kroorda
Contributor
Fritz,
You are exactly correct about depth and tank pressure. My first B2 started squealing at 1800 psi until it got down to 1100 psi. My new, replacement B2 starts squealing around 1100 psi and quits around 800 psi. It is the worst when the depth is around 40 feet (where we do most of our diving). I have spoken to Atomic about it and they are very willing to help me out. In fact, after giving up trying to fix my first B2, they sent me a brand new replacement. Unfortunately, it squeals too. Because it is so difficult for even Atomic to fix, it seems more than obvious to me that there is an inherent problem in the design. I very much appreciate the fact that the majority of Atomic regulators do not squeal. However, it's my feeling that, (especially) for the price, none of them should squeal. Many people, like myself, feel that when you pay more for a product, you will get better quality and performance. When that doesn't come true, it is very disappointing. Also, many people, and even dive equipment testers (and magazines) ONLY test regulators, and rate them on 'how they breathe'. Unfortunately NO one rates them on how quiet or noisy they are. Part of the beauty of diving is that of going into a quiet, peaceful world where we can enjoy the wildlife (marine life) in it's natural habitat. Sometimes, it's even annoying when another diver starts banging their tank because they saw a Squirrel Fish. However, having a squealing regulator not only bothers the person using it, but it also is very disturbing to everyone around them (including the marine life). On this post, I find it interesting that a few have responded by saying that they haven't had a problem with their Atomic regs. The purpose of this post wasn't to learn who and who has not had problems, but rather to bring attention that an unusually high number of Atomic regulators (of all models) have had squealing problems. Only by bringing such attention to a problem will a manufacturer actually take care of the problem.
Best Regards,
Kent
You are exactly correct about depth and tank pressure. My first B2 started squealing at 1800 psi until it got down to 1100 psi. My new, replacement B2 starts squealing around 1100 psi and quits around 800 psi. It is the worst when the depth is around 40 feet (where we do most of our diving). I have spoken to Atomic about it and they are very willing to help me out. In fact, after giving up trying to fix my first B2, they sent me a brand new replacement. Unfortunately, it squeals too. Because it is so difficult for even Atomic to fix, it seems more than obvious to me that there is an inherent problem in the design. I very much appreciate the fact that the majority of Atomic regulators do not squeal. However, it's my feeling that, (especially) for the price, none of them should squeal. Many people, like myself, feel that when you pay more for a product, you will get better quality and performance. When that doesn't come true, it is very disappointing. Also, many people, and even dive equipment testers (and magazines) ONLY test regulators, and rate them on 'how they breathe'. Unfortunately NO one rates them on how quiet or noisy they are. Part of the beauty of diving is that of going into a quiet, peaceful world where we can enjoy the wildlife (marine life) in it's natural habitat. Sometimes, it's even annoying when another diver starts banging their tank because they saw a Squirrel Fish. However, having a squealing regulator not only bothers the person using it, but it also is very disturbing to everyone around them (including the marine life). On this post, I find it interesting that a few have responded by saying that they haven't had a problem with their Atomic regs. The purpose of this post wasn't to learn who and who has not had problems, but rather to bring attention that an unusually high number of Atomic regulators (of all models) have had squealing problems. Only by bringing such attention to a problem will a manufacturer actually take care of the problem.
Best Regards,
Kent
