Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus User manual

Owner's Guide
REGULATOR
Equipment

2
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This owners guide is copyrighted, all rights are 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 Oceanic / 2002 Design.
Oceanic Regulator Owner's Guide
Doc. No. 12 2018
© 2002 Design, 1996
San Leandro, CA USA 94577
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Oceanic, the Oceanic logo, DX4, DXi, PX2, SP4, CDX, Omega, Delta, Sub Zero, Alpha,
Gamma, Zeta, SlimLine, Swivel 180 Octo, Explorers, Air XS, and DataLink are all regis-
tered and unregistered trademarks of Oceanic. All rights are reserved.
PATENT NOTICE
U.S. Patents have been issued to protect the following design features: Orthodontic Mouth-
piece (U.S. Patent No. 4,466,434) and Second Stage Regulator (Delta) Depth Compensat-
ing Adjustment Mechanism (U.S. Patent No. 5,660,502).
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY
For details, refer to the Product Registration Card provided by your Authorized Oceanic
Dealer. For additional information, visit the Oceanic web site at -
http://www.OceanicWorldwide.com

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CONTENTS
NOTICES AND WARRANTY ......................................................................... 2
WARNINGS ................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 5
STATEMENT FOR COMPATIBILITY AND USE WITH NITROX .................. 5
STATEMENT FOR COLD WATER DIVING .................................................. 7
REGULATOR FIRST STAGES ...................................................................... 8
ATTACHMENT OF HOSES ......................................................................... 8
REMOVAL OF HOSES .............................................................................. 10
DATALINK .............................................................................................. 11
REGULATOR ATTACHMENT TO A TANK ................................................. 12
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION KIT ..................................................... 17
REGULATOR SECOND STAGES .............................................................. 18
FEATURES AND OPERATION ................................................................. 18
ALPHA 7® , GAMMA, PONY BOTTLE, AND E PLORERS ................. 19
DELTA® 3 AND GAMMA 2..................................................................... 20
OMEGA II AND OMEGA II WITH SWIVEL ........................................ 22
SECOND STAGE SWIVEL ........................................................................ 23
ZETA ...................................................................................................... 24
SLIMLINE OCTOPUS ............................................................................ 24
SWIVEL 180 OCTOPUS ........................................................................ 25
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................................... 25
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................ 28
GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM SERVICE INTERVALS ............................... 29
RECORDS ................................................................................................... 30
INSPECTIONS AND SERVICE ................................................................... 31

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Pay special attention to items marked with this Warning Symbol.
WARNINGS:
 This Regulator product is intended for use by recreational divers who have
successfully completed a nationally recognized course in scuba diving.
 It must not be used by untrained persons who may not have knowledge of the
potential risks and hazards of scuba diving.
 It is NOT intended for use by military and commercial divers.
 This Regulator must be used together with an Instrument that measures and
indicates the user's air supply pressure.
 As with all underwater life support equipment, improper use or misuse of this
product can cause serious injury or death.
 Read and understand this Owners Guide completely before diving with this
Regulator.
 If you do not fully understand how to use this Regulator, or if you have any
questions, you should seek instruction in its use from your Authorized Oce
anic Dealer before you utilize this product.
 Prior to each dive inspect and test this regulator for proper operation. If any
part does not function properly, DO NOT USE!
Oceanic promotes responsible diving practices and does not advocate diving beyond the
limits recommended for recreational diving, Oceanic regulator equipment is designed to
offer continued safe and reliable performance in the event the need arises and the recre-
ational diving limits are exceeded.
Oceanic regulators are CE certified to a maximum operating depth of 50 M (165 FT).

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INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU for choosing a Regulator product from Oceanic !
Features and operation of the various models of Oceanic regulator first and second stages
currently available are described in this owner's guide, and/or any addendum or supple-
ment provided with it. By following the instructions in this guide, you will understand how
your regulator product works, how to make best use of its features, and how to maintain it
for long term use. Some information presented may not be applicable to the specific
model of regulator or accessory that you purchased. DO NOT dive with the regulator until
you have read and understand all information provided with it.
STATEMENT FOR
OCEANIC REGULATOR EQUIPMENT
COMPATIBILITY AND USE WITH NITROX
Unless specifically labeled otherwise, Oceanic Regulator equipment is classified as being
suitable for use with nitrogen-oxygen (Nitrox) breathing gas mixtures containing up to 40%
oxygen by volume without the need for special preparation, cleaning , or component
parts.
If Oceanic Regulator equipment is subsequently used with equipment, or connected to an
air supply system, that is not rated for Oxygen Service, it can subsequently be used with
Nitrox (up to 40% O2) as long as it is maintained in accordance with the procedures and
parts specified in the Oceanic Product Service Guide.

