Dive Rite O2ptima User Manual

O

ptima Closed Circuit

2

Rebreather Manual

O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 2 of 26

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CONFIDENTIAL

This document is for use by, O2PTIMA owners only,

and is the property of Asseer & Associates Inc..

Dissemination of the information contained herein to

outside parties is expressly prohibited.

Text, photographs, and figures copyright ©2005

by Asseer & Associates Inc.

HammerHead Manual is copyright Joseph A Radomski

used under permission.

5609 POWER ROAD

OTTAWA, ONTARIO

K1G 3N4 CANADA

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage
retrieval system, without permission in writing from an authorized representative of Asseer
& Associates Inc.

Warning: The O2PTIMA is a fully closed-circuit diving apparatus which functions in a
manner distinctly different from traditional open-circuit scuba. Do not attempt to use the
O2PTIMA without proper professional instruction from an authorized O2PTIMA Instructor
and without a thorough and complete working knowledge of the material contained in this
manual. Careless use of the O2PTIMA can lead to hypoxic blackout in any environment
without

any prior warning symptoms. Careless use of the O2PTIMA at depths underwater

greater than 20 fsw (feet of seawater) can lead to an oxygen convulsion without any prior
warning symptoms. Both conditions can cause serious injury or death to the user. The
O2PTIMA is equipped with redundant displays and control systems, which will allow a
properly trained user to avoid these situations. It is the user’s responsibility to attentively
monitor these systems when using the O2PTIMA and to have a working knowledge of the
recovery procedures should a problem arise.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 3 of 26

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Table of Contents

1. Preface ....................................................................................... 4

2. User Guide................................................................................. 6

2.1. Breathing Loop Assembly .....................................................................................6

2.2. Canister..................................................................................................................7

2.3. Inhalation Side.....................................................................................................11

2.4. Exhalation Side....................................................................................................13

2.5. DSV (Diver Supply Valve).................................................................................. 14

2.6. DIVA....................................................................................................................14

2.7. ADV (Auto-Diluent Valve) ................................................................................. 14

2.8. Electronics............................................................................................................15

3. Maintenance............................................................................ 16

3.1. Cleaning / Disinfecting........................................................................................ 16

3.2. Storage ................................................................................................................. 17

3.3. O2 Sensors........................................................................................................... 17

3.4. DSV (Diver Supply Valve).................................................................................. 17

3.5. O-Rings................................................................................................................ 18

3.6. Batteries ............................................................................................................... 18

3.7. Wiring Harness .................................................................................................... 18

3.8. Solenoid Valve.....................................................................................................19

3.9. ADV (Auto-Diluent Valve) ................................................................................. 19

3.10. Scrubber medium............................................................................................. 20

3.11. Electronics........................................................................................................20

4. Troubleshooting...................................................................... 26

5. HammerHead Instruction Manual

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 4 of 26

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1. Preface

Congratulations on your decision to purchase what is quite possibly the most sophisticated
self-contained underwater breathing apparatus ever developed. Two years of intensive
research, experimentation, and testing by a team of dedicated individuals have culminated in
the creation of O2PTIMA, a electronically controlled, mixed-gas, closed-circuit rebreather
system. Detailed feedback from experienced and talented divers around the world, as well as
extensive unmanned testing, has led to the refineme nt of an assortment of features that make
the O2PTIMA stand out among the rest.

Perhaps what most distinguishes the O2PTIMA from other closed-circuit rebreathers is the
extent to which the diver has full control over the function of the system. A menu-driven
computer control system allows the user to change a wide variety of system parameters, from
oxygen partial pressure set point, to diluent gas composition, to displa y screen lighting, all in
“real time” during the course of a dive. The position of the counter l ungs can be adjusted to
match the particular build of the diver, and the gas supply options are virtually limitless.

