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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for KiSS Sidekick
Summary of Contents for KiSS Sidekick
- Page 1 MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2...
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Page 2: Conventions
Introduction GEM Sidekick SCR The GEM Sidekick SCR is the latest addition to the KISS rebreather family. Like all KISS systems, it is durable, reliable, easy to use, and economical. The Sidekick brings a few more bonuses to the table. The compact design allows the Sidekick to be used in a number of ways: Side-mount rebreather, Bailout rebreather or simple add on Gas Extender. - Page 3 At best, it will delay the failure. The KISS GEM Sidekick is not automatic in any way. It requires constant monitoring, a complete awareness of the potential problems likely to be encountered, and full knowledge of how to deal with whatever problems may occur.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
.......................................... 2 2 .......................................... 2 2 Attaching the Counterlung and Counterlung Cover ...................... 2 2 Mouthpiece and Loop Hose Connection .......................... 2 3 Mouthpiece Positive and Negative Testing ............................ 2 3 Attach the Loop Hoses to the Scrubber Head ........................... 2 3 Positive and Negative Test ............................... 2 4 Five Minute Pre‐Breathe ................................ 2 5 Diving Procedures ................................. 2 5 Select the proper gas .................................. 2 5 MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... - Page 5 High Work Of Breathing ................................ 3 5 Display Troubleshooting ................................ 3 6 Training and Minimum Training Standards ...................... 3 7 Appendix .................................. 4 0 Scrubber Cartridge Duration .............................. 4 0 Sidekick Assembly Checklist .............................. 4 1 Sidekick Pre‐dive Checklist .............................. 4 3 Post Dive Check List ‐ Sidekick Disassembly ........................ 4 4 Shearwater GEM Operation .............................. 4 5 Configuring the Shearwater for Semi‐Closed Operation .................... 4 5 Warranty .................................. 4 6...
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Page 6: Unpacking The Sidekick
Unpacking the Sidekick Unpack your GEM Sidekick using the parts list below, ensure that all components have been received and there hasn’t been any shipping damage. If anything seems to be damaged from shipping, please contact either your dealer or the KISS Rebreathers offices in a timely fashion so that we may replace your damaged parts. -
Page 7: Theory Of Operation
Theory of Operation When the diver exhales into the GEM Sidekick mouthpiece, one third of the gas is diverted out of the vent holes in the mouthpiece and into the water. Two thirds of the breath passes through the exhale loop hose and into the exhale counterlung. -
Page 8: Gas Selection
PPO2/FiO2 may drop. Also, it will drop quickly on the surface. For this reason it is very important that level 1 Sidekick diver’s use a minimum of 32% nitrox. Diving a lower percentage will likely provide the diver with a hypoxic mix on ascent and in shallow water. -
Page 9: System Components
In this case that means you need to be purge the mouthpiece prior to opening the DSV. To do this, put the GEM Sidekick mouthpiece in your mouth and exhale forcefully. This will push the water out of the vent hole. You only need to do this for a few seconds as it is a minute amount of water. - Page 10 Diaphragms and Buttons The Sidekick mouthpiece has 3 discharge port diaphragms and buttons. These allow the mouthpiece to vent a fraction of the diver’s breath while preventing water from entering the mouthpiece. To perform this function properly the diaphragms must lay flat against their seat.
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Page 11: Loop Hoses
Figure 5: Scrubber Canister & Scrubber Head Assembly The Scrubber Canister & Scrubber Head Assembly is the central hub of the Sidekick diving system. Many components attach to it, and many functions are performed by it. Let’s identify all of the parts then describe each one in detail. -
Page 12: Scrubber Canister
KISS Rebreathers recommends Sofnolime 408 as the preferred granular scrubber material. At the time of order, the Sidekick will be set up for granular absorbent. Those that wish to have the cartridge option also, should make this MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... - Page 13 The Sidekick scrubber canister is unique as the absorbent is loaded into the bottom of the canister, not the top like our other KISS rebreather’s. The proper action when using either the granular or cartridge version is to first secure the canister tube to the scrubber head, load the absorbent and then secure the base to the tube.
