Calypso-I HELP!

[nikeajax]

Gosh, I just got a Calypso-I, and I bent the lever I straightened it but now it's too high: how high should it come up from where the diaphragm seats?

Thanks,
Jaybird

[sitkadiver]

Jay,

This might end up being a trial and error sort of thing.

The only reg I have that would be close is a Hydro Lung Supreme..... Let me know if you think that will get you in the ball park.

[nikeajax]

Thanks ol' buddy--really! I think I got it figured out--whew! Gosh, I went to take it apart, grampa wasn't wearin' his glasses , didn't see that I needed a 9/16" wrench to hold the um, okay, gotta check the book fer the name... you know, the 1025-09... body... Kinda one of those, "Oh, no... aw-$#!+!" moments.

Hmmmm, I noticed that it has a weird looking plug where the SPG would go called "stem gauge" part #1023-12, what the heck does it measure!

It also looks like the front of the box is case-hardened--huh! I'm assuming it is because it's the same gold-iridescence that hardened bolts are

Jaybird

[nikeajax]

Okay, I was looking at the USD catalog from '61. Here's what it says about the "stem gauge":

"Stem-Gauge'- Built in the same principal as 'push button'. A small stem is pushed outside to the housing proportionally to the inside pressure of the cylinder."

Okay, it's a half-@$$ SPG That one's gonna sit in the bottom of my scuba-box from now on, SNORT! pix soon...

Jaybird

[SeaRat]

Jaybird,

Does your Calypso look like this:



There is a metal rod in the middle of the stem gauge which is pushed up when under pressure. It will fill that gap in the center when the tank is full. I believe it has marks for 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 full too. There is a washer under the stem gauge which then has the O-ring next to the threads. Because of the taper to the opening, you need that washer to seal any gauge you put on that regulator (if it indeed is the first Calypso). What it does is tell you when you put the regulator on how full that tank is, if it is working correctly and not bent.

I don't know what you are saying adout the "box is case-hardened..."

John

[nikeajax]

Almost... but not exactly Hmmmmm? I was looking at your image there and noticed the hose going into the second stage: it gets necked-down, and is angled. Kind interesting, no?

Jaybird

[SeaRat]

Jaybird, those LP hoses were available on the Professional Aquamatic, and for just a little time on the original Calypso. I have not seen any which actually got sold configured that way.

John

[nikeajax]

John, I just thought I'd let you know you're REALLY onto something there with that technique of "reconditioning" old diaphragms--thanks!

I smeared silicone on the diaphragm of this regulator when I first got it, and this morning a bit more, and worked it pretty good, not nearly as much as the Healthways, but I think I got about 15-20% more elasticity out of it. I rolled, pinched and just worked it for a good ten minutes, then gooped it up before reassembling, more messaging in a week or so. One of these days when I get the nerve, I'm going to make a new one with a silicone diaphragm: I expect it to be a bit tricky...

Jaybird

[nikeajax]

YIKES: how the heck do ya adjust this sucker?!?!?!? On the second stage, there's a, for my lack of a better word, window (hole) in/on the body (#1025-09) which lines up with a hole in the disc-retainer (1025-04): are you supposed to put a paper-clip, or something like that, into those holes to keep the retainer from spinning while trying to adjust it?!?!?! I though I had a manual for it, but don't; I read the part in Basic Scuba about this reg, but it doesn't say, did I miss something?

Thanks,
jaybird

[cnotthoff]

Jay,

Those of us who do this regularly have a tool that matches the poppet to hold it while turning the locknut. The poppet also has a slot on the threaded end. A carefully bent screwdriver will fit that slot and allow you to use a 1/4 open-end wrench to adjust that nut with the 2nd stage assembled and pressurized (no diaphragm or cover). You'll need to check your adjustment periodically by replacing the diaphragm & cover and check to see if it cracks the poppet open. Never use that screwdriver to disassemble the poppet because any corrosion will make it hard to turn and split that slot open.

If you don't have either of those options, depress the lever fully and wedge a brass probe between the seat carrier end of the poppet and its housing. Release the lever and tighten the locknut. Repeat until it's adjusted properly. This method is a pain in the butt since you have to have the 2nd stage inlet removed to secure the poppet.

Good dives,

Charlie

[nikeajax]

Thanks buddy!

[nikeajax]

Hmmmm? I've always wondered why they referred to the poppet as the retainer, and the LP-seat as the disc on the parts list--gosh, that's a bit confusing! I did know they call them both, but... just thinkin' out loud is all.

Jaybird

[nikeajax]

Charlie, while putting the spacer back in that I left out, swore it was there, and didn't find it cause it was on the floor and found it yesterday, I see that the slot you mentioned for said adjustment isn't there. I'm going to assume that the holes I had mentioned above are for the same thing as what the poppet-tool does. I don't think it ever had this slot, as the end of the poppet has some machine marks that are concentric rings at the very end; they look like they've always been there too, hmmmmmm?

Jaybird

[nikeajax]

Dave, did you ever try making a diaphragm for your Hydrolung? I know these two regs share the same one: I saw your posting on that other forum where Slonda/Ron was talking 'bout remaking them. I don't think I misread it, but could have, but he said he used super glue to re-glue the old disc on-that seems kind brittle to me. I've been thinking of using RTV and then using some nylon screws as rivets and then melting/flaring the ends for a proper securing method.

Jaybird

[sitkadiver]

Jay,

I used a conshelf diaphragm in the hydro-lung supreme. At least I'm 99% certain that's what I did.

I may have an extra if you need one to try. It's white/clear silicone, but you would have to punch out the center hole if you're rebuiling an older Calypso.