Apeks WTX-D User manual

© 2014 Apeks
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WTX-D Buoyancy System
Copyright Notice
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Safety Information
Apeks WTX Harness
Apeks WTX-D Buoyancy Cells
Attaching the MP Hose to the First Stage
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the WTX
Harness and Universal Cylinder Bands
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the
Ultralight Plate and Universal Cylinder Bands
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the WTX
Backplate and Universal Cylinder Bands
Universal Cylinder Band Setup
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the WTX
Harness and GripLock™ Cylinder Bands
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the Ultralight
Plate and GripLock™ Cylinder Bands
Mounting a WTX-D Buoyancy Cell Using the WTX
Backplate and GripLock™ Cylinder Bands
GripLock™ Cylinder Band Setup
Mounting Single or Twin Cylinders using Nuts and Bolts
Donning and Adjustment Procedures
Ination Methods
Deation Methods
Pre-Dive Inspection
Post-Dive Care and Maintenance
Storage
Dealer Inspection and Service
Warranty Information

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© 2014 Apeks
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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 or machine-readable form without prior
consent in writing from Apeks. It may not be distributed through the internet or computer bulletin board
systems without prior consent in writing from Apeks.
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Pay special attention to information provided in warnings, cautions and notes that are accompanied by
one of these symbols:
WARNINGS: Indicate a procedure or situation that may result in serious injury or death if
instructions are not followed correctly.
CAUTIONS: Indicate any situation or technique that will result in potential damage to the
product, or render the product unsafe if instructions are not followed correctly.
NOTES: Are used to emphasize important points, tips and reminders.
Apeks is a registered trademark of Aqua Lung International
©2014 Apeks WTX-D Series Owner’s Manual

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SAFETY INFORMATION
This manual provides essential instruction for the proper tting, adjustment, inspection and care of your
new BC. Because Apeks is utilizing patented technology, it is very important to take the time to read
these instructions in order to understand and fully enjoy the features that are unique to your specic
model. Improper use of this BC could result in serious injury or death.
Before using this buoyancy compensator (BC), you must receive instruction and certication in SCUBA
diving and buoyancy control from a recognized training agency. Use of SCUBA equipment by uncertied
or untrained persons is dangerous and can result in injury or death.
Read this owner’s manual completely before attempting to use your BC, and become familiar with it
rst in a controlled environment such as a swimming pool, in order to weight yourself properly and to
become comfortable with using its many features and adjustments.
Before every dive, perform a complete pre-dive inspection according to the procedure prescribed in this
manual, to ensure that all components are functioning properly and no signs of damage or leaks are
present. If you nd that your BC is not functioning properly or is damaged, remove it from service until
it can be repaired by an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.
Your BC is not a lift bag. DO NOT use it to bring heavy objects to the surface. Doing so may cause
permanent damage to the BC, and could also result in serious injury or death due to embolism or
decompression sickness.
In an emergency such as an out of air situation or uncontrolled descent, it is important to remove and
jettison weight immediately. DO NOT depend solely on using your BC’s power inator to lift you to the
surface.
In the event of an uncontrolled, rapid ascent, it is important to immediately begin venting air from the
BC. Continue venting air to slow your ascent rate if neutral buoyancy cannot be reestablished.
DO NOT inhale from your oral inator. The BC may contain harmful contaminants or gases, which could
cause suffocation or injury.
Factory prescribed service for this BC must be performed at least once annually by a factory trained
technician who is employed by an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor. Annual service consists of
a complete overhaul of the power inator, and a general air leak inspection of the bladder and valve
connections.
Disassembly, repair, or lubrication must not be attempted by persons who are not factory trained and
authorized by Apeks. Unauthorized service will render the warranty null and void.

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This BC is designed for use with compressed air or Nitrox/EAN (enriched air nitrox) mixtures not
exceeding 40% oxygen. Any use of gas mixtures with increased oxygen content or the addition
of helium or other substances may cause corrosion, deterioration and/or premature aging of the
BC leading to component failure of the metal and rubber parts. The component failures could
lead to a loss of buoyancy control and/or pressure integrity of the BC resulting in injury or death.
Non-standard breathing mixtures may also present a risk of fire or explosion. The use of Nitrox/
EAN requires additional training. Failure to observe this warning may result in injury or death.
Use only nitrogen/oxygen mixtures containing no more than 40% oxygen.
This BC conforms to EN 1809: 1998. It has been tested by the National Institute of Professional Diving,
Notied Body No. 0078, Entrance No. 3, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 Marseille, France.
TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS: This BC should be used in temperatures no lower than -4°F (-20°C)
and no higher than 150°F (65°C).
WARNING: This is NOT a life jacket: It does not guarantee a head up position of the
wearer at the surface. It is not designed to provide face-up otation in all situations;
therefore it does not meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a life preserver or personal
otation device (PFD). If you become unconscious in the water without a buddy present
to immediately give assistance, you may suffer serious injury or death from drowning.

