AP Diving APD45 User manual

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
APD45 & APD90
Ratchet Pocket Reels

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
APD45 & APD90 Ratchet Pocket Reels
The 45m & 90m Ratchet Pocket Reels are compact, versatile multi-purpose dive reels which
can be used for navigation from a fixed point, such as the bottom of a shot-line, or for the
deployment of a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB).
The notes below apply to both reels.
IMPORTANT NOTE – BEFORE FIRST USE
The Dyneema line has been machine-wound on the spool. To ensure the line runs freely it is
vital that you UNWIND IT FULLY on dry land and then rewind manually before your first
dive.
This will also give you the opportunity to accurately measure the line if this is required.
Specifications:
§Fully enclosed design
§Glass reinforced polymer case
§90m Dyneema line
§Ratchet & Free-running modes
§Thumb lever to switch modes
§Thumb lever free-running lock-off
§Adjustable hand-strap
§115mm AP branded boltsnap
§Dimensions: 9.5cm x 6.5cm
§Weight: 320g
§Fully enclosed design
§Glass reinforced polymer case
§45m Dyneema line
§Ratchet & Free-running modes
§Thumb lever to switch modes
§Thumb lever free-running lock-off
§Adjustable wrist-strap loop
§Dimensions: 8cm x 4.5cm
§Weight: 200g

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
Unique Features:
•Made with glass reinforced polymer, the pocket reels are rugged yet very light and
compact. They sit comfortably in the palm of the hand and are easily stowed.
•The fully enclosed design significantly reduces the risk of bird-nest tangling of the
line, a common problem with open reels.
•The highly visible Dyneema braided line is extremely strong and also positively
buoyant which means that it will rise above the sea-bed or wreckage when played
out, helping to avoid entanglement and delay on the return journey.
•The loud audible ratchet-click when winding in aids the diver in judging ascent
speed and also lets other divers know you are returning or ascending.
•The on/off thumb lever changes between ratchet and free-running modes. Simply
press down to lock-off and tap-right to release and re-engage ratchet mode. The
lock-off design means that you do not have to keep your thumb on it in free-running
mode when used as a navigation reel. (See the operational warning note below)
OPERATIONAL WARNINGS
§As trained, DO NOT deploy an SMB to the surface from depth with the reel
attached to your kit or with the wrist-loop (APD45) or hand-strap (APD90)
secured on your hand. The reel should be lightly held so that it is possible to let go
easily should you decide this is necessary.
§When using the reel to deploy an SMB take great care not to accidentally push the
locked-down lever to the right as this will release it from its locked-down position
and re-engage the ratchet mode causing the line to stop playing out. Obviously, you
will develop your own preferred technique for line release but it is recommended that
you should KEEP YOUR THUMB ON THE LEVER DURING SMB DEPLOYMENT.

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
Using Your Reel
Free-running Mode
To disengage the ratchet for line release:
depress the lever with your thumb until
the catch locks down into place. The line
will now run freely. For safety, when
deploying an SMB, keep the lever held
down with your thumb.
Ratchet Mode
To re-engage the ratchet: move the lever
to the right away from the spool hole. The
spring-loaded lever will pop-up to it’s
original position and activate the ratchet.
APD45: adjust the wrist-strap to suit,
using the spring toggle.
APD90: adjust the hand-strap to suit,
using the Velcro webbing

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
Tying Off and Releasing
When using the reel for navigation: find
a suitable anchor point and take a turn
around it.
Feed the reel back through the large
loop in the end of the line by spreading
your fingers as shown.
Pull the line tight on to the anchor point. To release the knot: pull the large O-ring
and slacken the line enough so that you
can feed the reel back through the loop
and remove the line from the anchor point

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
Cleaning & Servicing
The 45m & 90m Ratchet Pocket Reels are low maintenance products but we recommend
you follow these guidelines:
§Soak and rinse the reel in clean fresh water after every dive to remove salt and
prevent any chemical damage to the product.
§Check the line is running freely before every dive. If you are not sure, unwind the line
fully on dry land and rewind carefully ensuring an even distribution on the spool.
When fully rewound there should be an even gap between the spooled line and the
inside of the casing with none of the line in contact/rubbing against the case.
§Do this periodically as part of your general kit service and include an inspection for
damage to the line.
§It is very unlikely, but if the line suffers a birds-nest tangle, unwind, disentangle if
possible and rewind. If you can’t disentangle the line, obviously DO NOT DIVE with
the reel.
§If you wind-in too far so that the O-ring disappears into the casing: keep winding
until it reappears and recover the end of the line.
§If you suspect the line has become damaged (on sharp wreckage for example)
unwind the line fully and inspect it carefully along the entire length. If you discover
fraying, cutting or any other damage DO NOT DIVE with the reel.
§DO NOT attempt to dismantle the reel. The hex bolts are torqued to spec & the reel
is then tested. Any change to this spec will interfere with the reel’s safe and proper
operation.
§DO NOT attempt to lubricate the reel. The central spools operate on hard-wearing
self-lubricating PTFE bearings. Neither reel requires any additional lubrication.
Warranty
This APD45 & APD90 Reels are covered by AP’s 2 year warranty against defects in
materials or workmanship. This warranty is only extended to the original purchaser and is
not transferable. A copy of the receipt must be presented whenever obtaining warranty
service.
Copyright and Applicable Law
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium (including the
Internet) or machine-readable form without prior consent in writing from AP Diving.
All products are sold on the strict understanding that only English Law applies in cases of
warranty claims and product liability, regardless of where the equipment is purchased or
used. Should a claim be made then the venue for this would be in Truro, England.
© 2021 Ambient Pressure Diving Ltd.

AP Diving Ratchet Pocket Reel Instruction Manual
Version 1.1 October 2021
CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone (from UK): 01326 56 10 40
Telephone (Outside the UK): 0044 1326 56 10 40
Email: [email protected]
Web UK: www.apdiving.com
Web EU: www.apdiving.eu
AP Diving
Water-ma-Trout Ind. Est.
Helston, Cornwall, UK
TR13 0LW