Apeks wtx series User manual

w tx serie s
ow ner’s ma nual

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 1
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.
WARNING: This manual provides essential instruc-
tion for the proper tting, adjustment, inspection
and care of your new BC. Because Apeks BC’s utilize
patented technology, it is very important to take the
time to read these instruction 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.
Copyright Notice
Warnings, Cautions, & Notes
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 Aqua Lung International. It may not be distributed through
the internet or computer bulletin board systems without prior consent in
writing from Aqua Lung International.
©2006 Aqua Lung International
WTX Series Owner’s Manual
pn 18346 rev. 9/06
Pay special attention to information provided in warnings, cautions and
notes that are accompanied by one of these symbols:

2WTX Series Owner’s Manual
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
SAFETY INFORMATION 4
General Precautions & Warnings 4
FEATURES 6
WTX Harness 6
Apeks Buoyancy Cells 9
Single Cylinder Buoyancy Cells 9
Twin Cylinder Buoyancy Cells 10
Twin Cylinder Redundant Buoyancy Cells 12
ASSEMBLING YOUR WTX SYSTEM 14
Mounting a Single Cylinder Buoyancy Cell
Using Dual Tank Bands 14
Threading the Cam Buckle 16
Securing Your Buoyancy System
to the Cylinder Using Tank Bands 17
Inserting an Apeks Back Plate 18
Mounting a Single Cylinder or Twin Cylinders
using Nuts and Bolts 19
Adjusting the Crotch Strap 19
Customizing the Shoulder Hardware 20
Positioning the Waist Buckle 21
Attaching the MP Hose to the First Stage 22
USING YOUR WTX SYSTEM 23
Predive Inspection 23
Donning and Adjustment Procedures 24
Ination Methods 25
Oral Ination 25
Power Ination 25
Deation Methods 26
Deation via Oral Inator 26
Overpressure Relief (OPR)/Dump Valve 26
Postdive Care and Maintenance 28
DEALER INSPECTION & SERVICE 29
SERVICE RECORD 30
WARRANTY INFORMATION 31

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations—and thank you—for choosing Apeks. Whether your
diving takes you to the ghost ships of Scapa Flow or the cenotes of the
Mexican Yucatan, your new Apeks technical harness and buoyancy cell
system has been designed and manufactured with pride, according to
the most exacting standards for quality and performance.
Provided that you are the original owner and that the product has been
purchased from an Authorized Apeks Dealership, your WTX product is
covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Be sure to read the warranty
section of this manual completely and remember to save your sales re-
ceipts. Copies of these receipts must be presented whenever obtaining
warranty service.
The function and performance of your WTX harness and buoyancy cell
relies greatly on the care and maintenance it will receive, in addition to
regularly scheduled dealer service. Before you dive with your Apeks
WTX product, it is therefore important to read this manual in its entirety;
to become familiar with its features, as well as correct procedures for
setup, pre-dive inspection, and post-dive maintenance.
Please read on to learn how you can obtain the maximum enjoyment
from your Apeks WTX product, and maintain its like-new performance
for many years to come.

4WTX Series Owner’s Manual
SAFETY INFORMATION
General Precautions & Warnings
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.
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 contami-
nants or gasses, 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. Annual service consists of a complete overhaul of the power
inator, and a general air leak inspection of the bladder and valve connec-
tions.
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.
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 re 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.

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 5
WARNING: Although this manual provides some basic guide-
lines 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 Aqua Lung/Apeks Dealer.
WARNING: A buoyancy compensator (BC) is NOT a life jacket!
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.
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 a buddy,
and maintain close proximity with them 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, contact your local dealer or Aqua Lung/Apeks at:
[phone]

6WTX Series Owner’s Manual
FEATURES
The back pad in the WTX harness
is considered optional and can be
removed. It is held in place by simple
hook and loop.
Apeks’ harnesses, buoyancy cells and accessories are fully mod-
ular. 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.
WTX Harness
Removable Back Pad
If desired, the WTX harness gives the option of inserting an
Apeks back plate for additional weight or support. If you are
using nuts and bolts to attach a cylinder or cylinders to the WTX
harness, then a back plate must be used.
A quick and easy way to attach a single cylinder to the WTX
harness is the use of dual nylon tank bands. The bands can be
run directly through the back of the harness with or without a
back plate installed.
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.
Back Plate Allowance
VERSATILITY THROUGH MODULARITY
Dual Tank Band Capability
Open Shoulder Design

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 7
Located alongside each of the waistbands
is a set of accessory mounting grommets.
The most common use for these is to
mount the optional SureLock™ weight
pouches. Apeks SureLock™ weight
pouches may be ordered separately
from your Authorized Apeks Dealer (p/n
388020). Instructions for mounting the
weight pockets are included in the weight
pocket kit.
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.
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 re-
moved for those divers who nd it unnecessary.
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.
inator hold-downs
light cannister
dry suit ination
system
deco gas
surface markers,
lift bags, reel(s)
deco gas
scooter attachment,
reel(s)
Crotch Strap
Chest Strap
Waistband Grommets
Attachment Points