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Your buoyancy compensator is primarily designed to help you maintain neutral buoyancy while in a
comfortably balanced, face-down swimming position underwater. It is also designed to provide you
with otation so that you can rest on the surface, but it is not designed to function as a life preserver
or personal otation device (PFD). In order to meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a PFD must be
designed so that it automatically rights you to a face-up position and holds your head out of the water
on the surface. The design characteristics of a personal otation device are different from those of a
buoyancy compensator. The ability of any otation device to oat you in a face-up position can also
be affected by other diving equipment you wear, including a cylinder, weight or exposure suit, and
whether it can be inated before you lose consciousness.
For this reason, it is important to always dive with and maintain close proximity to your buddy at all
times. Do not depend on any otation device to hold your face above the surface in the event that you
are rendered unconscious in the water while diving.
If you have any questions regarding your Buoyancy Compensator or these instructions, please
contact your regional Apeks Dealer or Distributor. Distributor information is available on the
Apeks website at: www.apeks.co.uk
WARNING: Although this manual provides some basic guidelines for certain buoyancy control
techniques, it is not a substitute for training from a professional diving instructor. Failure to weight
yourself properly may create a hazardous condition that could lead to serious injury or death. If
you are unsure how to weight yourself in order to achieve optimum buoyancy underwater and
on the surface, do not dive until you have obtained the necessary instruction from your diving
instructor or an Authorized Apeks Dealer or Distributor.

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APEKS WTX HARNESS
Apeks’ harnesses, buoyancy cells and accessories are fully modular. They can be mixed and matched to
create the ideal system for you and the type of diving you choose to do. In addition, it is easy to customize
your system by adding or changing out various pieces of hardware. Whether you want a travel friendly rig to
dive in the tropics or a solid technical rig to dive deep, Apeks has the right buoyancy conguration for you.
Removable Back Pad
Versatility Through Modularity
The back pad in the WTX harness is considered optional
and can be removed. It is held in place by simple hook
and loop.
Backplate Allowances
If desired, the WTX harness gives the option of inserting
an Apeks backplate for additional weight or support. The
backplate can be inserted directly into a compartment on
the harness, therefore does not need hardware or cylinder
bands to hold it in place. If you are using nuts and bolts to
attach a cylinder or cylinders to the WTX harness, then the
backplate must be used.
Dual Cylinder Band Capability
A quick and easy way to attach a single cylinder to the WTX
harness is the use of dual universal or GripLock™ cylinder
bands. The bands can be run directly through the back of
the harness with or without a backplate installed.
Open Shoulder Design
The 2-inch webbing on the shoulders of the WTX harness
is an open design. While the WTX harness comes with a
2-inch angled D-ring on each shoulder, the shoulder can
be opened up to change out or add additional hardware.
NOTE: Optional GripLock™ cylinder bands
(PN 428240) may be purchased separately for
the WTX harness.

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Crotch Strap
The crotch strap prevents the unit from riding up on the
diver’s torso while in the water. It also has a front mounted
underwater propulsion vehicle “scooter” ring and a 2-inch
accessory D–ring in back.
Chest Strap
The chest strap ts across your sternum and keeps
the two shoulders from slipping to the sides, ensuring
a comfortable and secure t. The chest strap has the
option of being removed for those divers who nd it
unnecessary.
Waistband Grommets
Located alongside each of the waistbands is a set of
accessory mounting grommets. These can be used to
mount a variety of optional accessories such as the
SureLock™ weight system (releasable weight), Trim
pockets (non-releasable weight) or Tek pockets (for
carrying masks, surface markers, etc), which may be
ordered separately from your Authorized Apeks Dealer.
A nut and bolt kit is required for mounting accessories
to the grommets.
Retaining Loops
Below each of the shoulder release buckles, there is an
elastic retainer loop. These loops can be used to retain
excess shoulder webbing or they can be used to retain an
accessory such as a small ashlight. There is also a retainer
loop located on the crotch strap to retain excess webbing.
Epaulets (Hold-downs)
On top of each shoulder are epaulets that hold down
the airway(s). Not only do these epaulets hold down
the airway(s), they are also SOLAS reector devices for
high visibility. The epaulets are removable and can be
repositioned to a new location based upon your needs.

