xDEEP NX ZEN User manual

ENGLISH
USER MANUAL
ZEN
READ CAREFULLY.
YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY
IS WORTH MORE THAN 15 MINUTES.

INDEX
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU HAVE PURCHASED A PERFECT PRODUCT IN WHICH, WITHOUT ANY
COMPROMISE, WE HAVE CONNECTED THE BEST EXISTING
MATERIALS MADE IN EUROPE AND IN THE USA, WITH BOTH OUR TECHNICAL
AND RECREATIONAL DIVING EXPERIENCE. WHILE DESIGNING IT, WE HAVE ALSO
CONSULTED A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF DIVERS WHO USE VARIOUS
CONFIGURATIONS OF EQUIPMENT FROM MANY VARIOUS PRODUCERS.
WE HOPE THAT OUR PRODUCT MEETS YOUR EXPECTATIONS,
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU ARE A RECREATIONAL DIVER OR AN
EXPERIENCED TECH DIVER.
INTRODUCTION
06
PARTS OF ZEN SYSTEM
16
ADJUSTING
24
CONNECTING THE LP HOSE
32
CE CERTIFICATION
10
OPTIONAL DROPPABLE WEIGHT POCKETS
20
CONNECTING THE SCUBA TANK
28
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION
34
SAFETY RULES
12
OPTIONAL TRIM POCKETS
22
OPERATION
36
POST-DIVE MAINTENANCE
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATION
38
40
42

01
INTRODUCTION

Before you use any of the products described in this
manual, carefully read all the information contained
herein with comprehension. Becoming familiar with this
information is a prerequisite for safe and long-term
use of the products described in this document.
This manual is intended as a guide for correctly trained
divers, and so a number of matters related to diving are
described here only roughly. In no way can this manual
act as a substitute for professional diver training or
course. Therefore, before you start using any of the prod-
ucts described in this manual, make sure that you have
relevant qualications issued by a registered
diving organization.
If any of the information contained in this manual or
if any information label placed on the Buoyancy Compen-
sation Device is not clear, contact the manufacturer
for explanation:
XDEEP Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością Sp. k.
Ul.Ogrodników 3, 43-227 Góra
Poland
Phone: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
This manual includes two types of designation, which you
should pay special attention to. They indicate warnings or
other information which may be crucial for health and life
of the user or other people. You should read them with
special attention:
PRE-USE GUIDELINES IMPORTANT!
DANGER
INDICATES AN IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS SITU-
ATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN
A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH MAY CAUSE DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING
INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITU-
ATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, COULD CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR SERIOUS INJURY.
IT MAY ALSO INDICATE WRONG AND
DANGEROUS PRACTICES.
6 7

02
CE CERTIFICATION

03
10
The products described in the following instruction have
been a subject of certication in a recognized unit and
meet the requirements of 89/686/EWG directive and of
the norm EN 1809:2014-09, synchronized with this direc-
tive, in its full extent; and of EN 250:2003-08 covering
scuba harness.
The compliance assessment of ZEN compensator and
NX Series diving harness was performed by:
Polski Rejestr Statków S.A.,
Recognised certication unit nr 1463
Al.Gen.Józefa Hallera 126
80-416 Gdańsk
Poland
ZEN buoyancy compensators has been certied as com-
patible with 89/686/EWG directive, as far as it contains
air compatible with EN 12021 norm. Regarding the lack
of EN norms for safety requirements while the use of
it takes place with mixtures of higher oxygen content,
the above mentioned buoyancy compensator cannot be
regarded as one which has been a subject of CE certica-
tion with gas mixtures with oxygen level higher than 21%
(+/- 2%) as stated in 89/686/EWG directive.
CE CERTIFICATION
10
WARNING
IN NON-EU COUNTRIES ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS, LAW REQUIREMENTS AND BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR
NORMS MAY EXIST. DOUBLE CHECK THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS IN THE COUNTRY IN WHICH YOU INTEND
TO USE IT.
WARNING
THE BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR IS NOT A SAFETY JACKET: IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE A PROPER HEAD-UP
POSITION ON THE SURFACE.
SAFETY RULES