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WARNINGS:
Oceanic Regulators are not intended to be used by untrained persons who
may not know the inherent risks and hazards of SCUBA diving.
Prior to use of Oceanic Regulator equipment with nitrogen oxygen (Nitrox)
breathing gas mixtures that contain a higher fraction of oxygen than 21%,
the user must have received, or must first obtain, certification in diving with
Nitrox from a recognized training agency.
An Oceanic Regulator is not a medical device. It is not intended and must
not be used to supply treatment oxygen in a medical emergency.
SCUBA complying with EN 250 is not intended for more than one user to
breath from at a time.
If SCUBA is configured and used by more than one diver at the same time,
then cold water and breathing performance may not fulfil the requirements
of EN 250.
NOTES:
The term breathing gas used throughout this owner's guide applies to en
riched nitrogen oxygen (Nitrox) mixtures as well as compressed Air.
When using Air with this regulator equipment, the Air supply must meet the
requirements of EN 12021.

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STATEMENT FOR OCEANIC REGULATOR EQUIPMENT COLD WATER DIVING
All Oceanic Regulator First Stages are classified as being suitable for use in waters having
Temperatures of 50°F (10 °C) and higher.
Due to operational limits, use in waters having colder Temperatures requires Oceanic Dia-
phragm style First Stages to be properly fitted with an Environmental Protection Kit to pre-
vent the possible buildup of ice crystals in the Spring Cavity.
Due to the inherent design of Oceanic Piston style First Stages, they cannot be specially
prepared to accomodate the operational limits imposed by waters having Temperatures
below of 50°F (10 °C). Oceanic therefore recommends the use of Diaphragm style First
Stages fitted with Environmental Protection Kits when diving in lower Temperature water.
WARNING: Installation of an Environmental Protection Kit must be per
formed by the Oceanic factory or an Authorized Oceanic Dealer. Improper
installation may cause First Stage failure while underwater resulting in seri
ous injury or death.
Specialized training and skills required for cold water diving can reduce effects that cold
water Temperatures can impose upon the operation of Oceanic Regulator Second
Stage(s).
WARNING: Failure to obtain proper training in the specialized techniques
required for diving in cold water environments and failure to apply such
techniques to handle situations that could result in Regulator freezing will
place you in risk of serious injury or death.

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REGULATOR FIRST STAGES
WARNING: Failure to prepare your First Stage properly for use in harsh en
vironmental conditions, such as being subjected to sediment or the pos
sible buildup of ice, or salt crystals, may result in serious injury or death.
Operation of your first stage is not visible when using a regulator. The first stage converts
the tank's high pressure air to an intermediate pressure of approximately 140 psi that can
be handled by the regulator second stage to deliver a smooth flow of breathing gas upon
demand (i.e., when you inhale). Intermediate pressure gas is also available for inflation of
a BC or dry suit.
WARNING: Under no circumstances should adjustment of an Oceanic first
stage regulator be performed by anyone other than an Authorized Oceanic
Dealer. Doing so may cause failure underwater, resulting in serious injury
or death.
ATTACHMENT OF HOSES
Low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP) port thread sizes are different, making incorrect
installation of hoses unlikely. However, to avoid damage or personal injury that may oc-
cur due to incorrect installation, Oceanic strongly recommends having installation per-
formed professionally by an Authorized Oceanic Dealer. If this is not possible, proceed as
follows.

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Type of Hose Being Connected:
 Determine whether the hose that you are installing requires connection to an HP port
(for a pressure gauge or breathing gas integrated computer), or to an LP port (for an
octopus second stage, or a BC or dry suit inflator).
 Be sure that you only place high pressure accessory hoses in ports specifically marked
with the letters 'HP', or '4500 psi / 300 BAR'.
Orientation (positioning):
Orientation is defined by the location of the LP ports when the first stage is mounted on the
tank valve. Mounting the first stage so the LP ports are lower (closer to the tank) than the
HP ports is referred to as the DOWN position. Mounting the first stage so the LP ports are
higher (further away from the tank) than the HP ports is referred to as the UP position.
Using the DOWN position produces the lowest overall regulator/tank profile, reducing the
possibility of your head coming in contact with the first stage during your dives. Also, in
the DOWN position, the venturi assisted LP port will be positioned so that the primary sec-
ond stage is on your right side.
By mounting a first stage, such as the PX2, that utilizes a swivel section for the LP connec-
tions in the UP position, you can obtain greater accessibility to your hoses due to the
swivel being positioned approximately 4 inches higher than in the DOWN position.
The convenience of two HP ports provides for consistent positioning of your instrument con-
sole regardless of the orientation of the first stage. Note that the SP4 and Explorers only
have one HP port.
Experience and experimentation will be your best guide to choosing the orientation that is
best to satisfy your needs and preference.