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Page 14: Inhale And Exhale Towers
Over Pressure Valve (OPV) The Sidekick uses an Apeks valve to prevent excess pressure from damaging the unit. The valve should always be in the fully closed (clockwise) position. This should be checked prior to each dive. The OPV should not vent gas under normal dive conditions. -
Page 15: Sensor Holder / Sensor Screen
Dive your Sidekick a few times before considering a change. Gas may also be added manually to the Sidekick using the ADV. The counterlung case has a cutout that is located just above the ADV actuator paddle. By pressing the paddle with your finger, the ADV acts like the purge on a SCUBA second stage and supplies gas even though the diver is not inhaling through the mouthpiece. -
Page 16: Counterlung And Counterlung Cover
A small amount of silicone grease on this surface will aid with assembly and disassembly, while also adding to the service life of the sealing O-rings. The counterlung cover is considered an important part of the KISS GEM Sidekick diving system. It is important that it is properly maintained and cleaned. It should be repaired or Warning replaced if something is damaged on it. -
Page 17: Oxygen Monitor
Oxygen Sensors The GEM Sidekick uses the KISS Rebreather sensor, K‐22D. The sensors are not included with the unit, but can be ordered from your KISS dealer or with your Sidekick. Prior to installing them, it is best to open the bags and let them sit for at least 24 hours prior to calibration, as they need to go through a “wake up”... -
Page 18: Gear Attachment
Note that adding weight to the bottom of the Sidekick may cause the unit to drop below the diver. This should be taken into consideration when securing the weight and also the rigging clips. -
Page 19: System Assembly
This section covers the assembly and testing of the GEM Sidekick diving system. Whether assembling for the first time, or prior to the next dive, these steps prepare the GEM Sidekick for diving, and verify that it is in proper condition to dive. An important part of ensuring proper gear assembly and operation is the use of checklists. -
Page 20: Verify Calibration With Nitrox
Once the reading stops dropping, calibrate the display to air (0.209) per the instructions for your display (see below). Verify Calibration with Nitrox The Sidekick must be fully assembled and connected to a nitrox tank. Remember to reattach the loop hose to the exhale tower. Then perform these steps: Turn the cylinder valve on. -
Page 21: Loading Granular Co2 Absorbent
Ensure that the sensor holder is in place, wires in good condition, Molex plugs properly secured to the sensors, and the sensor screen is in place. Inspect, clean and lubricate the top and inner edge of the canister tube. These are the sealing areas and require lubricant. MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... -
Page 22: Attaching The Counterlung And Counterlung Cover
Thread the knurled nuts onto the attachment bolts and tighten to secure. Since these do not affect the watertight seal, they should only be tightened until they Figure 25: Scrubber Head, ADV, & are secure. CL Cover Alignment MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... -
Page 23: Mouthpiece And Loop Hose Connection
The counterlung is a key component in the KISS GEM Sidekick diving system. Proper care should be taken with the care and maintenance of this component. It should be inspected Warning regularly to ensure that it is in proper working order. Improper use &/or care may result in serious injury or death! Mouthpiece and Loop Hose Connection ... -
Page 24: Positive And Negative Test
Positive and Negative Test Once the Sidekick is fully assembled, it needs to be tested to ensure that it was assembled properly. These tests verify that the system is airtight and watertight. Together these tests are referred to as the positive and negative test. If the unit fails the positive or negative test, then there is a leak in the system that must be located before the unit is safe to dive. -
Page 25: Five Minute Pre-Breathe
Five Minute Pre‐Breathe One of the last steps prior to diving the Sidekick is to perform a five minute pre-breathe. This test is to determine if the scrubber and the rebreather are working properly. Some divers inaccurately believe this step is to warm up the scrubber material before entering cold water. -
Page 26: Open Loop
Sidekick below the diver who is horizontal in the water: If the unit is secured to the diver in such a manner that it is laying below him while he is in the horizontal position, the increased hydrostatic pressure on exhale will cause the GEM mouthpiece to vent more gas than normal. -
Page 27: Descent
During a normal ascent rate of less than 60 ft/min, this is not a large issue. Since the Sidekick vents gas with each breath, the expanding gas is expelled with the diver’s exhale, and the PPO2 will drop slowly as the pressure drops slowly. -
Page 28: Gas Switching
Regardless of the number of gasses used during the dive, the diver should be able to disconnect and reconnect the gas supply from the gas addition QD on the top of the Sidekick scrubber head. As described earlier, the QD has a locking ring that turns smoothly to lock and ratchets to unlock. - Page 29 If water intrusion is due to damage to the Sidekick then switch to open circuit and end the dive. Do not continue to breathe from the Sidekick if it is damaged.
