popping atomic

[ronski101]

the 1st stage on my near new atomic regulator makes a poppping sound when the tank valve is opened and i was wondering if this is normal or not. It sounds like the piston is being pushed against a seat when the tank pressure hits it. And no, i am not opening the valve real fast.

 

[Capt.Gene]

It's my long standing practice to hold the purge in on my second stage before opening the valve to the 1st stage. After the start of air flowing through the 2nd stage I release the purge.
My HP seats never show much wear, and I never had had a seat failure.

 

[Scared Silly]

You are hearing everything pressurize and lockup. Sometimes this process can be hard on the seats. And as said above some like to hold the purge open as to make the locking up a bit less forceful.

 

[Hatul]

I think it's the seat saver of the second stage closing. The effect may be transmitted to the first stage. You can test it by opening the valve a very small amount and I think you'll find free flow from the second stage and no popping sound. As you open more the seat saver will close and make the sound.

Adam

 

[ronski101]

I was interested in knowing if this is normal or abbynormal behavior for this particular regulator that has only a few dives on it. I have never heard any brand regulator make this noise before unless the valve was just cranked open. I was wondering if it was missing some sylicone grease or whatever as I want to get it fixed before i go for a week long vacation in April. The noise is definitely coming from the 1st stage and unless I open the tank valve in tiny minute incriments, it makes the noise.

 

[MDub]

I've used several different rental M1s and now own a Z2X. All of them made that popping sound in the first stage when first pressurized. I think it's normal.

 

[scubafanatic]

...can't say I've ever had any 'popping' noises out of my Atomics, and have been diving them for a number of years.

 

[Downing]

I've never noticed a popping noise coming from either of my Atomic regs, but then again my ears aren't what they used to be.

Regardless, I'm going to start holding my purge in per Captn Gene's tip above.

 

[bkresse]

My Z2 makes this noise as well. When I open the tank valve very slowly and then the pressure hits the 1st stage it makes a pop noise similar to one of those little suction cup toys that pop into the air unexpectedly. I expect this is normal, but I'd like to know for sure also. My Z2 is new and only has two dives on it so far. For comparison, my Atmos Pro never made any noise when applying initial pressure.

 

[ronski101]

So, the consensus is at least 2 out of 4 users get the popping sound. And the two that don't activate the 2nd stage and/or turn on the air very very very....slowly. Sounds like it is inherent with the design or lack of silicone grease.