This is interesting. In Sweden (at least at my local dive store) they always tell you "if you dont service your regulators every year you will die a horrible death as soon as you touch the surface! And for the love of god do never take it apart your self because you will die!" Love the videos Alec! You seem to have a nice view of things, I think it's really sad that most divers are afraid to do something to their gear them selves, feels like everyone could benefit from taking things apart and learn how stuff works. I'm not saying we should do our own service but just to know how the things work I think will make for a safer diver.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

Obviously I agree 100%. Service is not hard. You wouldn't believe the half wits I've seen doing scuba gear service. If you want to do some yourself, there's no reason not to. Certainly cleaning your gear, which is really service, ought to be part of a divers education and part of his enjoyment of the sport. And again you're right, understanding your gear is the first step to making sure it's ready to use. Take care. Alec

Great advice Alec,thanks

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Pete. Alec

great video alec

diving stuff are my favs. Cool.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Check out my Vintage Playlist too. You might like that. Take care. Alec

Great info. Thanks!

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hey Alex solid video as usual one thing I do is I keep a service record and so does my lds they also have the serial numbers of my tanks and know when it's time for hydro they actually send out reminders to their regular customers who get servicing so their ready to dive come spring and not waiting 2-3 weeks when it gets busy

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

That's a good idea. Some log books come with a page for your gear identification. It's sounds like your LDS is right on the ball. That's good for you and good for their business too. Take care. Alec

Good rinsing and cleaning and common sense. If it looks dirty, it probably is, inside and outside. I don't know about other brands, but Apeks is easy to service yourself.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

You must be quite mechanical. Apeks is NOT the easiest. Not intending to be disparaging, some divers don't know an Allen Key from a Piano Key, a Pin Wrench from a Pin Cushion or an O-Ring from a Wedding Ring. For some divers, a Scubapro Sport with it's 2 moving parts might be a challenge. Fortunately, we have good dive stores. Take care Hans. Alec

Hi Alec, Thanks for the video! Is there any modification to regulator service when servicing for cold water use? Should the IP be adjuster lower, or should the cracking pressure be adjusted so the regulator is a bit harder to breathe?

I am probably the only person watching this who is old enough to recognize that regulator - a US divers Aquarius. I still have one I bought in 1975. It still works - but I seldom use it. That reg is unbalanced and I could tell when the air pressure got below 700 psi on a dive below 60 feet because breathing resistance would begin to increase. It was a little wake up call. After I bought a USD Conshelf 21 I learned to watch the SPG carefully - because that reg gave me only about a two breath warning. Great videos - thanks,

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

The Aquarius was not one of US Diver's finest!! It was pretty popular but only because it was really cheap - cheap to buy and cheaply made. Not a great breathing regulator at the best of times. Useless at depth. It's one interesting feature is that, despite being a piston 1st which normally cannot be adjusted, with the Aquarius, you could adjust the IP. Not worth it though. Nice old relic, with emphasis on relic. Take care. Alec

To keep my Aqua~Lung Legend's warranty valid I have to have it "inspected" after one year, "serviced" after two years, then inspected again on year three, serviced again on year four, etc. My local dive store doesn't charge for the inspections, and the charge for the service is very reasonable; and, as long as I stick to the schedule, I get free parts for life from Aqua~Lung. Needless to say, I'm sticking to the schedule. (Of course, if I got water into it somehow, dropped it hard, or had some other mishap I'd take it in to be inspected right away, and the self-inspection tips you show are something I'm going to start doing before every dive session. It's life support equipment; better safe than sorry.)

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

That's the common warranty process now. Sherwood started that a number of years ago and most other big names do the same. It's partly a reaction to complaints about the cost of service, partly recognition that divers don't dive very much and partly because of better materials in the regs. It's all good I think. Good to hear from you Brian. Alec

