Regulator Set Up question

[Burnster]

Hi,
New to the forum and this is my first post so be gentle.I am an AOW diver with just under 60 dives.I have just recently taken the plunge and purchased my first reg.(Mares MR22 Abyss).I have no technical competence or ability with equipment so I want to know what would be the correct and best procedure for putting all the hoses etc on and setting the reg up.
Is there anywhere I could get this info as there was no set up instructions at all along with the Reg.I guess the easiest thing would be take it to a service centre, but ideally I would like to learn these things myself.

Also whether I set it up or someone else does, what would the guidance be re checking new equipment functions correctly before taking it out on a first dive, (I also purchased a BC at the time).Apologies if this is really lame but have only ever used rental BC/Regs before that had already been set up and checked.


Appreciate any help/ideas/books or sites that would give me the necessary information.


Thanks

Alan

 

[Jasonmh]

I would suggest taking to someone, and have them show you how at the same time. That way it can be done the first time by someone who knows, and you will learn at the same time.
Regardless of you you set it up, I would recommend a trip to a pool for a check out dive to make sure everything is ok. You wouldn't want to find out there is a problem when you step off the back of a boat.

 

[altitudemike]

Take it in to a service center & ask a lot of questions. I stripped the threads on my first reg by over torquing the connections.

 

[Burnster]

Thanks Jason-makes a lot of sense, I am joining our local Club, so will get someone there to help me put it together.I am assuming that as long as it gets well rinsed afterwards that the chlorine will not cause any problems ?


Cheers


Alan

 

[Luc Dupas]

With the MR22/Abyss it's quite simple... it does have a DFC main MP port for your Abyss, so there is not much to chose for this one.
The inflator hose goes on the left side, using the MP port closest to your left shoulder.
The MP hose of your octo also goes on the left side, taking up the 2nd MP port right behind the one you've used for your inflator hose.
The HP hose for your SPG, left or right is personal preference... I'm using an Aladin Air dive computer (which looks like a console with the compass on top) and because of this I have it on the right such that if I e.g. really need to swim at a center depth and a specific heading I can keep it in my right hand and keep my left hand free for controlling my inflator. Also, since my octo is on the left I don't want something else being in the way on the left, so that's another reason to have my SPG/console on the right.

 

[do it easy]

If you aren't confident in your technical abilities, I would suggest taking it to your LDS (local dive shop or service centre), and ask if you can watch. Ask questions and watch carefully. It's certianly not rocket science, but you might feel more comfortable seeing it done the first time.

As far as testing it out, I would put the reg and BC on a tank and test it that way.

1) make sure every thing works normally- all regs deliver air and the LP inflator works.
2) fill the BC up until the over pressure valves release. Then turn the tank off and let it sit for a few hours. This will test if the BC and/or the reg is leaking. The BC will be squishy if it loses air. Check if the pressure gauge drops significantly (a hundred psi or a few bar is OK, but 1000 psi or 100 bar would indicate a leak).
3) turn the tank off and try to breathe off the regs. Once the air that is trapped in the hoses is gone, you should get a vacuum and won't be able to get any air, otherwise, the reg will breathe wet. This is the negative pressure test.

1 and 3 are the easiest, 2 requires time and beer but these will give you an idea that things are OK. You might also see if your LDS will let you dive it in their pool.

Hope that helps...

 

[WarrenZ]

Just be extremely careful as you thread the hoses into the first stage as it is easy to cross thread them and that would be very bad (both on the reg and on your budget as repairs would be extremely expensive). Also don’t over tighten the connection as that could cause problems with the o-rings over compressing and not sealing correctly. If you are unsure of anything I wouldn’t hesitate to take it to your local dive shop and get their advice.

 

[under water]

..
Also whether I set it up or someone else does, what would the guidance be re checking new equipment functions correctly before taking it out on a first dive, (I also purchased a BC at the time).Apologies if this is really lame but have only ever used rental BC/Regs before that had already been set up and checked.

Alan

Hi Alan, I'm an ex-Glaswegian myself.. And had the exact same questions.. glad you asked..
I bought the regs and computer on-line new and have a used BC recently purchased from eBay. Before jumping off the boat on upcoming trip to the keys, I'm hoping to tap the local dive club for some hints at their next mtg and maybe hook up with a local DS to tag along on one of their pool sessions.
Where did you get your 60 dives.. anywhere near Glasgow?

 

[spectrum]

Just be extremely careful as you thread the hoses into the first stage

Also sine the first stahe bidy is probably brass with a chrome plating hence the threads are not as robust as they may look. When watching keep in mind that the sealls are fomred by the o-rings on the shoulders, not by the threads such as in common plumbing.

I assume by set-up you mean assembly. A new regulator should be tuned well enough from the factory to use as is. A top notch shop may test and fine tune a new set at the time of sale. Expect to pay for this level of attention if you bought this stuff on the net. Some shops will bend over backwards to demonstrate their value and win your future business.

Pete

 

[Burnster]

Thanks to everyone for the comments-they are all really appreciated.I think will get some help from either my local dive club or go in to a service centre-then make sure I give it a try out in the pool before the real thing.

I am really impressed by the quality of rsonse and the speed-glad I found the forum-hope to be able to contribute some wisdom in the months and years to come.


Alan