Regulators

[seanzy]

Hi everyone!
I just have a quick question. First off, I'm new to the scuba diving world and am just getting my kit together to start my initial dive training. So, as a scuba virgin, I'm not all that knowledgeable about my gear.
My question is this: I just received my primary regulator and octopus and, being the typical kid-at-heart, I immediately put them in my mouth. Now, this is where I became confused. I can't breathe through them with ease. Does it have to be connected to air tanks for them to work? When I attempt to breathe through them now it sounds as though the diaphragm is flapping quickly back and forth. Is this normal or are they broken?

Thanks all!

Sean

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Yes, they need to be connected to a tank.

Yes, the flopping sound is the diaphragm moving the lever that opens the valve, again totally normal.

 

[Caveeagle]

Yes, you need a tank of compressed air (or other gas such as EAN / Nitrox) to make it work. I know that once you start getting your initial gear, the anticipation can drive you nuts!

 

[seanzy]

OH thank god. I thought I busted them. Thanks for the help Aquamaster! I appreciate it.

---------- Post added December 22nd, 2015 at 07:23 PM ----------

Yeah...the anticipation is really something else...lol! I told my wife to not be surprised if she sees me in the tub wearing my BC and wet suit along with my fins. hahaha

 

[CT-Rich]

Best first question EVER!!!!

The regulator is designed to step the pressure from the tank down to the pressure of the surrounding air. So sitting in your bedroom with a tank attached, you will be drawing air from the tank at anywhere from 500-3,000 down to a working pressure of around 200 psi the second stage will dop it down to air of the surrounding pressure. Unless you have a family member who is experienced and is helping you make equipment choices, you might want to hold off on further purchases.

 

[uboettger]

@seanzy:

How did you figure out what kind of regulator you would need? Which requirements did you have and how did you find them? In other words: How could you choose a regulator BEFORE your first round of diving training?

Just wondering ...

 

[seanzy]

Just speaking with the dive shop I'm affiliated with and my locale. I'll be doing most of my dives in Canada (therefore, cooler, fresh water). Plus I needed the regulators for my first dive. Couldn't show up without one. lol

 

[John A Lewis]

Your training shop will be a good source for information; Scubaboard is another.

Feel free to ask any questions here that you want. We're not judgmental of new divers.

Experienced divers on the other hand....

 

[dumpsterDiver]

You may well HAVE broken it. How hard did you suck? If it makes a noise when you exhale- should be ok. If when you inhale...you probably have a problem.

 

[runsongas]

the dive shop didn't rent you gear for OW? most people rent gear for the class