Buoyancy Compensator Owner’s Manual
Introduction Thanks for Choosing Zeagle! We value your decision to invest in a Zeagle Buoyancy Control System. Please have your authorized Zeagle Dealer familiarize you with the operation and care of your new Zeagle Buoyancy Compensator* (BC) and go over your Owner’s Manual with you. Have your Dealer sign the appropriate line on the service record at the end of this manual, after he has performed this service.
Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................i Warranty Information and Safety Warnings .......................2 General Information and Specifications ...............................3 Function of the Zeagle System............................................6 Fitting and Assembly .........................................................8 Double Tank Mounting Options .........................................12 Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection.................
Warranty Information Owner’s Responsibilities • Zeagle Systems, Inc. requires that the end user of this system be certified by a nationally or internationally recognized SCUBA certification agency and adequately trained in its use by a certified SCUBA instructor with thorough knowledge and experience in the use of Zeagle Systems, Inc. equipment. • An annual inspection performed by an authorized Zeagle Dealer is required for the safe operation of this system.
General Information and Specifications This Buoyancy Compensator's Owner's Manual contains important safety, maintenance, and operation information. Read this manual thoroughly before diving. Important information on the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your BC is designated throughout this manual with the "IMPORTANT" graphic and the symbol shown above.
General Information & Specifications SCUBA Cylinder Selection and Configuration Your over-all buoyancy depends on a combination of the buoyancy of all your diving equipment added to your own body's buoyancy. The Zeagle System is designed to work with a variety of tank sizes and configurations. Failure to comply with the following information may result in an improper buoyancy configuration. You must maintain neutral buoyancy while diving to prevent injury or death.
General Information and Specifications Surface Buoyancy of BC's Total prEN1809 BUOYANCY Your BC's buoyancy, has been rated by Zeagle Systems, Inc. Buoyancy figures were measured in fresh water at sea level, and were rounded down to the nearest pound. For buoyancies listed in the metric system, buoyancy is measured in multiples of 10 Newtons, then rounded down to the next lowest multiple. The buoyancy of your BC is printed on a label, located on the bladder assembly, as shown on page 8.
Function of the Zeagle System The Zeagle Buoyancy Control System The function of the Zeagle buoyancy control system is to add to your diving enjoyment. It is designed to provide you with a comfortable way of “wearing” your SCUBA system, a resting platform while on the surface, and an easy means of controlling your buoyancy while diving. Vest The vest portion of the system should fit so that it wraps partially around the front of the diver. See the Illustration on page 8.
Function of the Zeagle System Bladder Assembly The bladder assembly attaches to the vest section via four stainless steel slotted fasteners sewn to the inner edge of the bladder assembly. Each of these slotted fasteners slides over the two Single-Tank Bands. This fastens the Bladder to the Tank Bands.
Fitting and Assembly Proper Fit The Zeagle Personal Fit System allows the diver to size each component of the buoyancy system independently, for a true custom fit. For proper performance, please be sure that your system fits as described below. Put the BC on (before attaching it to a SCUBA cylinder) and adjust the shoulders and waist as follows. 1. Loosen the shoulder straps before donning. Put it on like you would a jacket.
NEVER breathe from the bladder assembly. The bladder assembly was not designed as an auxiliary air source and may contain harmful contaminants, which if inhaled, may cause injury or death. Fitting and Assembly Adjusting the Side Panels 1. Using two coins, unscrew the plastic barrel-screw fasteners. 2. Move the side panel to different set of grommets on vest and reinstall. 3. Note that one extra plastic barrel-screw is installed in an unused grommet hole when the BCD leaves the factory.
Fitting and Assembly Threading The Standard Single Cylinder System Non-Slip Plate Illustration “A” (Single Cylinder Band Assembly) Illustration “B” (Standard System Only) Note: Tank bands expand and lengthen when wet. For this reason, you will get a tighter fit if you make your initial adjustments with tank bands that have been wet for at least 20 minutes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Fitting and Assembly Threading the Standard & Quick Release System on a Twin Cylinder Back Plate Standard System Optional Quick Release System Optional Band Extension • • • Back Plate Grommets An alternate method of attaching twin cylinders with steel bands is by bolting through the back plate grommets. Optional band extension used only with quick release band for twin cylinder use. Extension strap should be adjusted at cylinder buckle hook end for proper cylinder size.
Quick Release fully closed Mounting Optional Backplate for use with Double Tanks Backplate Available in: Black Anodized Aluminum p/n 519-BP01A Stainless Steel p/n 519-BP01S Titanium p/n 519-BP01T For Ranger, Ranger LTD, Tech 10, 911 and SAR BCDs. May require modification of built-in Lumbar Pads.
For Ranger, Ranger LTD, Tech 10, 911 and SAR BCDs.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection Adjust the BC so that it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of normal breathing while wearing your BC could result in injury or death. Before each dive, check all bands, straps, clips, and/or waist panels for proper adjustment. Over Pressure Valve (OPV) The over pressure / dump valve is typically located on the lower front of the bladder assembly. Some models have two OP Valves. As its name implies, the OP Valve prevents over inflation of the bladder.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection Bx Power Inflator/ Oral Inflator Mechanism Your BC will also be equipped with a power inflator/oral inflator mechanism. This unit consists of a Bx Coupler, Oral Valve Mouthpiece, Oral Valve Button, and Pneumatic Inflation Valve (PIV) and connects directly to the RE Valve via a steel cable (inside the corrugated hose). The PIV operates over a pressure range of 6.5-13.8 bar (95-200 psi).
