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Post by nikeajax on Jul 19, 2020 15:43:49 GMT -8
James, I think it's good like it is: as John points out, there is positive pressure coming from the can which will press the diaphragm onto the horn. Also, if PY would stop being so lazy and selfish and start making more duckbills… SNORT! JB
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Post by vance on Jul 19, 2020 15:49:18 GMT -8
Can't wait to see this.
Concerning my duckbills, I'm not certain that they are the best option. Those cut down USD silicone dbs might out-perform.
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Post by vance on Jul 19, 2020 16:03:10 GMT -8
OK, now I'm doubting my idea that the green therabands material is silicone. The green therabands are touted as non-latex. There are some that are latex. Latex isn't silicone. Non-latex might not be silicone. I've looked into what they are made of, but all I get is what they're not made of. Anyway, if the stuff lasts for a few years, it's all good.
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Post by james1979 on Jul 19, 2020 16:04:31 GMT -8
Well, I'll make both versions and send them to test dummies.... I mean beta testers!
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Post by nikeajax on Jul 19, 2020 17:33:56 GMT -8
I'll have you know I represent that remark
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Post by Terry on Jul 19, 2020 19:33:49 GMT -8
WOW! That blue retainer that James is working on looks to me like that could be the answer to this exhaust diaphragm issue; A MAJOR BREAK THROUGH I'd say. There are a number of things about this retainer that I really like. 1) The way it appears to slip over the diaphragm material with ease; without having to fight with the material to keep it in place. 2) The idea of the band clamp being placed on the retainer before the retainer is installed. 3) It also appears that the reg owner would also have the option of choosing the material he prefers to use for a diaphragm when it is installed with this retainer. 4) The use of this retainer with a band clamp instead of the original wire clamp looks to be a much more secure method of retaining the diaphragm with much less risk of cutting into the diaphragm. Great design, and definitely out of my league in regards to the form I was working with. I will definitely be interested in buying some of these if they become available. Really watching this thread with great interest to see how this all plays out!
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Post by vance on Jul 26, 2020 14:46:44 GMT -8
Did some leak tests today on the new improved diaphragm retainer. This definitely seals the flange watertight w/o any sealant. I did get some pinhole leaks in the sheet rubber, but that was from repeated installing and taking off, and some roughness on the metal flange. With a bit of polishing and a new piece of rubber it withstood the kitchen torture test!
We're one step closer to the super Scuba.
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Post by nikeajax on Jul 26, 2020 15:24:25 GMT -8
Very good sir!
JB
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Post by james1979 on Jul 28, 2020 14:54:08 GMT -8
All right, gents, I believe the Exhaust Retainer is ready for general consumption. I tried one on my "most of a Scuba" with a piece of latex glove, and ziptie for a clamp, and it passed my non-scientific tests. Phil reports water tight with Physical Therapy band sheet rubber. So it is a go at this station, fit for use with sheet rubber of your choice (PT band, nitrile glove, etc.). I recommend using Phil's technique for a proper stainless band clamp, but cannot provide them (sorry). So, not trying to get rich... but also not made of money... so here is the offer: $10 shipped gets one flat retainer ring, and one re-curved retainer ring (pushes the diaphragm in closer to the inner exhaust horn). Available in blue or black (colors of TPU I have on hand). No payments accepted until it is in the mail to you (I print as needed, no bench stock as it were). Open to barter, offers, modification, etc. For the sharp eye'd, Phil's has an early version of the SnorkleJet ABS, and mine has v0.6 (newest) installed. Respectfully, James
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Post by nikeajax on Jul 28, 2020 15:17:02 GMT -8
Ohhhh, very nice: I do like all the colors! Makes it look like an toy from the 1950's! Snorkeljet, SNORKELJET, SNORKELJET! Be the first on your block to own one kids!
