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Post by snark3 on Sept 29, 2019 11:04:55 GMT -8
CJ- If you want to keep that RAM looking original and improve performance,in my humble opinion a Cyclone first stage with a HPR second and a duckbill eliminator will give great performance. I have 2 Aquamasters updated to this setup and they are great regs. One disadvantage to the Cyclone vs the Phoenix is there are no ports on the Cyclone so you'll need a banjo adapter to use a SPG.
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Post by crabbyjim on Sept 29, 2019 12:56:09 GMT -8
I agree with you. I have an Aqua Master with the phoenix, hpr, dbe and use it as my primary double hose. By making the internal changes as you suggest (no phoenix), I can “vintage” dive it, making everone around me crazy. I wonder how it will compare to my single stage Mistral? Won’t need a spg to dive with Phil anyway!
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Post by vance on Sept 29, 2019 16:02:57 GMT -8
Won’t need a spg to dive with Phil anyway! GA-Zing!! Again. And again. It will get better, now stuff has settled.
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Post by crabbyjim on Sept 30, 2019 6:08:12 GMT -8
CJ- If you want to keep that RAM looking original and improve performance,in my humble opinion a Cyclone first stage with a HPR second and a duckbill eliminator will give great performance. I have 2 Aquamasters updated to this setup and they are great regs. One disadvantage to the Cyclone vs the Phoenix is there are no ports on the Cyclone so you'll need a banjo adapter to use a SPG. Do you think I need a Cyclone with the RAM as the RAM, unlike the Aqua Master, already has a balanced first stage?
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Post by technidiver on Sept 30, 2019 6:11:25 GMT -8
CJ- If you want to keep that RAM looking original and improve performance,in my humble opinion a Cyclone first stage with a HPR second and a duckbill eliminator will give great performance. I have 2 Aquamasters updated to this setup and they are great regs. One disadvantage to the Cyclone vs the Phoenix is there are no ports on the Cyclone so you'll need a banjo adapter to use a SPG. Do you think I need a Cyclone with the RAM as the RAM, unlike the Aqua Master, already has a balanced first stage? The Cyclone is just an improvement to the RAM first stage. If I’m correct, it allows for slightly better air flow and has replaceable guts, including the volcano orifice. As long as your IP is stable, you won’t need it!
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Post by nikeajax on Sept 30, 2019 7:16:26 GMT -8
CJ, do you really need to add all that stuff to it? If you need that effortless of a diving experience, just buy a Kracken and be done with it then... You're no longer going to have a vintage piece of equipment. This is only my opinion JB
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Post by snark3 on Sept 30, 2019 9:59:05 GMT -8
CJ- You probably don't need the Cyclone. My understanding is that it performs better than the original RAM first stage, so it's your call there. The HPR second will help, particularly if you put a silicone diaphragm in it. The duckbill eliminator, or at least a silicone duckbill will help decrease exhale effort.
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Post by crabbyjim on Sept 30, 2019 14:53:35 GMT -8
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Post by vance on Sept 30, 2019 17:29:58 GMT -8
C'mon JB, there's nothing DIY about buying a Kraken. You, as much as any of us, know the buzz you get from doing the work yourself, even if it's just adding new parts. And, the cool thing is, it isn't permanent. One can always restore it to OEM!
Of course, this is coming from an unapologetic modder. Most of the fun from all this is making these old things better.
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Post by crabbyjim on Mar 22, 2020 5:47:06 GMT -8
As I mentioned in another thread, self-quarantine has given me the impetus to tackle my RAM. I have a copy of the US Divers repair manual but I am still looking for a video because of my inability to visualize how mechanical things work. I also need the pin that VDH does not supply with their rebuild kit. I am holding Phil's hoodie hostage until I get one.
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Post by vance on Mar 22, 2020 7:50:40 GMT -8
What have you done with your pin? Do you need the longer, but cut down Conshelf pin? I thought you ordered one? Ooops! Bryan has closed VDH temporarily...
If you have a pin and know the measurement, send it to me in the mail. Tape it to a piece of paper and send it in a letter sized envelope. I'll cut it to size for you and mail it back. I'll pick up my sweater someday.
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Post by nikeajax on Mar 22, 2020 8:07:39 GMT -8
CJ, you can always call me: I can always be Mission Control to your Mercury! Do you copy on that? JB
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Post by SeaRat on Mar 22, 2020 15:00:19 GMT -8
CJ, you can always call me: I can always be Mission Control to your Mercury! Do you copy on that? JB Just look at how small that Mercury capsule is! Compare it with the Starliner that Boeing is now making. Now, concerning you RAM, I have one and am keeping it original, except for the hookah port adaptor that I'm going to get from Herman. (Herman, my check should finally be at your door, or very soon.) I have a banjo fitting for a SPG, and with that I have everything I need. I don't need any better performance than the RAM already gives. John
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Post by sharkskin on Mar 24, 2020 18:35:00 GMT -8
- The closest I've got to owning a Royal Aqua Master is a DA Aqua Master I rebuilt into a Cyclone HPR with the VDH Cyclone balanced first stage and HPR adjustable 2nd stage. The Cyclone nozzle is supposed to be better than the original Royal nozzle... I think mostly because of modern parts availability. I didn't really notice a big difference in breathing ease between the original non-balanced nozzle and the Cyclone. But I did see a big improvement with the HPR second stage after I set it to block one of the secondary Venturi ports. - This regulator started out a wreck with broken and bent internal parts and alot of deep pitted corrosion. There was nothing of collectible quality so I didn't worry about saving anything and just upgraded the heck out of it. It is replated with electroless nickel and re-built with new springs, seals, diaphragm, duck bill eliminator, etc. After the Cyclone HPR upgrade, it has become my favorite regulator... And I consider it my Royal . - Congratulations on your Royal Aqua Master acquisition... I just bet you will love diving it! Below is a video of me diving my "Royal" Cyclone HPR in freezing conditions...
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Post by sharkskin on Mar 24, 2020 18:41:09 GMT -8
Great Video Surflung! I'll bet you get a lot of curious divers wondering what that is, especially with the green hoses, hooka port and different first stage. Great video! A question regarding your dive suit. Is that a semi-dri suite or a dry suit. I’m doing suit shopping for an upcoming dive training at Dutch Spring later this year.
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