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection Check to see that the weight release system is secure. Note: There are several types of weight systems available on Zeagle BCs. Compare your BC with the following pictures to determine which type of weight release system you have. When you see your BC’s weight system, follow the directions shown. Trim Weight™ Velcro Touch Fastener System - Check to see that the touch fastener material flap on the bottom and sides of each weight pocket completely overlaps and is secure.
Re-threading The RipcordTM System If the Ripcord is not completely secure, re-thread using the following procedure. Nylon Loops Cord Cord • • • • Return the Ripcord handle to the secure position. Pull the cord through for the right side weight pocket. Start with the loop closest to the Ripcord handle. Each white nylon loop is threaded through three grommets. The cord is then threaded through the end of the white loop. • Thread the cord under the webbing that is between the grommets.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection Loading the Zeagle Integrated Weight System: The following is required for proper BC performance • • • • • • • • • • 18 Weights can be loaded after the system is donned as shown, or the weights can be loaded before the system is donned. Considerations include the amount of weight and the distance to enter the water. Ask your buddy for help in either case.
• Do not attempt to pull past the ripcord stop. The handle and cable are not designed to be completely separated from the system. The stop is designed to prevent you from losing the handle and pull cable. Pulling too hard past the stopping point may cause damage to the system. • Dropping your weights at depth may cause an uncontrollable assent resulting in possible injury or death. • When returning to the boat from a dive you may want to remove the weight before boarding the boat.
Installing the yellow Weight Pouch into the Ripcord™ Weight System Pouch Pocket E-Z Lock Weight System Assembly Procedure Pouch Pocket Pocket 20
Donning Procedure Diving equipment is heavy! To avoid injury or fatigue and to become familiar with each other's equipment, have your buddy assist you! Take this opportunity to be sure your buddy understands how your weight release works. Be sure you have read and performed the Proper Fit page in the Fitting and Assembly section of this manual first. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Open the cylinder band buckles and loosen the bands.
Pre-Dive Check: Prior to each dive, always check to make certain your BC has no obvious leaks by inflating the bladder until the over pressure relief valve vents. Listen for air leaks. If any are found, then service is necessary by an authorized Zeagle technician. • • • • • • • • • • • 22 Scuba diving is an adventurous activity and it is inherently dangerous. Even if you do everything right, some risks are involved.
Diving with your Zeagle BCD • • • • • • Your final buoyancy is primarily affected by your body, your thermal suit, your diving cylinder, and your lead weights. It is adjusted with your BCD. Both too little and too much lead ballast can be dangerous. To determine the proper amount of lead ballast weight needed for your system, go (with another diver) to a shallow safe location with the type (fresh or salt) of water you will be diving in later.
Emergency Procedures If you are diving with a buoyant wet or drysuit, be aware that releasing weights at depth should only be done if absolutely necessary (for example, if your drysuit has flooded, making you extremely negative). Without weights, it may be very difficult to control your ascent rate as you near the surface. Weight release at depth should only be done according to the standards set by your certification agency.
Emergency Procedures Problem Management Inflator problem Inflators may fail due to foreign material in the mechanism, damage from impact by tanks or weights, or other causes. Practice the procedures below (in a safe location with your buddy) for your safety. Inflator fails to operate Check to see that the low pressure hose is properly connected. Orally inflate the bladder if necessary to establish proper buoyancy.
Maintenance The reliability and correct functioning of your equipment depends on the care it receives. Post Dive BC Cleaning: • • Rinse the BCD thoroughly with fresh water after each use. Rinse the inside of the bladder using the Bx Coupler. Simply unscrew the Bx Coupler from the Power Inflator, and screw onto a standard garden hose. Bx Coupler Bx Coupler Standard Garden Hose Standard Garden Hose Turn the water on and super rinse and clean the inner bladder.
Inspection and Service Interval Your BCD (including the Inflator) should be inspected and maintained by an Authorized Zeagle Dealer at least once a year, and more often if you dive frequently. This is a required action to keep your warranty in effect. There is a Service Record in the back of this manual for the Dealer to record the service performed. - Check that the Bx connection is snug (or hand tight) before EACH DIVE! - Periodically check ALL threaded connections such as .
Buoyancy System Accessories Pony Bottle Attachment Kit 8029HD Mounts a pony bottle securely to any Zeagle BC BC Pocket (Clip Closure) 8033CC Tech Utility Pocket 2 zip compartments 8033 28 Yellow Weight Pouches 8042(12-lb) 8043(20-lb) Strobe/Flashlight 8036 Full Lumbar Pad 7275F Removable Rear Mounted Weight System 8051Z Removable Rear Mounted Weight System 8052Z
Buoyancy System Accessories EMT Shears 8134 Line Cutter 5403 Quick Pocket 8033QP Diver Tool Kits 8135 without slate 8135S with slate QD Deluxe Signal Tube 730-3001P Twin bands 519-TB07 for 7.5” tank 519-TB08 for 8” tank Zeagle BC Knife 5402 Sport Pocket 8033P Spare Air Pocket 8055L 6 cu. ft.
SERVICE RECORD DATE SERVICE PERFORMED SERVICE CENTER TECHNICIAN # Owner Orientation: Dealer Preparation: Attach the original or a copy of your purchase receipt to this booklet and store it in a safe place. Your receipt may be needed for warranty validation if you take your BCD to a different Zeagle Dealer for service. Locating Service and Support The Dealer that sold you your Buoyancy Compensator will be able to assist you with additional questions regarding product operation, warranty, and service.
31
TM Zeagle Systems, Inc. 37150 Chancey Road Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Phone: (813) 782-5568 Fax: (813) 782-5569 www.zeagle.com Printed in USA p/n 175-1611 Rev.
