Regulator User Manual and Instructions (page version)

CREST Support and Service Center
Regulator product manual
Please read and understand our product owner's manual completely before diving with this equipment.
Whenever you use our products, please follow the specifications or recommendations in the product user manual.

Safe Dive!

This product user manual is applicable to the following models:
first level head
CREST ELARA, CREST BASALT, CREST JUPITER
second stage
AC-10P, AC-10C, AC-20P, AC-20C

Your CREST regulator is covered by the CREST warranty. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
For more information, be sure to read the Repair and Service section of this manual.
Please save your sales receipts, copies of these receipts must be submitted at the time of repair service.
Your regulator is in great need of regular care and maintenance.
Before starting to use your new CREST regulator, be sure to read this manual in its entirety to become familiar with the regulator's functions and to understand the correct procedures for pre-dive inspection and post-dive maintenance of this device.

Warnings, Cautions and Notes

Pay special attention to terms or items marked with warnings, cautions, and special fonts or symbols, such as:

⚠️A warning is used to inform a process situation that, if not avoided, may result in serious injury or death to the user.
⚠️Caution is used to inform you that any situation or technique may cause damage to the product and may cause injury to the user.
⚠️Attention is used to emphasize, prompt and remind key points.

CREST Regulator Precautions and Warnings

Please read and understand this manual carefully before diving with this regulator for the first time.

And during every use, comply with the specifications or recommendations in this manual.

⚠️Before use:

  1. If you do not fully understand how to use this regulator, or if you have any questions, please ask a CREST authorized dealer for assistance before using this product.
  2. Before using this regulator, you must have successfully obtained Scuba Diving approved technical training and certification.
  3. This product should not be used by persons who are untrained or unaware of the potential hazards of scuba diving, as your ignorance of the risks of scuba diving will have a high likelihood of causing potential risks and dangers.
  4. This regulator is not suitable for commercial diving use with surface air supply equipment.
  5. Please note that before each dive, you must first check whether the equipment and functions are operating normally. If any problems or abnormalities are found, please stop using it immediately!
  6. Please note that before cryogenic diving (below 50°F or 10°C) you must have received training and obtained a recognized cryogenic diving technical certification.
  7. This equipment has only been tested and certified to a maximum depth of 50 meters (165 feet).

⚠️In use:

  1. This regulator must be used with a residual pressure gauge to measure and display the user's air supply pressure.
  2. When pressurizing the regulator, slowly open the cylinder switch.
  3. Do not stand the cylinder unsecured and install the regulator on the cylinder valve. If the cylinder tips over and hits the first stage of the regulator, it may cause permanent damage to the regulator or the cylinder valve. Do not use the regulator as a handle when you need to lift or transport the cylinder .
  4. As with all underwater life support equipment, improper use or misuse of this product can cause serious injury or death.

⚠️After use:

  1. Do not use any type of aerosol spray on the regulator as this may cause permanent damage to certain plastic parts, including the second stage housing.
  2. This regulator must be serviced and serviced at least once a year by CREST authorized and specially trained technicians.
Regulator Equipment Compatibility Statement with Nitrox Diving
warn

⚠️Part of this manual contains important information about equipment that uses a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen (nitrox) with a higher oxygen content than air (>21%), but does not include air with an oxygen content exceeding 40%.
⚠️Do not attempt to use this product in high oxygen atmosphere before you read and understand this instruction manual, otherwise the risk of injury or death will increase.
⚠️Those who are not trained or do not understand the potential dangers and hazards of scuba diving are not allowed to use this regulator.
⚠️Prior to using a regulator device containing a nitrogen-oxygen breathing gas mixture containing greater than 22% oxygen content, the user must have received or must obtain Nitrox certification from a certified training organization.
⚠️When the breathing mixture contains more than 22% oxygen, you must use a nitrox oxygen demand regulator in compliance with EN 13949.
⚠️This regulator is not a medical device and it is not intended to be used to provide therapeutic oxygen during a medical emergency.
⚠️When using this regulator device, in accordance with EN250:2014 specifications, the air used must comply with the standards of EN12021 Table A.
⚠️Be careful According to EN 250, SCUBA shall be equipped with at least the following equipment:

