KiSS Sidekick User manual

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2
1

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.22
Introduction GEM Sidekick SCR
The GEM Sidekick SCR is the latest addition to the KISS rebreather family. Like all KISS systems, it is durable, reliable,
easy to use, and economical. The Sidekick brings a few more bonuses to the table. The compact design allows the
Sidekick to be used in a number of ways: Side-mount rebreather, Bailout rebreather or simple add on Gas Extender. The
Sidekick requires no modification to fill all of these roles.
The KISS GEM Sidekick uses the patented KISS Gas Extending Mechanism (GEM). The GEM system will allow the gas
in your cylinder to last three times as long as conventional SCUBA. Other benefits include small size, lightweight, fewer
parts and less complexity than diving a fully closed circuit rebreather. The Sidekick still provides many of the benefits that
rebreather diving offers: warm, moist gas to breathe, no noisy rush of bubbles to scare fish away, and the longer No-
Decompression-Limits of diving Nitrox.
This manual describes the operation, assembly, breakdown and maintenance of your new KISS GEM Sidekick. There
are sections for each system component. Later sections discuss some of the dive operations and troubleshooting.
To safely use any dive equipment, the diver must fully understand the equipment. That is why this manual is required
reading. Not only does the longevity of your new Sidekick depend on your reading and understanding this manual, but
your safety depends on proper understanding and operation of all your dive gear.
Information in this manual is subject to change.
Please visit our website, www.kissrebreathers.com for updated manuals.
Conventions
The warning signs and the simple icons shown here are listed in order for you to use this product safely and correctly as
well as to prevent risk of injury to you and to others.
Indicates matters in which an imminent or possible risk of serious injury or death may arise
as a result of incorrect operation.
Indicates matters which must be closely considered as they affect the proper use and or
maintenance of the equipment and could affect the safety of the diver.
Safety Guidelines
Warning
KISS GEM Sidekick diver’s must read this manual.
In order to fully understand the KISS GEM Sidekick Gas Extender, the components, how
they work, how to handle and treat them, diver’s must read this manual in full. This should
be done prior to diving or servicing the unit.
Pay special attention to all notes and warnings; they must be read and understood. Failure
to do so may cause equipment damage, serious injury, or death.
This manual contains a checklist of inspections and tests that must be performed prior to
each dive. Do not dive unless you have completed this checklist. Do not dive unless the
equipment has passed all of the tests. Failure to perform all inspections and tests, or
ignoring a failure may cause serious injury or death.
You must be 18 years of age in order to purchase and dive a KISS GEM Sidekick diving
Warning
Note

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2
3
system.
You must be properly trained to dive this equipment. Diving this equipment without proper
training may cause serious injury or death.
This manual in no way replaces the training required for diving this equipment. Proper
training is extremely important as is gathering the proper experience.
Only dive within the limits of your certification.
This equipment should be serviced annually by a service technician. Service may be
required more often if you dive frequently, or water has entered the equipment.
Always monitor your PPO2 when breathing from this equipment. This should be checked
once a minute at depth and continuously during an ascent.
Do not breathe from this equipment while swimming on the surface.
Do not breathe from this equipment at a depth less than 20 ft.
During training this equipment may be used in a pool, but only with 40% Nitrox, and only
under supervision.
Do not use diving gasses outside the limits of your certification.
All information in this manual is subject to change. Please visit our website,
www.kissrebreathers.com/manuals.html for updated versions.
Assumption of
Risk
The warnings & notes in this manual are not a joke!
Participation in rebreather diving can result in serious injury or death.
Before beginning your dive, you must consider the risks involved. The GEM Sidekick
consists of many parts. All of these components will eventually fail. Careful maintenance,
assembly, and testing will not prevent this from happening. At best, it will delay the failure.
The KISS GEM Sidekick is not automatic in any way. It requires constant monitoring, a
complete awareness of the potential problems likely to be encountered, and full knowledge
of how to deal with whatever problems may occur. If you do not have adequate training,
equipment, physical conditioning, and a proper mindset, do not get in the water.
