UDS Tanks?

[Turtleguy9]

Aloha
I saw this auction at e-bay, and was wondering if these tanks are the internals for the US divers UDS system?
cgi.ebay.com/Very-unique-triple-aluminum-30s_W0QQitemZ230073510264QQihZ013QQcategoryZ16057QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks
Turtleguy9

[SeaRat]

Turtleguy9,

Yes, they are. I have a UDS-1 system, and this looks like one someone decided to use it without the shell. The weird-looking hookup to the hose is actually the filler hose Whoever did this has reversed the sides of the valve, and is diving it with the valve in a standard "up" position. However, the UDS-1 was designed to be dived with the valve down, and the on-off knob and J-reserve valve to the outside. The first stage of a single hose regulator is built into the other side of the valve (opposite side from the J-reserve), and is a modified Conshelf first stage. The second stage fits into a LP hose fitting which is not shown. The one which is shown could also be used, and USD advertised that fitting as a second LP line for either an octopus or an air tool. If you'll search out the UDS-1 thread (maybe Linda can provide a link), all the drawings are there. The tanks, valve & first stage look intact and divable.

It is missing the filler block though, which is a specially threaded HP aluminum block for attaching the filling hose. It also appears to be missing the harness assembly. Someone has had these tanks repainted too, as the original color is an off-green.

For what it's worth, this is the finest breathing scuba system ever devised, as the tanks can be drained completely and you will not feel it until you are down to just a few breaths. The reason--huge openings in the valve-manifold system compared to normal systems.

John