  1. Gas cylinder with switch and load-bearing structure
  2. Gas flow regulators such as first and second stages
  3. Pressure indicators, such as residual pressure gauges
  4. Carry systems such as suspenders, slings, etc.
  5. Face mask, which can be a mouthpiece or full face mask or diving helmet
Regulator Equipment Instructions for Use
first level head

The function of the first stage is to convert the high-pressure air of the cylinder into an intermediate pressure of 135~145 psi, and then through the processing of the second stage, provide a smooth flow of breathing air during inhalation. Medium pressure air can also be used to inflate BCDs or dry suits.
⚠️Warning Please prepare your first stage for use in a clean workplace.
⚠️Warning Do not connect a low-pressure hose to a high-pressure port (marked HP) or a high-pressure hose to a low-pressure port.

  1. Balanced second stage and co-flow second stage are designed to operate at 135 to 145 psi.
  2. Low pressure and high pressure port thread sizes are different.
  3. Please use high-pressure pipe to connect the high-pressure port. (Be sure to only place high-pressure fittings or hoses in ports marked "HP" or "4500 psi/300bar") and use low-pressure tubing to connect to the low-pressure port.
  4. After determining the hose type and installation direction, use a 4mm hex wrench to turn the plug on the first stage counterclockwise and retain the plug for future use.
  5. Turn the hose into the port clockwise until secure, then tighten with an appropriately sized wrench, torque to 30 in-lb.
    Second stage: hose external thread (3/8-24) internal thread (9/16-18)
    Filling and exhausting valve (BC pipe): hose external thread (3/8-24)
    Residual pressure gauge: external thread (7/16-20)
  6. After all hoses are connected, test the complete regulator assembly by connecting it to your scuba tank.

Regulator connected to gas cylinder

⚠️Warning

Yoke: Maximum operating pressure 3500 psi / 232 BAR
Din: Maximum working pressure 4500 psi / 300 BAR

Before connecting the regulator to the cylinder, please slowly open the cylinder for one second and then close the cylinder valve to let the high-pressure air blow away the water or dust on the cylinder valve.

YOKE: Check the sealing O-ring on the gas bottle switch to ensure that it is not aged or damaged. If the O-ring is damaged, replace it.
DIN: Check the threads in the switch to ensure that the threads are smooth and have no defects, otherwise the threads of the regulator DIN head may be damaged. Check the DIN head sealing O-ring to make sure it is not aged or damaged.

Connect the regulator to the cylinder

Install the first stage header:

YOKE:
Turn the handle counterclockwise to remove the dust cap from the YOKE head.
Connect the YOKE head to the gas cylinder, and align the high-pressure inlet plane of the first stage with the O-Ring of the gas cylinder valve, and turn the knob clockwise until it is firm.

DIN:
Remove the dust cap from the DIN head and inspect the threads and O-ring. If the O-ring is damaged, replace it.
Screw the DIN connector into the cylinder valve clockwise, turning the knob until firm.

After installing the first stage, follow these steps:

  1. Slowly open the gas bottle switch, please pay attention to or stay away from the residual pressure gauge.
  2. Briefly press the second stage exhaust cap and listen carefully to ensure that no gas is leaking from the regulator or cylinder.
  3. If you find an air leak, check the sealing O-ring and replace it if it is damaged or does not seal properly.
  4. If air leakage persists after replacement, do not continue to use it, and take the regulator and cylinder to an authorized supplier or dealer for inspection and repair.

 

Remove the regulator from the cylinder

Turn off the cylinder switch and press the second stage soft cap to purge all air. Make sure all pressure is purged.

YOKE:
Turn the knob on the YOKE head counterclockwise, loosen it, and remove the first stage from the cylinder.
⚠️Be careful not to blow air into the air inlet of the first stage to prevent seawater salt or impurities from entering.

DIN:
Turn the DIN header counterclockwise out of the gas cylinder and remove it from the gas cylinder valve. Immediately install and lock the dust cap on the header.
⚠️Be sure to install the dust cover immediately to prevent water and impurities from entering the first stage.

 

Remove hose from first stage

⚠️Warning Clear all pressure from the first stage before attempting to remove the hose and remove it from the cylinder.

