Early model Royal Mistral

[michael-fisch]

I just got an early model Royal Mistral from an old dive buddy that I haven't seen in 15 years on an Ebay auction, in very good condition, all chrome with just very minor scratches, 200Bar DIN fitting, still has the original straps to go around the neck on the mouthpiece. The internal parts are all in working order, it breathes fine and I will dive it tomorrow.
I thought that all Royal Mistrals had one of 3 types of SPG fitting, mine has no provision for an SPG, and the serial number is 37191.

What have I got? Without an SPG fitting and with a serial number under 40000, it has to be one of the first Royal Mistrals, can anybody tell me when it was made?

Michael
Sorry for not introducing myself, this is my first vintage regulator, although I have rebuilt compressors in the past that were made in the early 60s. Been diving since 1987, and also have an original Hans Haas Deco Brain in working condition with the P2-4 algorithm, and an SOS Decometer with damaged membranes. Those are still a lot newer than the vintage gear discussed on this forum. Be gentle with me, I'm still learning and might catch the old Scuba gear bug

[YankDownUnder]

I don't know the date your Mistral was made, but I also have one without a pressure gauge port. I have seen both. Yours is probably an early model as you suggest.

You might want to check the mushroom valves before you dive it. They can be dried out and a bit unreliable. I have had some work, but when I checked them, they crumbled. They can be replaced without much trouble. We have some members who are rather expert on French gear and I'm sure you will hear from them. Good Luck!

[Bryan]

A photo would help if you can post one? As YDU says there are some that have them and some without. I don't claim to have all the answers but I have seen some of the later models without a port....And the ports came in about three different types on the ones that do have them. I am getting ready to offer a very late model for sale and it has no port...Different from yours as it has a yoke. That might make a difference......Either way welcome to the forum, glad to have you abord.

[michael-fisch]

Dove the Royal Mistral yesterday, after spending several minutes with it just under the surface getting used to using it. 30 minutes later I was down at 20M enjoying it, it appears to breath better the deeper you go than in the shallows.
The ducksfoot shaped exhaust valve was still in good shape and working perfectly. I will have to adjust the inhalation valve since the work of inhaling was high, no matter what position I was in underwater.

Michael
who is having problems adding jpg inages or attachments to this post.

[stefeyme]

Hi Michael,
the fact that you breath better deeper that shallower is absolutely normal, it comes from the relative water pressure difference between your lungs and the membrana of the reg itsef. the deeper you are the smaller is the relative water pressure difference.
Try something else, when you are 5-6 meter depth, just turn around, your face looking at the surface, the reg will more than probably come into freeflow.
About your model, actually there are 2 models of Spiro Royal Mistral yours is the first one. You can visit this site, its nice.
http://www.detendeursanciens.com/spiro1.htm
Stephane

[standingup]

Thanks for the link - excellent web site (wish I understood French) The tank with the valve at the bottom is sharp. Anyone have any idea what the capacity is on the Narghile tank shown at the bottom of the page?
file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/SR/FILES/SCUBA/catalogs%20and%20manuals/Spirotechnique/spiro1.htm

[stefeyme]

Hi michael,
I've just check my Royal mistral number, it's 13050, i think it has been manufactured in the begining of 70's, yours is very close so it might be around this as well.
I'll try to get the exact date of the new RM model start manufacturing, i'll tell you something
BR
Stephane.

[scaph]

Hi everybody,
The tank shown at the bottom of the page on my website (sorry for the translation in english, still not available) is 3,70 liters, the tank pressure is 177 bars.
If you need parts for french double hose regs, or technical notice, don't hesitate to ask.

Eric www.detendeursanciens.com

[captain]

Sorry for not introducing myself, this is my first vintage regulator, although I have rebuilt compressors in the past that were made in the early 60s. Been diving since 1987, and also have an original Hans Haas Deco Brain in working condition with the P2-4 algorithm, and an SOS Decometer with damaged membranes. Those are still a lot newer than the vintage gear discussed on this forum. Be gentle with me, I'm still learning and might catch the old Scuba gear bug

Are you familiar with the French Luchard H6 compressor sold by US Divers as the Cyclone in the 1960's

[Sniox]

Hi Eric.

I am still sad that I didn’t bid on the Mistral Narghilé back up tank you had for sale on eBay December 2006.
But the price on your Narghilé regulator sold on eBay the same day was to high for me, so I didn’t think I needed the tank
If you ever set one for sale on eBay again, please announce it here

Thank you for your offer about the spare parts, I will contact you by mail.

Best regards

Niels

[scaph]

Hello Captain,
I'm not familiar with the cyclone but I have the complete technical notice if you want....in french....
I can make some scans and send them to you if you need it (about 22 pages).
Just let me know.

Eric

[captain]

Hello Captain,
I'm not familiar with the cyclone but I have the complete technical notice if you want....in french....
I can make some scans and send them to you if you need it (about 22 pages).
Just let me know.

Eric

Actually I am looking for a source for parts for the H6.

Thanks