JB
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Post by Terry on Jul 29, 2020 7:11:57 GMT -8
James that looks really good what you have there and I think that this is the answer to what is needed to resolve this problem. I really like the idea that the individual diver has the option of choosing what material they would prefer to use for the diaphragm; great option! This whole thread has had my interest from the beginning and to watch what has developed as it progressed has been a very interesting collaboration of ideas and opinions. I have zero experience with this 3D printing and find it all very interesting, and would very much enjoy more information and possibly some pictures on what you're doing involving this project. I would definitely like to order a couple of these from you; so please post any info that we need to place any orders from you. Thanks for all of your efforts on this project - GREAT JOB!
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Post by james1979 on Jul 29, 2020 7:44:21 GMT -8
James that looks really good what you have there and I think that this is the answer to what is needed to resolve this problem. I really like the idea that the individual diver has the option of choosing what material they would prefer to use for the diaphragm; great option! This whole thread has had my interest from the beginning and to watch what has developed as it progressed has been a very interesting collaboration of ideas and opinions. I have zero experience with this 3D printing and find it all very interesting, and would very much enjoy more information and possibly some pictures on what you're doing involving this project. I would definitely like to order a couple of these from you; so please post any info that we need to place any orders from you. Thanks for all of your efforts on this project - GREAT JOB! In no particular order:
Regading ordering any thing I'm making, just message me directly with what you want and a shipping address, (and any negotiations!), and I'll get things printed and sent.
Regarding 3d printers... it "draws" one layer at a time with molten plastic, building it up. Which causes limitations with overhangs, and ways to deal with that. Also, the layer lines are inevitably the weakest point on a printed part (hence the first prototypes I sent to Phil splitting, I had to tweak the print temperatures to get a better layer bond). Print times vary with material (TPU needs to print slow or it jams, ABS is limited only by machine capability), and fast print speeds tend to have a higher failure rate. Lately, most of these small parts I've designed run around 30 minutes to an hour print time. I'm cheap, so I use an open source CAD program called FreeCad for most of my design work. And I'm self taught on all this, so the learning curve I've followed looks more like a meandering cow path!
Current projects in the works with the printer are the SnorkleJet ABS, and a 2 piece case clamp for the Scuba (similar to the ScubaPro 108/108/156 clamp ring). Credit where it's due, the 2 piece clamp ring was Phil's suggestion.
Respectfully,
James
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Post by vance on Jul 29, 2020 8:35:15 GMT -8
Thanks to James, we now have parts to re-animate those Scubas out there which are missing critical pieces.
The exhaust diaphragm is the weak link in the refurbishment of a Scuba. The new retainer solves a number of impediments to a viable, robust replacement, and it's a huge stride. Along with a flat stainless steel replacement clamp and good sheet material, the diaphragm retainer provides a leak-free seal and makes it easy to install/replace an exhaust diaphragm.
We are also zeroing in on the Super Scuba! The SnorkelJet (which is based on JB's design) should make the Scuba into a regulator more people will actually want to dive, and it can be installed w/o any permanent alterations. James has been plugging away at this, and has overcome several obstacles with clever design work. I admit that my involvement in it's design has been reduced to being a PITA, mostly complaining about this and that.
Hopefully, these parts will be out there soon, being tested. I am very excited to hear reports/comments/suggestions. Several people received V0.5 of the SJ, which I found did not work as well as the original folded part. Has anyone tried one out? I think V0.6 should be much better, although I have not yet received one.
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Post by james1979 on Jul 29, 2020 9:10:54 GMT -8
And my "Most of a Scuba" (thanks again, Phil) is one step closer to pool testing; Band clamp seems to work... Now I just need to put something in to close the small holes on the inner exhaust horn, and put a hose loop on it and see if I can drown myself! It also has a printed bell (piece between the yoke nut and can)... because I can. I can do those with initials inset as well. Respectfully, James
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Post by vance on Jul 29, 2020 10:08:09 GMT -8
Sweeeeet! That is awesome! It's much too pretty for that ol' Scuba.
I'm mailing you the bit of silicone DB material for the holes on the inside with the clamp. But, if you use a DB, you don't need the rubber band, really. If you're cutting down a USD repro DB, just cut a 3/8" band off the end!
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