Calypso IV servicing

[Scuba addict]

I recently aquired some "older" gear which after a test run in the pool, I fell in love with. one of the items I got was a Calypso IV regulator. I found it breathed bether than the newer Mares regulator I trained on. what id like to know is if it can still be serviced. I was told the current calypso was similar. so would parts from the new calypso work in my old calypso?

 

[JamesBon92007]

I downloaded a really great service manual for US Divers but I'm not sure this is it:

http://www.frogkick.dk/manuals/aqualung/

but it's probably still good

I have two Calypso regulators, one is a Calypso J and I'm not sure if the other is a IV or not. Someone who knows more than me will probably respond but I learned that the seat in the first stage is reversable (mine didn't need it yet) and the seat in the second stage can be replaced by a DIY stamping it out of rubber method and I *think* the diaphram is still available, or close enough to the new ones that it will work. Mine still have the original diaphrams and work fine. As far as I know mine still have all the original seats, O-rings, everything. Removing the hex fitting from the second stage to get at the valve seat can be tough and requires a six-point socket or end wrench and a lot of care to prevent damage to the housing. Also, hold down the demand lever when unscrewing the valve seat to prevent damage to the seat.

Enjoy!

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
The older Calypsos are no where near like the modern ones. There are no parts available for the first stage however most of them don't need more than a good cleaning and lube. Like JB said, the HP seat can be flipped if necessary (don't do it unless it really needs it- no need to waste a good seat). The other parts in the first stage are common Orings that can be purchased from lots of places. The second stage is a little different matter. While "official" parts kits are no longer available, the parts themselves are common to most lower end USD/AL regs or can be substituted from other current models. The diaphrams are likely silicone so unless they are damaged should be fine. Exhaust valves are a common design and the LP seat is used in darn near every low end reg from every manufacture in the business so it is very common or you can make them. There is a thread on the board somewhere with the details. Your biggest problem is finding someone who will service it for you. Most shops will not touch it so you will likely have to do it yourself, which IMO is a good thing. You can find a downloadable copy of the official manual in the download section at Vintage Double Hose.

Another diver falls victom to the vintage gear bug.
If you are anywhere near Ohio, there is a big vintage meet this weekend at Portage quarry. It is a great place to see the old gear and talk with those of us who keep it alive and diving.

 

[Luis H]

As Herman said, the only thing the new Calypso has in common with the Calypso IV is the name.

The new Calypso is a un-balanced flow by piston regulator with a plastic second stage.
The Calypso IV is a balanced flow through piston with a metal second stage.

 

[Scuba addict]

wow thanks guys. Im not much of a DIYer but I´ll take a crack at it. And yes I did catch the vintage gear bug. The other peice of gear I acquired was an At-Pac. The BC is super sweet! the shot is a PITA on land but in the water, its a dream. Really helps me since I suffer from heavy feet. It definatly replaced my other BC as my regular diving BC

 

[JamesBon92007]

I only recently began servicing my own gear thanks to all the help and info I got here Most of it is not rocket science but I'm good at mechanics in general and obsessive compulsive and neurotic. If you get the right service manual and are careful taking things apart and keep everything in order and make sure nothing can fall off the work bench and get lost then, hey, no problem! The US Divers manual I downloaded didn't have specific instructions (maybe it did, not sure) for adjustments but I downloaded a Sherwood manual and it DID have fine tuning info, much of which applies to single-hose regs in general. I also have a Dacor manual (hard copy) that has been extremely useful. I got it from a guy selling old Dacor gear on Craig's List. Perhaps the trickiest part (for me, anyway) is knowing what to lube and what not to lube and with what. BTW I think my old US Divers reg is not a Calypso IV afterall, but looks the same inside.

Like I said, I have two old US Divers regs and one of them (probably the one that is not the Calypso J) has a very small exhaust port and purge valve. The other one has a slightly larger port and valve and is A LOT easier to exhale from. That's the one I actually dive with.

I didn't catch the vintage bug, it caught me. This just happens to be the stuff I've been diving with all these years, except for the Sherwood regs and a couple of aluminum 80s. But now I feel obligated to try to restore my old tanks to their original appearances but I'm having a hard time finding and pics from the right era.

At Pac sounds familiar. I guess I'll have to look it up. Somehow it has negative connotations in the spiderwebs of my mind. Hope not for your sake.

 

[Scuba addict]

The At-Pac has a bit of a dangerous reputation for two reasons. first was the inflator hose conection was plastic and not solidly attached to the bladder. it would simply come of during a dive which is not good. happened to me during the pool dive so im installing a more modern inflator hose assembly. the second reason it had a dangerous reputation was the integrated weight system. the way the system works is lead shot and marbles are stored in the plastic pack. a door on the bottom of the pack is opened and the shot and marble falls out. the problem was if not checked regularly, the shot would rust and form one giant block and not dump.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Ah yes, that is sounding familiar now.

 

[Scuba addict]

its also a dangerous float your face down back inflate

 

[Scuba addict]

here is some pictures of an At-Pac on pages 1-3.

At-PAC buoyancy compensators

its not exactly like mine but very similar. And on pages 3-4 theres are also pictures of a different model AT-Pac