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Post by JES on Jul 5, 2014 14:48:34 GMT -8
Argonaut KrakenI'm really thinking about getting Andrew one for Christmas ... I finally was able to open the above link. That's a really good price for a brand new doublehose regulator! I thought it would cost way more. You all put quite a bit of work into designing and making them... Your son Andrew would (without question) absolutely love an Argonaut Kraken for Christmas!
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Post by SeaRat on Jul 5, 2014 17:52:19 GMT -8
I am very curious about how the name, "Kraken" came to be used for this regulator. It apparently is Dutch, and Google Translate offers the following translations:
I know Google Translate is relative, and does not always do justice to a word or phrase. Can someone fill me in on this?
John
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Post by scubadiverbob on Jul 5, 2014 18:12:58 GMT -8
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Post by scubadiverbob on Jul 5, 2014 18:30:05 GMT -8
Here's what wikipedia has, and I quote:
The English word kraken is taken from Norwegian.[20] In Norwegian and Swedish, Kraken is the definite form of krake, a word designating an unhealthy animal or something twisted (cognate with the English crook and crank).[21] In modern German, Krake (plural and declined singular: Kraken) means octopus, but can also refer to the legendary Kraken.[22] In Dutch, the verb Kraken means breaking or the sound of cracking.
I guess the dutch term refers to the sound of ships being broken in two by the beast. In the Navy, I was in the Pacific (Westpac); so, never saw one .... Also, the Coral Sea CVA 43 would've been way to big for it to attack and eat!
Robert
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Post by JES on Jul 5, 2014 20:43:07 GMT -8
As best as I can recall, Bryan started a contest the end of March 2013 to design a logo for the new regulator, and James (Nemrod) happened to point out that the Argonaut happens to also be a pelagic octopus. After numerous contributions, Bryan picked an artist to work with. One of the first early designs featured an octopus. I believe that Rob (1969ivan1) mentioned that he liked the one with the "Kraken". I think that the name just sort of stuck from there. I mean, who doesn't like a legendary sea monster of giant proportions? Luis, do you have any other "behind the scenes" insight?
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Post by regulator68bj on Jul 6, 2014 2:55:35 GMT -8
Maybe this is the image that was the inspiration.
john
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Post by JES on Jul 6, 2014 12:40:55 GMT -8
It started out like this: and ended up like this:
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Post by JES on Jul 6, 2014 12:52:27 GMT -8
Although stated in a somewhat similar fashion earlier, it bears repeating what exactly the Argonaut Kraken is, and what makes it such an advanced 21st century double hose regulator. There has been so much interest in this regulator that it has completely sold out a second time.
The Argonaut is a completely new double hose regulator which retains an attractive vintage appearance, but incorporates state-of-the-art modern features. •1st Stage relies upon a balanced diaphragm featuring high flow capability. This engineering feature effectively limits intermediate pressure change; thus guaranteeing effortless, consistent performance with any tank pressure or any dive depth.
•1st and 2nd stages are environmentally isolated to insure absolute reliability in all weather and water conditions.
•The regulator contains 3 low pressure ports for optimal hose positioning. This feature allows the diver to use any variety of low pressure accessories. The ports are industry standard 3/8” UNF sized.
•1st stage also contains a high pressure port allowing the diver to use either a stand-alone submersible pressure gauge, or a transmitter unit. The port is again, the current industry standard 7/16” UNF size.
•Totally modern 2nd stage design that incorporates features such as: adjustable seat, large ultra flexible silicone diaphragm using a lever geometry designed for optimal mechanical advantage with low friction, and adjustable venturi assistance. The replaceable and adjustable hard seat (volcano orifice) permits ultra-fine tuning.
•Internal parts that are chosen for maximum durability and ease of availability. Food grade silicone utilized for items such as hoses, mouthpiece, and low pressure diaphragms for extra-long life and easy maintenance.
•1st and 2nd stages manufactured from attractively triple-plated brass alloys, with lightweight, corrosion proof materials used for the housing.
•Main body interfacing surfaces sealed with an O-ring rather than a flat gasket.
•Effortless, natural breathing characteristics due to advanced design vacuum assisted venturi action, and a high flow/ ultra-low resistance exhaust system.
•In essence, a double hose regulator that displays the classic lines of a vintage model with the performance of a 21st century design.
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Post by herman on Jul 6, 2014 13:30:13 GMT -8
To add a little to Jes, the reg is easily servicable by any tech that is familure with US Diver/Aqualung designs. It is not a USD/AL by any streach but any good tech will easily understand it's operation. The are no specialty tools REQUIRED to service the regulator, now that is not to say that a few specialty tools are not helpful...afterall I do make them. That said, the "helpful" speicalty tools are for the most part common to the many USD/Voit DH regs so anyone who services them will either have the tools already or purchasing them is not as painful since you can use them on a varity of regs.
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Post by JES on Jul 6, 2014 18:38:41 GMT -8
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Post by nikeajax on Jul 7, 2014 7:37:40 GMT -8
When I first saw the name I was a bit curious as to why Kraken was chosen: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KrakenBeing of Scandinavian, Norwegain actually, decent, I was thinking, "Sea monster, hmmm, okay?" Jaybird
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Post by nikeajax on Jul 7, 2014 12:01:04 GMT -8
Okay John, here ya go buddy! This Kraken should be MORE than familiar to you Jaybird
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Post by sitkadiver on Jul 7, 2014 12:02:11 GMT -8
It's a good thing that we're getting the history written down now. I hope someone is keeping this as a hard copy. Also, I'm very thankful that VDH passed on my stick figure drawing of a Trireme!!(back during the label post in 2012 or so.) I am so jealous of people like Clint Walker.
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Post by surflung on Jul 10, 2014 5:54:35 GMT -8
The Sea Hunt Argonaut...- I had the option of a custom serial number with this Argonaut and chose "Sea Hunt" to commemorate the Argonaut regulator's namesake: Mike Nelson's "Sea Hunt" Cabin Cruiser was named "Argonaut"! - I'm taking this Sea Hunt Argonaut to Fortune Pond this weekend. My diving buddy will be "Sea Hunt" Jerry Lang. And, I'm going to dive this regulator vintage style with my "Sea Hunt" Twin 38s... USN round bottom tanks! Photos and maybe video to follow...
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Post by SeaRat on Jul 10, 2014 7:26:34 GMT -8
I'm interested in how the red hoses photograph underwater. I must be a big improvement from black hoses.
John
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