Aqua Lung AIRSOURCE 3 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
AIRSOURCE 3
with Quick Disconnect

CONTENTS
INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................3
INFLATION/DEFLATION PROCEDURES....................................................................3
BACK UP REGULATOR...............................................................................................4
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION...............................................................................................4
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................5
SCHEDULED SERVICE ...............................................................................................5
WARRANTY INFORMATION........................................................................................5
ANNUAL SERVICE & INSPECTION RECORD ...........................................................6
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, repro-
duced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent in
writing from Aqualung Group. It may not be distributed through the internet or computer bulletin board systems without prior consent in writing from Aqualung Group.
©2023 Aqualung Group
Airsource III with Quick Disconnect Owner’s Manual
pn 18558 rev. 11/2023
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, & 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.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting the Airsource. This unit is the combined product of many years of research, engineering and eld experience. The very latest in
materials and technologies have been used in the design and manufacturing of the Airsource. All materials and components are laboratory and eld tested
for reliability and long life.
What is the Airsource?
The Airsource combines the function of your ination device with an easy breathing second stage regulator. The Airsource thus replaces the need for a
backup second stage regulator (octopus). Combining the inator and octopus into one integrated unit streamlines the diver and reduces bulk.
WARNING: Improper use of this Airsource could result
in serious injury or death. DO NOT attempt to use this
regulator until you have completely read, understood, and
followed all instructions and safety precautions in this
owner’s manual. Be certain to understand the following
guidelines and limitations.
Scuba diving requires specic techniques to avoid serious injury. DO NOT attempt to use this equipment, even in shallow water, until you have received
certied scuba instruction from a recognized agency. This includes verication of your ability to master the proper procedures for dealing with an out-of-air
emergency. If you are in doubt as to what this means, contact your local professional scuba retailer for clarication.
If you have any questions regarding this Airsource or these instructions, contact your Aqualung®retailer.
SAFETY INFORMATION
The Airsource is intended as a back up second stage for recreational scuba diving only. Therefore, in order to protect you and your equipment, please abide
by the following guidelines and limitations.
The Airsource has successfully passed all cold water tests required by EN1809 / EN 250:2000 standards and has received certication for this type. The
maximum operating depth limit required by the standard for certifying the equipment is 164 feet (50 meters).
Temperature limitations
This Airsource is designed to be used in temperatures no lower than -22°F (-30°C) and no higher than 158°F (70°C).
Inspection
Inspect the Airsource for signs of damage. Do not use an Airsource that shows visual signs of damage to the second stage or its associated hose. If the second
stage regulator presents an uncomfortable resistance to breathing, or oods after clearing underwater, do not continue to dive until the problem is resolved.
2

RELIEF VALVE
CORRUGATED HOSE
TRIM GRIP
UPPER HOSE
GUIDE
MEDIUM PRESSURE
(MP) HOSE
QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING (QD)
MIDDLE HOSE GUIDES
POWER INFLATION BUTTON
ORAL INFLATION/DEFLATION
BUTTON
PURGE BUTTON
MOUTHPIECE
QUICK REFERENCE
INSTALLATION
Aqualung recommends that you bring your Airsource, buoyancy compensa-
tor and regulator together to your authorized dealer for the installation of
your Airsource. The retailer can also answer any questions you may have
pertaining to the information in this manual. If it is not possible to return to
your authorized dealer, you may install the Airsource onto your BC and at-
tach the MP inator hose to your rst stage by carefully following the steps
in the following procedure.
WARNING: DO NOT connect the inator hose to a high
pressure (HP) port. 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.
1. Remove the medium pressure (MP) inator hose from the male QD tting
of the Airsource by grasping the collar of the MP inator hose and sliding it
upwards. detach the MP inator hose from the middle and upper hose guides.
To install, unscrew original inator assembly coun-
terclockwise at the shoulder. Place new Airsource
assembly onto threaded portion, and screw clock-
wise until tight. Make sure the gasket is in place and
in good condition on the threaded portion of the BC.
Attaching Airsource to BC
Attaching MP Hose to the First Stage
Removal/Replacement of the Airsource from the
Trim Grip
2. Remove the port plug from a medium pressure (MP) port on the regulator
using an appropriately sized wrench. Check to ensure the hose o-ring is present
and in good condition, tighten the threaded end of the hose into the port. Torque
to 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm) with a 9/16” wrench.
