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Discussion of diving methods and equipment available prior to the development of BCDs beyond the horse collar. This forum is dedicated to the pre-1970 diving.
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Mudhog
Lung Diver
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:17 pm
Location: Central Iowa

Newbies first reg, Calypso III

Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:01 pm

Well FedEx managed to deliver through the snowstorm the Calypso III reg set I bought off ebay. OOH! Shiney! Heavy! 26 oz aprox for the first stage.
Took the band clamp off the 2nd stage every thing looks real good cept the exhaust valve which looks like it spent time in an acid bath.
I have read reports since I bought this that the 1st stage is not that wonderfull, guess I'm looking for a Conshelf 1st now.
Guess I'm on the slippery slope now.

BROXTON CHUCK

Wed Dec 14, 2005 4:28 pm

No your not! Just buy you a conshelf 1st stage, like off a conshelf 6 Thats all you need. I put one on my usd hydro lung, and it breathes better than my mistral. All the 2nd stages are equal. You just need that conshelf 1st stage to feed the air, plenty of it, into you between sand dogs! :twisted:

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Mudhog
Lung Diver
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:17 pm
Location: Central Iowa

Wed Dec 14, 2005 6:52 pm

Then I will go hungry cause I'm a pork chop kinda guy. :wink:

Thats what I ment in my posting, just need a early Conshelf 1st stage, seems I can't go edit my blunders here.

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Nemrod
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Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:53 pm
First Name: James
Location: Kansas

Thu Dec 15, 2005 5:24 am

Which one is the Calypso III compared to the Calypso and Calypso J. What year?
James

BROXTON CHUCK

Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:29 am

They had the same 2nd stage. The first stages were different designs. I have a calypso 3 on one of BRYANS adaptors that I attatch to my royal when diving on a charter so they dont bitch. Even then, some of them complain about anything. You get the picture.

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JES
Plank Owner
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Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2005 11:23 pm
First Name: Joseph
Location: Fleming Island, FL

Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:42 am

BROXTON CHUCK wrote:They had the same 2nd stage. The first stages were different designs. I have a calypso 3 on one of BRYANS adaptors that I attatch to my royal when diving on a charter so they dont bitch. Even then, some of them complain about anything. You get the picture.
Thanks Chuck.

I had the same question as Nemrod.

I also use my old Calypso first stage as a safe second like you. I guess that sand-dog corrupted minds think alike. :lol:
NAVED Master Diver #108
'Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’

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Creed
Master Diver
Posts: 420
Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:10 pm
Location: San Ramon, CA
Contact: Website

Thu Dec 15, 2005 9:40 pm

Actually, I would go with a Conshelf XI or later. Those are rebuildable with the current parts kits.

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Mudhog
Lung Diver
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:17 pm
Location: Central Iowa

Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:57 pm

Good to know the cutoff, have a XII first stage comeing, I hope.
BTW the slippery slope I was talking about was the need to buy the next little bit so that the setup is "right". :twisted: I'm DOOMED! :twisted:

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Bryan
Plank Owner
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:40 am
First Name: Bryan
Location: Wesley Chapel Florida
Contact: Website

Fri Dec 16, 2005 12:06 am

The Conshelf VI series contained both the civilian and millitary versions of the single hose Non Mag regulators. The small diameter exhaust valve was the Achilles heel of that 2nd stage.
Creed is right, other than the exhaust valve they are almost identical.
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB

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Creed
Master Diver
Posts: 420
Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:10 pm
Location: San Ramon, CA
Contact: Website

Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:33 am

Conshelfs were my first foray into owning my own gear. I learned on a rental Brut. I scoured the 'net until I found a model that was touted as long lasting and easy to rebuild(the Conshelf XIV). I scored a couple of operational XIVs from Canada for a little less than $50. I rebuilt one; the other is awaiting a parts kit and some time. Then I got an operational XI. Cleaned the 2nd and flipped the lp seat. It works like a charm. I use it for pool time. Then, I have another XI to rebuild, next to the XIV :) And a small pile of various US Divers metal 2nds. I like the early type, with the screw on exhaust tee, personally. I've split too many damned "pop on" tees. :evil:

And now you might also guess why I am partial to reusing as much of the Conshelf series in my doublehose designs. I have plenty to test on!

Also, I have an old Calypso 1st stage. Not sure which model, but it has 1 hp, 1 lp port and no J valve. I think it needs a rebuild. If someone needs one, let me know. The wife is happier when the gear is going out of the door, instead of the other way :)

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Creed
Master Diver
Posts: 420
Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:10 pm
Location: San Ramon, CA
Contact: Website

Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:38 am

Mudhog wrote:Good to know the cutoff, have a XII first stage comeing, I hope.
BTW the slippery slope I was talking about was the need to buy the next little bit so that the setup is "right". :twisted: I'm DOOMED! :twisted:
I hear you. I'm the same way.

"Honey, I just need this wetsuit, then I'll have everything I need."

"OK, I decided I need a wing/backpack combo. Last thing, promise."

"OOHH!!! A DA Aquamaster for $80! I HAVE to bid!"

"Look at the deal on this set of doubles! Umm....what are you doing with that frying pan?"

WHAM!

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Mudhog
Lung Diver
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:17 pm
Location: Central Iowa

Fri Dec 16, 2005 9:03 am

Not quite the proablem for me, I'm still single.

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treasureman
Master Diver
Posts: 412
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: Ottawa Canada
Contact: Website

Sat Dec 17, 2005 6:47 pm

Still single eh Mudhog... well from a geezer let me say this...Love is blind, and therfore marriage is teh institute for the blind.

And if any one thinks marriage is grand, divorce is at least fifty grand.
NAVED # 133...

Bon Vivant, and treasure finder

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