Mike Ward, March 24, 2009
Hello to All:
Sorry for the delay in getting a news letter out. Things have been busy here at Dive Lab. We recently moved the fiberglass and machine shop to a new building and are in the process of moving the test chambers and testing facility to the back building. Technician training classes have continued to remain strong with an increase in overseas attendance. Dive Lab has a new employee! Rodney (Rocky) Heikkinen, U.S. Army Master Diver retired, joined Dive Lab in June of 2008. Rocky will be taking over as Dive Lab’s director of training and working as a system expert on all new man worn and support equipment.
In 2008, Dive Lab completed CE testing of the KM-77 and 47 to the new European Standard EN15333. Sales of both the KM-77 and 47 are strong. Dive Lab is in the process of testing the KM-37 SS helmet to EN15333.
Below are some of the last KMDSI bulletins. Please check out the KMDSI website and down load the bulletins.
2009 KMDSI Bulletin:
#1 of 2009 – (February 27, 2009) – Communication Module used on Kirby Morgan Helmets & EXO Masks, PN 320-025. The communication mount nut (320-026) should never be tightened using a spanner or other tool. Tightening the mount nut using a tool will add excessive strain to the parts and could cause damage to the module allowing the module to break free, resulting in flooding of the helmet which could cause injury, or drowning. (Please read entire bulletin @ www.kirbymorgan.com)
Recap of 2008 KMDSI Bulletins:
#1 of 2008 – (February 25, 2008) – Change to Product – One Way Valve, PN 555-195, Circle Seal Controls, Inc. has made a change to their one-way valve that they manufacture; they have replaced the stainless steel spring guide with a brass spring guide. (Please read entire bulletin @ www.kirbymorgan.com).
#2 of 2008 – (October 24, 2008) – Change to Product – Pull Strap Assembly with D Ring, PN 505-142. Kirby Morgan is now shipping all helmets (except the 17B) with a new Pull Strap assembly that has a 1” Stainless Steel “D” ring sewn on the end to hang the neck ring assembly and allow proper drying. The length of the Pull Strap remains the same. (Please read entire bulletin @ www.kirbymorgan.com).
Recap of 2008 Safety Bulletin(s):
#1 of 2008 – (June 2, 2008) – Dry Suit inflation installation onto a Kirby Morgan Helmet “B” Side Block, Part Numbers 505-024 & 505-025 (Please read entire bulletin @ www.kirbymorgan.com).
New Stuff:
Website updated (continue using divelab@aol.com until further notice). We still have problems with divelab@divelab.com. One of these days we will get it figured out.
SuperFlow Regulator Socket Wrench:
KMDSI has come out with a stainless steel regulator mount nut socket tool. The tool is just like the one Dive Lab sells except cast in stainless steel. The tool retails for $20.00 and is now available from KMDSI dealers under part number 525-625.
SuperFlow Regulator Socket Wrench:
KMDSI has come out with a stainless steel regulator mount nut socket tool. The tool is just like the one Dive Lab sells except cast in stainless steel. The tool retails for $20.00 and is now available from KMDSI dealers under part number 525-625.
Surface Supply Requirements
We made a few minor changes to the surface supplied requirements document located in the technical section of the Dive Lab website. The changes were mainly to text and did not affect the LP tables. The latest version is dated 8-22-08.
Technician and Operator/User Guide Revisions:
We are working on revising the KMDSI Helmet and Band Mask Checklists and the Technician and Operator/User Guides. The changes are being made to include the KM-77, KM-57, KM-47 Helmets and the 450 Regulator. In addition, maintenance checklists are being developed for the KMDSI KMACS-5. We hope to have the latest revisions out by May – June of 2009. In the interim, use the current checklists for the KM-77, KM-57, KM-47 helmets and the SF 450 equipped helmets.
Reminder
Please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail technical questions or problems. It is important to include e-mails to KMDSI as well. KMDSI is interested in any and all comments, problems and anything that can make it better for the user/maintainer.
Dive Safe
From Everyone at Dive Lab
