New Atomic Z2x and SS1 Making Strange Sounds

[fnfalman]

It is not unusual for a regulator to make a noise on the surface when used.

The OP said that it made noise underwater.

 

[Robertcrockett]

It is not unusual for a regulator to make a noise on the surface when used.

Yup my Z2X sounds like a duck on the surface...but nothing underwater cept bubbles and easy breathing

 

[Slonda828]

When my Z1s did that it usually meant that the ambient pressure ports had gotten a tiny bit of particulate matter in them and when the piston would compensate for depth or breathing it would drag and make a "noise". this explains why both of your second stages cause it, because when you breath the piston in your first stage will move. If you take the first stage apart and re-christolube the piston head and stem it will usually go away. You can typically tell when it is doing this because you will get a tiny bubble every minute or so coming out of your ambient port after prolonged use underwater.

Let me know what you find out.

 

[Slonda828]

Yup my Z2X sounds like a duck on the surface...but nothing underwater cept bubbles and easy breathing

This is caused by your exhaust valve resonating or sticking. If you don't like it, you can always put the tiniest bit of christolube on the second stage housing where the mushroom valve and case mate and it will go away. Some people will tell you that christolube will ruin silicone exhaust valves but I have never experienced this.

 

[jwobkk]

Thanks for the detailed notes. The regs are with the OEM now and I will post the results when I get them back.

 

[doctock993]

I was about to post a similar question!
My AA Ti reg made a very loud high pitched noise with each and throughout each inhalation (underwater at 3ft-75ft) on my first and second dives on a recent trip (tropical water, rec only diving). Then the noise went away until the first half of the 5th dive. After that, no noises on dive 5.5 and 6.
I eagerly await your results.

 

[Slonda828]

RK,

Is your Ti environmentally sealed, or does it have open ambient pressure ports?

 

[promocop]

MY SS1 titanium makes noise and I just got a SS! stainless model (for a friend) ALSO makes noise both above and in the water. Just spoke to a person at Atomic and he said it should go away while under water! Don't get it. All this money and it squeaks like a DUCK!!!

 

[jwobkk]

I sent my Z2x and SS1 to Atomic for service and they quickly changed out some parts and got them back to me. Excellent customer service. I just came back from Bonaire where my reg worked beautifully. My SS1 was quieter than before but still not as quiet as a conventional octopus. It breathes great though. I'm very happy with all my Atomic equipment.

 

[Downing]

Sorry to hear you had trouble in the beginning but at least it ended well.

I dive with with the AA T2 and SS1 ti and have had no problems whatsoever. Great reg and safe second/inflator, imho.