Hello Alec, Been watching your videos for several months now and really enjoy the information that you offer and provide regarding scuba diving. Ironically, you posted this video on regulator servicing at a most opportune time from myself, as this is the time of the year that I send my regs and tanks to the local dive shop for service before the start of the summer dive season. As I am a wet suit diver, and living on the east coast of Canada and diving in the Atlantic, I do most of my diving between May to October each year and average about 25 - 30 dives each year. Just wondering what you would consider a fair price for the visual inspection of two steel 100 tanks and a set of regs (1st stage is an Oceanic CDX5, 2nd stage is an Oceanic GT3, and the octo is an Oceanic Slimline 2)? I have had both the tanks and regs since new in 2012, I faithfully have the regs serviced and inspected each year. I also ensure regs are rinsed in warm water immediately after diving each day. Tanks are also vis'ed each year and were last hydro'ed 2 years ago). Prices have varied each year for the service and as there is only one dive shop in our local area, there is not much choice for service unless I send them elsewhere. This year, the vi and the service cost was $155.00 CAD, which I consider very fair. I realize the price will vary depending on the parts and service kit used. What is your opinion? Thanks, and keep up the great videos.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Cost of service is set by the LDS but of course the cost will be similar in most stores. I can only tell you what we charged at Scuba 2000 in Toronto. A visual exam is $20 +tax. If a valve needs special attention to remove or replace, that's extra. At least 2 O-Rings need replacement during a visual. They cost about $2 each. And we charged for the air fill too - $10. So the total cost of a normal visual with no valve service would be $35 per tank. Steel or aluminum doesn't affect the cost of a visual. Steel is more expensive to hydro. A regulator service is more complicated. A full service as required every 2 years per warranty or if used a lot, costs $70 plus parts. Parts kits can be anywhere from $15 to $100. I suggest an average of about $35. Any special service required such as extra cleaning, repairing unusual damage or extra-difficult regulators would be extra. Some regs needs additional parts. Mares regs for example have a service kit but they also require a replacement HP poppet (TriMetal Seat) at every service. It is not part of the kit for some reason and it costs $35 on it's own!! Also environmentally protected regs with silicon oil are extra. They are messy plus take more time and need the oil replaced. So a reg service will cost about $100. That's for the 1st stage and 2nd stage only. The octopus is an additional charge of $30 plus parts, a total of about $50. You should be getting the SPG swivel pin replaced if you have one - $11 plus the pin ($6), total $17. And the BCD LP hose valve should be replaced - $7 plus the valve ($7), total $14. So let's add it up. - tank visual with parts $35 - reg service with parts $100 - Octopus $50 - SPG swivel $17 - LP hose valve $14 Looks like a total (1 tank) of $216 + tax. Now again remember that this is approximate. Many stores are higher; some lower. We also had a Inspect/Clean/Adjust service that is fine for occasional use, well-maintained regulators. It is in accordance with most manufacturers warrantees. As the name implies this entails a thorough check of the regulator including a performance check. Any parts would be extra but should be minimal if any. This is the service we'd recommend every 2nd year, between full service years. The cost is $45. Sorry for the long reply but scuba service is critical and can entail a lot more than a quick spray with silicon oil! Your Oceanic regs fit into this scenario well for both labor and parts. It seems you're getting a good price. Just be sure it's a complete and proper service. Where are you in the east? I hope this helps. Alec

Alec you should make a video about your dive gear. What you carry on you , what you travel with. What computer do you use etc .

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

That would be easy but I don't necessarily want divers to try and mimic me. What I use is perfect for my age and diving needs but may not be right for any other diver in the world. And, BTW, it's taken me 60 years to get it right!! However, for you David, here's a list: - Cressi Big Eyes Evo mask with Rx lenses - Cressi dry snorkel - Scubapro Nova SeaWing fins - white - Henderson wetsuit - 5mm and 6.5mm - Oceanic ZEO regulator - all flex hoses - XS Scuba Alt Air octopus - Oceanic OCi AI Computer - Oceanic Biolite BCD - Big Blue CF 1000 dive light Take care, Alec

@alaind831

6 жыл бұрын

I took your recommendation on the Nova SeaWing fins and absolutely love them! (and flex hose everything - easy upgrade). But wait: Oceanic ZEO reg is "over-balanced diaphragm FDXi first stage is environmentally sealed" - not piston ? funny though you said you preferred piston... :)

Alec, I just came accross a Aqualung conshelf xiv which hasn't been used for a while but my LDS won't touch it, they say it's too old to service. However, the reg itseld look very nice and would really like to confirm it's in working condition. How can I do this? Would it be possible to service this myself? I am not liking that LDS won't services things you didn't buy from them, I better keep away for such business. Your videos have saved me lots of $ and helped me to make the right choice for other items as well. Keep it up!

@VentShop

4 жыл бұрын

If you can get the parts and you are competent in working with O-rings there should be no reason why you can not service it yourself. The main thing is taking your time and cleaning things up correctly and have the right tools to check things out. Head over to www.scubaboard.com/community/forums/repairing-your-own-gear.99/ and find your reg set. They will probably have all the information or links for information you will need. Even an old scubapro 109 can be used today and it's a very simple device that has not been made since 1986 www.sgscuba.com.sg/2017/01/vintage-regulators/ I have one that I will be using on a pony bottle for solo diving at some point so that I always have a backup if there is an issue under water. But remember that you are potentially taking your life into your own hands, if you have any doubts about if you can do things safely find another shop and have them do the work. I know some people swear by some of the bigger places that basically only do service work.