  1. Use an appropriately sized wrench to loosen and remove the hose by turning it counterclockwise:
    Low-pressure pipe: use a 3/8 open-end wrench. High-pressure pipe: use a 7/16 open-end wrench.
  2. Use Christo-Lube MCG129 lubricant to lightly lubricate the threads and O-rings on the ends.
  3. Turn the port plug clockwise into the port and tighten to 30 in-lbs, using a 4mm hex wrench.
  4. Store dry regulator in a clean bag or moisture-proof box away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.

second stage

The second stage of the regulator group receives breathable air at a medium pressure of approximately 140 psi from the first stage, converts it to ambient pressure and delivers it to you as you inhale, and then stops delivering pressure when you exhale. , and discharge the spit gas through a specific path.

⚠️Attention
All second stages have a certain degree of sensitivity. When the second stage is not in your mouth, it can cause excess air to be expelled into the water. This phenomenon is known as the Wen effect, which usually occurs when entering or on the surface of the water. .
If this occurs, turn the second stage so that the mouthpiece faces downwards and the exhaust valve faces upwards.

⚠️Attention
For balanced second stage, you can use the Venturi adjustment knob (spoiler knob) to "min" or "pre dive" to solve or reduce the occurrence of Venturi effect.

⚠️Attention
If you carry a spare second stage (backup air source) with you, it is recommended to point the mouthpiece down when not in use, or turn the Venn adjustment knob (spoiler knob) to the lowest setting or use a mouthpiece plug or cover to protect it from collisions Air leaks from time to time.

⚠️Attention
During normal use underwater, a small amount of water may collect at the bottom of the regulator. This is normal for most second stages.
You can exhale vigorously to expel the water, or place your tongue against the mouthpiece and press the exhaust button briefly and quickly to force the air out.

Venturi adjustment knob (spoiler adjustment knob)

The Venturi adjustment knob can adjust the air flow direction of the air supply during inhalation, manually adjust the air flow direction according to needs and usage conditions, or reduce the Venturi effect.

MAX or DIVE:

  1. At this time, the airflow is directed towards the mouth, and the user will receive more air volume.
  2. We recommend that the knob be moved to this position when the second stage is in use and held in the mouth.

MIN or PRE-DIVE:

  1. At this time, the airflow is directed to the other side of the mouth, and the impedance increases slightly, which can prevent or reduce the occurrence of the Venturi effect.
  2. We strongly recommend turning this knob to this position when the second stage is not in your mouth.

Impedance adjustment knob

The impedance adjustment knob allows manual fine-tuning of the breathing resistance. When the user turns the knob clockwise, the breathing resistance will increase, and the user must use greater force to breathe; conversely, when the knob is turned out, the breathing resistance will decrease.

 

Clean or replace upper and soft covers

If you want to clean or replace a different color (or style) twist lid or soft lid, follow these steps.
⚠️Warning : Never connect the regulator to the gas cylinder when replacing it.

  1. Unscrew the top cover from the housing (no tools required)
  2. Remove the soft cover and clean
  3. Choose your top or soft cover
  4. and install the diaphragm gasket to the top of the diaphragm inside the assembly
  5. Turn the upper cover onto the shell and tighten it by hand

assisted emergency breathing system

For safety reasons, when using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba diving) it is recommended to use a suitable alternative breathing air (gas)/assisted life support system.
This advice will vary depending on where and how you trained, and you must follow your training style. However, it is very common to use an assisted emergency breathing system (also known as a backup air source or backup second stage) during recreational and commercial diving.
The backup air supply is a backup second stage designed for use with the primary second stage, both connected to the first stage.
The backup second stage provides backup in the event of primary second stage failure and can serve as an alternative air source (AAS). When the buddy's regulator fails or leaks air, the primary diver does not need to move the original cylinder valve. By its nature (except during training) this type of equipment can only be used in emergency situations and therefore may experience very high breathing demands as it may need to support the breathing of two divers at the same time.
As stated in the Minimum Safety Requirements for this class of product, the use of a spare second stage in water temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and depths of 30 meters (98 feet) carries significant risks and is not recommended.
Although these minimum requirements require testing only and are limited to 30 meters (98 feet) and 10°C (50°F), CREST recognizes that emergency situations may exceed these limits.
The CREST primary regulator and auxiliary emergency breathing system are designed in accordance with the requirements of EN250:2014 Annex B for a depth of 30 meters and a water temperature of 4°C.
To ensure that CREST products perform as well as possible under all circumstances, CREST designs products to exceed at least the minimum safety requirements. This does not mean that the backup second stage will match the performance of the primary second stage in water temperatures below 4°C (39.2°F) and at depths greater than 50 meters.