DANGER
XDEEP BCDS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE USER WITH SAFETY AND COMFORT. IMPROPER USE MAY
RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, THEREFORE IT IS NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE FOLLOWING RULES.
SAFETY RULES
6.
Do not use your BC to lift or bring heavy objects to the
surface. Doing so may result in a serious accident due to
damage done to the BC or an uncontrolled ascent.
For bringing objects heavier than 2kg, use appropriate
equipment, such as a lift bag.
7.
To prevent the BC from damage, avoid prolonged expo-
sure of your BC to direct sunlight or extreme heat and
keep it away from sharp objects.
8.
Do not inhale air from the BC. It may contain harmful
contaminants, gases, or dangerous bacteria which evolve
in damp places.
9.
A BC is not a lifejacket and does not guarantee a head-up
position of the user on the surface. Therefore, you should
always dive with a buddy in case of losing consciousness
on the surface.
10.
Do not lift or move the BC by pulling the inator hose.
Such practice may result in irreparable damage to the BC.
11.
When diving in cold water (below 10 degrees Celsius), you
should take into account that the inator may freeze, as
a result of which, it may supply air in an uncontrolled
way, or other irregularities in its operation may appear.
Before diving in cold water, it is necessary that you prac-
tice emergency procedures should the inator freeze!
1.
Before every dive, carefully inspect all elements of the
equipment, including the BC. For furtherinformation on
the subject, read: “Pre-dive inspection”.
2.
Do not dive with the BC if there are signs of defective
operation, damage or wear, such a BC should be with-
drawn from use until it is repaired by an authorized
XDEEP distributor.
3.
During diving, perform mutual buddy-check, visually
inspecting the BC against any leakages or other
irregularities. Arrange checkout procedures with
your buddy and practice relevant diving signs once
again before diving.
4.
In case of an uncontrolled ascent, you should immediately
start releasing air from the BC in order to stop or slow
down the rate of ascent.
5.
In order not to drown as a result of an uncontrolled
descent, in all cases you should be able to use an emer-
gency source of buoyancy or remove the weight. The BC
CANNOT be the only source of buoyancy!
Cold water diving (in the temperature lower than 10°C)
signicantly increase the risk of inator freeze, which
may result in uncontrolled air ination or other irregular-
ities. In the case of inator freeze you should follow the
procedures of your diving federation which you’ve leaned
on your diving course.
In order to minimize the risk of inator freeze you must
follow these rules:
Diving in tight spaces, in the wrecks, under overhanging
reef walls and in the caves involves the risk of sudden
loss of buoyancy caused by the bladder’s puncture due
to the contact with sharp edges of wrecks or reefs or the
lock of the overpressure valve by the sediments falling
down from the ceiling. If the sudden loss of buoyancy
caused by compensator would happen, you should
immediately use the emergency source of buoyancy.
In order to minimize the risk related to sudden loss of
buoyancy we should:
1.
Use gas mixture according to the EN 12021 norm and
use only dry and clean cylinders lled in the authorized
stations. Increased humidity of the gas has a signicant
impact on the increased risk of inator freeze.
2.
Avoid adding large amount of air to the compensator at
one time since the high ow of air through the ination
valve considerably increases the risk of valve freeze
while diving in cold waters. Instead you should control
the buoyancy by adding small amounts of air at one time.
3.
Perform the BCD maintenance as per the time periods
specied in this manual. Worn-out parts in the inator or
any contaminants may trigger rapid growth of ice crystals
inside the ination valve causing the valve freeze.
4.
While diving in waters of temperature lower than 10°C,
remain at the surface as short as possible.
1.
Always have the emergency source of buoyancy available
and make sure that you can use it at any time.
2.
Keep proper distance from the wrecks and reefs. Sharp
edges may cause puncture or cut the compensator blad-
der resulting in sudden and irreparable loss of buoyancy.
3.
Avoid diving into places where sediments, rocks or other
solid particles may fall down from above, e.g. due to the
movement of ns or the ow of water. Falling particles
may block the overpressure valve in a closed or open
state, resulting in incorrect compensator operation.
1312