You mention having it service if gear sits unused for a long time (2+ years). What about buying new old stock regulator - if you connect and it works in pool do you really need to have it service when it's never been used ? I bought a discontinued Aeris reg (same parts and service kit as the current Oceanic parent company, so their isn't issue getting parts/service) for pretty close to the price of getting a full service, and it's been working great for 2 years now and 80 dives or so (though I did have the top seal on the AT600 bust on the beach (thank god not under water!) on a trip and had to go back to a shop to have it replaced to continue my trip) and thought maybe I can use it for 3-4 years and get another new one if similarly priced to servicing... I still will check rubber/membrane and first stage filter to make sure things look ok in the mean time... but busting o-rings are hard to tell.

@bigdog4574

3 жыл бұрын

Yes old gear especially lube and o rings deteriorate with time especially if not used

Cool video. Diving company want you to do service of because of the expensive service kits. But the people try to save too match and don't do necessary service.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Certainly dive stores make money on service. Pretty dumb to do it if it doesn't make money. However, no dive can survive on service alone. There's not that much profit there. The mark-up on a service kit is the same as on a mask or snorkel which is easier to sell. It's a compromise. Divers want their gear to work well and be reliable. Just as with any piece of machinery, that means service and that means parts. Kits for most regs run about $25 - $50. Not bad every 2 years to keep it running good forever. Take care. Alec

@DiveCenterDailyLife

6 жыл бұрын

Sure. I mean price for few o'rings sometimes is expensive.

Hi Alec, When I did my dive training here in Switzerland about two years ago, we always used two separate first stages in case one freezes. I've never seen you talk about this. Do I really need two first stages if the water is cold? Or does it depend on the type of first stage I use? Thanks for your amazing videos, I already learned a lot and plan to get my own gear soon.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Hey, redundancy is never bad. You have a spare tire in your car right? But, assuming your scuba gear is relatively new and in good repair, you simply don't need a lot of extra back-ups. Redundant air supply, back-up dive computer, 2 first stages, etc. are not a bad idea. They're just not necessary for most divers. Again, as I've said many times, the dive itself will dictate what you need. In a very deep dive or an overhead environment, caves, wrecks, etc. where you cannot go directly to the surface at any time, redundancy become vital. Diving at the cottage a couple of times a summer, a week of diving on a Caribbean reef within sport diving limits - not needed. Even a freeze-up of the 1st is simply a quick trip to the surface. Again assuming you are not under an ice cap or very deep. As far as the type of regulator, every regulator will freeze under the right (or wrong) conditions. Prepare your reg for cold water diving and treat it properly at the dive site with some of my tips. I have made literally hundreds of dives in cold water (many under the ice) and a warm, dry regulator is key plus NOT breathing through it in the cold air beforehand. Good luck. Alec

When it comes to servicing my regulators, I check the manufacturers requirement, these guys that make these recommendations know what their doing so my advice is to follow it. But I have had my regs. checked in as few as 6 months. This because if I am diving in really murky waters or colder waters that strain my regs. I know there are damages that can occur in these conditions regardless of the number of dives or time period between servicing so for my own safety it doesn't hurt to have it checked after a couple of dives in these conditions, and I am fortunate enough to have a dive shop that charges very little if anything just to check it out. Only one time have I had to have something fixed on my set before the scheduled service date, but that one time could have very well led to a problem underwater had it gone unnoticed. So use common sense, think about where you've been diving and the conditions you've been diving in. If you feel you may have worked your gear too hard, whats the harm in having it checked? whats the harm in not having it checked?. something to think about.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

Excellent point Gee. The recommended service interval is based on a normal dive pattern. If you dive deep, cold or dirty, you should get service more often. That's a good dive shop! Too often a diver will take his gear in to have it checked or just looked at to be sure it's OK and then face a $200 bill for a full service that wasn't necessary. Take care. Alec

Added 360 swivel to second stage reg is a safe second necessary On a 13 g pony for river dives “10 to 16 feet “boats real close

@jaredrrrr5074

5 жыл бұрын

I have a 80gollan tank for refill on the boat but I think it’s over kill to go full scuba for arrow heads in 10 foot of water ...your thoughts??