The diver, YOU, has the final responsibility for his or her own safety and actions while
using this rebreather. All components of the KISS GEM must be in good working order and
be properly assembled and tested to reduce the risk of failure. Regardless of the training
and experience of the diver and the reliability of the rebreather the risk of serious injury
and/or death can never be reduced to zero.
This manual is not a complete text on the maintenance and operation of the KISS GEM
Sidekick. The diver must complete a proper training course covering the maintenance,
testing and operation of the semi-closed rebreather before diving this equipment. The
rebreather can malfunction while diving even when properly assembled and having passed
all pre-dive tests. Only carrying adequate gas and having the training and skills necessary
to switch to open circuit gas, can reduce, but never eliminate, the risk of equipment failure.

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.24
Table of Contents
IntroductionGEMSidekickSCR.................................................................................................................................2
Conventions.......................................................................................................................................................................2
SafetyGuidelines.............................................................................................................................................................2
UnpackingtheSidekick.................................................................................................................................................6
TheoryofOperation.......................................................................................................................................................7
GasSelection....................................................................................................................................................................................8
SystemComponents.......................................................................................................................................................9
Mouthpiece.......................................................................................................................................................................................9
LoopHoses.....................................................................................................................................................................................11
ScrubberCanisterandScrubberHeadAssembly.............................................................................................................11
ScrubberCanister.........................................................................................................................................................................................12
InhaleandExhaleTowers.........................................................................................................................................................................14
OverPressureValve(OPV).......................................................................................................................................................................14
OxygenDisplayCable..................................................................................................................................................................................14
GasSupplyConnection...............................................................................................................................................................................14
VacuumBreak................................................................................................................................................................................................14
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
DemandValve(ADV)..................................................................................................................................................................................14
SensorHolder/SensorScreen...............................................................................................................................................................1 5 
CounterlungandCounterlungCover....................................................................................................................................16
OxygenMonitor............................................................................................................................................................................17
OxygenSensors
.............................................................................................................................................................................17
GearAttachment..........................................................................................................................................................................18
SystemAssembly...........................................................................................................................................................19
Checklists........................................................................................................................................................................................19
DisplayCalibration......................................................................................................................................................................19
CalibratetoAir...............................................................................................................................................................................................19
VerifyCalibrationwithNitrox.................................................................................................................................................................20
KISSFCPPO2DisplayCalibration.........................................................................................................................................................20
ShearwaterGEMCalibration...................................................................................................................................................................20
PackingtheScrubber.................................................................................................................................................................20
LoadingtheMicroporeEAC.....................................................................................................................................................................20
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
LoadingGranularCO2Absorbent..........................................................................................................................................................21
............................................................................................................................................................................................................22
............................................................................................................................................................................................................22
AttachingtheCounterlungandCounterlungCover........................................................................................................22
MouthpieceandLoopHoseConnection...............................................................................................................................23
MouthpiecePositiveandNegativeTesting........................................................................................................................................23
AttachtheLoopHosestotheScrubberHead...................................................................................................................................23
PositiveandNegativeTest.......................................................................................................................................................24
FiveMinutePre‐Breathe...........................................................................................................................................................25
DivingProcedures.........................................................................................................................................................25
Selectthepropergas..................................................................................................................................................................25

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2
5
