Aquamatic regulator

[oceancurrent]

This Aqua-Lung Aquamatic regulator came as part of a vintage set that included an orange cylinder, which I have been playing with for fun and education. The regulator seems to be in very decent shape overall, but unfortunately the second stage diaphragm has rotted away. I could not find any schematic for the regulator to help, but the second stage design seems to be a sort of simple non-balanced valve. The first stage is kind of cute - very very compact and lightweight. I am thinking that it may be diaphragm design, so I have been holding back on opening it up so as not to unseat the diafragm and have to look for replacement. There is an external IP adjustment. I changed the second stage with an R109 and the reg works great (I am, of course, only hooking this yoke to 2000psi max pressure, as it may not be safe for more). I will check the IP behavior when I dig out my inline IP gauge since the inflator hose gauge that I normally use won't work here.

So, what do you guys think? Is there any way in the world to find a replacement diaphragm for the second stage to revive it? What about parts for the first stage (diafragm, seat)? Or is this merely a cool museum prop at this point?

 

[herman]

That is the first single hose USD offered in 1957. Go to Vintage Double Hose, scroll down to the bottom of the screen, go t "Manuals and Catalog" section and look up the late 50's USD catalogs, you will find a lot of into there. It was also sold with a small tank and called the "Vigo" Parts a re pretty much not available. Also, notice that the LP hose on the first stage end is not a standard scuba fitting but rather a commercial gas fitting.

 

[oceancurrent]

No parts, no fun. Unless one can manufacture some custom parts, but the work and expense is not worth it. Sounds like this reg is purely museum material then.

 

[John C. Ratliff]

I have an Aquamatic regulator, and a Deluxe Aquamatic. They both use the same first stage, but the Delux Aquamatic has what looks like a Calypso second stage (the lever system is slightly different).

The Aquamatic you have uses a very unique diaphragm and retention system. The diaphragm is molded in specific shapes to go over the edge of the edges of the main cylindrical body, with the cover simply sitting on the diaphragm. This is all held together by a rubber ring which goes goes over and locks the three other pieces together.

The one I have was in pretty good condition when I got it, and I experimented with it, getting the unique conical opening lever situated just right between the two demand levers. Even so, breathing resistance was high. I used it in water only once, and that was in the shallow end of a pool. I wouldn't take it into open water, as i did not trust the diaphragm retention system, although I have seen photos of a diver in about 90 feet of water in a very old National Geographic Magazine.

I have some photos, which I'll add later (see below now). My Aquamatic is not divabLe now, not because of the of the diaphragm, but because of the exhalation valve's vertical attachment shaft broke. I tried to glue it back on with shoe goo, but it glued too much, making exhalation resistance go very high.

By the way, your photo #3 shows the cover, and it is missing the purge button, whIch actually looks like a shaft with a knob on it. Someone probably did not like it, and took it off.

SeaRat

 

[oceancurrent]

By the way, your photo #3 shows the cover, and it is missing the purge button, whIch actually looks like a shaft with a knob on it. Someone probably did not like it, and took it off.

Thank you. Really cool to see the schematic of the first and second stages. By the way, all the photos that I have seen of the Aquamatic (including the one on your schematic cutout) don't have a purge button.

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Oceancurrent,

You're right, the purge button was not on the Aquamatic diagrams. But it was on the Deluxe Aquamatic, which featured a snorkel built-into the mouthpiece too. The funny thing is that they put that cover on a regular Aquamatic. Strange! By the way, the reason those diagrams look a bit weird is that when I was in Waldo Junior High School, in Salem, Oregon, I cut them out of a U.S. Divers Company catalog for a report on diving. That was probably in about 1957. I still have that report, though the photos have glue marks on them now.

I've also enclosed the photos of my Professional Aquamatic, which has the some first stage as yours, but an updated, metal second stage. I recently dove my Professional Aquamatic, and it did not breath badly at all. I was also surprised that I almost breathed the tank dry, thinking that the small opening in the first stage would act as a restrictor orifice--it didn't, and I was on a K-valve single 72. There are no provisions on this regulator for periferals, no ability to use an octopus, or a gauge. This regulator was before that time, so it must be dived with a J-valve-equipped tank.

Finally, from Fred Roberts' book, Basic Scuba, here is the parts diagram for all the Aquamatics.

SeaRat

 

[John C. Ratliff]

If anyone wants an Aquamatic, there is currently one on E-Bay:

Vintage Scuba US Divers Aquamatic Regulator | eBay

SeaRat

 

[owen m]

This Aqua-Lung Aquamatic regulator came as part of a vintage set that included an orange cylinder, which I have been playing with for fun and education. The regulator seems to be in very decent shape overall, but unfortunately the second stage diaphragm has rotted away. I could not find any schematic for the regulator to help, but the second stage design seems to be a sort of simple non-balanced valve. The first stage is kind of cute - very very compact and lightweight. I am thinking that it may be diaphragm design, so I have been holding back on opening it up so as not to unseat the diafragm and have to look for replacement. There is an external IP adjustment. I changed the second stage with an R109 and the reg works great (I am, of course, only hooking this yoke to 2000psi max pressure, as it may not be safe for more). I will check the IP behavior when I dig out my inline IP gauge since the inflator hose gauge that I normally use won't work here.

So, what do you guys think? Is there any way in the world to find a replacement diaphragm for the second stage to revive it? What about parts for the first stage (diafragm, seat)? Or is this merely a cool museum prop at this point?

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[owen m]

Hi aquamatic reg owner.
I purchased one of these a few years ago and made it my mission to repair it and try it for fun. I took the cone assembly apart and replaced the rivets with stainless steel #3 screws and made up the diaphragm and exhaust valve from some 12 mill silicone sheet I bought. I have tried it and it works but the mouthpiece is hard and hurts my jaw.See attached pics hope it works for you.owen m

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Owen,

How does your Aquamatic with the new diaphragm breath?

SeaRat