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Post by sharkskin on Mar 21, 2020 16:33:14 GMT -8
I’m interested in using my RAM for macro photography (bubbles far from small subjects) and I thought that adding a LB BCD inflator would be a nice way to guarantee necessary buoyancy control for responsible underwater photography on healthy reefs. Where could I find a ‘hookah-to-lp hose’ fitter or converter?
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Post by snark3 on Mar 21, 2020 16:35:02 GMT -8
Contact Herman on here he made some. He may have some left
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Post by herman on Mar 22, 2020 2:57:52 GMT -8
I still have a couple. They are unplated brass. Drop me a PM with your email address if you are interested.
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Post by sharkskin on Mar 22, 2020 19:35:13 GMT -8
Thanks everyone! Herman, I just send you a message. Cheers!
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Post by SeaRat on Apr 4, 2020 17:24:10 GMT -8
For those who have never seen the Herman adapter for the Hookah Port on the USD Aquamaster/Royal Aquamaster, here it is:  IMG_1447 by John Ratliff, on Flickr  IMG_1449 by John Ratliff, on Flickr  IMG_1448 by John Ratliff, on Flickr I now have three regulators, this Royal Aquamaster with the Banjo Fitting for the SPG, which are fully modern. I need no further mods for this regulator, is it breaths great, and has a LP inflator hose, a USD Conshelf VI safe second, and and SPG. Thanks Herman! John |
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Post by crabbyjim on Apr 5, 2020 5:55:31 GMT -8
Looks like something that Dr. Frankenreg cooked up! With no disrespect to any of you, I feel that the Phoenix First Stage by VDH is a better solution.
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Post by scubalawyer on Apr 5, 2020 7:24:05 GMT -8
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Post by vance on Apr 5, 2020 8:17:23 GMT -8
Both solutions have their place, in my book. A couple of thoughts:
I believe Herman made these to be IP gauge adapters, not second stage/LP port adapters. But they work as LP port extenders.
While the Phoenix adapter is more elegant, the hookah port adapter is far less expensive, keeps the reg more original, and can be made a bit less Franken. This adapter is what the OG divers would have used which makes it more "vintage diving" than the Phoenix. John's stack has a 3/8" to 7/16" converter that can be eliminated by using only 3/8" connections, which will shorten it by at least 1/2".
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Post by snark3 on Apr 5, 2020 9:54:47 GMT -8
I have 2 regs setup like Johns and 2 like Marks. One thing I have encountered with the setup John has is the banjo adapter for the SPG will not work with all valves. The "long yoke" is not long enough to allow the banjo to be installed.
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Post by SeaRat on Apr 5, 2020 10:50:51 GMT -8
Both solutions have their place, in my book. A couple of thoughts: I believe Herman made these to be IP gauge adapters, not second stage/LP port adapters. But they work as LP port extenders. While the Phoenix adapter is more elegant, the hookah port adapter is far less expensive, keeps the reg more original, and can be made a bit less Franken. This adapter is what the OG divers would have used which makes it more "vintage diving" than the Phoenix. John's stack has a 3/8" to 7/16" converter that can be eliminated by using only 3/8" connections, which will shorten it by at least 1/2". I have to chuckle a bit about the 3/8ths inch to 7/16ths inch adapter. I would have preferred to use an original hose for the safe second, but all the "extra" ones of mine are deteriorated enough to not be viable (reliable, since the neoprene coating had cracked and underlying nylon was visible). So that longer hose is actually off a Dacor late-model single hose, an Enduro regulator. I figured to use that almost brand new hose to increase the safety of the entire unit. I doubt that adding an O-ring will have any effect, and in any case my diving now is no-decompression at a max in the Clackamas River of 23 feet deep. My two other regulators are perhaps more "elegant" as they area Mossback Mk3 and a Trieste II, but this converts my brother's RAM to a very useful regulator without modifying it significantly. John |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2020 10:51:46 GMT -8
I am not familiar with the hookah port adapter made back in 1973, however, I remember it being mentioned back in 05/06 and that they were no longer available. In 06 I had some made from my own design that sold very well here and elsewhere. Until I was undercut by a cheaper (even in looks) by competition. So today, I appreciate the fact Herman is carrying on the availabilty of said items.......I know he does good work and his adaptors are of excellent quality. I am posting Terry's comments from 06, along with a photo, if it will print of his rig. One amongst our membership here has the best design for a hookah port adapter I have ever seen. It is simple, effective, and nice to look at with or without a LP hose attached. He is Michael "mossback", and he makes small batches of these at a time, so get yours while you can! Here is one on my DAAM with an alternate second stage hose attached:  Now, check this out!!! When you decide to dispense with using accessories for a dive or two, or three..., just remove the hose and install a standard, modern 3/8" allen-socketed port plug and you get this:  Looks a whole lot like the factory hookah nut, doesn't it! I just love it to death! It still looks the way the DAAM was meant to! Here is an adapter/plug next to a hookah cap:  The adapter is just slightly larger. AND, at tune up time, you can check the IP by simply installing a LP BC hose onto the adapter and using one of those handy little IP gauges which you can find on eBay that has the BC quick-connect fitting. And if that weren't enough, here is more good news- No fussing with trying to get troublesome conical compression fittings to seal. This baby has a very simple sealing system devised where a basic nylon washer seals on the rim of the hookah port. Works like a charm. But wait, there's more! The price is right! What would you pay for an adapter like this which WORKS and looks GREAT too?! This beautiful and cleverly designed, highly-polished, chrome plated, outstanding hookah port adapter can be yours for only..........Well, I'm not Mike, so you'll have to PM him ("mossback") to get the price, payment, and availability information. You'll be glad you did! This was just the beginning. I had some yellow hoses made when none were available......then I came out with the prototype MB-Mk3 Multiport Valve.....and now I am just months away from my latest creation........stay tuned. |
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Post by SeaRat on Apr 5, 2020 11:04:29 GMT -8
Looks like something that Dr. Frankenreg cooked up! With no disrespect to any of you, I feel that the Phoenix First Stage by VDH is a better solution. Just so everyone will know, Bryan has closed VDH for now until the current Covid-19 crisis is over and he can again devote time to it. So right now, the Phoenix first stage and the Kraken regulator are not available. This is from a thread on ScubaBoard's Vintage Diving area. John |
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Post by vance on Apr 5, 2020 11:22:58 GMT -8
VDH is back in business. I just got some DBEs from there.
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Post by scubalawyer on Apr 7, 2020 22:15:37 GMT -8
Found my original AM LP Hookah port adapter that I got from Professional Scuba Repair in 1973! The 90 degree angle was useful.   |
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Post by vance on Apr 8, 2020 7:48:35 GMT -8
That's pretty cool.
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