Argonaut Single Hose....First Look

[Bryan]

Now back to the topic which I'm sure we will adhere going forward

Good to hear.... others are reporting similar post dive comments. Keep diving them!
I knew you would give me an honest opinion and constructive criticism where necessary.



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[Ron]

Aww, Ron... what could you know at such a young age?
Surely you need some old farts to lead the way! Now, if I could just remember where I left my car keys I would go to lunch.

I literally lost my car keys for ten minutes this morning. I'm going to be the worst old man ever. Plus, I cannot imagine how my gas could get any worse than it already is.

[tbone1004]

since one of them has outed themselves, I'll out myself as having one of the five sets. Initial impressions look very good. Sadly not able to get them in the water for another week and a half, but will be doing a lot of comparing and contrasting with them and will have them in a cave in about 4 weeks give or take.

[Ron]

since one of them has outed themselves, I'll out myself as having one of the five sets. Initial impressions look very good. Sadly not able to get them in the water for another week and a half, but will be doing a lot of comparing and contrasting with them and will have them in a cave in about 4 weeks give or take.

Since modern open ocean tech diving and cave diving use many of the same techniques, I'm curious as to your thoughts on making the reg easier to take apart underwater. I mentioned this to Bryan, but in a perfect world I would want the cover to be large around the rim and easy to get off, and all in one piece. If I could figure out how, it would be even better for the diaphragm to be retained by the second stage cover so that the entire assembly could be removed by hand underwater to clear out sediment and such from the second stage if need be. Anyway, I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this as a cave diver.

I really like the venturi deflector lever and cracking pressure adjustment knob on this reg. It's a lot thicker and more solidly built than the ones on my HOG regs.

[Fibonacci]

Now back to the topic which I'm sure we will adhere going forward

Good point Bryan and Ron... please just read the first part of my post!
I shall cease harrumphing and return to my Z2 service... once i find my half drunk cup of tea

[tbone1004]

the reg as is spins apart with no issues. Atomic and Scubapro are the exceptions to the rule on the ability to easily remove the cover

[Greg Barlow]

I have had the opportunity to run one of the second stages through its paces, both on the work bench, and in open water. My open water tests were done with neoprene gloves, and the controls were very easy to manipulate. This is not the case with many regs on the market.

The inhalation effort control has an adjustment range of a full inch, which is a nice feature when diving in current. Even with the knob in the fully inward position, the reg performs admirably.

With Bryan's blessing, I disassembled the reg completely, and carefully examined every component. The quality of construction is incredible for the projected retail price. Let's say it this way... If you find a better value on the market, I'd like to know about it.

My dive experience also indicated that it is a dry breather in any orientation. I deliberately tried to find a position in which I could detect moisture, and it didn't occur.

Well done, Bryan. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a test mule.

Greg

[EHowe]

I had no idea this was in the works. 1st stage looks awesome nice chrome.

[Bryan]

Some preliminary bench testing.....Not too shabby so far..

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[georgeaustin]

Keys, Hell . . . I don't remember where I parked my car. My solution - particularly in a multi level garage is to take a picture of the level and space number with my phone. Works ok until you leave the keys inside because you're preoccupied remembering where you're at.

My theory, and I'm no doctor, is brain damage due to voluntary exposure to continued increases in atmospheric pressure at a higher or more frequent rate than is currently assumed to be acceptable.

[Chris]

Had the opportunity to look at the second stage inside and out. Like I suspected, a goog reg made better by adding where other companies go cheep. Growing up on the Oregon coast, Ron had my attention at "stainless knob". If other peoples daily users are abused like mine, the thicker lever should be a huge bonus. If the cover is printed, can you take custom orders, like a nice skull and crossbones for the kid in us? And will we be able to order just the second stage?

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[Bryan]

If the cover is printed, can you take custom orders, like a nice skull and crossbones for the kid in us? And will we be able to order just the second stage?

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One of the main uses of 3D printing is for proof of concept and to check initial function of parts. The material they use has improved over the years but so far nothing I have used would stand up to long term exposure to saltwater.
There are hundreds of companies on line and I'm sure a few in your area that could make a cover for a regulator. All you need is a 3D ready file and they can quote you a price. The printed covers for these sample regulators were $275.00 each. As I said, I would not count on any 3D printed parts holding up very long in water, especially salt water.

As far as selling just 2nd stages I don't see any reason why not.....But I'm no where near giving the green light to the project as a whole lot more testing and data needs to be gathered first.....Plus I gotta figure out how to pay for all of it!

[Chris]

For $275, your concept is some of the best art work I've seen. Except maybe the drawing of a square I saw once at the Toledo Museum of Art.

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[Chris]

So how is the testing coming along? I know it's only been three months, but I'm anxious about the end results and price.

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[Bryan]

All reports have been A+ so far. I've sent out the cold water kits so the test divers can assess them in conditions way colder than I'm diving in. I don't have an ETA as I want to get it right the first time. Test, test and more tests are needed.