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Attachment Points
Your WTX harness has many attachment points for your various accessories. These recognized
attachment points are shown below along with some of their more common uses.
Heavy Duty Metal Waist Buckle
The waistband on the WTX harness is secured in front with a heavy-duty metal waist buckle. The metal buckle
can be positioned on either side of the waistband allowing for either a left hand or a right hand release.
light canister
deco gas
SureLock weight
pockets
deco gas
scooter attachment,
reel(s)
drysuit ination
system
surface markers,
lift bags, reel(s)
inator hold-downs

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APEKS WTX-D BUOYANCY CELLS
Elliptical Corrugated Hose
The Apeks technical airway found on each buoyancy cell includes a corrugated hose that has an elliptical
cross section. This allows for a lower prole, which reduces drag and lays cleanly over the shoulder. A
retainer loop comes installed on the elliptical hose to streamline the braided MP hose.
Safety Cable in the Airway
A safety cable can be found inside the corrugated hose of each Apeks technical airway. This safety
cable protects the corrugated hose from hyper-extension and tearing that can be caused by any undue
stresses such as snags.
Heavy Duty Inator with Brass Buttons
Technical diving equipment must be robust and reliable. Apeks’ new technical inator exceeds the
challenge. The secret to its reliability is its simplicity. Fewer parts mean less to go wrong and ease of
service. Once you hold the precision marine brass buttons in your hand, you will quickly realize that this
is not a recreational inator, but rather a serious tool to meet the dive at hand.
Mesh Drain and Grommets
A mesh drain and grommets will prevent water from pooling in the bottom of the buoyancy cell.
Flat Valve / Dump Valve / Over Pressure Relief (OPR) Valve
Each buoyancy cell comes with a at valve / dump valve located on the left rear inside of the outer bag.
This easy-to-reach dump valve is convenient for releasing air while inverted and is more streamlined
when compared to a standard dump valve. The over pressure relief (OPR) valve feature allows excess
air to vent from the valve when the bladder is full, preventing damage to the buoyancy cell.
To complement your harness, Apeks manufactures a wide variety of WTX-D buoyancy cells to t your
diving needs. You may choose from the following options:
• 18 lb, 30 lb & 40 lb single cylinder buoyancy cell.
• 45lb & 60lb twin cylinder buoyancy cell.
• 60lb redundant twin cylinder buoyancy cell.
WTX-D buoyancy cells have a flow-through design that allows for a more even distribution of
air compared to more traditional buoyancy cells. The bladder and outer bag are constructed
from a rugged, fade-resistant material that will stand up to the most extreme diving conditions.
A urethane coating on the bladder and outer bag prevents excess water retention, allowing
water to bead right off.
All WTX-D buoyancy cells come equipped with the following features:

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Loops for Optional Retractor Kit
The outer bag has loops sewn to the inside for an optional retractor kit. The retractors will assist in
keeping the buoyancy cell streamlined while diving. The retractor kit may be ordered separately from
your Authorized Apeks Dealer. Instructions for attachment are included with the retractor kit.
Braided MP Inator Hose
The Apeks technical airway comes equipped with a light weight, braided MP inator hose. This gives
the airway greater exibility for ination / deation of the buoyancy cell compared to standard MP inator
hoses that can be cumbersome and difcult to maneuver.
NOTE: WTX-D18 buoyancy cell does not have loops sewn to the inside of the outer bag,
therefore cannot accommodate the retractor kit.
Side Panels for Additional Lift Capacity
Side panels allow the buoyancy cell to expand and provide additional lift capacity without increasing
the overall size.
Oval Grommets for Dual Cylinder Bands
Each buoyancy cell incorporates four oval slots. These allow the buoyancy cell to be mated directly
to the WTX harness, WTX backplate or ultralight plate with the use of two universal or GripLock™
cylinder bands.