8WTX Series Owner’s Manual
Below each of the shoulder release buckles,
there is an elastic retainer loop. These loops
can be used to retain excess shoulder strapage
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 strapage.
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 reposi-
tioned to a new location based upon your needs.
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.
Retaining Loops
Epaulets (Hold-downs)
Heavy Duty Metal Waist Buckle

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 9
APEKS BUOYANCY CELLS
To compliment your choice of harnesses, Apeks manufactures a
selection of single cylinder and twin cylinder buoyancy cells in
assorted sizes and congurations.
Each single cylinder buoyancy cell
incorporates four oval grommets.
These allow the buoyancy cell to be
mated directly to the WTX harness
or back plate with the use of two
standard tank bands. See page 13
for details.
Oval Grommets for Dual Tank Bands
Single Cylinder Buoyancy Cells
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)
on center.
Multiple Metal Grommets for Nut and Bolt Attachment
Some models have side expansion gussets that allow the cell
to expand and provide additional lift capacity without increas-
ing the overall size.
Single cylinder buoyancy cells that have a ow through de-
sign at the bottom, also have a unique web restriction at the
bottom of the cell that creates an impression for the cylinder
to nest into. This prevents a fully inated cell from pushing
the cylinder away from your lower back. Mounted on this web
restrictor is a 2" accessory D-ring. This easily accessible D-
ring is a great location to attach a surface marker buoy, lift
bag, or back-up scooter.
Side Expansion Gussets for Additional Lift Capacity
Web Restrictor to Keep Cylinder Close to Body

10 WTX Series Owner’s Manual
Each single cylinder buoyancy cell comes standard with a
lower left pull dump. This easy-to-reach dump is convenient
when dumping while inverted.
The Apeks technical airway found on each cell includes a
corrugated hose that has an elliptical cross section. This al-
lows for a lower prole, which reduces drag and lays cleanly
over the shoulder.
A safety cable can be found in the corrugated hose of each
Apeks technical airway. This safety cable protects the cor-
rugated hose from hyperextension and tearing that can be
caused by any undue stresses such as snags.
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.
Twin Cylinder Buoyancy Cells
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 al-
low the diver a choice of three height
adjustment settings to achieve proper
trim of the cell. Rather than have the
lower bolt line up perfectly with a
lower hole as other brands require,
the oval grommet accomodates bolts
that are slightly out of position.
Multiple Grommets for Nut and Bolt Attachment
Lower Left Pull Dump
Elliptical Corrugated Hose
Safety Cable in the Airway
Heavy Duty Inator with Brass Buttons

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 11
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.
Each twin cylinder buoyancy cell comes standard with a
lower left pull dump. This easy-to-reach dump is convenient
when dumping while in a horizontal or inverted position.
On the lower right is an additional threaded manifold. While
it comes capped off from the factory, it gives the diver the
option of adding a second pull dump. A dump valve kit is p/n
42754.
The outer bag of the twin cylinder buoyancy cell is made from
1000 denier ArmorShield™ Cordura. This fade-resistant ma-
terial was chosen for its extreme durability.
The inner bladder of the buoyancy cell is made from a strong,
coated fabric. This material meets all necessary military
specications and can be found on lifesaving otation equip-
ment worn by military pilots.
The inner bladder of the buoyancy cell is protected from
getting caught in the outer zipper by using a barrier of V-Dia-
mond™ rubber.
The Apeks technical airway found on each cell includes a
corrugated hose that has an elliptical cross section. This al-
lows for a lower prole, which reduces drag and lays cleanly
over the shoulder.
A safety cable can be found in the corrugated hose of each
Apeks technical airway. This safety cable protects the cor-
rugated hose from hyperextension and tearing that can be
caused by any undue stresses such as snags.
Narrow at Top for Full Access to Valves and Regulators
Lower Left Pull Dump
Optional Lower Right Pull Dump
Outer Bag made of 1000D ArmorShield™ Cordura
Rugged Inner-Bag made of Mil-Spec Material
Inner-Bag Protected from Zipper with V-Diamond™ Rubber
Elliptical Corrugated Hose
Safety Cable in the Airway

12 WTX Series Owner’s Manual
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.
Twin Cylinder Redundant Buoyancy Cells
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 cell. Rather
than have the lower bolt line up
perfectly with a lower hole as
other brands require, the oval
grommet accomodates bolts that
are slightly out of position.
Multiple Grommets for Nut and Bolt Attachment
Note: In the following descriptions, 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.
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.
Each bladder comes standard with a single lower 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 while in a hori-
zontal or inverted position.
Heavy Duty Inator with Brass Buttons
Narrow at Top for Full Access to Valves and Regulators
Lower Pull Dump

