Learning to do maintenance on my own gear, Apeks

[Umuntu]

Here’s a couple of videos for the Apeks US4, which is a good way to start learning Apeks regulators.

The design of the Apeks regulators are simpler, with less parts, than some other diaphragm regulators. So of if your regulators are Apeks, stick with videos specifically for their regulators.

I noticed that the video does not disassemble the adjustment screw that sits on top of the spring. Always disassemble and clean this part too as salt crystals can build up in the threads. Lubricate the threads lightly when reassembling.

 

[Walde]

Thank you for all the advices!
If I want to get the regulator oxygen clean, then what are the extra steps?
Just get all the grease off and use Christo Lube?

If I get new/old regulator set I probably have to explain it at home and deco set is much easier to justify, hence oxygen clean.

 

[Centrals]

Apeks regs does not require any special tools unless the C spanner is considered being one. A slim jaw adjustable is also useful but not absolutely necessary.
Disposal shop stick is extremely useful to remove the crown seat in the 2nd stage and the ARCAP of the FSR 1st stage.
No experience on MTX-R, only limited to US4, DS4, DST and FSR first stage.
Have fun and be safe.

 

[Centrals]

Thank you for all the advices!
If I want to get the regulator oxygen clean, then what are the extra steps?
Just get all the grease off and use Christo Lube?

If I get new/old regulator set I probably have to explain it at home and deco set is much easier to justify, hence oxygen clean.

Do not use nitrile O ring.
Christopher Lube is expensive and there is suitable alternative in the market.

 

[happy-diver]

Here's an innovation it is called the foot

best done with a ratchet & allen sockets

ft/lbs, get it!


also great for lifting toilet seats

 

[Mobulai]

ft/lbs, get it!

You pound it with your foot.. now I finally understand imperial units

 

[Walde]

Analog or digital IP gauge, any thoughts?
Digital probably stays calibrated longer.

 

[Mobulai]

Analog or digital IP gauge, any thoughts?
Digital probably stays calibrated longer.

I use an analog one, haven’t tried a digital one
I guess for statistic measurements it shouldn’t matter, but I suspect digital ones are harder to spot drops/changes that are more instantaneous
This is a bit out of context but might provide some insight:

If you're just looking for a digital version of a IP gauge and a Digital magnahelic (Manometer) gauge then I can recommend the two I've been using which are from Scuba-Clinc-Tools.com.

I'm sure it would be pretty easy to fit them onto the existing brackets you have for the A.I.R flow meter stand you have. I replaced the inlet to the Digital IP gauge with the one I had on my analog IP gauge as the digital one did not come with the ability to have the spin on adapters for different Air 2 style QD hoses. Additionally I replaced the OP valve on the digital IP gauge with the one that was on my analog gauge as I like the lever that was more convenient for depressurizing / cycling the 1st stage.

The digital magnahelic gauge is a huge step up in finding cracking efforts from eyeballing the analog one. Fair warning though there is a small learning curve to a digital IP gauge as its really nice to see the needle on a analog gauge move when looking for drifting IP's. Took me a few weeks to get really comfortable with it but now I love it.

 

[Mobulai]

Another opinion:

Electronic gauges are suspect to exactly the same that I have written above. They also come in different classes and again you should choose a pressure range suitable. They are not inheritable better than analogue gauges.
For intermediate pressure readings, a gauge around the 15bar mark is optimal. You need to keep a bit of room for a malfunctioning first stage that has an intermediate pressure creep. You do not want a gauge that goes only to 10bar, as the above scenario would break your gauge before the second stage vents the excess pressure.

I do not recommend digital gauges for work on regulators. If you check cracking pressure you likely have half an eye on your intermediate pressure to verify when the regulator opens up.
A analogue gauge has the advantage that it more or less instantaneously updates as the intermediate pressure falls. Digital gauges, especially cheaper ones, usually have a sampling range in the 0.5 second range. That means the pressure updates only twice a second and that makes it hard to accurately gauge when the regulator opened up and therefore what it's cracking pressure actually is.

For the very same reason I dislike digital pressure differential gauges. Affordable ones usually have a terrible sampling rate.

Digital gauges with high sampling rates and great accuracy are available, but they are priced incredibly high.

 

[Umuntu]

Analog or digital IP gauge, any thoughts?
Digital probably stays calibrated longer.

With analog it always works. You never need to worry about batteries and their expense. Or disposing of the batteries. Analog also deals with getting wet better if you take it with you on a dive trip.

Also, if you don’t use it for a while, sometimes the battery leaks and the acid can damage the unit.

For most things these days I prefer analog.