⚠️Warning If the scuba diving device is used by multiple divers at the same time, it must not be used in places with a depth greater than 30 meters and a water temperature below 4°C.
As a user, you can be confident that in the event of an emergency or low gas situation, your regulator can provide for the needs of another diver's auxiliary emergency breathing system (backup air source) and provide backup for all situations you may face. You supply enough gas safely.


⚠️Warning If using an auxiliary emergency breathing system (backup air source), you must ensure that the equipment selected is designed and tested for use with an auxiliary emergency breathing system, has the appropriate water temperature and depth, and can be used as an escape device by multiple divers at the same time.
Your equipment must be maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually with annual inspections and maintenance services.

User care and maintenance

⚠️Attention Please provide appropriate preventive maintenance to ensure optimal performance and maximum service life of your CREST regulator.
The following maintenance procedures should be performed regularly after each use to ensure the regulator is clean, inspected and ready for next use.

  1. Whenever the regulator is removed from the cylinder, a dust cap must be installed over the regulator fitting. This is to prevent moisture from entering the first stage.
  2. A dust cover should be installed on the first stage to avoid moisture when not in use.
  3. The dust cap must be completely wiped or blown dry before being secured to the connector.
  4. After a dive, flush the regulator thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible while it is still attached to the tank.
  5. Please place your regulator (preferably dry) in a padded suitcase or equipment bag during transportation and keep it away from sharp objects to avoid damaging or scratching parts.
  6. The second stage should be protected from crushing damage by heavy objects.

Pre-dive inspection

CREST regulators must pass a visual inspection and functional test before each use. If the regulator shows signs of damage or provides substandard performance, do not dive with this regulator and return it to CREST or an authorized CREST dealer. Make repairs.

Pre-dive checklist
  1. Carefully inspect all hoses and their fittings to make sure they are securely connected to the first stage.
  2. Check the length of each hose to make sure it is not blistered, cut or damaged. If a hose cover is available, slide the hose cover back to expose the hose connector and inspect the hose as above.
  3. Visually inspect the first stage and second stage regulator for any signs of external damage.
  4. Completely sealed first stage: Carefully inspect the outer sealing diaphragm for any signs of damage or deterioration that could cause an air leak. Check to make sure the retainers holding the outer diaphragm are securely fastened.
    ⚠️WARNING : If the external diaphragm shows any signs of damage or neglect, do not attempt to dive with this regulator until it has received factory specified service from an authorized dealer. In a cold water environment, the first stage may freeze and the function of the regulator may be affected.
  5. Connect the first stage to the filled cylinder, (for installation instructions, read the section Connecting the regulator to the cylinder) and slowly open the cylinder switch to pressurize the regulator. Continue to turn the switch counterclockwise as far as it will go to make sure the switch is fully open.
  6. After turning the cylinder knob (counterclockwise) to the end, turn it back (clockwise) one turn. This is to prevent air leakage when the regulator provides maximum breathing comfort. Do not apply excessive pressure.
  7. When the Venturi function is set to PRE-DIVE, the regulator can be immediately purged to remove dust or debris that may have entered the second stage. Release the soft cover clear button and listen to ensure there is no air leakage from the second stage after the soft cover is released.
  8. Breathe air into the regulator several times and slowly. The regulator must provide enough air for you to breathe easily, without significant resistance.
  9. Check to make sure the residual pressure gauge accurately measures the air pressure in the cylinder.
  10. Check to make sure the Venturi adjustment knob is set to PRE-DIVE and gently turn the impedance adjustment knob (clockwise) all the way. Do not rotate too hard. These settings will help reduce any loss of air supply when entering or swimming for long periods of time. This step can also be adjusted underwater.

Things to check when diving

When you're ready to dive, place the second stage in your mouth and set the Venturi adjustment knob to your desired position.
Turn the inspiratory resistance adjustment knob outward (counterclockwise) until the regulator allows you to breathe comfortably without leakage or discomfort.
As you descend, you may want to adjust the inhalation resistance control again to allow easier breathing. This is especially true on deep dives where air density increases.

