Aqua Lung Calypso User manual

Regulator
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.
© 2007 Aqua Lung International, Inc.
Regulator Owner’s Manual, P/N 127861 rev. 10/07
Danger, warnings and Notes
Acertain 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.
WARNING indicates features or special situations in diving and aims to avoid
risk situations.
ANOTE 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)
1GENERAL PRECAUTION & WARNINGS
1.2 ENRICHED AIR NITROX USE
1.2.1 Enriched Air Nitrox Use
2. Introduction
2.1 CE Conformity
2.2 Features
2.3 VANE ADJUSTMENT SWITCH (VAS)
2.4 Valve Adjustment Knob (VAK)
2.4.1 LEGEND LX Regulator
2.4.2 Kronos Second Stage Adjustment: “Dual Cam”.
2.4.3 MIKRON Regulator
2.5 First Stage Environmental Protection series Titan, Kronos, Legend “supreme”
2.6 Registered patents
3. PREPARATION AND SET UP
3.1 Mounting the First Stage Onto the Cylinder Valve
3.1.1 Yoke Connector
3.1.2 DIN Connector
3.2 Pre-Dive Checks
3.3 Pressurising the regulator
3.4 Divisible mouthpiece
4. DIVING WITH THE REGULATOR
4.1. COLD WATER DIVING
5. AFTER THEDIVE
5.1 Removal of the Regulator from the Cylinder Valve
5.1.1 General Procedures
5.1.2 Yoke Connector
5.1.3 DIN Connector
5.2 Cleaning
6. USER CARE & MAINTENANCE
7. DEALER INSPECTION & SERVICE
8. WARRANTY INFORMATION
8.1 USA only
8.1.1 The Aqua Lung Satisfaction Guarantee™
8.1.2 The Aqua Lung Limited Lifetime Warranty
8.2.1 The Aqua Lung warranty
10. Returning Your Regulator For Service
11. Contacting Aqua Lung AMERICA via Electronic Mail
12. ANNUAL INSPECTION & SERVICE RECORD
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1GENERAL 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.
• 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 trai-
ning and certification in the techniques of cold water diving from a recognized
training agency.
• If you are using a first stage in the Legend series or a Kronos Supreme, you
are recommended to use an pneumatically balanced Octopus (LX Octopus,
Legend Octopus, Kronos Octopus, Mikron Octopus) to avoid the possibility of a
free flow at depth.
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1.2 ENRICHED AIR NITROX USE
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.
DANGER :Obtain Nitrox Diving Certification
In order to gain a complete appreciation of the advantages of diving with Nitrox,
it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that you undergo special training and obtain cer-
tification in Nitrox diving from a recognised training agency. The depth and time
limit of the dive depend on the oxygen content of the Nitrox mixture.
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1.2.1 Enriched Air Nitrox Use
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.
Standard compressed breathing air meeting the EN 12021 standard, often
referred to as Grade E in the United States, does not necessarily meet this cri-
terion. Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air may contain a certain level of hydro-
carbons, including traces of compressor oils that while not considered harmful
to breathe, can pose a risk in the presence of elevated oxygen content. Passing
hydrocarbons through a valve and regulator creates a cumulative effect where
the hydrocarbons build up over time along the internal passageways of the
equipment. When these hydrocarbons come in contact with high-pressure oxy-
gen enriched air, they can pose a very real hazard that can lead to combustion.
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.
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2. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations – and thank you – for choosing Aqua Lung. Your new regula-
tor meets all existing standards for quality and performance and has been des-
igned and manufactured with the greatest care.
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.
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 mark can be found on the 1st stage body for Titan and Kronos series
regulators, or on the 2nd stage for regulators in the Titan LX, Legend series
and Mikron. See photos.
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2.2 Features
Calypso Titan / Mikron Kronos / Legend
First stage Piston regulator Diaphragm regulator Diaphragm regulator
technolgy
Maximum working Yoke : 232 bar Yoke : 232 bar Yoke : 232 bar
pressure USA : 3300 PSI USA : 3300 PSI USA : 3300 PSI
DIN : N/A DIN : 300 bar DIN : 300 bar
Number of ports 1 HP 7/16, 4 MP 3/8 1HP 7/16, 4 MP 3/8 2 HP 7/16 , 4 MP 3/8
Hose length 730 MM 730 MM 730 MM
2.3 VANE ADJUSTMENT SWITCH (VAS)
Calypso /Titan Kronos Titan LX/Legend Legend LX
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.
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2.4 Valve Adjustment Knob (VAK)
2.4.1 LEGEND LX Regulator
The VAK, located opposite of the hose connection on
certain model second stages, adjusts the effort required
to start the air flow at the beginning of the inhalation
cycle. As it is turned “in” (clockwise), the opening effort
will increase. This will make the second stage less sensi-
tive to sudden changes in ambient pressure. Turning the
knob “out” (counter-clockwise) will decrease the opening
effort to make breathing easier.