The Airsource is specically designed so that the lower unit can be easily
detached and stored with your regulator.
1. REMOVAL: While holding the molded hose steady just below the Trim
Grip™, turn the Trim Grip 1/4 turn clockwise with the other hand. Pull the Trim
Grip upward to disengage the lower assembly.
2. REPLACEMENT: Follow step #1 in reverse order.
3. To re-attach the MP inator hose, push the QD hose tting onto the male
QD tting of the Airsource. Ensure the MP hose is securely connected. Clip the
MP hose into the hose guides.
INFLATION
Just as with a conventional inator, power (MP) or oral ination can be
utilized when using the Airsource. Both procedures need to be practiced
to become familiar.
BC Ination
The power inator is a primary means for adding air to the otation cell.
The power ination system enables you to inate the BC simply by pressing
the small grey ination button. With practice you will soon be able to quickly
make buoyancy adjustments without interrupting your diving activity.
Medium Pressure (MP) Power Ination
NOTE: Whenever inating or deating your BC, be sure to make
small but frequent adjustments. Larger adjustments make the
maintenance of neutral buoyancy difcult.
CAUTION: If when pressing the red ination button there is
no airow, conrm the medium pressure (MP) inator hose is
attached securely.
WARNING: DO NOT disconnect the MP inator hose while
underwater unless in an emergency situation. Disconnecting
the MP inator hose while underwater will allow water and
debris to enter the regulator causing premature wear and
possible freeow. If the MP inator hose is disconnected while
underwater, the Airsource must be returned to an Authorized
Aqualung Dealer for service.
AIRSOURCE III SECOND STAGE OWNERS MANUAL 3

Oral Ination
The oral inator is a secondary means for adding air to the otation cell. It may
be used when you are unable to, or do not wish to add air with the power inator.
1. Before depressing the large grey oral ination/deation button, exhale a small
amount of air into the mouthpiece in order to purge any water that may be trapped.
this will reduce the amount of water that may be introduced into the bc.
2. After the water is purged and without removing the mouthpiece from your
mouth, immediately depress and hold down the large grey oral ination/deation
button and, with the same breath, continue to exhale into the mouthpiece.
Release the oral ination button immediately after exhalation in order to stop
the release of air from the otation cell.
3. Repeat this procedure until the proper buoyancy is achieved.
NOTE: It is important to prevent sand and other debris from
entering the mouthpiece. these objects can contaminate the valve
mechanism and, under certain conditions, prevent it from closing
completely. if this should occur, operate the oral inator several
times while shaking it underwater. if this action is not successful,
terminate the dive until the situation is remedied.
DEFLATION
Deation by the Relief Valve
The Relief Valve provides the primary convenient means for exhausting air
from the BC. The valve opening located at the top of the BC must be above
the body when submerged for venting to occur. This is best achieved by
moving toward an upright position when venting air.
Normal deation of the BC should be accomplished by utilizing the Trim
Grip™, as well as dump valves. Please refer to your BC owner's manual
for model specic valve locations. Air can also be vented manually through
the mouthpiece by pressing the oral inate/deate button.
WARNING: The Airsource does not come equipped with an over
pressure valve. it must be rigged to a BC that features an over
pressure valve. if you have questions regarding the features of
your bc, ask your local authorized Aqualung® dealer.
WARNING: If during your pre-dive check, or at any time during
the dive you nd that the Relief Valve will not fully close and
seal or will not fully open and vent air, DO NOT continue the
dive. Continuing the dive under these circumstances could
result in serious injury or death.
2. Releasing the Trim Grip™/body closes the valve.
NOTE: It is not necessary to exert an excessive downward pull to activate
the Relief Valve. When you pull on the Trim Grip™, you will feel the hose
stretch, allowing the exhaust valve to open. The travel of the valve is limited
to less than 1/4". Pulling harder will not increase the air ow. Maintain a
downward pull until the desired buoyancy is reached. It is not necessary to
raise your arm overhead when using the Relief Valve system.
1. To activate, simply pull downward on either the Trim Grip™ or the Airsource
body. (Figure 10). This action transmits force through internal stainless steel
cables and opens the valve at the shoulder to allow air to vent from the BC.
Oral Deation
The oral ination/deation valve is secondary means for venting air from the
BC. Most users vent air through the dump valves. However, you may nd it
easier to expel the last portion of air remaining in a nearly empty BC by utiliz-
ing the oral ination valve.
