From my dusty files --maybe of interest to some of you
There has been considerable discussion on this board regarding the UDS and the ABS diving systems by US Divers. Lots of "I think," "I thought," and "I believe" about these units.
It is time to establish a definitive document for future reference and discussions regarding these systems. Lets begin with the UDS units. Therefore:
UDS:
1974
The UDS was introduced in the 1974 US Divers Catalog on pages 4 and 5. Page 4, 2/3s of the page was devoted to a color picture of the unit; likewise on page 5, 1/4 of the page was devoted to a picture. The remainder of the two pages was devoted to verbage describing the unit.
UDS consisted of three cylinders of 3000 psi, 105 cuft, a special manifold, a regulator, a ProDiv SPG and a reserve system. The entire system was encased in a bright yellow thermoformed Cycolac plastic case. The entire unit was attatched to the diver via soft nylon straps, for the waist, crotch and shoulders. The weight belt buckel was USD Safe E Z #7116 which some on this board consider the best thing since sliced bread. Others do not share that opinion
It was sold as a complete unit. However no price was listed in the catlog.
US Divers did issue a seperate 6 page price list. the unit was listed on page #1 as part # 1093 UDS complete, $499.00
1975 (UDS-1)
Once again two complete color pages were devoted to this unit. Although the UDS first appears on page 6 and 7 it is the first product to be featured in the catalog. Pages 1 to five are devoted to JYC, PC and JJC
The cosmetic appearance is the same as the UDS. All changes were devoted to a new ProDive1 SPG, and a moldable mouthpiece for the regulator.
It was also indicated that the case was of Thermoformed "ABS" for superior impact resistance. (?)
Once again the price is on a seperate 2 page price sheet. It is listed as part number 1093 UDS -1 System with a price increase to $599.00
1976 UDS-1
Once again listed on the very first page of the marketing portion of the catalog, page 6. Two color pictures of the front and rear of the unit is demonstrated. A very brief description of the unit accompanies the pictures. There are no apparent changes to the system, either functional or cosmeticly.
Once again a seperate price liist was issued. the unit was listed as UDS-1 #1093 $696.50 (YES $696.50)
1977
UDS -1 was once again placed on the very first page of the catalog, but in reality page 7. Full page , two views, with a sales pitch.
As with others a seperate price list was issued and once again it is listed but with a stock number change of UDS-1 System, part number 1093-00 with a reduction in price of fifty cents to $696.00.
1978
No longer in the USD catalog and not listed in the USD closeout specials. Thus ends the saga of the UDS and UDS -1 by US Divers.
On a personal note:
I had the opportunity to dive the unit on a number of occasions. I was not as impressed as others seem to be.
One of the stong recomendations made to US Divers was to combine a PFD with the unit. Design and market as an acessory or as a componet of the UDS or even better possibly remove one of the cylinders to make room for a PFD. Higher powers, whom I suspect to be JYC & JJC, wanted it as it was designed and marketed.
I dove twin 44 (USD womens tanks or the early USN tripples) the majority of my life. The UDS was no comparison to these units, perhaps that was the problem in my impressions of the UDS.
I obtained a number of the RCM UDS shells from USD.
One shell I made into a holloween turtle costume for one of my children--but even after much cutting and modifing it was still to restrictive, so I tossed it .
Another shell I mounted on the back of the twin 44s. I was using a ScubaPro wings type PFD with a BP from a modified flat piece of metal, which I ran a 3/8 brass bolt through the entire unit to secure it. Used it once or twice and tossed it also.
Thus ends my stories of the UDS.
SDM,
30
