Is an inline adjustment tool necessary?

[Tbar]

if I'm only doing scubapro balanced 2nd stages & I have this tool:

Scubapro Balanced Chamber Tool

do I need the inline adjustment tool, or is that just a different tool to do the same thing?

I also have that tool. It is only used to adjust older Scubapro balanced 2nd stages balance chambers, and was needed as the o-ring set-up dint seal unless the knob was fitted or the tool attached. Newer SP balance chamber set-up is different doesn't need the tool, just a small screwdriver.

The Balance Chamber tool does not work for in-line adjustment and you still need to adjust the orifice. So if you want to use a tool (rather than 'trial and error') you need another tool. Dual Drive Inline Adjusting Tool

 

[Wayward Son]

Let's see, I have a bunch of R109's that were upgraded to balanced adjustables, 2 G250V.

The others aren't balance, an R190 and an R380.

 

[redacted]

What we have here is a failure to communicate. I believe that tbar is referring to G500s and early S600, not older, good regulators.

 

[rhwestfall]

From the page:

The Scuba Tools Balanced Chamber Adjustment Tool was designed specifically to modify the amount of spring force applied to the back of the Scubapro G500® S600®, S600T®, &G250HP® poppets.

Different animal from the Inline Adjustment Tool..

 

[Wayward Son]

Yeah, I'm not sure how the G250HP differs from the G250V when it comes to servicing. But if the tool isn't needed for my regs I guess I need to ebay it.

 

[Tbar]

Attached are schematics for two S600 balance chambers. Rev B is the older. I expect that the same balance chambers may be used on other models. So which one do you have on the R109s and G250Vs? The knob can be an indicator, the new knob is more tapered general with a chrome ring. If you remove the +- sticker then it is obvious as the new one has a Philips head screw.

 

[Wayward Son]

I don't know what the internals are on the 109's, I just know that George said he converted them. I have several so will have to open them up to find out. Externally they just look like the old 109's. The G250V's were bought new and were among the many stages scubapro screwed me over on the parts for life deal.

 

[rhwestfall]

More than likely the "guts" of the 156 is the same as the G250v. Depending on how long ago they were in his hands, they could be the "old" balanced poppet, but are more than likely the current s-wing as those have been around for quite some time now. If they are "old" (blue body with a steel rod), the seat is not replaceable, as the poppet was changed at service intervals. The S-wing (white all plastic piece) has a "hat" seat that you replace, re-using the body. VDH has "upgrade" kits to get you up to date should you need to go that route.

 

[rhwestfall]

old:

new:

 

[rhwestfall]

what is replaced now when serviced - just the o-rings and seat, poppet body is re-used: