calypso 2nd stage

[EHowe]

Looking for a diaphragm or at least the missing exhalation valve and a couple of orings
.

[EHowe]

No luck finding a diaphragm. This thing probably breathes like crap anyway. I thought I could maybe make one out of a conshelf diaphragm and a snorkel flapper valve. Only problem, if it fails the whole thing floods, & that cant be good. My other idea was to put the top cover on a conshelf body to use as a 2nd with my DH. That way I keep the vintage look, but with a safer design. Any thoughts??

[Ron]

They breathe great. If you have the center disc out of an old calypso diaphragm, then you can make a new one.

[EHowe]

I dont have the center disc. and the rest of it is pretty stiff. Thats why I was considering a more flexible silicone diaphragm.

[Ron]

If you have the center metal disc in your picture, then you can use any silicone conshelf diaphragm and off the shelf exhaust valves to rebuild it. I did two of those that way and they are both still in service. FWIW.

That regulator was one of the first single hose regulators dove to deeper than 300 feet. It essentially is the modern diaphragm first stage.

[antique diver]

Isn't that what Hannes Keller used for his dive out of a bell into 1000' of water off Catalina in 1962?

[EHowe]

[quote="Ron"]If you have the center metal disc in your picture, then you can use any silicone conshelf diaphragm and off the shelf exhaust valves to rebuild it. I did two of those that way and they are both still in service. FWIW.

I may try what you suggested. My LDS has one of these & a similar Voit on display. I'll bet it is the same intrnals. I know they think I'm crazy when I start asking about this stuff

[Ron]

The similar model Voit will work. I took a standard diaphragm, and carefully peeled the metal backing disc away. Then I used oxygen safe super glue to glue the old disc to the new diaphragm. Then I used an arch punch to punch a hole through the front of the diaphragm, exposing the disc from the front and making it look like a new, old style diaphragm. Just buy some of Bryan's exhaust valves in 7/8" from the store and give it a go. I've done two that way and they breathe wonderfully. You can get a lower work of breathing because in a head down position the exhaust valve is on the opposite side of the second stage orifice, unlike a modern single hose. The only bugger is refinishing the first stage seats, but there are forum members who can refinish the seat on a lathe for you for a nominal fee.

Only at VDH

[Ron]

Isn't that what Hannes Keller used for his dive out of a bell into 1000' of water off Catalina in 1962?

Correct! I believe he used hydreliox.

[SurfLung]

If you have the center metal disc in your picture, then you can use any silicone conshelf diaphragm and off the shelf exhaust valves to rebuild it.

Could I do the same thing with my Dad's 1961 Voit 40 fathom? It looks identical to the Calypso in the picture.

[frogman63]

I am in the same process of fixing up my '64 1030 Calypso second stage. The closest exhaust valve that I see in the store is 26 mm. Do you know what section of the store has the 7/8 inch exhaust valve? Thanks.

[Bryan]

Could I do the same thing with my Dad's 1961 Voit 40 fathom? It looks identical to the Calypso in the picture.

The similar model Voit will work.)

[Bryan]

I am in the same process of fixing up my '64 1030 Calypso second stage. The closest exhaust valve that I see in the store is 26 mm. Do you know what section of the store has the 7/8 inch exhaust valve? Thanks.

I don't sell a 7/8th valve which would be around a 22mm....I think Ron is talking about using the 26mm for the exhaust valve on the diaphragm.