Can't wait until next Spring!!! US Divers Mistral.

[tomcatpc]

Here is the US Divers Aqua-Lung Mistral that I got a while back. 



Really looking forward to getting this in the water next Spring!!!  Still need to get it adjusted and all that.  Need to get a tank with air yet LOL, but things are starting to come along, both in regards to diving and getting cleared to dive again, which is a God send!! 
Thanks for the support!!






Please excuse the cruddy basement floor and the bad photos...
Mark

[tomcatpc]

I have a complete set of the clips for the regulator, but wanted to get a band clamp anyway until I get it sorted out and know I got it working. For someone who has never worked on anything like this...it was not too tough to get it all put back together. Need air pressure to adjust the lever...but I can't foresee that being a big deal?..but if I need help...sure you all will hear LOL.
Mark

[SeaRat]

Tomcatpc,

You might want to put it into the water in a pool before taking it into open water. That would familiarize you with how the double hose regulator works, and some of the particularities of diving with a double hose regulator. It's also a good way to get wet when diving conditions are not good (we have a winter storm warning going on right now).

John

[surflung]

- Thanks for the beautiful pictures Tomcat. I never get tired of looking at double hose regulators.
- I don't think you need air pressure to get your lever adjusted pretty close on a Mistral. I got a lever height checking tool from VDH that lets you check the height as you adjust the lever. I have used it on several Mistrals and didn't need readjusting after hooking them up to a full pressure tank.
- The tool is basically a straight edge with a squared indent. You hold it across the open can face and adjust the lever to just clear the indent.

[tomcatpc]

I had every intention of checking it out in a pool first before open water!! Not sure how long it will be before I get to check it out, but will not be in open water, that is certain. I have an Aqua-Lung Manual, that I need to print out before I adjust the lever. Will check out the tool from Vintage Double Hose, think I know what you are talking about though.
Mark

[SeaRat]

Tomcatpc,

You really don't need a lever adjustment tool. U.S. Divers Company used a ruler, and adjusted it to the height of the box when pressurized. I never liked that, and put it about 1/4 inch above the box, as that is close to the height of the interior of the original USD diaphragms. Any little bit of elevation increases the lever's leverage on the pin, so I set it as high as possible without initiating a flow.

John

[tomcatpc]

Thanks John...I was wondering about that, as I did recall scanning over the manual you sent me and it don't recall the tool. but just a ruler. I have seen the tool from VDH as well, I guess both ways make sense to me, but I'll go with the way in USD/AL Manual, as it is one less thing I need to buy!

Now in a year or so, once I get the Mistral wet and have fun with it, etc. I'd love to find a US Divers "Jet Air"!!1 LOL, Not sure why? just like the way they look! LOL

Being serious...grateful for the Mistral and looking forward to seeing how it works.
Mark

[surflung]

- Just a thought... Over the last three winters I was able to rent the town's rec center pool for $50 an hour. I took it for two hours @ $100. And I figured $100 would be less than the cost of driving somewhere to go diving. Anyway, I had an Olympic sized pool with 12 foot depth to try out my regulators, tanks, and adjust buoyancy. The deal was for up to 10 people. I just took my family, grand kids, etc. But it could get really cheap per diver if a few dive buddies split the cost... No need to wait for spring!

[tomcatpc]

Alright, I finally put this regulator on a tank and fired it up. At first it free flowed. I shut the air off, took it apart and by trial and error and reading the manual I was given, got the levers adjusted. On dry land, it breathes just fine. I'm hoping to have a go at it in the local dive shop pool sometime soon!!!
Thanks
Mark

[diverdon]

Good to hear Mark! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

DD

[SeaRat]

Mark,

That's good to hear. It should breathe just fine in the water if it is good on land. Keep us posted.

John

[tomcatpc]

Just rang the local dive shop and I'm going to the pool in an hour or so.
Thanks
Mark

[tomcatpc]

It went just fine. I did not detect any leaks and it breathed flawless. Actually I think it was just as good as the Aqua-Lung Titan single hose I learned on. There is a bit of learning curve for me to get used to. I had the tank mounted too high on the backpack. I'll try and correct that for nest time.

I was wearing shorts, no wetsuit, and went in with no weights just to see how it was with just the tank/backpack. I ended up not putting any weights on, it was close to being neutral buoyant just like that. It was easy to move around, do flips, etc.

I actually felt less uncombumbered than using modern kit. I think I will end up learning to love diving a double hose regulator.
Thanks
Mark

[herman]

Mark, a few of things to keep in mind with the Mistral. Since it is a single stage reg, it's breathing characteristics change a good bit as tank pressure changes, it will get easier to breath from as the pressure drops. At low pressures it may start to free flow slightly because tank pressure on the HP seat assist in the sealing forces, as tank pressure drops so do the forces working to keep the seat closed. As long as it does not leak bad and does not start leaking before 500 psi or so, it’s not worth worrying about. The Mistral was designed for 2250 and below tanks but it will work OK on 3000 tanks. The breathing resistance will increase a fair amount and the reg has the tendency to “sing” at pressures about 2300 or so. It is a fairly loud, high pitched squeal. That is very common with this design, just ignore it and keep diving, it will stop once the tank pressure drops. High tank pressures and the singing are likely not good for the seats but since they are being reproduced ( $15 if I remember correctly) and easy to replace I would not worry about damaging them. Enjoy the reg, as simple as they are, when set up properly they breath nicely and are very dependable.

[tomcatpc]

Here is the tank/regulator shortly before throwing it in the pool. Fins, mask, boots are modern. Next time I will have the tank adjusted correctly on the backpack. Had fun and think I'll enjoy diving this rig!!! Thanks for all the help so far...I will need it again LOL.
Mark