At any given time, eBay has over 100 auctions running for items having to do with servicing Scuba Equipment.  These range from parts, manuals, exploded views and diagrams, to CD’s and used equipment being sold for parts.  If you have the requisite experience and need to purchase a service manual, please keep the following in mind – and check the listing details.

• Is the manual printed, on CD or both?
• What is the date of the manual?
• What makes and models are included?

Personally, I prefer printed manuals. Many individuals will purchase the manual on CD then print it themselves. This is often not a very affordable option, especially for larger manuals. I have seen, for example, the Poseidon manual offered by a couple of different sellers.  This is a 200 or so page manual. Even if you were to print it yourself on a laser printer, your cost would be a minimum of .03 per page (that’s taking into account the cost of toner, paper, drum life, etc.)  Your actual cost to print 200 sheets would be $6 (probably more!) That may sound high, but take into consideration all the printer costs, plus the price of paper (not to mention it would take some time to print.)  Ink-jet printers would cost even more and take considerably more time to print.  So if your intent is to have the manual in front of you while servicing equipment, just purchasing a CD copy winds up costing more than a printed version.  If you only need to peruse the manual and don’t need a hardcopy, CD’s are fine.

If you have an understanding boss, you may be able to print the manual at work or the office for free - but play it safe and ask!

If you are purchasing a manual, make sure that instructions as well as exploded views are included.  Double check the listings.  Some are for exploded views only, others for complete service manuals. The listing should be specific and mention what’s being auctioned (owner’s manual, service manual, exploded views only, etc.) and what is covered (makes and models.)

When searching for manuals, be sure to check both listings and eBay stores, and search for various keyword combinations. Scuba Service, regulator service, Dacor service, ScubaPro service and so on.

For example, Scuba Service usually finds numerous manuals and parts kits.  A more specific search, such as Nikonos Service, has fewer results, but is obviously more targeted.

Finally, keep in mind that parts may not be available for older model regulators!

I usually have over 100 different manuals for auction or in my eBay store (RicksAuctionServices)