfortable you have the opportunity to cut this bridge.
Using a pair of scissors or a cutter you can cut the bridge. Just cut where
the furrow lines are.
In order to reduce the risks of regulator freezing when diving in cold water
(below 50°F or 10°C), consider at least the following recommendations and
respect your dive training program procedure :
1. Protect your regulator from any accidental entrance of water into the first
or second stages.
2. Protect your equipment from cold before the dive. More precisely, keep your
regulator and all its accessories in a warm dry place.
3. Carry out all pre-dive checks of your equipment in a warm dry place, before
even going to the dive site.
4. Avoid breathing through the regulator or pressing the purge button in very
cold air before entering the water.
5. Avoid removing the regulator from your mouth during the dive, or when on
the surface. This will prevent cold water from entering the regulator second
stage.
7. Have your dive store check that the air in your cylinder meets EN 12021
and is is dry.
8. As far as is possible, do not purge the second stage during the dive.
NOTE : If fresh water is available, rinse your regulator completely before depres-
surizing it. This will help to prevent any contaminants from entering sealing sur-
faces inside the regulator.
NOTE : When you remove the regulator from the cylinder take care to prevent
the entry of water into the regulator, particularly via the filter.
5.2 Cleaning
Aqua Lung recommend disinfecting the regulator second stage with a 2% solu-
tion of glutaraldehyde produced by the Anios company (Sterianos, Aqua Lung
reference 382062) following the procedure described on the package.
As soon as possible after diving, the regulator should be rinsed thoroughly with
fresh water while it is attached to a cylinder and pressurized with air.
Rinsing alone, however, will not sufficiently clean the regulator. To clean the
regulator as thoroughly as possible Aqua Lung recommends:
. Attach the regulator to a charged SCUBA cylinder, open the cylinder valve to
pressurize the regulator, and thoroughly soak both the first and second-stages
in a bath of fresh water.
. While the regulator is soaking, move the vane adjustment switch on the
second stage (if present) back and forth several times from the “MIN” (or “—”)
to the “MAX” (or “+”) settings. You may also turn the valve adjustment knob
(adjustable models) slightly back and forth—no more than 1/4 turn.
After the regulator has been properly soaked, it is important to rinse it vigo-
rously by flushing the mainspring cavity of the first stage regulator (non-environ-
mentally sealed models only), the second-stage mouthpiece, and the openings
in the second-stage front cover with a pressurized stream of water. This will
remove the deposits of salt and minerals that were loosened during soaking.
DANGER : if you use a garden hose, do not use the high pressure jet as this
could damage the diaphragm and the internal valve.
WARNING : DO NOT depress the purge button, loosen the first stage yoke
screw, or turn the second stage adjustment knob all the way “out” (adjustable
models) if the regulator is submerged unpressurized. Doing so will allow the
entrance of moisture, and will require that the regulator be returned to an
Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer for service.
• Do not leave the regulator exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
• When the regulator is completely dry, store in a clean equipment box, or sea-
led inside a plastic bag. Do not store it where it may be exposed to extreme
heat or an electric motor, which produces ozone. Prolonged exposure to
extreme heat, ozone, chlorine, and ultraviolet rays can cause premature degra-
dation of rubber parts and components.
• Never store the regulator while it is still connected to the cylinder valve.
You must obtain factory prescribed service for your regulator at least once a
year from an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer, regardless of the amount of use it
has received. Your regulator may require this service more frequently, depen-
ding on the amount of use it receives and the environmental conditions in which
it is used.
If the regulator is used for rental or training purposes, it will require complete
overhaul and factory prescribed service every three to six months. Chlorinated
swimming pool water is an especially damaging environment for SCUBA equip-
ment, due to the high levels of chlorine and pH balancing chemicals that cause
certain components to rapidly deteriorate.
This limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser for purchases
made from an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer, and is not transferable. This war-
ranty is limited to repair or replacement only at the discretion of Aqua Lung
America, Inc.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have rights that vary from
state to state and country to country.
AQUA LUNG AMERICA, INC. DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY LIABILITY
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Some states in the U.S. and certain foreign countries do not allow exclusions or
limitations of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so this may not
apply to you.
IMPORTANT: Please note that for any and all warranty benefits, you must keep
your original purchase receipt showing the name of the U.S. Authorized Aqua
Lung Retailer, name of original owner, purchase date, product model name, part
#, purchase price, and relevant serial #
Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to this warranty:
1. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Factory prescribed service by an
Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer is required at least once annually.
2. This warranty does not extend to damages caused by improper use, impro-
per maintenance, neglect, unauthorized repairs, modifications, accidents, fire,
or casualty.
3. Cosmetic damage, such as scratches, dents, and nicks are not covered by
this warranty.
4. This warranty does not extend to equipment used for rental, commercial, or
military purposes.
5. This warranty covers products purchased in the United States. For warran-
ties that may apply elsewhere, please contact your local representative.
6. Failure to meet any of the above requirements will render the warranty null
and void.
If you need to return products covered by this warranty, please provide your
dealer with photocopies of your original sales receipt, your Annual Inspection &
Service Record and receipt from your last annual service if the product is more
than one year old.
You can contact Aqua Lung by visiting our website at: www.aqualung.com
Beware of any retailer that offers to sell and ship our life support products by
mail, for orders placed by phone or the internet. These retailers are NOT
Authorized Aqua Lung America dealers. All Authorized Aqua Lung America
Dealers must execute a Dealer Agreement that does not allow the sale of Aqua
Lung America products except «in store». Many Aqua Lung dealers advertise
on the internet, but they are not allowed to deliver our products other than
«over-the counter». This is our assurance that you will receive the proper pre-
sale, point of sale, and post-sale assistance.
If you obtain our product from one of these unauthorized retailers, your war-
ranty is not valid and we cannot offer you the assurances of quality and satis-
faction afforded by the Aqua Lung America Warranty program. If you would like
to verify whether or not a retailer is an Authorized Aqua Lung America Dealer,
please call or write to Aqua Lung America, Inc. using the address or phone
number provided on the rear cover of this manual. Or, you can visit our website
at: www.aqualung.com