04
PARTS OF ZEN SYSTEM

1.
Double shell ZEN BCD;
2.
NX Series diving harness of M or XL size, in simple or
easy-to-unfasten version;
3.
Single tank adaptor.
PARTS OF ZEN SYSTEM
Fig. 1. ZEN System with NX Series STD harness
01
Fig. 2. ZEN System with NX Series QR harness
02
ZEN system consists of three basic
elements:
A K-type inator is a reliable device made of shock-proof
technopolymer which is resistant to environmental condi-
tions. The inator valve is made of metal, which makes
the inator more resistant to freezing and it can be oper-
ated much longer than inators made entirely of plastic.
The inator is equipped with an inator button (1) to
inate the BC with air, a purge button (2) to deate the BC
or inate it orally, and a mouthpiece (3) to release the air
that is deated or inhale the BC orally.
K-type Power Inflator
03
1
2
88
1
2
5
6
7
3
4
3
1. Shoulder strap
2. Compensator bladder
3. Waist strap
4. V-type crotch strap
5. Inator hose
6. K-type inator
7. Over pressure relief valve
8. Buckles for quick adjustment and unfastening of har-
ness (NX Series QR harness only).
ZEN buoyancy compensator may be equipped, as an
option, with two-part weight pockets installed in NX
Series harness (see Chapter 6 – ‘Optional droppable
weights’) or trim pockets.
On the following pages of this manual we described
particular elements of the system and also their congu-
ration and adjustment.
16 17

05
OPTIONAL DROPPABLE WEIGHT POCKETS

ZEN system enables to install, on the waist strap,
XDEEP two-part weight pockets of 2 x 3kg or 2 x 6kg.
The pockets are mounted with bolts to the holes
in the backplate:
OPTIONAL DROPPABLE WEIGHT POCKETS
Fig.4. Mount points of two-part weight pockets
01
In order to install the pockets:
1. Remove the buckle and, if necessary, other elements
from the waist strap (if installed);
2. Fix the pockets on the waist strap by interweaving the
waist strap webbing through proper places in the weight
pockets;
3. With the use of bolts supplied with the pockets, tight-
en the pockets to the plate through holes in the pocket
webbing and do not forget about the washer.
20
06
OPTIONAL TRIM POCKETS

07
ADJUSTING
OPTIONAL TRIM POCKETS
Although ZEN system provides perfect trim in most of
the suits, in some cases (e.g. dry suit with very thick
undersuit) you may need to have the weight distributed
in a special manner.
Depending on the needs, you can install additional trim
pockets thanks to which you get the optimal distribution
of the centre of gravity, regardless of the type of suit you
use. Together with ZEN system you can use the following
types of trim pockets:
1. Standard trim pockets placed on straps to attach the
tank or on additional strap of equal type placed anywhere
on the tank (e.g. on tank stand):
2. Trim pockets of STEALTH 2.0 sidemount system which
can be placed anywhere on the crotch strap – useful in
case you are turned upside down:
Fig. 5. Standard trim pockets
01 Fig. 6. Trim pockets of STEALTH 2.0 system
02
22

ADJUSTING
When you order a complete buoyancy set, you’re going to
receive all parts assembled and ready to use. However, to
improve the comfort and safety of the user, in the end you
should adjust the shoulder straps and the crotch strap.
NX Series harness is available in two sizes: M and XL.
M-size harness is designed for people of 175cm in height
and shorter, whereas XL-size harness for people taller
than 175cm.
The unique structure of NX Series harness, providing au-
tomatic shortening of shoulder straps after you fasten the
waist strap, combines the advantages of the traditional
technical harness with easiness to put it on and take it
o provided by the harness with easy-to-undo buckles. In
most cases the set requires adjustment only before the
rst dive after the purchase and in the case of changing
the suit, thanks to which, at all times, the user has a set
providing optimal trim and stability.
NX Series harness is traditionally equipped with V-type
crotch strap which distributes pressure on a larger area
and at the same time improves comfort in particular
when you dive with a scooter. If you prefer the traditional
type of crotch strap, contact the producer to obtain
information on how to attach it.
In the basic version of harness the shoulder straps and
the crotch strap are adjusted through shortening or
lengthening the loop which forms at the end of the web-
bing. The following picture shows points where shoulder
straps and crotch strap can be adjusted:
In the harness with quick-adjustment buckle you adjust
the strap by pulling loose ends of the shoulder straps
(tightening) or by bending the press of the buckle up
(loosening).
Fig. 7. Points where shoulder straps and V-type crotch
strap can be adjusted in standard harness.
01
In order to lengthen the shoulder or crotch strap, rst
insert the end of the webbing into the blocking buckle
(stopper) and then take out the excess of the webbing at
the side of the loop. In order to shorten the strap, do the
opposite, i.e. rst insert the webbing at the side of the
loop into the blocking buckle and then take out the excess
of the webbing at its loose end.
Fig. 9. Strap adjustment
KROK 02
Fig. 8. Strap adjustment
KROK 01
Fig. 10. Adjustment of shoulder straps in NX SERIES
QR harness.
02
24 25