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Installing Hoses:
After having determined the type of hose and preferred orientation -
 Remove the port plugs from those ports to be used by turning them counter clockwise
with a 5/32" hex key. Save the port plugs for possible future use.
 Lightly lubricate the hose-end threads and o-ring with Christo-Lube MCG111 lubricant
(silicone grease is acceptable only if the regulator is not designated for use with
nitrox).
 Thread the hose clockwise into the port until secure, then tighten it with an open end
wrench of the appropriate size to a torque of 40 in-lbs.
  Second stage - 9/16" wrench
  LP inflator - 9/16" (or 1/2") wrench
  HP gauge or integrated computer - 5/8" wrench
 After all hoses are connected, test the complete regulator assembly by attaching it to
an appropriate tank, pressurizing the system, and carefully listening for leakage of
breathing gas.
REMOVAL OF HOSES
WARNING: At least one second stage must be connected to the first stage
to facilitate purging of breathing gas from the first stage.

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To remove a hose from the first stage -
 Loosen and remove the hose by turning it in the counter clockwise direction with an
open end wrench of the appropriate size.
 Lightly lubricate the threads and o-ring of the port plug.
 Thread the port plug clockwise into the port and tighten to a torque of 40 in-lbs using
a 5/32" hex key.
 Test the assembly by attaching it to an appropriate tank, pressurizing the system, and
listening for leakage.
DATALINK
DataLink is a high pressure quick disconnect designed to offer additional protection for
your instrument console. It allows you to quickly and easily remove the HP hose and instru-
ment console from the regulator first stage without any tools. It should be oriented so it is
best protected from collisions with objects while underwater. DataLink can be purchased
from an Authorized Oceanic Dealer.
WARNING: Proper installation of the DataLink is essential for it to function
properly. It must be installed only by an Authorized Oceanic Dealer.
Connecting Your Console with a DataLink:
 Ensure that the regulator system is purged of all breathing gas.
 Push the hose portion of the disconnect firmly into the first stage portion.
 While holding the two portions together with one hand, turn the locking ring of the
first stage portion clockwise (as viewed from the first stage) until it stops (hand tight).
DO NOT overtighten or use tools.

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Disconnecting Your Console with a DataLink:
 Ensure that the regulator system is purged of all breathing gas.
 While holding the hose portion of the disconnect with one hand, turn the locking ring
of the first stage portion counter clockwise (as viewed from the first stage).
 Using care not to bend the DataLink parts, pull the two portions of the quick discon-
nect straight apart to remove the HP hose and instrument console.
NOTE: Once the DataLink has been disconnected, the regulator system can
again be pressurized.
REGULATOR ATTACHMENT TO A TANK
WARNING: Maximum working pressure for an Oceanic Yoke style connec
tor is 3500 PSI / 232 BAR and for a DIN style connector is 4500 PSI / 300
BAR
YOKE STYLE CONNECTOR
Before attaching the Regulator to the tank:
 Slowly open then close the tank valve for a second to allow a momentary flow of
breathing gas to blow any moisture or contaminants from the breathing gas opening
in the tank valve.
 Examine the sealing o-ring located on the tank valve to ensure that it is not cut, frayed,
or deteriorated. Replace the o-ring if it is damaged.

