Recent Purchase

[ErosJax]

I just got these off of Craigslist last night for $20 and was wondering what I can do with them other than displaying them on a shelf as part of my collection. I know you guys don't necessarily consider these vintage, but I know that you would be the most knowledgeable for advice. The first pic is a Healthways Scuba Star TD first and second stage regulator. The second pic is an Aqualung Calypso IV first and second stage regulator along with a US Divers Pressure Gauge. I currently have an Aqualung Conshelf XIV and an Aqualung Conshelf XII that are in great shape and have been serviced and used from time to time. I wasn't sure if the Calypso IV could still be serviced or if I should even bother.

 

[Luis H]

They are definitely vintage. The Healthways is from the late 60’s and the Calypso from the early 70’s.

The Healthways can be cleaned and serviced, but it will never be a good performer. It is a unbalanced piston first stage with a basic downstream demand valve second stage.

The Calypso can also be serviced, but the first stage seat can be hard to find (if it needs it). The first stage is a balanced flow through piston and the second stage is the same as in the Conshelf XIV.

 

[ErosJax]

Thanks for the info Luis! I didn't know too much about these particular regs. I have been trying to do a little research on them. I may take them apart and tinker with them some. It'll be a good learning experience. From what I can find, the Scuba Star seems to be a really simple reg. I wouldn't go diving with it, but I would try it out in a pool. Do you happen to know where I could find a service manual for the Scuba Star? I have searched around via google and came up empty. I also checked out the Vintage Double Hose site, but I think they only had Healthways catalogs. I also seemed to find some conflicting info regarding the Calypso IV. Something about a recall? But I couldn't determine if it was the Calypso IV or VI. Thanks again!

 

[regulator bj]

Att Drawing might help

 

[regulator bj]

Plus a bit more info

 

[ErosJax]

Excellent info rbj! That's pretty much what I was looking for. At least some diagrams, etc.. to get me started. Thanks again!

 

[John C. Ratliff]

ErosJax, I'd like to point out that Luis and regulator BJ are talking about two different regulators. If it is a ScubaStar TD, it has a downstream valve as Luis said. Hopefully, it will have the newer silicone low pressure diaphragm, and not the neoprene-impregnated nylon diaphragm as those tend to get very stiff with age. It looks to have the double exhalation valve too, which is redundant and meant to make the regulator a drier-breathing regulator. If it does have the two exhalation valves, take the lower one out and it will exhale easier. If it is a downstream valve (verses a tilt valve, shown in the parts diagrams above), then the inhalation can be fairly good. If it has a neoprene-impregnated nylon diaphragm, it needs to be "worked" by bending it a lot after you have coated it with silicone grease for about a week. Some flexibility can return. It is a very simple regulator, and many cave/wreck divers in the 1970s used them on bail-out cylinders.

Best wishes,

SeaRat

 

[regulator bj]

Heres the TD drawing to help further

 

[herman]

The Healthways second is not much of a diver but the simple first stage is a favorite of mine. Paired with a good second, it makes a nice small reg. I dive one with a Voit/AMF MR-12 second stage to make a small package. If your HW has a overpressure relief you can remove it and replace it with an octo or LP inflator hose as long as you use a down stream second stage.
The HP seat in the Calypso can be flipped if it needs replacement.
The USD HP gauge is another one I like. The cap gauge is easy to restore if it's cloudy and the face of the gauge is easy to restore as well. I often use one just like it.

 

[ErosJax]

Thanks to everyone for all the info as well as the various diagrams. It's a great help!