Vintage regulator question

[tmorf]

Hello everyone, I emailed Bryan asking him about the DA Aquamaster he has forsale, and he didn't understand my questions and suggested I ask them here for others to answer.

So, does anyone know the source and price of the banjo fittings that fit the regulator he has for sale? In the description in the store it says it requires a "Mar-Vel" style banjo, which I can only imagine is thinner due to the short yoke. His store lists the Mar-Mac banjo, as well as the US divers one. Neither are described as "Mar-Vel," so I'm assuming both are incompatible.

Second question is the banjo is described as working with the USD/Dacor style valves, due to the short yoke. Can anyone explain what is different or standard about that style valve? Both of my tanks have valves that look similiar to pictures of USD valves... I mean, one is ocean dynamics (AL80) and the other is Thermo (HP Steel 119). As far as I know they are defacto standard, of course the steeel one feels a bit nicer as it's a higher cost (and presumably quality) setup.

Just trying to figure out if there would be problems with the short yoke + banjo on my standard tanks.

Thanks.

[1969ivan1]

One banjo is thin and one is not. The thin banjho can be a little tricky to mount on the valve, but it does work. My fave is the thicker banjo if I have a long yoke. Mostly now however I rarely even use a pressure gauge and simply rely on my j valve as GOD intended it. As far as your question about the "source" of his banjos? I think he has them made in Kentucky USA and supplys them to us for a VERY low price. Before Bryan made them you had to pay 80 bucks for one made out of BRASS! Now we have them made of stainless for a fraction of the cost. So for nearly the price of the old inferior Brass banjo you can buy 2 stainless banjos from Bryan's store. Just look around the store, but be warned you will spend all your money when u see the goodies in there. I know I have spent way too much in there myself.
As far as the valve question. It really depends! Without a picture and somebody on the forum with personal experience with that valve, it is unclear if they will work with your reg much less a banjo. In my experience I have found some valves interfere with banjos use and some newer valves do not work with these old reg yokes.
Hope this helps?

[Bryan]

Hello everyone, I emailed Bryan asking him about the DA Aquamaster he has forsale, and he didn't understand my questions and suggested I ask them here for others to answer.

I was actually suggesting that you read one of the dozens of thread that already exist on this subject in the forum.....The search function works great! BTW, had you explained the questions to me in your E-mail like you did in your above post I could have answered them. The valves you are describing do not sound like the type that will work well with the thin Mar Mac style banjo fitting which you have to use with the short yoke DA Aqua Master that I have for sale. The Mar Mac banjo works best with the older 1/2" post and some of the later 3/4" valves from the 60's and 70's. The late model valves and especially the ones that have the removable DIN insert do not work well at all with the thin banjo.

But I was really confused by the part in your E-mail where you said you just got back from the geek convention......Where was that located at ????

Here are few posts on banjo fitting to get you started......the search results turned up 75 possible matches.....

http://www.vintagedoublehose.com/forum/ ... ight=banjo

http://www.vintagedoublehose.com/forum/ ... ight=banjo

http://www.vintagedoublehose.com/forum/ ... ight=banjo

[Nemrod]

Here is what you do, get the DA, get a standard (thick banjo), get the long yoke conversion which is another 45 dollars. On some valves, especially some modern valves you may not be able to use any banjo though I suspect on the valves you mention it will just barely work. The Thermo type with the removal insert will just barely accept the thick style banjo if you use the long yoke. Warning, your results may vary.

I know it seems complicated but really it is not. For a first double hose, one you can safely dive out of the box, this is a good deal for you and welcome to vintage diving BTW.


This is a Thermo brand valve on a modern LP Faber 85 steel tank.


The regulator is a DA Aqua Master with conversion to RAM nozzle and heavy USD yoke. The standard duty long yoke offered on Bryan's store page will fit similar to this with similar results.


Nemrod

[1969ivan1]

Yes, what and where is the "geek" convention? Is that a vintage dive event? I have never heard of that? I am always looking for new vintage dive events like SAND DOG!

[Bryan]

Just to help out with what James is saying here is a bit more info since we are already neck deep in it.

Retired Lt John Mcdonald just purchased the DA and the Mistral from me that both have short yokes……All you do is screw on your pressure gauge and slide the Mar-Mac banjo (O-ring on the banjo facing the regulator) between the cylinder valve and the regulator. Tighten it down a little more snug than you usually would and you are good to go. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN…..The Mar-Mac banjo works best on the early type valves with the full sized O-rings on them (see pictures) It will work on some of the later types but I have found they tend to leak a lot when you use them with the thermo/blue steel/ DIN insert type valves. Hope this clears things up.