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Post by vance on Sept 22, 2022 16:14:11 GMT -8
This is an interesting experiment that OM was working on a while back. Similarly, I was interested in making LP ports for Dacor DH regs, and then got the bug to find a better second stage solution (there is a whole thread on my agonizings over that). Seems OM had been at work on the very same idea, but in a very different way. His was to produce a new valve body that utilized a USD style HP diaphragm and Conshelf balanced HP guts. It had one HP port and a couple of LP ports, much like the Mark3 for USD.  The problem with the Dacor type valve body is that there's very little room for the second stage bore. OM's design left no room to make a larger bore, since the USD style spring retainer took up some of the already limited real estate. My mod of the OEM valve body capitalized on that little bit, so that's out. Don't worry! I have ideas... |
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Post by vance on Sept 22, 2022 16:46:55 GMT -8
Here's the problem with the second stage: The Dacor R-4 and up had to use the same small second stage bore that the 2500s (R-1,2,3) had. They made a second stage body that had the seat at the top of the second stage, instead of at the bottom. Their solution worked ok, but it required a lot of spring tension to keep the second stage closed. They used a compound lever to help with the excessive cracking pressure, but it wasn't a good design. The R-4s, C-2s, C-3s, and C3Ns were acceptable, but not great. In order to maximize the bore, it has to be used as is, or only slightly opened. Any threaded insert like my two piece second stage would cause further restriction. You can see in the photo that there is no room. The gasket (modded HP diaphragm) needs some surface around the second stage bore.  That means an LP seat must be inserted into the bottom of the bore, from the outside, to be held in place via threads or a shelf. Air pressure will want to pop the seat out of the bore, so some means of retention is required. So, my idea is to cut a passage from the outside of the body, insert the o'ringed seat and seal it with a plug. That's a lot of work! |
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Post by vance on Sept 23, 2022 9:17:45 GMT -8
The second stage will be a threaded tube that attaches to the first stage body with a flange and screws, something like the top of this IP adapter I made long ago. The threads will be external rather than internal, and a lever carrier cap will screw on like the Dacor 2020 and the modded R-3 I made. If there's room, the second stage base might extend a little way into the bore for an o'ring seal. It can't interfere with the poppet, however, so the seal may need to be on the bottom surface of the flange.  . |
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Post by nikeajax on Sept 23, 2022 11:28:42 GMT -8
Sounds like you're havin' fun geekin' out!
JB
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Post by broxton coalition on Sept 23, 2022 13:53:18 GMT -8
Old Mossback, now theres a name we haven't heard in a while. anybody know what happened to that "old barnacle"? i know the production run of that first stage body he made were snapped up pretty quick, too bad he didn't make a second run...  |
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Post by vance on Sept 23, 2022 15:14:44 GMT -8
"Old barnacle" is an apt description. Michael participated here off and on until a year or so back, then he deleted his account. He reinstated his account to offer some Dacor parts and he mentioned in his post that he was giving up diving due to old age and failing eyesight. Then, he deleted his account again.
There were a couple of scuffles with other members, as I recall. I was in touch with him via email, and got this Dacor valve, top box, and misc. Dacor parts from him.
We collaborated for a while on a Dacor second stage, and I made him a couple of poppets that he rejected. There were no thanks for the attempt, but no hard feelings on my end. I hope he's doing well wherever he is these days.
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Post by vance on Sept 23, 2022 15:30:31 GMT -8
Sounds like you're havin' fun geekin' out! JB This is the stuff that makes me lie awake at 3AM, trying to figure out how to solve the problem. Now and then, usually in the twilight sleep of just before waking, the answer pops into my head. It's not just vintage scuba. It's all my interests (obsessions?), sucking up space. It's just how I'm wired. Wouldn't be any other way! |
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Post by nikeajax on Sept 24, 2022 7:29:04 GMT -8
Phil, I get the same way. The other night I got an idea for a short story and no matter what I did I couldn't stop thinking about it, even in my sleep  JB |
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Post by SeaRat on Sept 24, 2022 8:23:19 GMT -8
Michael Story had corresponded with me about his new regulator concept, the Sea Wolf Mark 5. He gave me details that I'm still not able to disclose, and that was apparently interrupted by his health and eyesight problems. I haven't heard from him since July 13, 2018. Here's that e-mail:
John
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Post by Aquala1 on Sept 24, 2022 13:01:52 GMT -8
Guys, for the past few years Michael’s wife has been ill with cancer. I think that’s been the main reason he hasn’t been around and deleted his accounts. That’ll do sometime to a man that many of us can’t understand. She just passed within the last few days.
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Post by vance on Sept 24, 2022 15:11:43 GMT -8
I'm very sorry to hear that. A partner's illness and passing is a hard row to hoe. I can't imagine how that feels. Condolences to Michael, and best wishes for what is to come for him going forward.
I hope he might come back to the forum!
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Post by vance on Sept 24, 2022 15:43:02 GMT -8
Michael also sent me a lot of info on his SeaWolf DH regulator. It looked really good. It is a great design, and it should be made.
Like John, O-M asked me to keep it to myself, and I will respect his wishes.
If Michael would like to see the SeaWolf produced in the future, he should pass the design on to someone he trusts who could make it happen.
It is a thing of beauty! As I recall, it also had a (DSV?) cool mouthpiece design.
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Post by SeaRat on Sept 24, 2022 18:29:19 GMT -8
Guys, for the past few years Michael’s wife has been ill with cancer. I think that’s been the main reason he hasn’t been around and deleted his accounts. That’ll do sometime to a man that many of us can’t understand. She just passed within the last few days. I did not krow this, Ty. Thank you for the information. Condolescences to Michael. I have seen cancer's effects elsewhere, and know how devistating it can be. All our best wishes, Michael, in case you happen back here sometime. I am still using my Mossback Mk 3 regulator, and in fact that is the regulator I'm using in my avitar. John |
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Post by Linda on Oct 11, 2022 19:42:30 GMT -8
I too have wondered how Michael is doing and thought perhaps he deleted his account to focus on his writing. I know he has a talent for that and has authored some books, if I remember right. Very sorry to hear about his wife passing. I hope he’ll stop by again in the future, even if just to say hi.
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