Calypso J First Stage

[Tommymac]

I bought a Calypso J in 1971, dove it exclusively for 18 years. I decided to get it up and running again for shits and giggles. I remember it had a recall on the HP seat and mine was effected. I bought a kit for it but I believe I'm having problems with the piston bushing assembly. Does anyone know if the backup plastic ring can be replaced with a regular "O" ring? and I am also trying to find out what first stage serial numbers were effected by the recall ?

After many years of using the same regulator I have since been afflicted with GAS. In the guitar world that's Gear Acquisition Syndrome. So many regulators and so little time.

 

[Couv]

If no one here has the answer you seek, try Vintage Double Hose, there is a vintage single hose section.
Single Hose Regulators. - Vintage Double Hose

Additionally, you may find this page helpful.
Store | Vintage Double Hose

 

[oly5050user]

Almost purchased one when I was a kid about 53 years ago was priced at something like $85 at the time.

 

[Tommymac]

Thanks for your response. I got the parts kit and watched the video on rebuilding it at Vintage Double hose.

I always had to buy the cheapest regulators until I was in the Navy. I was on the Oriskany and we pulled into Subic Bay where I bought my first top shelf regulator at the Naval Exchange, the Calypso. It didn't have much for ports, and when I got home from the service I bought another newer one with multiple ports from a friend. He had won it in a contest and was happy to stay with his Conshelf so I bought it from him for $50. and preceded to dive the shine off it.

 

[GJC]

If you are referring to part no. 8280-08 Backup Ring (part 14 on the regulator diagram), yeah you need that ring. An O-Ring probably will not work for very long even if it initially appears to seal well. That ring helps keep the sealing o-ring from extruding along the piston.

The recall involved all Calypso regulators manufactured before Sept. 1979. Technicians that did the repair were supposed to mark the regulator with a punch mark next to where the yoke screw goes into the regulator. All Calypso regulators manufactured after the recall (and had the new bushing) had a serial number that started with a zero.

 

[Tommymac]

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!

 

[herman]

Not sure the size but backup orings are not hard to find. McMaster has them for around $3 for 100. I would try asking on VDH, good chance someone there has a bag of them.
I have a service manual for the Calypso if you need one.

 

[pepperbelly]

I hope you get it up and running. Dad and I had a Calypso J regulator that we paired on the tank with a K valve.
We had a Conshelf we used on the tank with a J valve. This was in the early ‘70s.
I really miss the simple days of steel 72s with backpacks, and no bcd’s. Diving today is more complicated than it needs to be.

 

[AfterDark]

I use one of those on my pony bottle specifically for the J valve feature. Haven't had to service it yet, VDH has/had the service kits for them.

 

[Tommymac]

After replacing the seat without success, pretty much feel this job is above my pay grade. There are a lot of used first stages around and I got one off feebay. Thought I would use it for parts but it looks absolutely mint. No signs of wear or corrosion and there is a punch mark indicating its been upgraded. It holds a steady IP with perfect decals, like new inside and out. I had a new like diaphragm cover off an Aquarius. After some time in the ultrasonic cleaner and a new seat it breaths easier than I ever remembered. It's not old faithful but possibly a more practical approach for a shallow water swim down memory lane. .

I think this board is the first place to find anything diving.