Aqua Lung AIRSOURCE 3

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Summary

SAFETY INFORMATION

Temperature limitations

Specifies the operating temperature range for the Airsource.

Inspection

Guidance on visually inspecting the Airsource for damage before use.

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, & NOTES

Explains the meaning of warning, caution, and note symbols in the manual.

INSTALLATION

Attaching Airsource to BC

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the Airsource to a buoyancy compensator.

Attaching MP Hose to the First Stage

Instructions for connecting the medium pressure inflator hose to the first stage regulator.

INFLATION

BC Inflation

How to inflate the buoyancy compensator using the Airsource.

Medium Pressure (MP) Power Inflation

Using the power inflator button for BC buoyancy adjustments.

BACK UP SECOND STAGE REGULATOR

PRE-DIVE INSPECTION PROCEDURES

DEFLATION

Deflation by the Relief Valve

How to use the relief valve for deflating the BC.

Oral Deflation

Using the mouthpiece to manually deflate the BC.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Recommended procedure for cleaning your Airsource

Step-by-step instructions for rinsing and drying the unit.

SCHEDULED SERVICE

Inspection;Service Schedule

Outlines the recommended service intervals for the regulator.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Explains the terms and conditions of the limited lifetime warranty.

ANNUAL SERVICE & INSPECTION RECORD

The Aqualung Airsource 3 with Quick Disconnect is an integrated scuba diving device that combines the functions of an inflation device and a second-stage regulator. This design aims to streamline a diver's equipment by replacing the need for a separate backup second-stage regulator (octopus), thereby reducing bulk.

Function Description:

The Airsource 3 serves two primary functions:

Inflation Device: It allows for both power (medium pressure) and oral inflation of the buoyancy compensator (BC). The power inflator button (small grey) enables quick buoyancy adjustments, while the oral inflation/deflation button (large grey) provides a secondary means for adding air to the BC, particularly useful if the power inflator is unavailable or undesired.
Backup Second-Stage Regulator: It acts as a high-performance, pneumatically balanced second-stage regulator, operating similarly to a standard second-stage regulator. Divers can breathe from the mouthpiece, and water can be purged by pressing the purge button or exhaling slowly. In an emergency air-sharing situation, the Airsource 3 can serve as the primary regulator for the assisting diver, while their primary second stage is offered to the diver requesting air.

Important Technical Specifications:

Certification: The Airsource 3 has successfully passed cold water tests required by EN1809 / EN 250:2000 standards.
Maximum Operating Depth: Certified for a maximum operating depth of 164 feet (50 meters).
Temperature Limitations: Designed for use in temperatures no lower than -22°F (-30°C) and no higher than 158°F (70°C).
Hose Connection: Features a Quick Disconnect (QD) fitting for the medium pressure (MP) inflator hose. The MP inflator hose connects to an MP port on the first stage regulator.
Torque Specification: When attaching the MP hose to the regulator, it should be torqued to 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm) with a 9/16" wrench.
Over Pressure Valve: The Airsource 3 itself does not come equipped with an over-pressure valve; it must be rigged to a BC that features one.

Usage Features:

Integrated Design: Combines inflator and octopus functions into a single unit, reducing equipment bulk and streamlining the diver.
Quick Disconnect Fitting (QD): Allows for easy detachment and reattachment of the MP inflator hose from the Airsource.
Trim Grip™: The corrugated hose features a Trim Grip™ that allows for easy removal/replacement of the Airsource's lower unit (second stage regulator) from the grip by a 1/4 turn clockwise/counter-clockwise. This also facilitates deflation of the BC through the Relief Valve.
Dual Inflation Methods: Supports both power (MP) inflation via a dedicated button and oral inflation via the oral inflation/deflation button.
Deflation Methods: Air can be vented from the BC using the Relief Valve (activated by pulling down on the Trim Grip™ or Airsource body) or manually through the mouthpiece by pressing the oral inflation/deflation button. The Trim Grip™ is specifically designed to allow deflation while breathing from the Airsource, with dual activating cables for the Relief Valve and an angled mouthpiece for increased head movement.
Hose Guides: Includes middle and upper hose guides to secure the MP hose.
Pre-Dive Inspection: A comprehensive checklist is provided for pre-dive inspection, including visual checks for damage, confirming secure MP inflator hose attachment, verifying air flow from the purge button, assessing breathing performance, and checking for leaks.
Emergency Air Sharing: Designed to be used as a backup regulator in out-of-air emergencies, with the recommendation that the assisting diver offer their primary second stage.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning Procedure:
- Soak the entire Airsource in warm tap water (less than 120°F/40°C) to loosen mineral deposits.
- Alternatively, rinse in tap water.
- Crucially, do not depress the purge button if no air pressure is supplied to the Airsource, as this can cause water and mineral deposits to re-enter the unit.
- Thoroughly wipe dry with a soft towel.
- After drying, reconnect to a scuba cylinder and depress the purge and power inflator buttons to expel any remaining excess water.
- Do not store the Airsource with air pressure supplied to it.
- Store in a clean equipment box or sealed plastic bag in a cool, dry, dark place.
Cleaning Solvents: Do not use any cleaning solvents, aerosol cleaners, or silicone spray for soaking, rinsing, lubricating, or preserving any part of the regulator, as these can seriously damage the Airsource.
Corrugated Hose Separation: The corrugated hose can be separated into two parts (upper and lower halves connected by the Trim Grip™) for easier cleaning and storage. The lower half (with the MP hose) can be cleaned and stored with the first stage, while the upper half remains on the BC.
Scheduled Service:
- Annual Inspection: The Airsource should be inspected/serviced by a qualified repair technician annually or more frequently (every three to six months) if used heavily (more than 100 operational hours per year), in dirty water, swimming pools, or if not operating correctly.
- Overhaul: If in good working order, an overhaul is permissible every other year, with an inspection performed in the "off" years (e.g., Year #1: Inspection, Year #2: Overhaul).
- Documentation: Both inspections and overhauls must be documented in the Annual Service & Inspection Record to maintain the Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Authorized Service: All annual regulator inspections and service must be performed by a qualified Aqualung® repair facility.
Warranty: Aqualung offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects in material and workmanship, provided the product receives normal use, proper care, and prescribed dealer service. This warranty is voided by misuse, abuse, neglect, modification, or unauthorized service, and is non-transferable. It is limited to repair or replacement at the discretion of Aqualung America. Use by untrained or uncertified persons voids all warranties.