1. Move into an upright position so that you can hold the Airsource above the BC.
2 . With the Airsource in the left hand, raise the assembly to a position nearest
the surface of the water.
3. Depress the oral ination/deation button allowing air to exhaust in small
increments until the desired buoyancy is achieved.
4 . Release the button allowing the valve to close.
NOTE: Do not hold the oral ination/deation button open after all
the air has been exhausted. Doing so may allow water to enter the
BC. Also, whenever inating or deating your BC, be sure to make
small but frequent adjustments. This will minimize the amount of
water entering the BC.
BACK UP SECOND STAGE REGULATOR
The Airsource is a high performance, pneumatically balanced second stage
regulator, and it operates the same as a standard second stage regulator.
To breathe, put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Purge the water by either
pressing the purge button, or exhaling slowly and continuously. You should
test the breathing performance of the Airsource before each dive.
WARNING: The procedure to deal with an Emergency Out-of-
Air situation should be reviewed before every dive. Make sure
your dive buddy is familiar with the operation of the Airsource
and what role it plays in an out-of-air situation.
In the event of an emergency air sharing situation, the assisting diver should
offer their primary second stage to the diver requesting to share air. The Air-
source then becomes the primary regulator for the assisting diver.
While using the Airsource as your second stage regulator, all ination
and deation procedures as outlined in this manual are still applicable.
While breathing normally from the Airsource, push the power inator button to
inate the BC. For oral ination, breathe in normally through the mouthpiece,
then depress the inate/deate button and breathe back out through the
mouthpiece. Release the oral ination button immediately after exhalation in
order not to allow the air to escape from the air cell. Instead of the air escaping
through the exhaust valve, the air will be diverted into the air bladder.
Ination
Deation
The Trim Grip™ is exclusively designed to allow deation of the BC through
the Relief Valve while breathing from the Airsource. The Trim Grip incor-
porates dual activating cables for the Relief Valve. This, combined with the
angled mouthpiece, allows you to pull downward on the Trim Grip hose
without removing the Airsource from your mouth. The increased hose length
allows for greater range of head movement.
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION PROCEDURES
For your safety and to ensure the longest life of your equipment, we suggest
the following checklist to be followed each time before you enter the water:
1. Visually inspect the Airsource and the attached hoses for signs of deteriora-
tion or damage. If such signs are present, do not dive with the equipment.
2. Slowly open the tank valve to allow air to bleed into the regulator gradually.
3. Conrm the MP inator hose is attached securely. Press the second
stage purge button on the Airsource to verify sufcient air ow. The regulator
should not continue to ow after the button is released.
4. Place the Airsource in your mouth and take several slow, deep breaths.
The regulator must deliver an adequate volume of air without requiring
excessive effort. If you are in doubt regarding this test, consult your scuba
instructor or an Aqualung®retailer for advice.
5. Close the cylinder valve and purge the remaining air in the regulator. Try
to inhale normally from the second stage mouthpiece on the Airsource. This
should create a vacuum in the second stage, and there should be no signs
of air owing into the regulator case. Air ow may indicate a leak at the
mouthpiece, diaphragm, or exhaust valve. If a leak is detected, do not use
the Airsource until it is repaired.
6. If the Airsource passes the above predive check, reopen the cylinder valve
in preparation for the dive.
7. Once you have donned all your gear and are ready to enter the water,
always have your dive partner perform a nal inspection cross check of the
Airsource and all other gear.
4

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The Airsource is constructed from carefully selected materials, which are
chosen to resist corrosion. However, the corrosive effects of the environment
in which diving equipment is often used cannot be entirely eliminated. Fur-
ther, the presence of sand and other minerals can interfere with the normal
operation of the equipment, and repeated prolonged exposure to chlorine
can accelerate deterioration of some components. Therefore, your equip-
ment will perform better and last longer if it is rinsed with fresh water after
each day’s use.
The Airsource corrugated hose can be separated into two parts, which meet
in the middle and are connected by the Trim Grip™. The lower half (including
the MP hose) can be cleaned and stored with the rst stage of your regula-
tor. The upper half can be cleaned, and remain on the BC until its next use.