OpenLoop.......................................................................................................................................................................................26
BuddyChecks................................................................................................................................................................................26
TrimandCounterlungAdjustment.......................................................................................................................................26
BreathinginDifferentOrientations......................................................................................................................................26
Descent............................................................................................................................................................................................27
AtDepth...........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Ascent...............................................................................................................................................................................................27
GasSwitching.................................................................................................................................................................................28
FloodRecovery.............................................................................................................................................................................28
Post‐DiveProcedures..................................................................................................................................................30
Doffing..............................................................................................................................................................................................30
BetweenDives...............................................................................................................................................................................30
BreakdownandCleaning..........................................................................................................................................................30
Storage.............................................................................................................................................................................................31
MaintenanceandService............................................................................................................................................32
HoseAttachmentTowers..........................................................................................................................................................32
MouthpieceDischargePortDiaphragmsandButtons...................................................................................................32
CareforyourFischerConnectorandCable........................................................................................................................32
RecommendedSpareParts......................................................................................................................................................33
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................................34
FailedPositiveorNegative.......................................................................................................................................................34
WaterintheLoop........................................................................................................................................................................34
BubblingOPV,ApeksExhaustValve.....................................................................................................................................34
ADVStiffinTriggering...............................................................................................................................................................35
HighWorkOfBreathing............................................................................................................................................................35
DisplayTroubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................................36
TrainingandMinimumTrainingStandards........................................................................................................37
Appendix..........................................................................................................................................................................40
ScrubberCartridgeDuration...................................................................................................................................................40
SidekickAssemblyChecklist....................................................................................................................................................41
SidekickPre‐diveChecklist......................................................................................................................................................43
PostDiveCheckList‐SidekickDisassembly.....................................................................................................................44
ShearwaterGEMOperation......................................................................................................................................................45
ConfiguringtheShearwaterforSemi‐ClosedOperation...............................................................................................45
Warranty..........................................................................................................................................................................46
Specifications..................................................................................................................................................................47
SidekickCCR–Addendum.........................................................................................................................................48
MOUTHPIECE.................................................................................................................................................................................48
MANUALOXYGENADDITIONSYSTEM..................................................................................................................................48
AdjustingtheO2FlowRate......................................................................................................................................................................50
ManualAddValveTroubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................52
FIRSTSTAGE..................................................................................................................................................................................53



MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.26
Unpacking the Sidekick
Unpack your GEM Sidekick using the parts list below, ensure that all components have been received and there hasn’t
been any shipping damage. If anything seems to be damaged from shipping, please contact either your dealer or the
KISS Rebreathers offices in a timely fashion so that we may replace your damaged parts.
The KISS GEM Sidekick diving system you have purchased is for recreational diving and should be configured as
instructed in this manual.
GEM SIDEKICK DIVING SYSTEM INCLUDES:
1 Scrubber Head: Includes 2 hose attachment towers, 1 exhaust valve, ADV system, 1 gas connection fitting, 2
scrubber canister O-rings (installed), and 2 counterlung O-rings (installed)
1 GEM Canister (granular): Includes threaded tube, base with O-rings (installed), spring, white mesh pad, diffuser
plate.
GEM Canister – Cartridge Components (Included only upon request at the time of order): Base crosspiece,
gasket & circ clip installed inside custom machined canister tube.
1 Counterlung with Counterlung Cover: Includes 4 knurled attachment nuts, 2 rigging clips.
2 17 inch loop hoses
1 sensor holder and 1 sensor screen.
1 display cable with Fischer connector: Hardwired to the scrubber head and compatible with KISS FC PPO2
display, Shearwater computers, and other appropriate computers or displays.
1 mouthpiece (DSV) with 2 black circ clips: DSV and circ clips ship secured to the loop hoses for shipping.
Quick Disconnect (QD) Female: Connects supply gas from your first stage regulator. (QD only, LP hose not
included)
1 CD with manual. This will be in your envelope with your warranty card
.
ADDITIONAL GEAR REQUIRED FOR DIVING:
LP hose: required to secure the Female QD to your first stage. Consult dealer or Instructor to determine what
length is correct for you.
First stage with pressure gauge and second stage.
Personal gear: mask, fins
NITROX ready dive cylinder
Buoyancy Compensator: suitable for the diving environment.
