When others handle your first stage...and you have to worry

[Jiminy]

What is the specification for intermediate pressure on an atomic first stage?

How much deviation is allowed?

 

[lexvil]

What is the specification for intermediate pressure on an atomic first stage?

How much deviation is allowed?

125 to 145 like most piston Regs, slight creep so long as it locks.

All was looking for was if there were a noticeable performance change, to show that water had made it inside but I didn’t see any change. I also noted that while some water can get into aa Atomic through the second stage that it was only a drop when the dust cap was in place but substantial if both ends are open with no cap in place and the seat saver second were emerced at the same time. The small amount of water getting past the seat saver can be easily purged.

I didn’t expect these results but they are what they are, it is a test of only one reg made up of used parts.

 

[mi000ke]

Yeah, I was surprised at the IP creep, so you may be right about something else being the issue, though I’m not sure what. That said, quoting from their manual (printed in boldface): “Avoid soaking the regulator unpressurized as water may enter the second stage and first stage mechanism.” They go on to advise repressurizing the reg and blowing air out if the second stage is rinsed after pressure purged, to avoid water entering the first stage. So they seem to think it could happen. I’ve just been following their recommendations.

So just to put some closure on the issue on my Atomic reg - 60 dives after my last service (which was 60 dives after I purchased it) I was getting creep up to 157 where it locked in pretty solid. So I emailed Atomic asking why they think I might be having to service my reg every 60 dives or so (the reg is a bit over three years old and now has 120 dives on it). They guessed it was a scarred piston and volunteered to warranty a replacement and even Fedex a piston to Grand Cayman (and if you know anything about shipping here, the cost is probably way more than the cost of the piston). It turns out that was the problem, and I had the piston replaced and the first stage thoroughly inspected (no corrosion) at no cost. I am greatly impressed with the level of customer service I received, and will be sticking with Atomic for that reason - plus I love diving their regs.

 

[BoltSnap]

So just to put some closure on the issue on my Atomic reg - 60 dives after my last service (which was 60 dives after I purchased it) I was getting creep up to 157 where it locked in pretty solid. So I emailed Atomic asking why they think I might be having to service my reg every 60 dives or so (the reg is a bit over three years old and now has 120 dives on it). They guessed it was a scarred piston and volunteered to warranty a replacement and even Fedex a piston to Grand Cayman (and if you know anything about shipping here, the cost is probably way more than the cost of the piston). It turns out that was the problem, and I had the piston replaced and the first stage thoroughly inspected (no corrosion) at no cost. I am greatly impressed with the level of customer service I received, and will be sticking with Atomic for that reason - plus I love diving their regs.

That is awesome customer service indeed. That is one reason I dive Atomic regulators since 1998. The only other company that comes close is SP.