Detach the medium pressure (MP) inator hose from the hose guides at the
top and middle attachment points. While holding the molded hose steady
just below the Trim Grip™, grasp and turn the Trim Grip™ 1/4 turn clock-
wise, and pull down on the molded hose to disengage the lower assembly.
After proper cleaning, hold the lower molded hose and Trim Grip™ steady.
Engage the Airsource lower assembly by lining up the upper and lower con-
nection points and carefully turning counter-clockwise 1/4 turn. Slide the medium
pressure (MP) hose into the middle and upper hose guides.
NOTE: When inserting the lower half of the Trim Grip™ into the up-
per half, make sure to rotate counterclockwise to prevent parts from
being damaged. When inserted correctly, the lower half of the Trim
Grip™ will only rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Avoid using
excessive force when connecting the two parts.
The recommended procedure for cleaning your Airsource is as follows:
1. Ideally, you should soak the entire Airsource in warm tap water (less than
120°F/40°C) to loosen mineral deposits. A large plastic trash can lled with
fresh water is useful for rinsing all of your diving equipment.
2. If warm water soaking is unavailable, rinse the Airsource in tap water. If no
air pressure is supplied to the Airsource, DO NOT DEPRESS THE PURGE
BUTTON! Pressing the purge button can cause water and mineral deposits
to reenter the unit, which can accelerate deterioration over time.
3. Remove any remaining excess water from the Airsource by thoroughly
wiping it dry with a soft towel. After it is dry, reconnect it to a scuba cylinder
and depress the purge button and the power inator button to rid the unit
of excess water. Do not store the Airsource with air pressure supplied to it.
4. Store the Airsource in a clean equipment box or sealed plastic bag in a
cool, dry, dark place.
NOTE: Do not use any cleaning solvents for soaking or rinsing.
Do not attempt to lubricate or preserve any part of the regulator
with aerosol cleaners or silicone spray. This is not necessary,
and the propellant and other chemicals in these compounds can
seriously damage the Airsource.
The Airsource should be inspected/serviced by a qualied repair techni-
cian. Inspections should occur annually or more frequently (every three
to six months) if used heavily, in dirty water, swimming pools, or it is not
operating correctly. Heavy use is considered to be more than 100 opera-
tional hours within one year.
As described in the warranty statement, your annual regulator inspection
and service must be performed by a qualied Aqualung®repair facility. To
ensure best service at all times, please ll out the following service registra-
tion log, and have your dealer sign and date it in the appropriate spaces
each time the regulator is taken for inspection or repair. Be sure to maintain
records as proof of performance of maintenance.
SCHEDULED SERVICE
If the regulator is in good working order, it is permissible to overhaul it every
other year with an inspection procedure being performed on the “off” years.
For example:
Year #1 : Inspection
Year #2 : Overhaul
Year #3 : Inspection
Year #4 : Overhaul, and so on.
Both Inspections and Overhauls need to be documented in the Annual
Service & Inspection Record to keep the Limited Lifetime Warranty in effect.
All warranty transactions must be accompanied by proof of original purchase
from an authorized dealer. Be sure to save your sales receipt, and present it
whenever returning your regulator for warranty service.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Aqualung warrants to the original purchaser that the product will remain
free from defects in material and workmanship throughout its useful life; pro-
vided that it receives normal use, proper care, and prescribed dealer service
subject to those restrictions stated below.
This warranty does not apply to units subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect,
modication, or unauthorized service. This limited warranty is extended
only to the original purchaser for products purchased directly from an au-
thorized dealer, and is not transferable.
This warranty is limited to repair or replacement only at the discretion of
Aqualung America.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARNING: It is dangerous for untrained and uncertied persons
to use the equipment covered by this warranty. Therefore, use of
this equipment by an untrained person renders any and all war-
ranties null and void. Use of scuba equipment by anyone who
is not a trained or certied diver, or receiving training under the
supervision of an instructor, could lead to serious injury or death.
AIRSOURCE III SECOND STAGE OWNERS MANUAL 5

ANNUAL SERVICE & INSPECTION RECORD
DATE DEALER NAME CITY, STATE INSPECTION/
SERVICE
TECH
INITIALS
Product:
Serial #:
Purchase Date:
Store Name:
6

AIRSOURCE 3
Aqualung Group
2105 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad CA 92008
760-376-9201
www.us.aqualung.com
OWNER’S MANUAL
Literature PN 18558 Rev. 11/2023