THE BUOYANCY COMPENSATORThe buoyancy bag of the HUB, made from 1500 denier Cordura,features the Dragonfly construction which combines theadvantages of back-mounted and traditional BCs.The Dragonfly system ensures perfect buoyancy throughout thedive, and in any underwater swimming position.The HUB is also equipped with two weight pouches, situated in therear (Fig. 2).ADJUSTING THE HUBCUSTOMIZING THE FIT: before the HUB is used underwater, itmust be adapted to the shape of the diver's body by making someadjustments.If the cummerbund needs to be tightened or enlarged, remove itfrom both the left and right inner loops and then, using theadjusting strap with buckle, obtain the desired length by movingthe Velcro-covered part backward or forward (Fig. 4).- 4The result is a BC that is perfectly balanced not only underwaterbut also on the surface - an essential characteristic for ensuringthe correct position of a diver affected by fatigue and/or stress.THE CARRYING HANDLEA retractable carrying handle, for use during transport of the HUB,is built into the BC backpack (Fig. 3).- 2After completing the adjustment, replace the cummerbund inside itsloops and check the resulting fit, taking into account the thickness ofthe wetsuit and ensuring that the two sides are exactly symmetrical.The cummerbund is correctly adjusted when the Velcro flapsoverlap at least 5 inches each other at the center of the diver'swaist.After obtaining the desired girth, use the quick-adjusting shoulderstraps on the left and right side to finish customizing the fit.PRE-DIVE MODEAfter customizing the fit of the HUB, you are then ready toassemble the equipment and start getting acquainted - on thesurface - with the various components of this revolutionaryunderwater breathing system.ASSEMBLING THE HUBPlace the tank in front of you with the valve opening facing you.Place the rigid backpack of the HUB on the tank, using the specialpositioning system.Loop the positioning strap around the tank valve and adjust thelength according to the diameter and characteristics of the tank, sothat the curved part of the backpack rests against the end of thetank (Fig. 5).- 3INSTRUCTIONS FOR USEBefore using the HUB in open water conditions, carefully read theinstructions for use provided in this manual, which can help ensurethe life and safety of the equipment.It is also recommended to try the HUB in a swimming pool first,donning full gear as for an open water dive, in order to becomeacquainted with this equipment. While the HUB retains the shape andworking principles of the traditional BC, it is used in a different way.One recommended shallow water exercise, for example, is topractice controlling buoyancy while pivoting on the fins. This simplemove helps the diver become familiar with the "IN - OUT" inflationand <strong>def</strong>lation buttons, experiencing their air flow rate and - mostimportantly - their ease of use.- 512
Tighten and secure the tank strap (Fig. 6).Take out the second stage and, pressing its purge button, slowlyturn the tank valve to the fully open position, then back one half turn. WARNINGDuring this procedure, press the manual purge buttonof the second stage to reduce the impact on the valve.Do not perform this maneuver in environments wherethe temperature is below 10° C. CAUTIONThe B/C of your HUB was designed to be used with airtanks having the following minimum and maximumcharacteristics:Diameter:min. 14.1 cm (5.5 in) - max. 21.5 cm (8.5 in)Volume: single tank: min. 5 l (35 cu. ft.) -max. 20 l (140 cu. ft.)double tank: min 2 x 5 l (2 x 35 cu. ft.) -max 2 x 10 l (2 x 70 cu. ft.)As with traditional BCs, it is recommended to wet the straps beforeattaching the HUB to the tank.To check that the tank is securely attached, proceed as follows:a) open the buckle of the positioning strap.b) turn and re-close the buckle so as to be able to grip the strap,and lift the HUB-tank group (Fig. 7).- 6After checking that the primary second stage is in perfect workingorder, it is necessary to also check the alternative second stage.To access the alternative second stage, open its specialcompartment by pulling upward on the yellow knob in the lowerright-hand pocket.After checking the operation of the alternative second stage, replaceit inside its compartment, taking care to coil the hose correctly.After completing the check of both regulators, check the tankpressure using the submersible pressure gauge or the console inthe left pocket.Next, check the operation of the pneumatic inflation and <strong>def</strong>lationsystem by pressing the IN and OUT buttons.Finally, check the oral inflation system using the silicone tubeinside the left pocket.Fully extract the tube and blow into it to inflate the BC.Replace its cap and correctly reposition the tube inside the pocket. WARNINGRemember to fully extract the oral inflation tube beforeblowing inside.DONNING THE HUBBefore donning the HUB, check that all the components of theintegrated system are positioned correctly. WARNINGRemember to stow the carrying handle of the HUBinside its compartment when HUB is in use.This maneuver is essential for ensuring that the tank will not slipout of the retaining straps.c) re-open the buckle and reconnect the positioning strap asshown in Fig. 5.Take the first stage out of its compartment and, after removing thedust/moisture cap, assemble it on the tank valve after havingchecked that the O-ring seal is in perfect condition.- 7PERFORMING THE BUDDY-CHECKAlthough the working principle of the HUB is the same as that of aconventional scuba gear, it is necessary to have a properunderstanding of its operation, which is slightly different.Before entering the water, ask your buddy to familiarize his orherself with how the HUB works by going through a normal predivecheck particularly sharing air procedures.Always practice this essential procedure, which enhances yourown safety and that of your buddy.The fundamental check points are listed below:1) Check that the tank strap is secure.2) To check that the tank is open, take the primary second stagefrom the right pocket and the console from the left pocket;breathe through the regulator a few times while checking theconsole.The reading of the pressure gauge should not change.3) Press the "IN" button of the inflator unit to inflate the BC by asmall amount.Then check the <strong>def</strong>lation by pressing the "OUT" button.Alternatively, it is possible to use the oral inflation tube stowedinside the left pocket.4) Check the operation of the quick air dump valves.ENTRY PROCEDUREAfter having completed the pre-dive check, take the primarysecond stage from the right pocket, inflate the BC with the thumbof your left hand and check that the mask is correctly positioned onyour face: you are now ready to go into the water.13