Weights
Exposure suit: suitable for diving conditions (suit, boots, gloves, hood)
Dive computer/Dive timer and depth gauge
3 Oxygen sensors (K-22D recommended)

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2
7
Theory of Operation
When the diver exhales into the GEM Sidekick mouthpiece, one third of the gas is diverted out of the vent holes in the
mouthpiece and into the water. Two thirds of the breath passes through the exhale loop hose and into the exhale
counterlung. When the diver inhales, the gas is drawn out of the counterlung, through the scrubber, up through the inhale
loop hose, and back to the mouthpiece. The scrubber contains a material that chemically bonds with the Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) in the exhaled breath and removes it. At the end of the inhale cycle the remaining gas volume is supplied by an
Automatic Demand Valve (ADV) with gas from the SCUBA cylinder. This fresh gas replaces the Oxygen (O2) in the loop.
The Oxygen level in the GEM Sidekick is measured by three Oxygen sensors located in the scrubber head.
The GEM Sidekick (like any rebreather) can be broken down into the follow functional parts:
Mouthpiece
Loop Hoses
Counterlung
Scrubber Canister
Oxygen Addition
Oxygen Monitor
As a Passive Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather (pSCR), the Oxygen addition is achieved by venting a fraction of the diver’s
exhaled breath, and adding Nitrox to make up the vented volume. In this way each breath (on inhale) contains one third
fresh Nitrox, and two thirds scrubbed exhaled gas.
Inhale Loop Hose
Inhale Hose Tower
Gas Connection
ADV Access
GEM Mouthpiece
Counterlung Cover
Exhale Loop Hose
Exhale Hose Tower
Knurled Nuts
PPO2 Monitor
(Shearwater)
Oxygen Display Cable
Figure 1: KISS GEM Sidekick

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.28
GasSelection
When diving the GEM Sidekick, each inhaled breath is composed of a fraction of fresh gas from the supply cylinder and
the remainder of the gas is the diver’s exhaled breath after being scrubbed of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The fraction of
Oxygen (O2) remaining in a diver’s exhaled breath will vary based on workload, the diver’s metabolism, & the diver’s size.
This means that a diver and his buddy may have different PPO2/FiO2 while using the same nitrox mixture.
The fraction of O2 inhaled will be less than the fraction of O2 in the supply cylinder. This is known as the Fraction of
Inspired O2 or FIO2. There is no way to calculate exactly what this FIO2 will be as every person is unique. This is one
reason it is very important to always monitor the Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PPO2) in the breathing loop.
While we do not know the exact percentage of O2 a diver will metabolize with each breath, we do know that the higher the
fraction of O2 in the supply cylinder, the higher the FIO2 will be. We also know that the greater the ambient pressure
(depth of the water) the higher the Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PPO2) will be for a given FIO2.
A low percentage of Nitrox combined with a high workload and shallow water can lead to a dangerously low PPO2
(Hypoxia). KISS testing has shown that diver’s using a minimum of 32% nitrox will provide diver’s with a safe breathing
mixture. However this may not be true for all diver’s in all situations. Be certain to know what you are breathing. The
shallower the diver is, the lower the PPO2/FiO2 may drop. Also, it will drop quickly on the surface.
For this reason it is very important that level 1 Sidekick diver’s use a minimum of 32% nitrox. Diving a lower percentage
will likely provide the diver with a hypoxic mix on ascent and in shallow water. Those diver’s that wish to use nitrox
mixtures with a lower percentage of O2 must take level 2 GEM training. At this level they will be taught to use a
secondary gas mixture which would enable them to have the appropriate mix for ascent and shallow water.
To prevent the risk of hypoxia in shallow water, diver’s 20 feet or shallower should be breathing either open circuit or open
loop. This should be done for both the ascent and decent. It is important that rebreather diver’s always know what they
are breathing. The PPO2/FiO2 should be checked every minute, and continuously on ascent.
Gas selection must also consider the fraction of Nitrogen (N2) in the inhaled breath. Since the diver metabolizes a
fraction of the O2 with each breath, the fraction of N2 goes up as the fraction of O2 goes down. This increases the N2
absorbed in the diver’s tissues, and reduces our No Decompression Limit. Again, a higher Nitrox percentage will reduce
the N2 in the gas, but the diver must not exceed the MOD of the Nitrox.