Repair and maintenance services

If there has been little use since the most recent service and maintenance service, there is no guarantee that the regulator is in good working order.
Keep in mind that long-term or improper storage can still cause internal corrosion and O-ring deterioration.
If any part of the regulator requires repair or service, return it to a CREST authorized supplier or dealer for professional repair.
If corrosion or contaminant residues are found on the filter surface, it is strongly recommended not to dive with this regulator and return it to a CREST authorized supplier or dealer for professional repair.
All repair and warranty services must be performed by CREST authorized suppliers or dealers and performed by CREST authorized and trained technicians.
Your regulator assembly should be inspected and serviced annually by a CREST authorized supplier or dealer.
If your regulator is being used for rental or training purposes, it will require a complete overhaul and factory-specified repair and maintenance services every three to six months.

Chlorinated swimming pool water is a particularly hazardous environment for scuba diving equipment. High levels of chlorine and pH balance can cause some parts to deteriorate quickly.
If you dive in harsh conditions or dive more frequently than the average diver, more frequent repairs and maintenance services are recommended.
⚠️Warning : Do not try to disassemble or repair the regulator by yourself, otherwise it may cause the regulator to malfunction and lose the warranty service provided by CREST.
⚠️Attention individual owners for recreational diving activities:
Equipment used less than 100 times per year should be serviced at least once a year.
It should be repaired and maintained after 100 dives each time before continued use.
⚠️Attention owners of equipment used for dive training or consumer rental activities:
Equipment should be inspected before each use.
Regardless of usage, equipment should be serviced at least every six months.
The equipment should undergo further maintenance after 100 dives.
Equipment stored for more than three months should be inspected and serviced before use.
⚠️Attention for all users:
If it shows any signs of air leakage or malfunction, the unit should be inspected and repaired.
If the first stage filter inlet shows any residue or signs of corrosion, the unit should be inspected and repaired.
If the equipment shows signs of abnormal performance or difficulty breathing, the equipment should be inspected and repaired.
If the gas seal or hose shows any signs of deterioration, the equipment should be inspected and repaired.

Warranty and Limitation of Liability

This product is provided by CREST with a limited liability warranty. Please refer to the accompanying product warranty for warranty methods and details.

Limited liability warranty coverage:

  1. Only CREST authorized agents or dealers are eligible for CREST product warranty scope and after-sales service, and enjoy a two-year product warranty from the date of product shipment. During the warranty period, any damage or malfunction caused by product defects will be repaired by CREST free of charge, or replaced with new products or products of similar value.
  2. CREST guarantees only to the original purchaser that the product will be free of material defects under normal use in recreational diving and with appropriate care and maintenance from the date of purchase. If the product proves to be defective for any reason, the product will be repaired or replaced free of charge. If the device has been tampered with by non-CREST authorized service personnel.
  3. This warranty is void if the equipment is used for rental, military or commercial purposes.
  4. Product warranty does not include: product packaging, product appearance, pipelines and consumables, and non-body accessories.
  5. Product warranty does not cover loss, theft, accidental damage, abuse, tampering, lack of maintenance, exposure to excessive temperatures, excessive sunlight, or use of inappropriate chemicals.
  6. The warranty will also be invalidated if repair services are provided by non-CREST authorized agents or dealers.
  7. The Company is not responsible for restoring or replacing products in the event of loss or theft.
  8. This free warranty service does not include the cost of normal repairs, inspections and preventive maintenance.
  9. For products that have been repaired or maintained under warranty, the original date of shipment will be used as the basis for calculating the warranty period. After the product warranty expires, it is still within the scope of CREST's services. For maintenance and repair, please contact your local dealers.

To ensure your product warranty rights, please be sure to pay attention to:

  1. For products that our company provides service guarantee, please register online for warranty service.
  2. Or you must hold the purchase receipt from the original retail purchaser to obtain warranty service. The proof must include: the store name of the authorized dealer or retailer, the name of the original retail purchaser, date of purchase, product model, part name, purchase price and other relevant information. . If the above information is incomplete, or the text is unclear or blurry, CREST has the right to refuse repair processing.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have limitations on your rights which vary from state to state.
If you have any concerns about your product's limited warranty, please contact info@crestdiving.com

Copyright ©2023 Crest Inc. All rights reserved.

This manual is copyrighted and reserved (©) 2021 CREST All rights reserved. This may not be reproduced, duplicated, translated or used in any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without CREST's prior written consent.

Regulator User Manual-2023.01.01