Atomic Z2 Regulator Fixed Cap

[Ouvea]

Hello:

I have a question regarding my Atomic Z2 regulators. Both have the 7 ports fixed cap. One my caps has the ports perfectly symmetrically centered and the ports are located at 1,3,5,7, 9 and 11 o'clock. On my other Z2 regulator, the ports are located at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 o'clock. The yoke is at the six o'oclock position. The port facing at 12 o'clock is completely useless as anything positioned there would jab the back of my neck. Is the fixed cap of my second regulator improperly drilled? With the turret faced down, the port at 6 o'clock would face the tank valve. Therefore two of my ports are completely useless.

If the fixed cap of my second Z2 regulator is improperly manufactured, would it possible to obtain a replacement? The first picture shows my regulator with the "unusual" port pattern.

Thanks,

 

[Scared Silly]

What you are seeing is normal. When the threads are cut there is no exact start, it just depends on when the cutting tool which is spinning at low rpms comes in contact with the port cap as well as when the cutting tool comes in contact with the body. If you were to line up ten Z2 first stages you would find that the port alignment is different for each one. Basically it is random.

The analogous are cylinders. Take a look at the alignment of the valve in relationship to the tank markings. Pretty much random.

This is not say one could not precision cut the threads so there would be an ideal match but the cost is not worth it. The solution is to have many ports with the expectation that at least 4 of the 6 will be in a position to be easily usable or as the other regs do like the B2 have a swivel port cap.

 

[Atomic Aquatics]

Thanks Scared Silly! That is exactly correct. It is virtually impossible to cut the same threads on every fixed 7 port cap. This is why we changed from six LP ports to seven LP ports roughly ten years ago. The 7 port gave the diver a better chance to find ports that would work. Thanks guys!

Atomic Aquatics