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Page 30: Post-Dive Procedures
Doffing The first step should be to remove the PPO2 Display from your wrist. It is too easy to remove the Sidekick and set it down, forgetting that it is still tethered to you. This may put unnecessary strain on the connections and cable. Do not allow the display to swing on the cable and knock into other gear. -
Page 31: Storage
Storage As with all dive gear, the Sidekick should be clean and dry before storage. Store in a cool, dry place way from hydrocarbons and sources of ozone. For long storage the unit should be disassembled. The scrubber head should not be attached to the counterlung and the loop hoses should be disconnected from the top of the scrubber and the mouthpiece. -
Page 32: Maintenance And Service
Ensure that the diaphragms are lying flat. If they are not flat, water may enter the breathing loop. Care for your Fischer Connector and Cable Having Fischer connectors on the GEM Sidekick display system is a convenience that many divers enjoy. While a lot of maintenance is not required, some care is important in order to ensure that it operates properly. -
Page 33: Recommended Spare Parts
2 x hose attachment tower 4 x hose stub 4 x mouthpiece hose attachments Spare: White mesh pad, diffuser plate and spring for the Granular Scrubber Canister. Spare: Base crosspiece for the Cartridge Scrubber Canister. MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... -
Page 34: Troubleshooting
Water in the Loop If the Sidekick has passed the positive and negative yet still has water in the loop hoses or counterlung, there can be a number of causes. A small amount condensation is normal, and not a concern. The exact amount will depend on water temperature, the length of the dive, and diver workload. -
Page 35: Adv Stiff In Triggering
Check the position of the counterlung. The Sidekick should be attached so that its counterlung is parallel to the diver’s lungs. With the diver in a horizontal position, the Sidekick should be tucked under the arm with the top of the unit just below the diver. -
Page 36: Display Troubleshooting
Keep in mind that the cylinder was analyzed with another sensor. If it was the shop’s analyzer, then you do not know the accuracy. Additionally sensors in the Sidekick may read lower after the first dive. This is due to moisture on the sensor face, and is not uncommon. -
Page 37: Training And Minimum Training Standards
During your KISS rebreather training you will be required to learn and do various skills. It is very important that during your course these skills are learned and mastered. After training, they should be reviewed on a regular basis. - Page 38 A diver who is certified by a KISS approved training agency on an approved semi-closed rebreather, with current experience (must have a dive on the approved SCR within the last 3 months), must meet all the KISS GEM Sidekick training standards. The exceptions are the dive numbers and times; see below. The 60 minute confined water is mandatory.
- Page 39 • Pre-dive planning and execution of planned dives. • Understanding of how GEM Sidekick works and the necessity of diving the required nitrox mixtures and why shallow water and top side breathing rules are in place. • Calibration and verification of oxygen sensors, (calibrate in air, verify in oxygen).
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Page 40: Appendix
Appendix Scrubber Cartridge Duration The durations for the KISS GEM Sidekick cartridge and granular absorbent are based on independent testing done at the Micropore Inc. test facility. The testing was done using the Micropore 5” large bore cartridge, part #SR-0801C. The granular absorbent tested is Sodasorb HP from diverssupplyinc.net. This is the granular absorbent that we recommend. -
Page 41: Sidekick Assembly Checklist
☐ Verify that the discharge ports on the mouthpiece are venting properly and that the diaphragms are in good condition ☐ With the mouthpiece in the closed position, exhale into it to ensure that the vent hole is unobstructed and is venting properly. MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2... - Page 42 ☐ Turn the PPO2 display off. This completes the GEM Sidekick assembly checklist. This form can be used when assembling the diving system for the next dive. The unit is now assembled and ready to dive. Perform the Pre-dive checklist on the next page prior to each dive.
