Regulator servicing

[nypolarcat]

Hello. I purchased a brand new Aqualung Calypso regulator about 4 years ago. I used it just twice. I was just invited to go on a last-minute dive trip on Oct 11 and all my local shops take about 3 weeks to service a regulator. Do you think it's safe to dive this regulator as is (after testing it out at a dive shop) or should I just rent gear at my trip destination (Dominican Republic)? I prefer to use my own gear, of course, but I'm a little nervous since this is my life support equipment, after all! Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JackD342]

Ask your shop about a "rush" or "front of line" charge.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

If you hook it up at a dive shop, breathe it and its holding IP.... i'd dive it myself.

 

[Wookie]

If you hook it up at a dive shop, breathe it and its holding IP.... i'd dive it myself.

Yes, this.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Hello. I purchased a brand new Aqualung Calypso regulator about 4 years ago. I used it just twice. I was just invited to go on a last-minute dive trip on Oct 11 and all my local shops take about 3 weeks to service a regulator. Do you think it's safe to dive this regulator as is (after testing it out at a dive shop) or should I just rent gear at my trip destination (Dominican Republic)? I prefer to use my own gear, of course, but I'm a little nervous since this is my life support equipment, after all! Thanks in advance for your help.

It's not clear from what you said, but if your last dive--never mind the regulator's last dive--was more than a year or two ago, consider getting a scuba tune-up yourself!

Maybe you plan to start diving more frequently, but if you don't, why not just rent gear? It's nice to have your own gear, but if you find yourself spending as much to service it once a year as you would to just rent gear once a year, that doesn't sound like a bargain.

Lastly ... what Jackie and Wookie said.

 

[runsongas]

get or borrow an ip gauge, hook it up and test it. dive it if IP holds steady and no freeflows or just rent gear for this trip.

A rush service will cost you more than renting gear and also there is no guarantee the service will be done quickly and well either.

 

[DogDiver]

Any competent shop should need no more than 48-72 hours to service a regulator. Especially now that it is off season up north.

 

[JackD342]

Hello. I purchased a brand new Aqualung Calypso regulator about 4 years ago. I used it just twice. I was just invited to go on a last-minute dive trip on Oct 11 and all my local shops take about 3 weeks to service a regulator. Do you think it's safe to dive this regulator as is (after testing it out at a dive shop) or should I just rent gear at my trip destination (Dominican Republic)? I prefer to use my own gear, of course, but I'm a little nervous since this is my life support equipment, after all! Thanks in advance for your help.

I should also point out: When you say they take about 3 weeks, is that simply because you called them to ask how long, and that was the answer? Or did you say "Can you service my 4 year old Calypso and get it back to me within 10 days or sooner?" That question might work wonders for you. Also, be sure to take it to an Aqualung dealer that would be expected to have training and service kits in house. A non-Aqualung dealer should be sending it out for service, which adds to your turn-around time.

 

[James79]

Recommend using this:
Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)
Then decide if you really need it serviced in a rush.
Respectfully
James

 

[GJC]

You may or may not be ready to check your regulator yourself. If you are not 100% confident you can do it, I suggest you at least get your reg inspected by a service tech. They should be able to do that while you wait. Call first to see if they will do that for you.

With only 2 dives on it, it will probably check out OK unless it wasn't rinsed well after last use or if it was stored in a hot, humid environment. Do look inside the second stage for bugs and mold.

Renting a reg at your destination is probably not going to be that expensive and may be less than the cost of getting your reg serviced before you go.

If it has been 4 years since your last dive, a refresher is a good idea. You may be able to do that with an instructor at your destination if you arrange in advance.