Auto Sealing First Stage - Good Or Bad? - Scuba Tech Tips: S09E14

[@jonnieinbangkok]

I've had my AL Mikron, with ACD, for about five years and around 700 dives and it's still going strong. I've not had any problems with it 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's great when scuba features work as they should. Keep on diving with it for many more years. A

[@terencecallaghan8719]

Hi Alec, it's very interesting that you have done this video as I've just had my Oceanic regulators serviced and they have removed the DVT valve completely. This is due to a safety recall that was announced in 2018 regarding this valve and I highly reccomend anyone checks their Oceanic regulators serial number for this issue. Thanks again for the tech tips and take care!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes. As I hinted in the video, the Oceanic version was not completely free of problems. Honestly, some of those problems were with improper service procedures but, Oceanic decided the best way to avoid any problems was to get rid of this neat but unnecessary gimmick. Alec

[@terencecallaghan8719]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yes I was surprised to find my DVT valve missing after the service but safety is always first. What's interesting is Oceanic has removed all mention of DVT valves from their website and I remember it being a highly advertised feature from as far back as the delta 4 regulators. Excellent video as always, thanks again and take care.

[@abtuben]

Thanks for your thoughts on this! Some people will say it's just another failure point, but the idea is awesome and it seems to be working great.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Everything is a failure point but, if it proves to be reliable and if it provides a vital function, it's good to go. Alec

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Another gem of a video. You're awesome, Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

"Listen up kids!" Actually, my kids and grandkids think I'm OK. They just don't' say so very often. Thanks Harry. Alec

[@DivingDeveloper]

I didn't even realise that this feature existed! Thanks for the great information as always.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Mike. Alec

[@johnd8224]

Thanks for your videos.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching John. Alec

[@DirtyRiverDiver]

Like you i cant say that i like the ideal of more moving parts in my reg, but i do like your thumb system. thanks and great video and advice

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No extra parts with thumbs! Alec

[@toriless]

If parts did not move you would have NO regulator AT ALL. Moving parts is ALL a regulator is about.

[@alaind831]

You forgot to mention the high pitch vibrating sound those ball seals used to make. Interesting timing. Just went diving yesterday near Marseille France (visiting), and one of the diver on the boat took the rental first stage off, put it on top of the tank uncovered and then dropped his very wet bathing suit on top!!! I came up to him and told him to make sure to seal it before water gets in, and he fumbled with the plastic cap that wouldn't stay on (he didn't use the screw). Thought it was really odd given this was supposedly an advanced group in the morning... Realize now most of the reg were DIN (france after all) but he had a yoke which he probably never used before! hence the confusion I guess... My din rental had that deep plastic cap, which will do nothing to block water once you rinse it... shop took gear back so I didn't have to rinse.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The DIN reg caps are nice because they actually screw on tightly, but ... you have to be very careful they're dry. I often suggest divers leave their DIN reg cap on the boat. Hang it someplace handy but dry.l Alec

[@hyperbarico1332]

I have been using my Aqualung Titan LX with ACD for 6 years and all parts replaced for maintenance looked like new, superb feature when other divers drop your reg in the rinse tank

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It happens, usually on dive boats with young, enthusiastic divemasters. Alec

[@jishimo5085]

Thanks a lot for your time posting these videos. I've seen all of your tech tips videos and can't tell you enough how helpful they have been. I bought a new reglator and noticed my filter was filled with salt after my first dive. Would you know what could have happened? Can I have your email so I can send you some pictures?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

[e-mail] It could have been caused a couple of ways but most likely the dust cap was full of water when you replaced it. See my video on how to properly remove ad replace your reg. Take care. Alec

[@markstengel7680]

Enjoyed the video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Mark. I appreciate your support. Alec

[@Hubscharber]

ACD is great, in my own opinion. Just take a dry towel and clean the mating surfaces between tank swaps so you don't bypass the ACD with water droplets as you screw it down.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! In a previous video, I dealt with the proper methods to remove and replace a regulator on tanks. One tip was to remove the tape over the valve of the new tank (if it was taped!), then blast a tiny bit of air through the valve (not so much that your dive boat buddies get annoyed!) and then install your reg. That process still applies whether you have an ACD or not. Take care. Alec

[@toriless]

Rinse first or there will be salt residue.

[@vpraczynski9013]

I like your thumb method. Is there a cap or seal available that's good enough for the purpose of rinsing/soaking the first stage after its removed from the tank?

[@tomokin666]

I was going to ask the same question. No more caps? Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Regulators always come with a factory cap, whether yoke or DIN. You can get new ones if needed at any dive shop. Check my old videos so you get one that will keep your reg dry rather than actually dump water into it - yes! That can happen. Alec

[@alaind831]

yeah I tossed the cap that came with my 2 aeris reg (big water cups) and got flat ones... don't know why they would re-use a 5c plastic part that looks like a DIN cap on a yoke reg.

[@toriless]

Yes, they all have caps you can rinse and use instead of a thumb but since changing tanks is quick his method works better.

[@jasonibrahim4701]

Hi Alec, so what should I do if I do get salt water in my first stage?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

First are you sure salt water has entered the 1st stage? Is the inlet filter green? That is where the tank air enters the 1st stage. If you are sure salt water entered the 1st stage (see my video on preventing this), then is should be given a servicing. Salt crystals inside a 1st stage can cause free flow (depending on amount of crystals and water temperature), wear/cut o-rings and make diving potentially unsafe. It should not be a big cost but your local dive store can determine if a full service or a few parts (inlet filter) need replacing. Take care.

[@johnthomas2070]

G8 advice

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again John. Alec

[@ozjohnno]

Automatic closure device? Soumda like another thing to break/fail.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I feel the same way but sometimes these odd little things work and prove valuable. I'm always willing to try - skeptically. Alec

[@erenbergmd]

I don't see how it helps. If you get salt water on the device yes it won't go directly into the 1st stage, as soon as you put the wet reg on the tank and pressurize the water goes into the 1st stage.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Eve with an ACD (Automatic Closure Device) you must keep water away from the 1st stage input area. Alec

[@erenbergmd]

Yes Alex exactly. You need to keep water away from the inlet, and dry it if water should get near it. The device ACD only adds complexity to fail, to service.

[@toriless]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Isn't it really SALT WATER and not just water that is the bigger issue. It seem like rinsing would also work if available.