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To attach the Regulator to the tank:
 Remove the dust protector from the yoke by turning the easy-grip knob in a counter
clockwise direction.
 Place the yoke connector over the tank valve, positioned with the seating surface
against the valve o-ring.
 Turn the easy-grip yoke knob clockwise until secure.
 Slowly open the tank valve (with the pressure gauge facing away from you).
 Momentarily purge the second stage, then listen to ensure that no breathing gas is
leaking from the regulator/tank connection.
 If any leakage is observed, repeat the attachment procedure and inspect the sealing
o-ring. If gas still leaks, DO NOT USE! Take the regulator and tank to an Authorized
Oceanic Dealer for inspection and service.
If you wish to use your regulator on a DIN tank, have your Authorized Oceanic Dealer
convert the first stage with an Oceanic DIN Conversion Kit following the procedures given
for the specific regulator first stage in the current Oceanic Product Service Guide.
To remove the Regulator from the tank:
 Close the tank valve and purge all breathing gas from the regulator system by de-
pressing the purge button of the second stage regulator. Ensure that all pressure has
been purged.
 Turn the easy-grip yoke knob counter clockwise to loosen and lift the first stage off the
tank valve.
 Prevent water from entering the first stage. DO NOT blow breathing gas near
a first stage that does not have the dust protector in place.
 Dry the dust protector, position it within the yoke, and secure it by tightening the yoke
knob.

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DIN WHEEL STYLE CONNECTOR
Before attaching the Regulator to the tank:
 Slowly open then close the tank's valve for a second to allow a momentary flow of
breathing gas to blow any moisture or contaminants from the gas opening in the tank
valve.
 Examine the threads in the valve to ensure they are clean and free of burrs or defects
that could damage the threads of your regulator DIN fitting.
To attach the Regulator to the tank:
 Remove the protector cap from the threads of the regulator DIN connector wheel, and
examine the threads and sealing o-ring. Replace the o-ring if it is damaged.
 Using care not to cross the threads, thread the DIN connector wheel clockwise into the
cavity of the tank valve until it is secure.
 Slowly open the tank valve (with the pressure instrument facing away from you) and
listen to ensure that no breathing gas is leaking from the regulator/tank connection.
 If any leakage is observed, repeat the attachment procedure and inspect the sealing
o-ring. If breathing gas still leaks, DO NOT USE! Take the regulator and tank to an
Authorized Oceanic Dealer for inspection and service.
If you wish to use your regulator on a standard tank, have your Authorized Oceanic
Dealer convert the first stage with an Oceanic USA Yoke Conversion Kit following the pro-
cedures given for the specific regulator first stage in the current Oceanic Product Service
Guide; or install an Oceanic DIN to USA Converter Yoke.

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To remove the Regulator from the tank:
 Close the tank valve and purge all breathing gas from the regulator system by de-
pressing the purge button of the second stage regulator.
 Turn the DIN connector wheel counter clockwise out of cavity in the tank valve.
 Prevent water from entering the first stage. DO NOT blow air near a first stage
that does not have the protector cap in place.
 Place the protector cap on the threads of the regulator DIN connector wheel.
DIN TO USA CONVERTER YOKE
WARNING: The DIN to USA Converter is specifically designed for use with
Oceanic brand first stages. Although it may fit other brand first stages, it
was not designed to do so or tested for use with other brands. Under no
circumstances should the Oceanic DIN to USA Converter be used with any
other first stage than an Oceanic model.
To install the DIN to USA Converter:
 Remove the protector cap from the threads of the regulator DIN connector wheel, and
examine the threads and sealing o-ring. Replace the o-ring if it is damaged.
 Using care not to cross the threads, thread the DIN to USA Converter clockwise onto
the first stage DIN connector wheel until it is secure. DO NOT use tools to tighten.

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Before attaching the Regulator to the tank:
 Slowly open then close the tank's valve for a second to allow a momentary flow of
breathing gas to blow any moisture or contaminants from the gas opening in the tank
valve.
 Examine the threads in the valve to ensure they are clean and free of burrs or defects
that could damage the threads of your regulator DIN fitting.
To attach the Regulator to the tank:
 Remove the dust protector from the yoke by turning the easy-grip knob in a counter
clockwise direction.
 Place the yoke connector over the tank valve, positioned with the seating surface
against the valve o-ring.
 Turn the easy-grip yoke knob clockwise until secure.
 Slowly open the tank valve (with the pressure gauge facing away from you) and listen
to ensure that no breathing gas is leaking from the regulator/tank connection.
 If any leakage is observed, repeat the attachment procedure and inspect the sealing
o-ring. If breathing gas still leaks, DO NOT USE! Take the regulator and tank to an
Authorized Oceanic Dealer for inspection and service.
To remove the DIN to USA Converter:
 While holding the DIN connector wheel firmly, turn the DIN to USA Converter counter
clockwise off the threads of the first stage DIN connector. DO NOT use tools to re-
move.
 Place the protector cap on the threads of the regulator DIN connector wheel.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION KIT
By function of design, the inner components of Oceanic diaphragm type regulator first
stages (i.e., CDx, DX4) are isolated from the ambient environment. However, the outer
side of the diaphragm and the diaphragm spring, located inside the cavity at the hex
opening end, will be subjected to environmental conditions.
Oceanic recommends installation of an Environmental Kit on diaphragm type First Stages
(i.e., CDx) subjected to environmental conditions in which debris, or sediment, or ice, or
salt crystals might form in the spring cavity. The kit is a unique dry seal system that uses no
messy grease or chemicals.
Most DX4 first stages are shipped from the factory with the Environmental Kit installed. If
your DX4 (or other model) is not configured with an Environmental Kit, one can easily be
installed by your Authorized Oceanic Dealer.
WARNING: Installation of an Environmental Kit must be performed by an
Authorized Oceanic Dealer. Improper installation may cause first stage fail
ure while underwater resulting in serious injury or death.