Multiple Metal Grommets for Book Screw Kit
Each buoyancy cell has two sets of central metal grommets
that give you the option of mounting book screws. These
may be used to secure the WTX harness, WTX backplate
or ultralight plate to the buoyancy cell, preventing excessive
movement between the two components.
• WTX harness use 3/4” book screw kit (PN 388113,
sold separately).
• Ultralight plate and WTX backplate use 3/8” book
screw kit (PN 388112, sold separately).
Tank Stabilizer
Each buoyancy cell comes with a tank stabilizer located
between the oval grommets. This feature prevents the
tank from rolling side to side, allowing it to stay in its
intended position.
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CAUTION: Please note that the 18 lb, 30 lb and 40 lb buoyancy cells are intended for
use with single cylinders only and are not intended to be used with twin cylinders.
WTX-D SINGLE CYLINDER BUOYANCY CELL
Multiple Metal Grommets for Nut and Bolt Attachment
Single cylinder buoyancy cells also have multiple sets
of central metal grommets that give you the option of
mounting with nuts and bolts. These may be used if your
single cylinder is equipped with a single cylinder adapter
that has two bolts 11 inches (28 cm) apart on center.

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Multiple Grommets for Nut and Bolt Assembly
Twin cylinder buoyancy cells have three grommets near the
top of the center panel and a corresponding oval grommet
near the bottom of the center panel. The three grommets
allow the diver a choice of three height adjustment settings
to achieve proper trim of the buoyancy cell. Rather than
have the lower bolt line up perfectly with a lower hole as
other brands require, the oval grommet accommodates
bolts that are slightly out of position.
Narrow at Top for Full Access to Valves and Regulators
Apeks buoyancy cells are designed to be slim at the top to
allow the diver’s head to tilt back, encourage proper hose
placement and to assure that the diver has easy access
to the manifold valves.
WTX-D TWIN CYLINDER BUOYANCY CELL
NOTE: The lower oval grommet in-line with the
three upper grommets is used for twin cylinder
nut and bolt assemblies.

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WTX-D TWIN CYLINDER REDUNDANT BUOYANCY CELL
NOTE: In the following description, the term “front” refers to the bladder closest to the diver
when wearing. The term “rear” refers to the bladder furthest away from the diver when wearing.
NOTE: The WTX-D 60R has all the same features as the WTX-D 45 and WTX-D 60, with the
following additions:
Dedicated Inator for each Bladder
The left side inator is for the front bladder and the right
side inator is for the rear bladder.
Independent Bladder Pull Dump / Over Pressure
Relief (OPR) Valve
Each bladder comes standard with a single lower
flat valve / pull dump. The left front pull dump is for
the front bladder and the right rear pull dump is for
the rear bladder. The easy-to-reach dump valves are
convenient when dumping air while in a horizontal or
inverted position.

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Apeks recommends that you bring your buoyancy compensator, together with your regulator, to your
authorized dealer for the installation of the MP inator hose and other accessories. The retailer can also
answer any questions you may have pertaining to the information in this manual.
If it is not possible to return the BC with your regulator to your authorized dealer, you may install the MP
quick disconnect inator hose by carefully performing the steps in the following procedure.
ATTACHING THE MP HOSE TO THE FIRST STAGE
1. Remove the inator hose from the power inator
body by gripping the grooved sleeve over the quick
disconnect coupling with your thumb and forenger.
Slide the sleeve back.
2. Remove the port plug from an MP port on the regulator
using an appropriately sized wrench.
WARNING: DO NOT connect the inator hose
to a high pressure (HP) port (greater than 200
psi / 14 bar). This may cause the hose to burst
when pressurized, which can result in serious
injury. If you are unsure which regulator port
is medium pressure (MP) or high pressure
(HP), consult your regulator owner’s manual
or your dealer before attaching the hose.
3. Check to ensure the o-ring is present and in good
condition. Screw the threaded end of the hose into
the port and tighten to 40 in-lbs (4.5 Nm) with a 9/16”
wrench.

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NOTE: The terms “Hook & Loop” are used throughout this manual. Hook & Loop is commonly
known as Velcro®, which is a trademarked brand of hook & loop. Some of the BC components
have hook & loop attachments, including the cylinder band, weight pouch aps and inator
hold down.
MOUNTING A WTX-D BUOYANCY CELL USING THE WTX HARNESS AND
UNIVERSAL CYLINDER BANDS
A buoyancy cell may be attached directly to an Apeks WTX harness using universal cylinder bands.
Using optional 3/4” book screws (PN 388113, sold separately) will help keep the buoyancy cell and WTX
harness held together while assembling the cylinder bands.
1. Set the buoyancy cell on a at surface with the zipper
side face up. Insert the cylinder band through the upper
left oval grommet hole with the hook and loop side of
the band facing down towards the buoyancy cell.
NOTE: The WTX harness can accommodate single or twin cylinder WTX-D buoyancy cells.