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 13
Each bladder cell has an additional threaded manifold. While
it comes capped off from the factory, it gives the diver the
option of adding a second pull dump. A dump valve kit is p/n
42754. The additional manifold for the front bladder is on the
right front side and the additional manifold for the rear blad-
der is on the left rear side.
The outer bag of the twin cylinder buoyancy cell is made
from 1000 denier ArmorShield™ Cordura. This fade-resistant
material was chosen for its extreme durability.
The inner bladder of the buoyancy cell is made from a strong,
coated fabric. This material meets all necessary military
specications and can be found on lifesaving otation equip-
ment worn by military pilots.
The inner bladder of the buoyancy cell is protected from
getting caught in the outer zipper by using a barrier of V-Dia-
mond™ rubber.
The left side inator is for the front bladder and the right side
inator is for the rear bladder.
The Apeks technical airway found on each cell includes a
corrugated hose that has an elliptical cross section. This
allows for a lower prole, which reduces drag and lays clean-
ly over the shoulder.
A safety cable can be found in the corrugated hose of each
Apeks technical airway. This safety cable protects the cor-
rugated hose from hyperextension and tearing that can be
caused by any undue stresses such as snags.
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.
Optional Lower Pull Dump
Outer Bag made of 1000D ArmorShield™ Cordura
Rugged Inner-Bag made of Mil-Spec Material
Inner-Bag Protected from Zipper with V-Diamond™ Rubber
Dedicated Inator for each Bladder
Elliptical Corrugated Hose
Safety Cable in the Airway
Heavy Duty Inator with Brass Buttons

14 WTX Series Owner’s Manual
ASSEMBLING YOUR WTX SYSTEM
Note: The terms “hook,” “loop,” and “hook & loop” are used
throughout this manual. Hook & Loop is commonly known as
Velcro®, which is a trademarked brand of hook & loop. Many
of the BC’s components have hook & loop attachments,
including the waistband, cylinder bands, and weight pouch aps.
Mounting a Single Cylinder Buoyancy Cell
Using Dual Tank Bands
A single cylinder buoyancy cell may be attached directly to an
Apeks back plate or the WTX harness using dual tank bands.
1. Identify the series of four slots at the
top and bottom of the Apeks back plate
that accommodate the tank bands.
Mounting Directly to the Back Plate
1 2 3 4
2. While viewing from the back, insert
the upper tank band through the upper
left slot in the buoyancy cell and on
through slot 1 in the back plate. Make
sure that the hook and loop of the tank
band are facing outward.

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 15
3. Weave the tank band through
the four upper slots in the back
plate.
4. After exiting slot 4, the last slot in the series, direct the
tank band out the remaining slot of the buoyancy cell.
6. Repeat the process for the lower tank band.
Mounting Directly to the WTX Harness
1. Insert the tank bands
through the left slots in the
buoyancy cell and on through
corresponding web loops in
the WTX harness. Make sure
that the hook and loop of the
tank band are facing outward.
5. Slide a gripper pad on to
the tank band with the ribbed
side facing toward the cylinder.

16 WTX Series Owner’s Manual
Note: The cylinder bands are properly threaded to the buckles
when the BC leaves the factory. If rethreading is necessary, follow
the procedures in this section.
2. After exiting the second webbed loop, direct the tank band
out the remaining slot of the buoyancy cell.
3. Slide a gripper pad on to each tank band with the ribbed
side facing toward the cylinder (see step 5, p. 15).
Step 1. Firmly grasp the metal
D-ring with your left hand.
Step 2. While rmly holding the
metal D-ring, rotate the buckle
back towards the webbing. The
buckle should form an angle with
the metal D-ring as shown in the
top view.
TOP VIEWS
Step 3. Insert band through
the metal D-ring, then
through the middle slot.
Step 4. Insert band
through the inside slot.
Threading the Cam Buckle

WTX Series Owner’s Manual 17
Note: This nal threading step is done when the BC is secured to
the cylinder (refer to step 4, p. 18). Close the buckle halfway to
prevent the webbing from slipping and thread the free end of the
band through the open slot in the end of the buckle.
Step 5. Insert band
through the outer slot.
Securing Your Buoyancy System to the Cylinder
Using Tank Bands
1. Remove the free end of the
cylinder band from outer slot on
the buckle.
2. Slide the cylinder band over the cylinder so that the BC
is at the desired position in relation to the cylinder valve.
Make sure the cylinder valve air outlet is facing the back of
the BC.
Note: BC cylinder bands adjust for all standard cylinder
diameters: 6.9” (17.5 cm), 7.25” (18.5 cm), and 8.0” (20.3 cm).

18 WTX Series Owner’s Manual
3. While holding the cylinder
secure, pull the free end of the
cylinder band until there is a
very tight t between the pack
and the cylinder.
4. Close the buckle halfway to
hold the cylinder band taut, and
thread the free end of the band
through the open slot in the end
of the buckle.
5. Pull the cam buckle closed so that it lies at against the
cylinder. Secure the end of the cylinder band with the hook
& loop attachment.
6. Test the tightness by pushing/pulling the back frame
and cradle.
Inserting an Apeks Back Plate
To insert an Apeks back plate,
remove the back pad and fold
down the hook and loop tab at
the inside bottom of the harness.
Lift open the built in pouch and
slide the back plate in as far as
it will allow. Close the pouch and
secure by repositioning the hook
and loop tab. Replace the back
pad if desired.