The following Safety Guidelines must be followed to prevent serious injury or death:
Always know your PPO2!
Monitor your PPO2 once a minute during the dive.
Never breathe off of the Sidekick mouthpiece without monitoring the PPO2.
Always use the highest Nitrox percentage for the planned dive depth without exceeding
the MOD.
The higher the mix the less chance of Hypoxia (the shallower the MOD); the lower the
nitrox mix the greater chance of hypoxia (the deeper the MOD).
Never dive with less than 32% Nitrox.
Never breathe on the GEM Sidekick while on the surface, or swimming on the surface.
Switch to open circuit or open loop when shallower than 20 ft.
While performing system testing that involves breathing from the GEM mouthpiece,
constantly monitor the PPO2. Especially during the five minute pre-breathe.
Never dive the GEM Sidekick outside your certification level. Decompression diving is
risky and requires specialized training.
The following Safety Guidelines must be followed to prevent serious injury or death:
Never let the FIO2 drop below 21%
If the FIO2 drops below the planned level, switch to open circuit to reduce the risk of
decompression sickness.
Never use the GEM Sidekick in a swimming pool without a minimum 40% nitrox in the
cylinder AND also direct supervision by a GEM Sidekick instructor.
The GEM mouthpiece will not vent properly if the unit is not submerged in water, which
means fresh nitrox will NOT be added, which could make the breathing mixture hypoxic.
Level 1 KISS GEM Sidekick divers are certified to use Nitrox mixtures from 32% Nitrox to 40% Nitrox in no decompression
dives. As stated above, use the highest Nitrox percentage available without exceeding the MOD. KISS recommends 36%
or higher.
Warning
Warnin
g

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2
9
System Components
The GEM Sidekick is composed of a number of component parts. Each component performs a discrete function as
described in the Theory of Operations. This section discusses each component in more detail, including the parts,
function, assembly and care.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the key to the GEM
Sidekick diving system. The design
allows a fraction of the gas to be vented
from the breathing loop every time the
diver exhales. Whether relaxed and not
breathing hard, or under a heavy
workload, the mouthpiece will always
vent the same percentage.
The mouthpiece is shipped fully
assembled, tested and ready to dive.
The black plastic circ clip’s are used to
attach it to the loop hose, hose
attachment’s. When you receive your
GEM Sidekick, the mouthpiece will be
attached to the loop hoses, with the circ
clip’s in place.
When the mouthpiece discharges the gas, a small stream of bubbles will vent. These bubbles will come from the
discharge ports on the mouthpiece. Since the diver can see the bubbles, it will be immediately obvious if there is a
problem and no bubbles are venting. If this happens, the diver should also notice that the ADV is not adding gas. It won’t
add gas, as the volume in the system has not been depleted.
If the mouthpiece is not venting, the gas mixture you are breathing could drop to a dangerous
level. This could cause injury or death, especially at shallower depths!
Dive Surface Valve (DSV)
On the front of the mouthpiece, also known as the Dive Surface Valve, is a lever that activates the DSV. In the up
position, the valve is open and the diver’s exhaled breath will enter the exhale loop hose and counterlung. In the down
position the valve is closed, and the diving loop is sealed. In general, whenever the mouthpiece is not in the diver’s
mouth, the valve should be closed. This prevents water from entering the mouthpiece and the Sidekick. While
underwater, always close the DSV before removing the mouthpiece from your mouth.
Purging the mouthpiece
Just like any other SCUBA mouthpiece, when it’s been out of your mouth (particularly underwater) it needs to be purged
before use. In this case that means you need to be purge the mouthpiece prior to opening the DSV. To do this, put the
GEM Sidekick mouthpiece in your mouth and exhale forcefully. This will push the water out of the vent hole. You only
need to do this for a few seconds as it is a minute amount of water. Once you see bubbles, the water is gone. After
purging push the lever to the open position and then you may continue to breathe on the loop.
Only a qualified GEM service technician should attempt to service the GEM Sidekick
mouthpiece. Do not attempt to service the mouthpiece without the proper training.