08
CONNECTING THE SCUBA TANK
Guidelines for how to adjust NX Series harness:
1. In properly adjusted NX Series harness the waist
strap should be placed few centimetres below the
waist(you need to properly adjust the height at which the
plate is installed as well as the length of shoulder straps).
Too high or too low location of the waist strap
will decrease your comfort.
2. In NX Series harness the waist strap shall be fastened
so that it is placed onto shoulder straps. The fastening of
the waist strap should press the shoulders straps to the
body improving the adjustment of the harness. You need
to take it into consideration while adjusting the harness
and check the adjustment of shoulder straps after you
fasten the waist strap.
3. The length of the crotch strap should be so adjusted
that after the fastening the waist strap falls downwards
creating Y shape with the crotch strap.
4. The crotch strap should not be too short since it could
be more dicult to nd it while putting on the harness.
ADJUSTING CONT.
26

CONNECTING THE SCUBA TANK
Attention:
ZEN buoyancy compensator is designed to be used with
tanks of parameters indicated in technical specication
included at the end of this manual. Using this compensa-
tor with other types of tanks, although physically possible,
is not recommended.
In order to connect the tank with the BC in a reliable and
safe manner you should connect the webbing as indicated
in the pictures below:
STEP 01
STEP 03
STEP 02
STEP 04
Fig. 11. Installation of the tape the buckle
DANGER
AN INCORRECTLY CONNECTED TANK MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DETACH FROM THE HARNESS. SUCH SITUATION
IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH. THEREFORE THE
TANK CONNECTION HAS TO BE INSPECTED CLOSELY.
DANGER
BEFORE CONNECTING THE TANK, CAREFULLY WET THE CONNECTING STRAPS. OTHERWISE THEY MAY
LOOSEN AND THE TANK MAY SLIP OUT.
28 29

09
CONNECTING THE LP HOSE

10
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION
CONNECTING THE LP HOSE
To allow for proper operation of the inator it must be
connected to the LP port of the 1st stage of the regulator
using the LP hose supplied with the BC.
In order to connect the LP hose to the inator you should
gently pull at the sleeve of the LP hose’s nozzle (step 1),
and then put the nozzle onto the quick connector (step 2),
as presented in the pictures below:
Fig. 13. LP hose connection
STEP 02
Fig. 12. LP hose connection
STEP 01
DANGER
LP HOSE CONNECTION USING THE 1ST STAGE OF
THE REGULATOR MUST BE MADE TO THE LOW
PRESSURE (LP) PORT ONLY. CONNECTION TO THE
HP PORT MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURIES AS
WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.
WARNING
THE INFLATOR SUPPLY PRESSURE VALUE SHO-
ULD BE BETWEEN 6 AND 15 BAR. BEFORE CON-
NECTING THE INFLATOR TO THE LP HOSE, MAKE
SURE THAT THE PRESSURE FROM THE REGULA-
TOR IS WITHIN THIS RANGE.
32

