The Delta 3 provides a breathing effort adjustment (knob on the side of the body) that enables
you to adapt breathing performance to different diving conditions.
By turning the adjustment knob 'clockwise' breathing resistance (effort) is increased.
This is done to prevent undesirable loss of breathing gas (free flowing) that often occurs
when a high performance regulator second stage is connected as an octopus second
stage, or when the primary second stage is not in the diver’s mouth, such as
when surface snorkeling.
Turning the adjustment knob 'counter clockwise' decreases breathing resistance and
reduces work of breathing. Adjustment should be used to improve performance, it
should not be used as a method to use less breathing gas. During periods of heavy
exertion underwater, and to compensate for the effects of depth, it is advantageous to have a regulator that can provide minimal inhalation resistance and optimal performance when desired.
NOTE: Rotation of the Delta 3 adjustment knob does not rotate the poppet seat against the sealing face.
Normal Pre Dive Setting -
- To set the Delta 3 to an average breathing resistance, 1 to 11/2 column inches of water (common factory setting), attach the first stage to an appropriate cylinder and open the valve to pressurize the regulator.
- Rotate the adjustment knob 'counter clockwise' until leakage is heard, then rotate the knob clockwise 1/2 to 1 turn.
High Flow Setting -
- When diving deep, facing a long swim up current, or during other periods of heavy exertion, it is desirable to make the Delta breathe as easy as possible. This setting should be used only when necessary to avoid loss of air that may occur due to the Delta's extra sensitivity at this setting.
- To adjust the Delta for minimum breathing resistance, rotate the adjustment knob 'counter clockwise' until a slight flow of air begins, then rotate the knob 'clockwise' until the flow stops.
- Frequently monitor your air supply when the Delta is adjusted for maximum flow.
Preventing Air Loss -
- To prevent free-flow when the Delta is out of your mouth, or when connected as an octopus second stage, rotate the adjustment knob 'clockwise' several turns. At the surface, place the Delta 3's Pre-Dive / Dive switch in the left (-) position (Pre-Dive) to reduce, or eliminate, free-flow.
- Remember, increasing inhalation resistance can prevent undesirable air loss. It will not conserve air while you are breathing from the Delta.
Storage Setting -
- At the conclusion of a diving day, or when storing the Delta for any length of time, rotate the adjustment knob 'counter clockwise' until it stops. This relieves excess spring pressure from the poppet seat increasing its service life.
- Immediately prior to the next dive, reset the adjustment to the normal pre dive setting by turning the adjustment knob 'clockwise' 1/2 to 1 turn.