This adjustment is particularly useful at deeper depths, or in variable conditions
that affect the opening effort of the second stage, such as strong currents or
while using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV). It will also allow compensation for a
difference in the hydrostatic pressure and the centre of your lungs, such as
when you are in a head-down position. You can use the VAK to tune your regu-
lator to maintain its peak performance throughout the course of your dive, or
you can leave it set in its mid-range position and dive with as you would any non-
adjustable second stage.
2.4.2. Kronos Second Stage Adjustment: „Dual Cam‰.
The Dual Cam patented adjustment system combines
both the VAS and the VAK.
In the “+” position: the VAS is maximum and the VAK is
minimum (turned out). This gives optimum performance
(average: 1.2j/l according EN 250).
In the “-“ position: the VAS is minimum and the VAK is maximum (turned in).
This reduces performance to the maximum allowed by EN 250 (average:
2.8j/l). This offers a very effective pre-dive position.
2.4.3 Mikron Regulator
The VAK, located opposite of the hose connection on
certain model second stages, adjusts the effort required
to start the air flow at the beginning of the inhalation
cycle. As it is turned “in” (clockwise), the opening effort
will increase. This will make the second stage less sensi-
tive to sudden changes in ambient pressure. Turning the
knob “out” (counter-clockwise) will decrease the opening
effort to make breathing easier.
This adjustment is particularly useful at deeper depths, or in variable conditions
that affect the opening effort of the second stage, such as strong currents or
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while using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV). It will also allow compensation for a
difference in the hydrostatic pressure and the centre of your lungs, such as
when you are in a head-down position. You can use the VAK to tune your regu-
lator to maintain its peak performance throughout the course of your dive, or
you can leave it set in its mid-range position and dive with as you would any non-
adjustable second stage.
When the VAK is completely unscrewed (counter-clockwise), the regulator will
provide maximum performances.
When the VAK is completely screwed (clockwise), breathing resistance is
increased.
NOTE:Since the Mikron does not have a VAS, it is necessary to screw the VAK
all the way in when it is out of your mouth. Failure to do so could result in a free-
flow situation should the regulator get bumped or the purge cover depressed.
2.5 First Stage Environmental Protection series Titan,
Kronos, Legend „supreme‰
For diving in cold-water conditions, or commercial diving in contaminated water,
Aqua Lung offers an environmental first stage protection feature that seals the
ambient chamber from the environment. This helps to prevent ice from for-
ming and keeps contamination out of the main spring chamber.
2.6 Registered patents :
Comfobitemouthpiece: U.S. Patent : 4,862,903
Balanced HP seat: U.S. Patent: 5,746,198
Second stage thermal exchanger: U.S. Patent: 5,265,596
Combined second stage adjustment for Kronos: patent applied for.

3. PREPARATION AND SET UP
Aqua Lung America, Inc. recommends that you bring your regulator to your
Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer for the installation of any accessory items, including ins-
trumentation, LP quick disconnect hoses, and alternate air sources.
DANGER :Whatever the connector, when pressurizing your scuba system, be
sure to open the cylinder valve slowly to minimize the generation of heat. Failure
to do so, with enriched air nitrox (EAN) present, increases the risk of combus-
tion that can lead to serious injury or death.
WARNING :It is considered a safe practice, especially when using EAN, to open
the cylinder valve slowly and let the first stage pressurize slowly. Rapid pressuri-
zation causes adiabatic compression of the breathing gas, which generates heat
inside the first stage. Heat, along with elevated percentages of oxygen and an
ignition source (from contamination) are the ingredients that can cause com-
bustion. This is why it is necessary to keep the interior of the regulator clean
and the fraction of oxygen below 40% along with the slow opening of the valve.
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3.1 Mounting the First Stage Onto the Cylinder Valve
3.1.1 Yoke Connector
Partially loosen the yoke screw of the first stage regula-
tor so that the dust cap can be removed from the filter
and air inlet.
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.
Check the condition of the cylinder valve O-ring
Place the first stage regulator over the cylinder valve so
that the inlet fitting aligns with the O-ring of the cylinder
valve, and the LP hose of the primary second-stage will
be routed over the right shoulder. While holding the
first stage in place, turn the yoke screw clockwise. Ensure that the yoke screw
mates into the small dimple on the backside of the cylinder valve, and tighten
finger-tight only.
3.1.2 DIN Connector
Remove the protector cap from the cylinder valve.
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 slightly.
When air is heard exiting, immediately close the valve. This will clear any mois-
ture or debris that may be inside the threaded cylinder valve opening.
