Scubpro MK I/109 (Model 101) restored

[Greg Barlow]

Being a fan of the Scubapro MK V/109 combination, I decided to create a MK I/109 version using parts from various regs. The MK I differed from the MK 5 in only one regard, that being a single LP port originating from the end of the piston cap. The MK 5 originally had a two LP port swivel. This particular first stage body was an early version that used a retaining clip to hold the swivel. It also had the "thin" yoke and screw that were designed for 2,250-2,500psi cylinders. I believe that this particular model sold from the late 60s to early 70s.

The piston cap came from a very rough first stage, and as you can see from the photo, was badly in need of some TLC from our own Dave Ali. The resident Scubapro historian, Luis, provided me with the necessary internal parts. Thanks, again, guys for the awesome help.

Anyway, as you can see, the finished project looks pretty darn nice. The IP is a rock solid 135PSI with a cylinder pressure of 2,300PSI. A test dive is in order as soon as I can start diving in a wet suit.

[Ron]

That thing looks like a new car! I dig it.

[luis]

Very nice!

[simonbeans]

Thank you for sharing.

[Bryan]

You should let Rob use it....He loves shiny regulators... Looks great Greg!

[JES]

Very impressive work!

[ovalis]

A very clean reg there Greg.

The original MK I when it came out in '64 was a different design. That top cap actually had no port in it. The LP hose was routed from where the HP port is today, and the piston was completely different. When the Mark V came out in '65, it was actually set up like the MK I that you have here. No swivel. The following year in '66, the swivel was added and named the MK V, the original MK V was renamed the MK I, and the original MK I was discontinued (actually recalled & destroyed from what I've heard). Now you know the rest of the story..... (at least according to their catalogs)

[Greg Barlow]

That information is very interesting. I wondered why the drawings in the early Scubapro catalogues looked so different from the regs that I have handled.

Do you have any photographs of the early examples?

Thanks, again, for the information.

Greg

[ovalis]

I will post some pictures when I get my computer back. Crashed and lost everything, but fortunately I had it backed up.
I did write a post with pics on this reg a couple of years ago, not sure if it's still here after the site was revamped.

[ovalis]

Finally got my files back

Here is the original MK I on the left along with the version we know today on the right. Along with a shot of the internals and a cut away diagram from a healthways catalog. They used it for a short time too.

[luis]

Thanks for the pictures.

That is an interesting regulator. If the diagram is at all to scale, it looks like maybe the “Enlarge Air Passage” near the piston was probably not adequate. The balancing stem seems to fill most of the air passage.

Do you know why they were recalled?
Have you tried that one?

Thanks again.

[ovalis]

I agree on both points, it is a very interesting regulator (that's why I like them so much) and the air passage does look very small according to the diagram. I didn't notice that when I had it pulled apart, but that was a few years ago and can't recall to well. I haven't dove it. When I got my first one, it wasn't holding IP. I wanted to fabricate some seats for it, but never got around to it. I have since acquired another one or two more, but have not tested them. I have searched high & low on the net for any information on them and have found nothing with the exception that somebody said they were recalled and destroyed because they could malfunction and shut off the air supply. I take that with a grain of salt. Until I hear more about them from an old timer who had first hand knowledge of them, they are a question mark in my book. They don't even show them on the scubapro regulator museum.

[Greg Barlow]

I was very pleased to see actual photographs of the original MK I, as I had only seen the drawings in the earliest Scubapro catalogs. I even wondered as to whether or not they had been produced.

Perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to dive with one.

Thanks.

Greg