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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.

What color should the new diaphragms be ?

Poll ended at Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:37 pm

Black
44%
12
Clear/Natural
56%
15
 
Total votes: 27
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Bryan
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VOTE for the color of the new diaprhagms

Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:37 pm

I can do them in black or natural/clear. Vote for the one you think is best....
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB

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kgehring
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Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:17 pm

Not to sway opinion, Black seems like it would be easier inspect for thin areas or flaws.
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Over 400 vintage regulators in my collection

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Vintagediver
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Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:56 pm

Once again; a job well done Bryan, and Many Thanks! As for black vs the clear diaphragm I definitely voted for the black. The way I see it; we're all trying to restore our two hose regs and in doing so I would like to restore mine with parts as close to "Original Like" as possible. Somehow I just don't see my Voit Navy, USD DW Mistral and AquaMaster DA with a clear diaphragm. Just my $.02 :D Hope to see many of you in a couple of days at Wazee! Safe Diving To All. Terry Stevens NAVED Member

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JES
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Tue Aug 01, 2006 11:44 pm

The clear diaphragms sure look good, but like Karl & Terry have stated I think that black is the natural color of choice.
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luis
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Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:15 pm

When the regulator is closed it is very hard to see the diaphragm. Therefore black or clear should not be noticeable unless you really try to look inside the vent holes with a flash light. On the other hand, if you shine a light into the inlet horn (after you remove the hose) you may be able to look into the lower vent holes and see if there is any water in your regulator. I dive every weekend with my DH (mostly the Phoenix) and it would be nice to see if any water got back in without having to open it up every time.

Also as I mentioned before it would make it easier to align the diaphragm with the horseshoe.

Personally I would also like a clear one to look for interferences as I get into experimenting with the second stage linkage, a venturi assist, etc. ( things that I hope to work on when I get some time).

IMHO I totally agree that hoses and mouthpieces need to be black or yellow. But diaphragms, duckbills, and mouthpiece check valves could be just about any color (within reason, you still have to look at them when you open it up).

The bottom line is still that new silicon diaphragm are going to be great in whatever color (within reason, don’t let Karl talk you into some weird color :wink: ).
Luis

Buceador con escafandra autónoma clásica.

pescador775

CLEAR???

Wed Aug 02, 2006 7:42 pm

I don't like the swish factor.

pescador775

WATER

Wed Aug 02, 2006 7:50 pm

I have to comment on this. I've used the same RAAM off and on for 30 years and never found any water in the can. I use only silicone check valves in the mouthpiece.

Many years ago, I used a Mistral with neoprene valves and did find a few water spots in the can.

Yes, the silicone valves are clear.

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JES
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Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:05 pm

luis wrote:When the regulator is closed it is very hard to see the diaphragm. Therefore black or clear should not be noticeable unless you really try to look inside the vent holes with a flash light. On the other hand, if you shine a light into the inlet horn (after you remove the hose) you may be able to look into the lower vent holes and see if there is any water in your regulator. I dive every weekend with my DH (mostly the Phoenix) and it would be nice to see if any water got back in without having to open it up every time.

Also as I mentioned before it would make it easier to align the diaphragm with the horseshoe.

Personally I would also like a clear one to look for interferences as I get into experimenting with the second stage linkage, a venturi assist, etc. ( things that I hope to work on when I get some time).

IMHO I totally agree that hoses and mouthpieces need to be black or yellow. But diaphragms, duckbills, and mouthpiece check valves could be just about any color (within reason, you still have to look at them when you open it up).

The bottom line is still that new silicon diaphragm are going to be great in whatever color (within reason, don’t let Karl talk you into some weird color :wink: ).
All very compelling reasons to consider the clear diaphragms. Especially the part about the weird color... :wink:
NAVED Master Diver #108
'Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’

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1969ivan1
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:33 am

Karl has a write in campaign for PINK I hear? 8)

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JES
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:29 am

1969ivan1 wrote:Karl has a write in campaign for PINK I hear? 8)
Holy cow! Is that what Nemrod & I signed? :lol:
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'Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’

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Nemrod
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 11:18 am

Pink would add and air of sophistication to the whole ensemble. Can we have them glow in the dark. I was thinky on add some lights inside the can that would pulsate when I breath, kinda gangsta like!

I voted for clear but I really prefer blue and matter of fact than could be pink, I don't care as long as they work, fit and are silicone rubber.

Nemrod

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Bryan
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 11:27 am

Well.....Right now the adhesive that I'm working with Loctite on only comes in black..... I've asked the Engineer at the diaphragm company to try and source a clear adhesive.....I have ordered a tube of the adhesive that Ryan recommended as well.....I should get the new stainless DA centers next week and the diaphragm company has asked to experiment with the mold to try and incorporate the center disc in the mold process and bypass adhesive all together.....If that happens clear, black, blue and pink are all very real options.....

BTW..... James, Karl, There is plenty of space in the exhaust side of the can to put in one of those mini stick on battery LED lights that blink....Or a mini glow stick if you are "just tryin to keep it real, and down with your peeps"
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
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:10 pm

Nah, what we need are spinners that mount to the box.

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Creed
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:14 pm

Bryan wrote:Well.....Right now the adhesive that I'm working with Loctite on only comes in black..... I've asked the Engineer at the diaphragm company to try and source a clear adhesive.....
Well, wouldn't Aquaseal work? I reglued an insert with it, and have had no issues.

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Bryan
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Thu Aug 03, 2006 1:02 pm

Aqua-Seal is a dismal failure.....It sticks like crazy to the stainless steel and the phenolic center discs but peels off the silicone diaphragm like a dress on prom night.....
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB

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