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

Have you considered a Hookah, either a commercial one or a simple one where you run a long (50') hose to a tank in a boat, on a float or on the shore? That would save you a lot of aggravation and give you lots of time underwater. Much better than carrying a tank around in 10'. Alec

what about checking some of the rubber/membrane parts as well ? any tell sign, easy checks ?

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

I didn't want to get into the insides Brian. Of course if you're able to do so and can check the diaphragm and exhaust valves they are a good indication. Exhaust valves in particular since they are so thin, often dry out, crack and/or stick to the body and can tell you quickly it's time for service. Alec

Alec, Does using a high pressure cylinder increase the chances of your regulator freezing up in cold water? I've never experienced regulator freeze, and I'm about to do some cold water diving. I have both low and high pressure cylinders. Thank you very much

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

5 жыл бұрын

High pressure is usually 3000 psi (there are higher but they're not common). Low pressure is usually 2442 psi. It would make very little difference if any to use either one. It's a good question since the adiabatic temperature drop is related to the size of the pressure change in the regulator but between 3000 and 2442, not so much. Good luck. Alec

@Str8Flossin

5 жыл бұрын

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you, sir. I have LP 2700 and HP 3400. the water is 45*F. Regs 2 years old. Should be fine.

Alec, I've heard that the new flex hoses for regulators are producing fine particulate mater. Is this true. What is you opinion on this? Have seen any evidence of this?

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

Old news Sharkie. That was a problem several years ago and the issue keeps popping up as divers read old posts. Not an issue now - unless you have old hoses of course. Alec

@scubashark5962

6 жыл бұрын

Alec Peirce Scuba , Thanks for the info. I like the idea of a more flexible hose, especially for travel, but was concerned about the info I was given.

Hey Alec, I just purchased a brand new adjustable 2nd stage (Hot Dive T2 from China) to go with my freshly service Oceanic 1st stage that is been set and tested at 145 psi. The description from an advertisement said the Hot Dive 2nd stages are set at 150 psi, but that may or may not be true beings it was not a description from the makers or distributor of the Hot Dive company. All my friends that have purchased the same regulator said it works perfect with the system they are useing from the US, like the Dacor and US Divers. This whole system is basically brand new, except the 35 year old depth gauge. Before I use the Oceanic / adjustable Hot Dive combination, is there any thing that i will need to do to the 2nd stage? I have not dove with an adjustable 2nd stage since 1990, and it was a rental and not in the best of condition back then, to put it mildly. I probably should not have used it due to the condition ir was in back then.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

2 жыл бұрын

Nope. Get the 1st & 2nd connected carefully and then slowly turn the air on. If you get a freeflow & can't stop i using the adjustments on the 2nd, you will, need to adjust the IP at the 1st. You ought to be able to turn the adjustment so that at one end it's very easy to breathe, almost freeflowing, while at the other end of the adjustment it is harder. Alec

@hearsejr

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks. I appreciate it. I will give you a reoort on how it works out.

I have a 2nd stage reg that has never been used but has been sat in the box for 3 years. Do i need to get this serviced before i use it?

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

2 жыл бұрын

If brand new, never used it should be ok to dive. If not comfortable jumping into the blue, take it to a dive store pool or public pool night to give it a test. Get comfortable that all the controls work (such as venturi switch) and breathing feels comfortable. Any concerns, then take it to your LDS for checkup , not a full service. They will open and inspect everything but not replace o-rings etc unless needed. This will give you the confidence to dive with it. A.

Service it after a major event like second stage frozen in a low temp altitude dive.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

That's probably a good criteria. Watch my video on cold water where I explain that, although the second stage freeflows, it's the first stage that freezes up. Thanks for watching. Alec

@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98

6 жыл бұрын

Alec Peirce Scuba it was the second stage. A poseidon cyklon hit the water with the membrane and froze immediatly. It froze the body as well and part of my glove :)

Is it better to skip service and just buy a new reg every 4 or so years? I've heard horror stories about items returned in worse condition from dive shops. There is also the element of trust that they actually did the work.

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

2 жыл бұрын

I hope your LDS does good service and keeps you happy so return for annual service. If they can't get a $100 reg service right, don't give them a $1,000 for replacements. I do know many LDS don't do great service, just like auto mechanics and dentists, so first talk to the manager about the issue and what they will do to fix it or walk away. It's your money but I'm old and don't give it away for bad value.

I have a old regulator i need to repair

@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

6 жыл бұрын

I would need a bit more information to help you. What is it? Where are you? Alec