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Original WTX Harness
No Center Webbing Loop
NOTE: You must have a current model WTX harness that has the center webbing loop in order
to use a WTX-D single cylinder buoyancy cell. The original WTX harness does not have a center
webbing loop and, therefore it is not compatible with a WTX-D single cylinder buoyancy cell.
CAUTION: The cylinder bands must be run through the center webbing loop only on the
WTX harness when using a WTX-D single cylinder buoyancy cell. Trying to congure the
cylinder bands differently can cause damage to the buoyancy cell which is not covered
by warranty.
Current WTX Harness
Center Webbing Loop
NOTE: The original and current WTX harness are compatible with all WTX-D twin cylinder
buoyancy cells.

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3. Bring the cylinder band end around and exit through
the upper right oval grommet hole on the buoyancy
cell. Slide the traction sleeve (included with the WTX
harness) onto the open end of the cylinder band with
the ribbed side facing toward the cylinder.
NOTE: Apeks recommends using traction sleeves with universal cylinder bands as added
security to keep the cylinder from slipping during the course of a dive.
4. Repeat the process for the lower cylinder band.
See the following section to nish attaching the WTX-D system to a cylinder:
• Universal Cylinder Band Setup
2. Use the following procedure for attaching the cylinder band to the harness:
• If using a WTX-D single cylinder buoyancy cell, insert the band through the center web
loop on the WTX harness.
• If using a WTX-D twin cylinder buoyancy cell, insert the band through all three web loops
on the WTX harness.
WTX-D Single Cylinder Buoyancy
Cell to Harness Band Conguration
WTX-D Twin Cylinder Buoyancy
Cell to Harness Band Conguration

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1. Set the buoyancy cell on a at surface with the zipper
side face up. Insert the cylinder band through the upper
left oval grommet hole with the hook and loop side of
the band facing down towards the buoyancy cell.
MOUNTING A WTX-D BUOYANCY CELL USING THE ULTRALIGHT PLATE
AND UNIVERSAL CYLINDER BANDS
A buoyancy cell may be attached directly to an Apeks ultralight plate using universal cylinder bands.
Using optional 3/8” book screws (PN 388112, sold separately) will help keep the buoyancy cell and
ultralight plate held together while assembling the cylinder bands.
CAUTION: The ultralight plate can accommodate WTX-D single cylinder buoyancy cells
only. DO NOT attempt to use it with WTX-D twin cylinder buoyancy cells.

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4. Repeat the process for the lower cylinder band.
See the following section to nish attaching the WTX-D system to a cylinder:
• Universal Cylinder Band Setup
NOTE: Apeks recommends using traction sleeves with universal cylinder bands as added
security to keep the cylinder from slipping during the course of a dive.
2. Turn the buoyancy cell over and place the ultralight
plate on top with the Apeks logo face up. Insert the
cylinder band end through the oval grommet hole
in the ultralight plate on the same side. Bring the
cylinder band end around the plate and exit the oval
grommet holes on the upper right side. Make sure
the cylinder band passes through both the ultralight
plate and buoyancy cell grommet holes.
3. Turn the buoyancy cell back over, so the zipper side
is face up. Slide the traction sleeve (PN 10017, sold
separately) onto the open end of the cylinder band
with the ribbed side facing toward the cylinder.

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1. Set the buoyancy cell on a at surface with the zipper
side face up. Insert the cylinder band through the upper
left oval grommet hole with the hook and loop side of
the band facing down towards the buoyancy cell.
A buoyancy cell may be attached directly to a WTX backplate using universal cylinder bands. Using
optional 3/8” book screws (PN 388112, sold separately) will help keep the buoyancy cell and backplate
held together while assembling the cylinder bands.
MOUNTING A WTX-D BUOYANCY CELL USING THE WTX BACKPLATE
AND UNIVERSAL CYLINDER BANDS
NOTE: The WTX backplate can accommodate WTX-D single or twin cylinder buoyancy cells.