Or, the most distinguishing aspect of the O2PTIMA may be its system reliability. Computers
with independent power-supplies reduce the probability of a system-level electronics failure to
almost nil. Reinforced counter lung shells, robust loop fitting connectors, and “durable”
breathing hoses mean that mechanical loop failure is extremely unlikely.

Then again, the most distinguishing aspect of the O2PTIMA may be the features which alert
the diver to a potential problem, and allow the diver to correct such problems before they
become serious. A heads-up display and the patented vibrating alar ms im mediatel y notify the
diver if a critical variable has drifted out of range. The heads up display also acts as a “buddy
light” providing a diving companion with information on the oxygen le vel in the breathing
loop at a glance. In just a few seconds at any time during a dive, a diver can simultaneousl y
expose all three oxygen sensors to a known gas composition and ascertain whether the sensors
are providing correct readings.

Regardless of what particular feature or set of features most distinguish it from all other
rebreather systems; the bottom line is that the O2PTIMA is equipped with many important
“tools” which can increase the diver’s comfort and ability during a wide range of diving
activities.

The purpose of this manual, however, is not to glorify the O2PTIMA (you already know how
well designed it is, or you wouldn’t be reading this now). Rather, its purpose is to describe in
detail the design and function of this sophisticated piece of diving equipment. While all of the
“tools” provided by the system greatly enhance the quality and control of a dive, they do
require a substantial amount of time to learn. Within your first hour of underwater ti me on
your O2PTIMA rebreather, you will almost certainly start to feel extremely comfortable and
confident with the system. Do not allow yourself to become complacent! The irony of an
extremely reliable closed-circuit rebreather is that it encourages a diver to become co mpl acent
about basic system monitoring. When it comes to rebreather diving, complacency kills!

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 5 of 26

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Please take the time to fully understand all of the O2PTIMA’s system components before
entrusting your life to them. This manual explains the O2PTIMA in great detail, but only you,
the user, can control the outcome of your dives. Learn what the O2PTIMA can do to expand
your capabilities underwater. Practice standard operational protocols until they become
intuitive. Practice bailout procedures until they become reflexive. And above all, be a
responsible diver.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 6 of 26

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2. User Guide

The O2ptima CCR was designed to ensure assembly and disassembly of the unit is
straightforward and simple.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
ONLY. FURTHER TRAINING IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO USING THE UNIT.
INITIAL ASSEMBLY IS TO BE COMPLETED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE
CERTIFYING O2PTIMA INSTRUCTOR.

2.1. Breathing Loop Assembly

The breathing loop can be divided into four separate items (inhalation side, exhalation side,
canister, and mouthpiece/DSV). When assembling the breathing loop ensure that all hose
fittings have been lubed with oxygen compatible lubricants in order to protect the o-rings.
All connectors should only be finger tight. Over tightening can result in damage to the
threads and o-rings.

All the inhalation connectors are color coded and thread matched to ensure that the
components are assembled in the appropriate location with respect to the exhalation side.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 7 of 26

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2.2. Canister

Canister assembly should be performed in a clean dry and well lit area. The canister
consists of the following parts;

• Head

• Input cap

• Center body

• Extendair Cartridge (scrubber medium)

• O2 cells (3)

• Wiring Harness

• Input and output fittings

• O2 Premix entrainment system (including locking thumb nut)

Prior to assembly of the canister components, ensure all the parts are clean. Lube should
be applied to all o-rings except the scrubber cartridge o-ring (see picture).

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 8 of 26

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Scrubber cartridge
o-ring

1. Screw in the three O2 cells into the Sensor Holder Disk. No cell should be placed

in location 4 unless a stand alone computer is using this as an input. Remove the o­ring from the O2 cells if applicable.

Sensor Holder
Disk

2. Snap in the Molex connectors on the rear of the cells ensuring that the color of the

wires match the color code on the connection block inside the head (ie. cell #1 is
plugged into location 1 on the banana block and so on). This will make cell
identification easier when verifying cell life or troubleshooting.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 9 of 26

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3. Plug-in the wiring harness into the banana jack block inside the head. Ensure that

the colors match and that the ground for each cell is plugged into its appropriate
spot.

