New Reg...

[ucladiver]

Hey Everyone,
I just got a new Reg for Christmas from my parents. Its a Mares MR12 Epos from DiveINN and a ScubaPro R380 Octo. I had question for you. Is it typical/mandatory to have it serviced before use? I haven't yet attached the Octo and the instruction manual doesn't say anything about this. It looks relatively simple and I think I could do it but would it better for me to take it in to have it done? If service/setup is required, what should I expect to pay? Thanks guys! I can't wait to use my reg.

ucladiver.

 

[Uncle Pug]

If you are uncomfortable attaching the octopus then you should have some one else do it....

That doesn't mean they can do it any better than you could it just means that if you pay some one to do it then by definition it was done by a professional....

If it were me I would rather change it myself than allow some one else to muck with my stuff....

But that's Uncle Pug and I've been swappin stuff around for years...

Keep a open end wrenches and allen wrenches in the bag along with spare second stage, hoses and stuff....

Now here is one for you...

I liked my 16 year old Mares MR12 navy so much that I use the second on my brand new Apeks DS4 left post reg as a necklace back up....

If you look at the profile picture you'll see it sitting proudly in the place of honor just below my chin...

 

[large_diver]

I'm sure the LDS could do this for you -- given how quick the job should be and that they should not have to provide additional parts, I can't believe it should cost you more than $25. If you have a good relationship with your LDS and have bought stuff from them before, they may do it for free.

If you are intent on doing it yourself, try this thread regarding mixing first/second stages from different mfrs....

http://www.scubaboard.com/t4819/s.html

The intermediate pressure question is something you should check out.

Before I go any further, let me apologize in advance if I insult your intelligence by giving advice that seems obvious....just trying to be comprehensive.

After investigating the pressure question, you need to understand which ports are HP and which are LP. Your octo/primary will go into an LP port.

Once you have these questions answered, attaching a second stage is pretty easy -- but take Uncle Pug's advice and get some fixed open-ended wrenches that match your second stages (reduces wear and tear vs. using an adjustable wrench). See this link for an example of this type of wrench.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...336/br=1-4/ref=br_lf_hi_4/104-9243930-9106300

You will also need a hex wrench set for adding/removing the port plugs. I have this particular set, which is handy.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...417/br=1-6/ref=br_lf_hi_6/104-9243930-9106300

Most reg techs will also recommend adding a very small amount of silicone to the o-ring on the "male" end of the octo hose that is inserted into the "female" threaded hole in the first stage. I usually just get a small amount on the tip of my finger and gently rub it around the outside of the o-ring before inserting the hose into the first stage. This is to help extend o-ring life (lubrication helps prevent drying-out and cracking).

Also -- be gentle when tightening the hose. Get it finger tight and then go just a little bit beyond with the wrench. Overtightening can actually result in a leak (damaged o-ring).

One other suggestion -- you may want to take a look at the first stage and how the ports are oriented before deciding on which first stage ports to use (of course remembering HP vs. LP). Just because the mfr. put the hose in a certain port doesn't mean that is the one that will work best for your gear set-up.

Once you are done, you should do a leak test to ensure all seals are secure.

Good luck.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Excellent & instructive post by LD....
But might I suggest foregoing the silicone and using Christolube, Krytox or a similar O2 compatible lube for the o-rings????
Not that it matters to most folks....
Small tube can be had for >$20....

 

[ucladiver]

Hey everyone,
Thanks for the info. I actually recieved a Trident "Save-A-Dive" kit along with the reg which includes a leatherman-like tool full of fixed monkey and allen wrenches for adjusting the reg, a tube of silicone, a pack of o-rings, extra straps, etc. So I have all the tools I need to do the set up myself. I'll definately try it out in a pool to make sure all is good before tackling deep blue with it. Thanks again. Take care.

ucladiver.=-)

 

[Norm]

Just remember the old saying, "Tight is tight." When you tighten up the hose I have found down through the years that one good quick "snugging" is better than pulling on the wrench until it's tight. Works for me.....
Norm