Healthways

[swimjim]

Finally the ice is of Lake Michigan. I will be doing a shore dive tomorrow. I'll be diving twin 72's with a double iso manifold. I will use this as a test bed for my Healthways Gold label with the new diaphragm installed. More reports after the dive.

[Bryan]

The results of your dive with the Healthways will help to decide if the project moves forward or not. Have fun and be safe!

[2THDIVR]

Double hose and Poseidons, my 2 favorites. But I have never dove them together.

[swimjim]

This is kind of my test bed. If for some reason my Healthways does not work out, I can always fall back to the Poseidons. The Poseidons will also run my wing and my dry suit. An important consideration as the water will be about 35F. At least there will be no concern of freeflow. Double hosers and Poseidons are great in the extreme cold and go where other regs fear to tread.

Jim

[Gilldiver]

Well, you could use vintage Poseidons.....

[swimjim]

Well, you could use vintage Poseidons.....

I have a vintage Super Cyclon on my pony, how's that. Well almost vintage, I think that one was from about '82 or so.

[swimjim]

Success! Conditions were tough. 35F water, 0 - 1 foot viz and about 45 minute duration. Not alot of depth though. The reg performs every bit as well as when I had the NOS diaphragm installed. That wasn't a crispy one. The OEM that I lent to Bryan for this project was in great condition. In short, the Bryans new diaphragm made the reg perform as new. The Gold label kept ticking while other modern regs were free flowing!
The snow is almost off the boat ramp and hopefully by next weekend the MV Swimjim will once again ply the icey waters of Lake Michigan. That being the case, I'll take the Gold Label out to one of the local wrecks and give it the acid test. I'm thinking the SS Niagara that burn't to the waterline and sank in 1856. That's about a 50 foot dive. If the reg can make it there, it can make it anywhere!

[2THDIVR]

Thanks for the report.
Hope the diaphrams go into production.
I have a couple regs that could use them.

[Herman]

I put 75 minutes on the Healthways diaphragm this evening. I finally got a chance to spend some time underwater with my "new" Healthways Gold Label and the prototype diaphragm. NICE!!

The reg works great, breaths smooth and easy. Even with tanks approaching 3000 psi it worked fine. On mine, the exhaust pressure is considerably higher than the cracking pressure. I suspect the mushroom valve I am using is not ideal, it was one I had on hand, the original was toast. After the diaphragms go into production, an upgraded exhaust valve would be a great addition. The reg did not have hoses or a mouthpiece when I got it so it is sporting a USD curved mouthpiece upgraded with new mushroom valves.

The diaphragms are a winner....Now I need a second diaphragm for the other Healthways I have..

[swimjim]

The OEM Healthways hose and mouth piece sets are best left to display. I use mine with US Diver hoses, actually Bryans EPDM's and a nice silicone curved mouth piece with modern valves installed. That makes a great combo.
I'm working some overtime this weekend, but I will get my Gold label into some deeper water next weekend!

Jim

[1969ivan1]

JIm, please do keep us posted on these new prototype silicone diaphragms for the healthways.

[Herman]

JIm, please do keep us posted on these new prototype silicone diaphragms for the healthways.

The one I was diving is also one of the reproductions.

[1969ivan1]

OK, them Herm' keep us posted on every dive you do as well.

[Herman]

It's going to get a work out in a couple of weeks, there will 4 of us test driving it.

[swimjim]

JIm, please do keep us posted on these new prototype silicone diaphragms for the healthways.

You got it Rob. Now that the boat is ready, it just a matter of mother nature giving me some lake conditions and a few windows of oppurtunity when I'm not working. By the way Rob, the Schooner Northerner is getting a state mooring some time this year. That totally rocks! I remember you shooting past the deck on your way to the bottom on that one. Right down to 135 fow with your uber cool non mag look a like PRAM! With the mooring it will be a lot easier to access that wreck. You can inspect things while I swim around the wreck salvaging stuff the PADI Pros dropped. You know, weight belts, camera systems, dive lights, etc... LOL

Jim