DSV
Hose
Attachment
O-rings
Diaphragm
and Button
Valve
Bite Piece
Circ-Clip
Figure 2: GEM Mouthpiece and Circ-Clip
Warning
Warning

MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.210
While doing the above exercise, be certain to not cover the vent hole with your hand as you move the lever. Covering the
vent hole with your hand will prevent it from purging the water.
Diaphragms and Buttons
The Sidekick mouthpiece has 3 discharge port diaphragms and buttons. These allow the mouthpiece to vent a fraction of
the diver’s breath while preventing water from entering the mouthpiece. To perform this function properly the diaphragms
must lay flat against their seat. If the attachment screws are too tight, or the diaphragm has been dislodged, it needs to
be reseated prior to use. Diaphragms and buttons should be visually inspected prior to every dive to ensure that the
diaphragms are sitting flat, and properly placed.
The discharge port diaphragms are an essential component of the mouthpiece. It is important that they are in good
working order. When visually inspecting your mouthpiece, ensure that they are not torn or damaged in any way, and that
they are lying flat. If they are not lying flat, either flip the diaphragm over or install a new one otherwise water can enter the
breathing loop.
Prior to removing the screw and button that holds the discharge port diaphragm, note how tight the screw is. It is important
that the screw is not over tightened when reassembling the mouthpiece. Watch closely when tightening this screw. If the
diaphragm lifts at all, on any edge, back the screw off.
If you have a failed discharge port diaphragm, it will bubble constantly. This may also allow
excess water into the exhale hose.
Right side inner valve assembly & left side mushroom valve
The right side of the valve houses the inner valve assembly and the outer valve
assembly. The inner valve assembly is the inner piece that moves back and forth. The
outer valve assembly is the component that is screwed to the right side housing.
If the inner valve assembly starts to stick either open or closed, it is likely that the
mouthpiece either needs to be cleaned or that some lubricant has worked its way into
the area, If a single drop of lubricant is in that area in which the valve moves back and
forth, it could cause the valve to stick.
If this happens, remove the outer and inner valve assembly. Using a perfectly clean
cloth - there can’t be any lubricant on it at all - carefully clean the inner part of the
mouthpiece. All traces of lubricant must be removed. Clean the inner valve assembly
and then reattach the outer assembly.
When inserting the inner piston back into the inside of the mouthpiece, be certain
that you put it in the correct way. It will not work if it is upside down! As per the
photo, the inner piston should have the open area facing out. The open area needs to face the open area of the outer
piston for it to work properly.
If the valve gets stuck, it could happen in the open or closed position. Also, be certain that if
the inner piston is removed, that it is inserted correctly upon reassembly. If the inner piston
is inserted upside down, the valve will not work!
Prior to diving, visually check the left side, or inhale mushroom valve and ensure that it is lying properly and not damaged.
Also ensure that it is facing the correct direction with the gas flow going from left to right. Gently shake the mouthpiece to
ensure that the right side valve components are moving freely back and forth. These parts must move freely for the
mouthpiece to work properly. If they don’t move freely the mouthpiece must be serviced. Having the mouthpiece serviced
by a trained GEM service technician is important. If the servicing of the valve is not done properly, and lubricant is applied
to the wrong parts, the valve will stick and not work. Lubricant in the right side valve area will cause the inner valve to
stick either open or closed.
If the right side one-way valve sticks open, you will notice excess bubbles venting from the mouthpiece. The unit should
not be dove in this manner as the gas is not flowing properly and could cause a problem with carbon dioxide. If the valve
sticks closed, it would be difficult to exhale. A sharp exhale would dislodge it, but the proper action would be to end the
dive and service the mouthpiece.
If the mouthpiece right side valve is sticking, do not dive the rebreather. Have the mouthpiece
served immediately. Diving the GEM Sidekick with a mouthpiece that is not functioning
properly could cause injury or death!
Note
Warnin
g
Warnin
g
Figure 3: DSV Right Side Valve Assembly