Banana Jack
Plugs

4. Secure the O2 disk into the head with provided screw. Do not over tighten.

Disk Securing
Screw

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 10 of 26

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5. Remove the Extendair cartridge from packaging.

6. Remove the red cap from the Extendair cartridge.

7. Feed the O2 Premix rod through the center of the cartridge and secure with the

thumb nut on the far side. You will have to hold the rod to prevent from spinning
freely while securing the thumb nut.

Thumb
Nut

O2 Premix
rod

8. Sit the canister down on the head and slide the canister body over the unit making

sure the proper grooves fit in the head. Secure the canister body by turning the
body until locked.

9. Ensure the water trap in the input cap is properly locked down. Secure the input

head to the canister body.

10. Insert hose connectors into the head and input cap. The red connector must be

screwed into the head (left hand thread). The black connector is screwed into the
input cap.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 11 of 26

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2.3. Inhalation Side

The inhalation side comes over the divers left shoulder. It is comprised of 2 hoses (with
red connectors), 1 Auto-Diluent valve and 1 counter lung with appropriate fittings. All the
inhalation side threads are left handed threads and red in color.

1. Attach ADV to the inhalation lung. There is no specific direction for the ADV

orientation but you will need to ensure that the diluent attachment hose can reach
the connector and that you can easily reach the manual shut-off while wearing the
unit in case of emergency.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 12 of 26

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2. Attach the short breathing hose with red connectors to the ADV and the other end

to the assembled canister. This hose has left handed threads and does not have a
specific flow direction.

3. Attach the diluent supply to the ADV. This connection should only be finger tight.

Ensure that the manual shut-off is accessible when wearing the unit.

4. Attach the red connector from the long breathing hose to the front of the ADV.

IMPORTANT: The DSV has 2 directional mushroom valves. It is critical that the
mushroom valves are in the proper orientation. A mushroom valve check should be
performed prior to connecting either end of the DSV hoses to the T-Piece or ADV.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 13 of 26

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2.4. Exhalation Side

The exhalation side comes over the divers’ right shoulder. It is comprised of 2 hoses
(black connectors), 1 T-Piece and 1 counter lung with appropriate fittings. All the
exhalation side threads are right handed threads and are black in color.

1. Attach the T-Piece to the exhalation lung. The T-Piece does not have a specific

orientation.

2. Attach the short breathing hose to the T-Piece and to the input side of the assembled

canister (see canister assembly instructions). This hose does not have a specific
flow direction.

3. Attach the long breathing hose to the front of the T-Piece.

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O2ptima Manual –User Guide – Rev 1.1 Page 14 of 26

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2.5. DSV (Diver Supply Valve)

The DSV does not typically need any assembly or disassembly. The DSV does contain
two mushroom valves to provide flow direction. Both mushroom valves are removable for
maintenance and cleaning (see the Maintenance section).

2.6. DIVA

The DIVA (Display Integrated Vibration Alarm) is designed as a H.U.D. – Heads Up
Display. This unit assists the diver in monitoring PPO2 levels with color coded LED’s and
a vibrating alarm. When installing the DIVA on the mouthpiece, ensure that a diver has a
clear view with the DSV in his mouth and his mask on.

The connector end screws on to the head. The connector is keyed in order to ensure proper
orientation of the pins.

2.7. ADV (Auto-Diluent Valve)

The ADV (Auto-Diluent Valve) is located on the divers left shoulder. The ADV provides
diluent into the breathing loop upon descent as the air compresses. This eliminates the
need to manually add diluent to the breathing loop.

WARNING! ALWAYS HAVE AN INLINE SHUT OFF VALVE WHEN USING AN
ADV.

The ADV should only be disassembled for routine maintenance. Please see maintenance
section of the manual.

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