11
OPERATION
PRE-DIVE INSPECTION
Before every dive it is necessary to follow the inspection
procedures for checking the correct operation of all BC
elements. Even if on a given day you have already dived
using your BC, before diving again make sure that all of
its elements are working correctly.
1.
Check that no element of the BC show any signs of wear,
paying particular attention to the condition of webbing,
buckles, the outer shell and the LP hose.
2.
Check whether all detachable elements are tightened
correctly; those are: bolts, valves, hose adapter and sin-
gle tank adapter (if applicable).
3.
Check the BC’s oral ination putting the inator’s mo-
uthpiece into your mouth and pressing the purge button
while breathing out. Using this method, inate the BC to
at least half of its volume.
4.
Press the inator button until the automatic dump valve
is activated. The automatic dump valve should open with
a characteristic sound. The air supply should stop imme-
diately after release of the inator button.
5.
Check the correctness of manual operation (opening) of
the dump valve by pulling on its string. By doing so you
should release air.
6.
Inate the BC using the inator button and then press
the purge button, checking whether air is being released
from the oral inator’s hole. Repeat this step a couple
of times.
7.
Inate the BC using the inator button and leave it fully
inated for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes the BC sho-
uld remain full. If it is not, do not use it until the defect is
removed by an authorized XDEEP service center.
8.
During descent, stop at three meters at the most and
perform mutual buddy-check, visually inspecting the BC
against any leakages.
Caution:
Air bubbles appearing on the outer shell do not necessa-
rily mean leakage. They may result from air being stuck
in the structure of the fabric or under the inner shell.
34

12
POST-DIVE MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
Buoyancy on the surface
In order to ensure maximum buoyancy on the surface,
before getting into the water (or directly afterascending)
inate the BC using inator button. Stop inating the BC
when the automatic dump valve activates.
Descent
In order to descend, press the purge button holding the
inator over your head. Use the purge button with care,
as releasing too much air may result in an uncontrolled
descent.
Neutral buoyancy
Maintain neutral buoyancy for a given depth during the
dive, using the inator and purge buttons as needed.
In order to ensure precise control over buoyancy you sho-
uld press the inator button for a short moment. If more
air needs to be added to the BC, press the inator button
for a short moment several times.
During release of air from the BC hold the inator over
your head, so the air may escape freely.
Ascent
Ascending too quickly may result in decompression
sickness. Therefore you must control the rate of ascent
by gradually releasing the expanding air from the BC with
the purge button.
DANGER
BEFORE JUMPING INTO DEEP WATER FROM A
BOAT OR A BANK INFLATE THE BC USING THE
INFLATOR BUTTON. GETTING INTO WATER WITH
THE BC NOT FULLY INFLATED MAY RESULT IN
DROWNING!
DANGER
ASCENDING OR REDUCING THE DEPTH LEVEL
TOO QUICKLY MAY RESULT IN DECOMPRESSION
SICKNESS (DCS). ALWAYS PAY ADEQUATE ATTEN-
TION TO BUOYANCY CONTROL AND RESPECT THE
ASCENT RATE LIMITS.
36

13
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
POST-DIVE MAINTENANCE
Disconnecting
After diving, take out the weight from the weight pockets
(if applicable), disconnect the LP hose from the inator,
and then disconnect the tank.
Draining
Inate the BC orally using the purge button of the inator.
Next turn the BC to keep the automatic dump valveat the
lowest point of the BC. Pull the valve string, at the same
time pressing the BC with your hands to make water ow
out by the open dump valve. Repeat the procedure until
all water is removed from the BC.
Rinsing
Every time you use the BC in salt or chlorinated water,
it should be rinsed thoroughly inside and out with fresh
water. Never use hot water for rinsing!
To rinse the BC inside, press the purge button of the
inator and ll the BC approximately ¼ full with water
by means of a garden hose spout or other source of fresh
water. Rotate the BC several times, and next drain it ac-
cording to the above procedure.
Drying
After every use, you should dry the BC thoroughly. When
drying, the BC should be fully inated and hung in a dry,
airy and dark place. When drying, do not expose your BC
to direct sunlight or extreme heat!
Storing
Store your BC partially inated and hung in a dry and
dark place away from sharp objects, lubricants, fuels
or solvents.
WARNING
DO NOT PRESS THE INFLATOR BUTTON WHEN
RINSING YOUR BC! THIS MAY MAKE DAMP AND
OTHER CONTAMINANTS ENTER THE INFLATOR
VALVE, WHICH MAY CAUSE SUBSEQUENT
DAMAGE TO THE VALVE.
WARNING
TO PREVENT YOUR BC FROM DAMAGE, YOU SHO-
ULD NEVER KEEP IT WET FOR A LONGER PERIOD
THAN A DOZEN OR SO HOURS.
38