Regulator Suggestions: Atomic Z2, DGX/Deep 6, Deep 6 Signature

[grf88]

I listed most of what is required to sevice Apeks, HOG and Deep6 in another thread:
Older equipment

 

[grf88]

You can also improvise the torque wrench if necessary:
Improvised Torque Wrench

 

[stuartv]

I have to disagree with you on this one. When servicing Apeks and their derivatives, Deep6, Hog, Dive Rite, etc. You really don't need to spend a lot on tools. Also many tools are nice to have rather than necessary. As far as working from memory, that is what the manual is for.

Scubapro is probably the worst for self-service because they require specialized tools and like to make things difficult for DIY. Also the Scubapro product line is more varied than most manufacturers. For example they sell 2 types of piston first stages and one type of diaphragm first stages. Apeks, Hog, Dive Rite, etc. only sell diaphragm first stages. For second stages Apeks (excluding the flight) Deep6, Hog, Dive Rite, etc. only sell one type. Scubapro sells 4 types, the S-series, G-series, R-series, and C-series, which require different procedures to service. When the "usual suspects" talk about self-service with Scubapro they primarily service the older models, which are usually easier to service. For example a G-250 with a MK-10 or a BA with a Mk-5.

The OP mentioned that universities require regulators to be serviced yearly. At a rate of $120-$150 plus parts per service. DIY pays for itself very fast. Especially if she has multiple sets.

When going into DIY, the first step is to find a regulator that is simple to service and doesn't require many specialized tools and then stick to that model. I really like reading your posts because you use almost every type of gear on the market. You are always looking for the best. However, that makes you a poor candidate for self-service because you have several different brands of regulators each requiring some specialized tools and different procedures.

You make some good points. I definitely get the part about other brands not needing as many special tools. But, they all require some tools. Whether the expense is too much for the OP is up to her.

However, none of that really addresses what is, for ME, the main issue. I don't and won't do it often enough to want to trust my own work. If I needed to do it once a year, that would be different. However, while the OP may need to do it annually - and I could be wrong about this - I was left with the impression that that requirement would only be in place for a small number of years. They won't have to be serviced from new, so that might mean they only have to be serviced once or twice during the period where there is an annual service requirement. That may or may not influence whether self-service is "worth it".

For me, however, service will probably be every 2 to 3 years, at most. Maybe even only every 5 years. We shall see.

Also, the local shop where I was an instructor services regs for $35 per stage, including parts. So, a normal single tank reg set is $105, out the door. They do mail-in service, and they service just about every major brand in house. I think Air Tech is not a lot more. And, if the OP buys Deep6, the service on that would be very inexpensive as well.

So even for the OP, the total investment for self-service (including the training and potential cost of travel to get the training, etc.) may not be worth it. Or it might be totally worth it. I was just trying to provoke some deeper thought on that subject. To ME, it is not as simple as "I'll take the class and then do all my own service."

ps. Thank you!

 

[BoltSnap]

- If you want a swivel on a 2nd stage reg, I would highly recommend the 360 degree swivel that Cave Adventurers sells for $25 over an Omni-swivel or the Atomic Comfort Swivel. Those latter are just way over-priced - in MY opinion, anyway. I have the CA swivel on all my regs, including my Atomic Z2 set.

Are you talking about this one?
Cave Adventurers - Swivel - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold!

Is it serviceable and can you get the required service parts (o'rings) easily?

Have you had any issues with it leaking over time at all?

 

[Bob DBF]

The OP mentioned that universities require regulators to be serviced yearly. At a rate of $120-$150 plus parts per service. DIY pays for itself very fast. Especially if she has multiple sets.

I don't know if it's the same for all universities, but a friend who had to have a form filled out when his reg was serviced and signed off by the authorized service technician doing the work.



Bob

 

[Diver below 83]

I don't know if it's the same for all universities, but a friend who had to have a form filled out when his reg was serviced and signed off by the authorized service technician doing the work.



Bob

If someone takes the certified class through deep 6 they are an authorized service tech. So the OP would be the one certified directly to work on her equipment. Her signing off would be just as valid as any other tech. Because she would be certified to do so

 

[DBPacific]

I don't know if it's the same for all universities, but a friend who had to have a form filled out when his reg was serviced and signed off by the authorized service technician doing the work.



Bob

Yeah, that's what the uni is requiring. As well as serial numbers and basically a checklist of what the service entailed.

 

[DBPacific]

You make some good points. I definitely get the part about other brands not needing as many special tools. But, they all require some tools. Whether the expense is too much for the OP is up to her.

However, none of that really addresses what is, for ME, the main issue. I don't and won't do it often enough to want to trust my own work. If I needed to do it once a year, that would be different. However, while the OP may need to do it annually - and I could be wrong about this - I was left with the impression that that requirement would only be in place for a small number of years. They won't have to be serviced from new, so that might mean they only have to be serviced once or twice during the period where there is an annual service requirement. That may or may not influence whether self-service is "worth it".

For me, however, service will probably be every 2 to 3 years, at most. Maybe even only every 5 years. We shall see.

Also, the local shop where I was an instructor services regs for $35 per stage, including parts. So, a normal single tank reg set is $105, out the door. They do mail-in service, and they service just about every major brand in house. I think Air Tech is not a lot more. And, if the OP buys Deep6, the service on that would be very inexpensive as well.

So even for the OP, the total investment for self-service (including the training and potential cost of travel to get the training, etc.) may not be worth it. Or it might be totally worth it. I was just trying to provoke some deeper thought on that subject. To ME, it is not as simple as "I'll take the class and then do all my own service."

ps. Thank you!

I was also struggling with figuring out if self service is worth it. I sincerely hope I don't have to service them annually, but the DSO at that uni said that the annual service form was standard for their scientific divers to submit. I don't know exactly how most universities do it, but since I am looking at them for graduate school and my current uni (and the one I studied abroad at) has a similar requirement, at least when you first join the roster, I thought it was worth taking into consideration.
I ended up going for Deep6 just because of 1) possibility of self service if I need it 2) fast turnaround time and economical service price 3) Landon is willing to fill out the servicing form as part of the routine check before shipping and it won't count against the included free servicing.

 

[DBPacific]

If someone takes the certified class through deep 6 they are an authorized service tech. So the OP would be the one certified directly to work on her equipment. Her signing off would be just as valid as any other tech. Because she would be certified to do so

That's my hope/plan, if I end up being forced to service them much sooner and at shorter intervals than the manufacturer says so. It would also be nice to be able to fix my regs with confidence if need be without having to mail them out/send them in and rent until I got them back. I like being able to fix anything that I have and use myself and being familiar with the ins and outs of it all.

 

[DBPacific]

[/QUOTE]

I listed most of what is required to sevice Apeks, HOG and Deep6 in another thread:
Older equipment

Thanks for the link!