Should I service my own regs? - Apeks ATX200

[Dr. Jay]

Ok all, I came across a service kit for the Apex ATX series regulators the other day. This brought up a question that I would like the opinion of the board on (yes, even the DIR guys too ).

Just a little background on me. I'm not an extremely handy person, but I can fix most things around the house that break. I've done tune-ups on my car, I can build a computer (which I find to be easy once you've figured out compatibility issues), and I could probably build my own mountain bike from scratch (provided I spent a lot of time doing that anymore).

Knowing that, do you think I would be qualified to service my own personal equipment? Is servicing the Apeks line of regulators an arduous task? This mostly comes from the fact that one of the only LDS in my area that services Apeks and sells them is selling the ATX100 for around $700. This seems ridiculous, since I can just get it off LP for $400 and service it myself - but I guess that's where the big question comes in. Would the costs exceed the benfits for my decision to service them myself?

Has anyone done this before? And, do you think I would remotely be qualified?

Note: I've read all the threads on "don't you dare service your own regs". So please no flaming

 

[MechDiver]

This is just like using a pony bottle. You'll get 30 different opinions, the OTHER 29 being incorrect

For background, I'm a mechanical designer, machinist, been diving a few times, and been to 4 or 5 county fairs. Even if I could get parts for my SPs I would not service them myself, and I've watched it being done numerous times.

It is just not worth it to me to save a couple bucks for what it might cost me. Some other stuff okay, but not regulators.

Good choice of equipment BTW. If ya can't have SPs, Apeks are next best

MD

 

[Diver0001]

Dr. Jay once bubbled...
Ok all, I came across a service kit for the Apex ATX series regulators the other day. This brought up a question that I would like the opinion of the board on (yes, even the DIR guys too ).

Just a little background on me. I'm not an extremely handy person, but I can fix most things around the house that break. I've done tune-ups on my car, I can build a computer (which I find to be easy once you've figured out compatibility issues), and I could probably build my own mountain bike from scratch (provided I spent a lot of time doing that anymore).

Knowing that, do you think I would be qualified to service my own personal equipment? Is servicing the Apeks line of regulators an arduous task? This mostly comes from the fact that one of the only LDS in my area that services Apeks and sells them is selling the ATX100 for around $700. This seems ridiculous, since I can just get it off LP for $400 and service it myself - but I guess that's where the big question comes in. Would the costs exceed the benfits for my decision to service them myself?

Has anyone done this before? And, do you think I would remotely be qualified?

Note: I've read all the threads on "don't you dare service your own regs". So please no flaming

A couple of things to consider:

- you need access to parts. I understand that Apeks part are difficult to get

- you need some training/knowledge. Just starting and trying to figure it out is ....uhmmm..... not advisable

If you can't get parts or training then don't do it.

- you also need some special tools. You can buy most if not all of what you need on the internet. To buy all of the things you need to service a reg properly you'll more or less bridge the gap between the Leisurepro price and the LDS price.

- you need perfectionism. If you're not a perfectionist then don't do it.

R..

 

[redacted]

And then you can decide.

SCUBA Regulator Maintenence and Repair (I think)
By Vance Harlow (oxyhacker on this board)

www.airspeedpress.com

Even if you then decide to leave it to your LDS, the knowledge gained from the book will be well worth the $50.00. You will also find there are lots of things you can do short of an "annual service" to improve performance, fix minor problems, and extend service intervals. You have already eliminated the first bad reason to pay an LDS "rent" on the regulator you own.

 

[chepar]

Diver0001 once bubbled...
A couple of things to consider:

- you need access to parts. I understand that Apeks part are difficult to get

at least, in my limited experience. My regulator has been in service for the past . . . coming up on 3 months. Yes, you read that right.

I have been waiting on a certain part that is on backorder - and no telling when it will come in. I have been using rental regs in the meantime - and let me tell you, I had NO IDEA I was so attached to my own setup. Kind of makes me wonder if I should have gone the SP route when purchasing my reg.

The guy who has my reg is generally acknowledged to be "the best" guy on the island for repair and servicing, so I'm not really doubting what he is saying about the part. So . . . I can only imagine the hassle some regular joe would have in getting parts.

 

[MechDiver]

chepar once bubbled...


at least, in my limited experience. My regulator has been in service for the past . . . coming up on 3 months. Yes, you read that right.

I have been waiting on a certain part that is on backorder - and no telling when it will come in. I have been using rental regs in the meantime - and let me tell you, I had NO IDEA I was so attached to my own setup. Kind of makes me wonder if I should have gone the SP route when purchasing my reg.

The guy who has my reg is generally acknowledged to be "the best" guy on the island for repair and servicing, so I'm not really doubting what he is saying about the part. So . . . I can only imagine the hassle some regular joe would have in getting parts.

If you didn't live in Hawaii I'd say I felt sorry for you...but...

MD

 

[chepar]

MechDiver once bubbled...
If you didn't live in Hawaii I'd say I felt sorry for you...but...
MD

Hmmm. . . I seem to get that reaction a lot.

 

[Stone]

Dr. Jay

In addition to reading Oxyhacker's Reg Book, take a look at the APEKS T20/US4 "Tutorial" on deeperstuff.com. There is also a Computer Based Training (CBT) tutorial for the AT100 floating around, but it is 10 meg even when zipped.

 

[Scubaroo]

Okay, for those who are servicing their own regs, how important is ultrasonic cleaning? I've seen ultrasonic cleaners range from $40 to $4000, with the most appropriate sized ones around the $200-$300 range.

 

[Stone]

It depends on how gross the regs are.

I maintain 3 regs. None of the 2nd stage parts (out of six 2nd stages) has needed ultrasonic cleaning. I do ultrasonic clean the 1st stages, but only once has one of the 1st stages had enough mineral film (not real corrosion) in it to make the ultrasonic cleaner a "nice to have".

Poorly (or rarely) cleaned regs is where the ultrasonic cleaner earns its keep.