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REGULATOR SECOND STAGES
WARNING: Even if your First Stage is properly prepared for use in harsh
environmental conditions, only proper training will protect your Second
Stage from the effects of the environment.
FEATURES AND OPERATION
The Second Stage of the regulator assembly receives breathing gas at an intermediate
pressure of approximately 140 psi from the first stage and delivers it to you at ambient
pressure during inhalation. When you stop inhaling, it then shuts off the flow of breathing
gas and provides a path for exhaled gas.
All Second Stage regulators have a level of sensitivity that can result in excess breathing
gas being expelled when the Second Stage is not in your mouth while in the water. When
this occurs, it is usually during entry or when on the surface.
This condition, refered to as free-flow, can usually be stopped by turning the Second Stage
so the mouthpiece is pointing down and the purge button is pointing up. (See Omega II
for an exception to this general feature.)
Recommended is to carry an Octopus with the mouthpiece facing down when not in use,
or to use a mouthpiece plug or cover to prevent free-flow in the event that it is bumped.

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During normal use underwater, a small amount of water collects inside the body of a stan-
dard regulator in a natural reservoir near the bottom. This is normal for most second
stages, and the water is held away from your mouth naturally and will go unnoticed unless
you become inverted or do subaquatic somersaults at which time you may experience tem-
porary 'wet breathing'.
Water can be purged from the small internal air space of most second stages by exhaling
a small puff of breathing gas into the mouthpiece, or by blocking the mouthpiece with your
tongue and pressing the front mounted purge button to initiate a flow of breathing gas.
(See Omega II for an exception to this general feature.)
Alpha 7, Gamma, Pony Bottle, and Explorers (Primary and Octopus)
These models are downstream demand valve second stage regulators that are lighter and
smaller than most other primary second stages. They provide breathing gas as you de-
mand it with low inhalation resistance. Breathing effort is factory set to the average perfor-
mance level required by most divers.
They are provided with front-mounted purge buttons and orthodontically designed mouth-
pieces. They can be used as primary second stages or as on octopus. The Explorers
model, designed for children, has a smaller mouthpiece, and the Pony Bottle second stage
has a standard mouthpiece.
NOTE: If these second stages are shipped from the factory specifically as
an Octopus, the inhalation effort is set slightly higher to reduce sensitivity.

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Delta 3 and Gamma 2 (Primary and Octopus)
Pre Dive/Dive Switch (on top):
The Delta 3 and Gamma 2 feature a Pre-Dive / Dive switch located on top of the body.
 Placing the switch in the left ( - ) position (Pre-Dive) reduces, or eliminates, the possibil-
ity of high volume free-flow when the mouthpiece is not in your mouth.
 Placing the switch in the right ( + ) position (Dive) provides optimum performance dur-
ing a dive.
Delta 3 Adjustment Knob (on side):
The Delta 3 provides a breathing effort adjustment (knob on the side of the body) that en-
ables you to adapt breathing performance to different diving conditions.
 By turning the adjustment knob 'clockwise' breathing resistance (effort) is increased.
This is done to prevent undesirable loss of breathing gas (free flowing) that often oc-
curs when a high performance regulator second stage is connected as an octopus sec-
ond stage, or when the primary second stage is not in the divers mouth, such as
when surface snorkeling.
 Turning the adjustment knob 'counter clockwise' decreases breathing resistance and
reduces work of breathing. Adjustment should be used to improve performance, it
should not be used as a method to use less breathing gas. During periods of heavy
exertion underwater, and to compensate for the effects of depth, it is advantageous to
have a regulator that can provide minimal inhalation resistance and optimal perfor-
mance when desired.