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Azimuth Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather The basic chassis of the Azimuth is a simple injection-molded plastic case, formed to hold the cylinders, scrubber, and counterlungs. To that basic platform is attached all of the other components. Notice the two cylinders across the bottom of the rig, and the substantial carrying handle-cum-ballast weight across the top. Notice also the integrated wings for buoyancy control. That little round thing in the middle of the back is the exhaust valve. |
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| Streamlined Design This shot shows the very cleanly streamlined shape of the shell of the rig, which really fits the divers back wonderfully. There is a neat spring-loaded stand on the bottom of the rig, that must be pulled out to extend it, yet when the diver begins to stand-up after dressing into the rig the feet spring-back into a retracted position. Loads of attention has been made to keeping hose-runs neat, and streamlining every part of the system. Here, the 2 HP gauge hoses and the feed-hose for the wings can be seen exiting the shell at the left shoulder. |
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| Harness & System
Components The harness is a cummerbund design with good quality fasteners and double leg-straps similar to a parachute harness, these are designed to keep the rig positioned low on the back so the centre of the counterlungs is in a position for low work of breathing. All of the other system components are of Mares manufacture. Shown are the 2 HP gauges, the bailout regulator, and the wings inflator. All top of the line stuff, and easy to service at the local dive shop. |
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| Cylinders & Regulators Cylinders are Faber 4 liter steel ones, with a 200 BAR working pressure. Regulators are no surprise, Mares MR-12. This is a real advantage over the Dolphin, as Mares first-stage parts are common worldwide. |
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| Constant Flow Mass Dose
Unit The real core of the rig is the constant mass flow dose unit and manifold, which is attached to the harness at the belt. The gas flow starts with the very well known and excellent MR-12 first stages. The gas then feeds through standard second-stage supply hoses to this belt block and dose unit device. The gas connections are color coded: Blue = Top cylinder, reserve and bailout system. Red = Bottom cylinder, normal feed gas. Yellow = Return supply back to the counterlung. This block is held at the divers waist, over the right hip, where access is easy. The red lever is the manual addition lever, which freeflows supply gas (either blue or red gas) into the counterlung. The block is positioned so that you can just do this by pressing it in with the palm of your hand. The blue lever is the one that turns on the reserve gas supply to the rig. |
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| Scrubber & Counterlungs Opening up the shell reveals the scrubber , exhaust valve, and counterlungs. The scrubber on the Azimuth is an industrial-quality component made of TIG welded stainless steel, which also ballasts the rig up in the counterlung area. The counterlungs are located at the top of the shell, and connect to their respective breathing hoses at the top and to the scrubber at their bottoms. The exhaust counterlung has a plastic tube running to the adjustable exhaust valve, and also includes an ultimate overpressure relief valve in case the main valve gets clogged. The inhale counterlung has the gas supply line, and a large diameter drain port for cleaning. The inhale counterlung has a similar opening, only this side has a blanking plate installed so it's just a drain port. |
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| Empty Shell It takes approximately 2 minutes to remove the scrubber, counterlungs, and the cylinders, and this is what's left. This is viewed from the top-down, with the open shell lid hinged at the bottom, and the stowage area for the cylinders at the top. If you require a more detailed description and photos of the Azimuth, take a look at the following website: Dave Sutton's Rebreather teardown website |
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