Check the condition of the cylinder valve O-ring.
Position the first stage near the cylinder valve so that
the LP hose of the primary second-stage will be routed
over the right shoulder. Thread the first stage DIN
connector into the cylinder valve and turn the handw-
heel clockwise by hand until it is lightly snug. DO NOT
use tools to tighten.
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3.2 Pre-Dive Checks
1. Carefully inspect all hoses at their fittings to ensure they are securely
connected into their respective ports on the first stage. Inspect the length of
each hose to ensure that the hoses are not blistered, cut, or otherwise dama-
ged. If hose protectors are present, slide the protectors back to expose the
hose fittings, and inspect the hoses as described above.
2. Visually inspect both the first and second stage regulators for any signs of
external damage.
3. Visually inspect the mouthpiece to ensure that there are no tears or splits.
4. Check that the needle of your submersible pressure gauge is on zero.
5. Check that your VAS or Dual Cam is set to “-“. For the Mikron Regulator,
check that your VAK is screwed (see chapter 2.4.3).
6. Fit your regulator to the cylinder (see Chapter 3.1), checking that the hoses
are oriented correctly.
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3.3 Pressurising the regulator
CAUTION :Before pressurizing the regulator check the condition of the hoses
fitted to the regulator.
1. If a submersible pressure gauge is fitted check that its dial faces
away from you.
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.
4. Check to ensure that the submersible pressure gauge is displaying an accu-
rate measurement of the air pressure inside the cylinder at the time of charging
and is appropriate for your planned dive.
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. Put the regulator in your mouth and place the VAS in “+” position. , for the
Mikron Regulator, unscrewed completely the VAK (counter-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.
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3.4 - Divisible mouthpiece
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.
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4. DIVING WITH THE REGULATOR
If the regulator is used as an alternative air source, it is recommended that you
fit a mouthpiece cover to prevent the entry of any foreign bodies while the VAS
is in “-“ position. , for the Mikron Regulator, screwed completely the VAK (clock-
wise).
While underwater the regulator may commence to free-flow. If this happens
turn the regulator so that the mouthpiece points downward.
When you place the regulator in your mouth put the VAS in position “+” to
obtain maximum breathing comfort. For the Mikron Regulator, unscrewed com-
pletely the VAK (counter-clockwise).
4.1. COLD WATER DIVING :
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.
6. As far as is possible, avoid excessive effort during the dive.
7. Have your dive store check that the air in your cylinder meets EN 12021
and is is dry.
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5. AFTER THE DIVE
5.1 Removal of the Regulator from the Cylinder Valve
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.
5.1.1 General Procedures
1. Shut off the cylinder air supply by turning the cylinder valve handwheel clock-
wise until it stops.
2. While observing the submersible pressure gauge, depress the purge button
of the second-stage. When the gauge reads zero and airflow can no longer be
heard from the second stage, release the purge button.
5.1.2 YokeConnector
1. Turn the yoke screw counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the first stage
from the cylinder valve.
2. Dry the dust cap with a towel or other lint-free cloth. While you may use air
from your tank valve to blow the water off the dust cap, you run the risk of blo-
wing water into the filter.
3. Place the dust cap over the first stage inlet fitting and seal it securely in
place by tightening down the yoke screw.
5.1.3 DIN Connector
1. Turn the DIN handwheel counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the first
stage fro the cylinder.
2. With the cylinder valve facing away from you, open the valve slightly to
release a short burst of air, and then immediately close the valve. This will clear
any moisture that may have entered the valve opening. Immediately seal the
protector cap securely in place over the opening of the DIN valve to prevent the
entrance of moisture or debris.
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.
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6. USER CARE & MAINTENANCE
It is important to provide the proper preventative maintenance in order to
ensure the best possible performance and maximum life of your Aqua Lung
Regulator. The following maintenance procedures should be performed routi-
nely after each use to ensure that the regulator is cleaned, inspected, and pre-
pared for the next use or for storage.
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.
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•Disconnect the regulator and wipe itr as dry as possible and then hang it by
the first stage to ensure that all remaining moisture drains from the second
stages.
•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.
DANGER :Do not use any type of solvent or petroleum based substances to
clean or lubricate any part of the regulator. Do not expose any part of the regu-
lator to aerosol spray, as some aerosol propellants attack or degrade rubber
and plastic materials.
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7. DEALER INSPECTION & SERVICE
It cannot be assumed that a regulator is in good working order on the basis
that it has received little use since it was last serviced. Remember that prolon-
ged or improper storage can still result in internal corrosion and/or deteriora-
tion of O-ring seals.
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.
Obtain service for your regulator at least once a year, from an
Authorized Aqua Lung dealer. Your personal safety and the mechanical
integrity of your regulator may depend on it.
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