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Post by vance on Oct 12, 2020 16:12:54 GMT -8
Kewl. There's one...
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Post by vance on Oct 12, 2020 16:22:24 GMT -8
Thanks, John. I don't really care if anyone else is interested in this, in the long run. It's just what I do. But, all things considered, it's nice when others share my interests along the way.
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Post by vance on Oct 25, 2020 14:59:01 GMT -8
Update:
It turns out that this mod requires the second stage seat (volcano orifice) to be cut shorter by 1/32" or so. It needs to be shortened so the LP soft seat is level.
It isn't hard to cut down the orifice if you have a lathe or another way to do this (easily done in a drill press, an electric drill, etc., with some files). But, the up-side is, if you mod the lever/seat this way, you'll never need to go back to stock b/c there are no OEM lever/seats to go back to!
I think this lever mod could be done with no lead plumber's solder. Or JBWeld.
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Post by SeaRat on Nov 24, 2020 22:12:40 GMT -8
Phil, I just re-converted my Dacor R-4 back into its original cnfiguration, a Dacor C-3, using that duckbill. Guess what? I'm sure it's exhalation resistance is loss with the duckbill than the double diaphragm with its mushroom valve, it took me less time than watching the TV program, "FBI." It's now ready to dive.
John
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Post by SeaRat on Nov 25, 2020 17:42:15 GMT -8
Here are the photos of my Dacor Clipper with its "new" duckbill. IMG_1757 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here's the duckbill I received from Phil. IMG_1758 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here's my Clipper diaphragm. Note the indentation, which is where the diaphragm laid against the intake horn, which protrudes inside a bit. IMG_1759 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here the duckbill has been inserted into the bottom box of the Clipper. IMG_1760 by John Ratliff, on Flickr I have included this image to show that I used a bit of duct tape to cover part of the nozzle opening. I think this helps the Venturi for this regulator, but have no real data on that. IMG_1761 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here is the whole regulator on my twin 45s, with my Sherwood manifold which has two posts. This would allow me to dive any of my older regulators with a second single hose regulator as a backup, and source for LP air (octopus, inflator) and SPG or computer. John
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Post by vance on Nov 26, 2020 9:02:20 GMT -8
Nice, John. I'm happy the duckbill worked out for you. It's nice to have the original part rather than using a USD duckbill. The USD part works perfectly well, but knowing you have an original is cool. The second diaphragm can be eliminated on any of the Dacor DH regs. The C-3N is essentially an R-4 with a duckbill. This is going to become more and more necessary as the original exhaust parts can no longer be scrounged up.
Drawing this thread back to the 2500 series regs, I find they work better with a duckbill installed in place of a second diaphragm. Exhaust effort is noticeably easier. This seems to be true for all of the double diaphragm models. I'm generally not a fan of duckbills, but for Dacors, they are the cat's pjs.
Speaking of this, I think an exhaust diaphragm can be fairly easily converted to use as a primary, as well. You'd just have to close the holes in the disk and fashion a smooth surface for the lever interface. I've been thinking about this b/c I have a couple of exhaust diaphragms, but no good intakes.
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Post by vance on Dec 22, 2020 17:28:08 GMT -8
I have this box full of Dacor series 2500 regs. There's an R-2, 2 R-3s (one which might be unused) and a partial R-3 + parts. The partial R-3 is missing the middle ring w/ the exhaust horn, but is otherwise complete.
I dug the box out today, b/c it was on my mind after rebuilding 2 C-3s, a C-2, and an R-4 lately.
I finished the rare R-2 with a modded second stage lever as mentioned above, which turned out excellent, and started focusing on the R-3s. I need to solder some USD seat holders to the Dacor levers, and figure out how to turn exhaust diaphragms into intakes. I'll use OEM Dacor duckbills for exhaust valves. Few love these, but they're history.
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Post by nikeajax on Dec 23, 2020 13:50:24 GMT -8
Speaking of Dacor-DH's... PY, would you happen to have an extra #9 lying about? That would be the "primary lever spring" JB
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Post by vance on Dec 23, 2020 15:20:28 GMT -8
I might. I'll look.
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Post by vance on Feb 23, 2021 15:52:22 GMT -8
Speaking of Dacor-DH's... PY, would you happen to have an extra #9 lying about? That would be the "primary lever spring" JB Dang! I lost track of this, somehow. I need reminders, sometimes. Maybe always? These look to be a lot like the main spring on the balance chamber/HP seat for the Conshelf VI, etc. Do you still need one?
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 23, 2021 16:12:38 GMT -8
Yes, could you email me a picture please? JB
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Post by vance on Feb 23, 2021 17:15:07 GMT -8
Done.
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Post by vance on Jan 22, 2024 15:52:02 GMT -8
I just picked up a very nice looking R-2 for a bargain price. It has the original 1" hoseloop w/ tinnermans, but the hoses are probably toast (nothing surprising there!).
I have an incomplete R-2 that's missing the exhaust horn ring and cover, but it is rebuilt, including the Vance style soft seat/lever/second stage mod.
I will swap the rebuild and modded parts into the new R-2, and will post photos of the process.
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Post by vance on Feb 7, 2024 16:35:41 GMT -8
Here's the promised photos. Note here I'm assembling the regulator at the kitchen table with mostly a screwdriver. John always says that these were designed for the diver to be able to do just that! I find it easiest to get the valve, lever plate, top box, and HP diaphragm assembled by screwing the 5 body screws through the plate, box and HP diaphragm so they protrude a bit first. This holds everything in place and compresses the HP spring a taste, making it easier to get the assembly screwed into the main body. Don't forget the HP pin! I also find it's easier to manage the exhaust ring, cover, and two diaphragms when they are assembled first, then installed on the top box. I've kept this one 100% original. The diaphragms and exhaust mushroom are OEM and in great condition. I am using a NOS LP lever/seat, as well. It's a great looking regulator!
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Post by SeaRat on Feb 7, 2024 17:30:23 GMT -8
If you look at either my photo of the Dacor R-2 below, or your photos, Phil, you'll see that the LP nazzle is pointed at the 3:00 position. The DA Aqualung (first Aqualung available in the USA) is pointed at tthe 6:00 position relative to the intake horn. 0D4EB6CD-D3E9-45DD-9BD3-A96A0BD5A159 by John Ratliff, on Flickr As you can see, the air is sent to the 3:00 position, which means that the air flow off the case will be asymmetrical. To me this means that air rushing around the case will hit the exhaust horn at different times, and may actually cause a mini-Venturi flow into the exhaust horn. Because it is different than the DA Aqualung, U.S. Divers Company had no cause to sue for patent infringement too. I think this was done for both purposes. The breathing is not too bad with this R-2 regulator too, as I have noted in other posts over the years. John
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