Strategos ExLB.2 Instruction Manual and Guide
ExLB Setup and Use Guide

Rigging For Use

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Rigging The System for Use

Step 1: Determining Bottle Quantity

Using the ExLB Bottle chart, determine the number of bottles needed to conduct the lift.

The depth (in feet of seawater) is listed on the left side of the chart with the wet weight of the lift across the top in increments from 150# to 750#, max rated capacity of the system.

As an example, a 500# lift from 200’ Seawater will require 2 bottles.

Also of note is that the chart goes to 300’, where a maximum weight lift only goes down to 250’. This is simply a limitation of only carrying 100 cubic feet of air, but was an excellent tradeoff compared to increasing overall system weight to support a very, very rarely attempted lift.

ExLB Depth Chart

Step 2: Rigging and Installation of Cylinders

Using an external bottle gauge (on-bottle mini gauges are meant for situational awareness only) gauge the High Pressure (HP) bottles and ensure they are fully charge with 3000-3300 psi.

Standing the system up on the machined lift eye and dropping the bottles in from the top (two person job) is the simplest method of installing bottles with the straps still tightly rigged. If you rig the system flat on it’s back you will likely have to un-weave the straps all the way, so this is the method we will cover.

  • Loosen the straps all the way, un-weaving the straps from the buckle.

  • Note the numbering with arrows on the buckles, and the diagram sewn to the webbing. This is the correct way to route the straps.

  • When you place the bottle, make sure the hoses tend off the bottle toward the center of the system. Looked at from the top, the hoses would be at around 2:00 and 10:00 left to right.

  • The straps should be tight, and allow the buckle to clinch the bottle when it is snapped shut when you secure the velcro strap at the end.

  • Repeat for the second bottle (if needed)

Step 3: Attach the bottles to the air system and secure bleed

  • With the bottles strapped in securely, quick connect the bottle whips (hoses) to the manifold on the center section of the ExLB system.

  • Always use the right quick disconnect first (pictured) because it doesn’t have a check valve. If you connect the left side first, air will immediately leak out of this right fitting.

  • Tighten the bleed screw finger-tight.

Always use primary (right side) fitting first.

Step 4: Charge the Air System

  • Quickly open up the primary (right side) bottle valve and listen for leaks.

  • If you hear leaks, proceed to Troubleshooting section

  • You should hear a slight metallic “clink” sound of the STT-IVA valve seating against the actuation pin.

  • Open second bottle (if used). You will not hear a sound as the valve is already seated.

  • System is ready for packing.

Knurled knob is bottle valve

Step 5: Packing the bag

  • Flatten bag and lay system on its back

  • Open the External Inflation/Deflation Valve

  • Pulling the bag tight from the top down, smooth bag and expel extra air.

  • Tuck the sides toward the middle, squeezing air out

  • Fold remaining material up, covering the sides

  • Starting at the bottom, clip the red handling harness over the bag

  • Close the EIDV and secure the lid

Packing the lift bag

Step 6: Expelling extra air

The ExLB MK II system when packed normally will be slightly buoyant (5-8#) with some air left in the system. Under tow, this “extra” buoyancy may be advantageous to the user as it will retain a more positive condition during descent and add to greater line control.

If the mission requires a manual placement of the system by a diver, it may be better to reduce buoyancy as much as possible. To meet this mission we recommend vacuuming down the bag using either a shop vac or manual boat pump to remove as much excess buoyancy as possible.

Once the excess air has been removed, quickly shut the EIDV valve and finalize packing the system.

This will reduce the buoyancy to near nothing and that remaining buoyancy will reduce as the system descends. If there is any extra air left in the system the EIDV can be bled under water one last time and purge the very last of the available

Bundling and packing the bag

  • Zipping Bag

    Zipping the bag shut

    Flatten the bag with the system on its back and tightly pull the zipper closed.

  • Open EIDV

    Open EIDV

    Open the EIDV to ensure that the system can be tightly folded

  • Tightly fold bag

    Tightly fold the bag sides, and then fold remaining bag up over the folded sides.

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  • Install Harness

    Buckle Harness

    Starting with the bottom two buckles, attach the four body buckles.

  • Vacuum system

    Vacuum Debulk

    To reduce the excess air left in the system, vacuum the bag down and quickly shut the EIDV valve and secure lid.