Is this an AIR1 with MKV?

[XLT_66]

Hey guys, a guy at work just handed this to me for free. It has only been used on what he says to be "maybe 3-4 dives".

It has been sitting in a ScubaPro case since about 1984ish he thinks.

From what I can tell, and I am about as far from an expert as can be, this is an AIR 1. From what I've read, they came with a MKV.

Can anyone confirm?

I've also read that these are great regulators, although can give some wet breathing from time to time. I know that parts are limited since it has been discontinued. It has never been serviced before, so I imagine the diaphram is still in good condition. I have yet to take it to my LDS to see if it could be serviced by him. (He's old and has most likely seen these before)

Anyway, can anyone confirm for me that this is a Darth Vader AIR1 and MKV?

It has 2 HP, 4LP on a swivel.

 

[Fishpie]

You're right on the money.....MK5 with an Air1.

 

[redacted]

And it looks like a fairly desirable Mk5 at that with the heavy yoke and 5 LP ports. The small holes in the ambient chamber make it a bit harder to clean well but not much. They are the newer version and also usually mean 2 HP 7/16th ports. The only other question is if you have a SS or chromed brass swivel retainer (turret bolt). I believe this was a post production safety improvement due to the softer brass version being damaged by over torquing. If it is brass it will require some critical inspection but seems to be quite usable. Unfortunately, the improved SS versions are no longer supported by Scubapro and seem to be like hen's teeth.

 

[XLT_66]

Both teh 1st and 2nd stagese look virtually new. No oxidation, sediment, nothing. If I were to guess, if I am looking at the correct feature, the swivel retainer nut is a chromed brass. Is the SS nut coated at all?

 

[XLT_66]

Also, do you think I should attempt to have this combo serviced? I have a MK10/G250 en route to my right now that I'll also have to get serviced. Which setup would you dive?

 

[redacted]

The swivel retainer is inside the ambient chamber. The two different versions look quite similar. I take a hard sharp point (like a SS o-ring pick) and scratch the face. You may have to scratch pretty hard as they really seemed to lay on the chrome back then.

I would not hesitate to use it if the Air1 can be serviced. I have gotten to where I prefer my Mk5s over my Mk10s. I think I have 4 Mk10s sitting in my "reserves" drawer and am only using one for a din rig. I have 3 Mk5s that I use fairly regularly. I believe the larger piston may give them a small advantage over the Mk10s in terms of the effect of the HP piston o-ring friction effecting IP changes as a function of tank pressure. OTOH, the difference may well be undetectable in terms of diving performance. At least it is nothing that the adjustment knob on your 109 can't take care of.

BTW, you might want to be a bit careful with which Austin area Scubapro shop you use. I spoke to one of the Dive World techs and decided to not let him touch my regulators.

 

[XLT_66]

I just went over to Dive World a few minutes ago at lunch. I spoke to a younger guy that from what I can tell seemed pretty knowledgable on the subject.

He knew right away about how easy it was to damage the diaphram while servicing and went on to rattle off how the Pilot led to the AIR1 to the D300 ect.

I think what I am going to do is use this 3000 psi MKV and pair it to a used G250 I've purchased and am waiting on. This is my first setup and I figured I'll just have to start somewhere.

 

[halocline]

Either the MK5 or MK10 would be absolutely fine. Which one you would be better to use would depend on what kind of condition they're in. I agree with awap in that I generally prefer an excellent condition MK5 to a similar MK10, but it's much easier to find a MK10 in great condition. I have several of each and use all of them.

The G250 is a great 2nd stage to pair with either; it's one of the most proven designs around. If you can find a metal case 109 (or balanced adjustable) those are excellent too. The AIR 1 I don't know as much about, except I do know you'll have a harder time finding someone who you could trust working on it. I'd like to get one, mostly out of curiosity. I love the D series regs, actually they're my favorite in some ways, but they are a little more finicky to tune.

 

[Doubler]

Dove an Air 1 for years. As a matter of fact I have 5 of them in my stash of stuff. Great breathing reg but breathes real wet upside down. It has a large exhaust diaphragm. As I recall the top was held in by air pressure and the bottom was clipped in place. When you go upside down the top, now the bottom, tends to float and allows water to seep, sometimes a lot.

 

[smithrjd]

Yep AIR 1 and later MKV. Just got about the same setup in this week. LDS is seeming to be reluctant to service the AIR 1 as Scubapro no longer supports these units. Mine other than a bad mouthpiece, (yours looks to be a replacement) is in the same shape. Should have a little blue plastic key that fits in the "S" on the back to relieve the pressure off the seat for storage.