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Page 43: Sidekick Pre-Dive Checklist
Dive Buddy ☐ Name:________________________________ ☐ Review dive plan, emergency procedures and hand signals ☐ Review Sidekick operation, buddy check and bubble check procedures System Check ☐ Verify that the unit is properly assembled as per the instructions in the manual ☐... -
Page 44: Post Dive Check List - Sidekick Disassembly
Stay within the planned dive depth and bottom time. Post Dive Check List ‐ Sidekick Disassembly After diving the KISS GEM Sidekick, your diving system will need to be disassembled and cleaned. The following procedures should be followed: ☐ Close supply cylinder valve ☐ Purge and remove the first stage ☐... -
Page 45: Shearwater Gem Operation
This means that in order to use the computer in SC mode, it must be linked via the cable to the Sidekick diving system and sensor. Those who dive both the GEM and open circuit can move between SC and OC by changing the setting in the O2 Setup menu, as described in step 2 above. -
Page 46: Warranty
Prior to shipping, please contact Mike Mizell at kissrebreather@yahoo.com to inform him of the shipment. You will need to print out the warranty/service form, fill it in and ship it with your item. This form can be obtained from the KISS website at www.kissrebreathers.com... -
Page 47: Specifications
The KISS GEM Sidekick is a gas extender that is designed for both recreational and technical diving. Proper training outside the level 1 GEM Sidekick course is required prior to doing any technical diving. For some types of diving extra gear must be carried or alternative gear configurations will be required. Ensure that you have the proper training, gas and gear to conduct your planned dive. -
Page 48: Sidekick Ccr - Addendum
Sidekick CCR – Addendum The KISS Sidekick CCR is the newest diving system from KISS. The Sidekick CCR, while very similar to the standard GS SCR, is a fully closed system. The Sidekick CCR Addendum will outline the differences between these two units. - Page 49 Figure 32: MAV Servicing When attaching the valve to the filter and the hoses, it is very important that you use a second wrench to hold the nut next MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2...
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Page 50: Adjusting The O2 Flow Rate
The valve body is not a substitute for a wrench. Older KISS units were shipped with the Swagelok SS/Teflon hoses. New units are shipped with the Miflex hoses. When attaching the manual add valve to these hoses, remember that the inlet port is the one nearest the add button. The hose which is attached to the oxygen first stage is attached to the inlet port. - Page 51 AT THE TOP OF THE PREVIOUS PAGE WHICH SHOW HOW TO DO THIS PROPERLY. 0.0035 orifice 8.0 Bar (117.6 psi) 0.520 LPM 8.5 Bar (125 psi) 0.550 LPM 9.0 Bar (132.3 psi) 0.570 LPM 9.5 Bar (139.7) 0.600 LPM 10.0 Bar (147 psi) 0.630 LPM 10.5 Bar (154.4 psi) 0.660 LPM 11.0 Bar (161.7 psi) 0.70 LPM 11.5 Bar (169 psi) 0.730 LPM 12.0 Bar (176.4 psi) 0.770 LPM 12.5 Bar (183.8 psi) 0.800 LPM 13 Bar (191.1 psi) 0.830 LPM MSL 72.162 GEM Sidekick R.2...
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Page 52: Manual Add Valve Troubleshooting
Warning The manual oxygen addition valve is a key component of the KISS diving system; care should be taken to ensure that it is not damaged, serviced as required and is functioning properly. -
Page 53: First Stage
FIRST STAGE The customer must supply an oxygen clean first stage. As our KISS delrin plug must be inserted, the first stage must be chosen from the list below: Dive Rite - RG1208 ICE with environmental kit Apeks - DS4 with environmental kit Prior to final assembly of the rebreather the oxygen first stage must be modified.
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