Aviation Oxygen

[Chris H]

Thanks Chuck.  Good info.

On a side note, but on the rebreather topic, how do you think the unfortunate passing of Gordon Smith will effect the KISS rebreather program?

[chuck_northrup]

On Gordon Smith's passing...it is a tragic event.  I had the opportunity to meet and dive with Gordon and he was a great guy.  The KISS is a really good product.  The upcoming months will likely be confusing but I don't see the KISS going away.  Even during this difficult time the business is still open.

As long as it will get me into DIR-F I am all for it  

The KISS holds (approx. 6 lbs)  this is on the end of "higher capacity" for an RB.  In other words it is a chemical hog  :  Three hours is the stated duration and I would say 3 hours is a "conservative" number based on scrubber size and media.  Assuming the change of media occurs every 3 hours (according to Hoyle) a 37 lbs Keg would last 18 hours of dive time regardless of time or depth.  That equates to about $10/dive (assuming a 2 hour Mix Deco Dive).

Cleaning and disinfecting is a "sticky" subject.  When is the last time you "sanitized" the inside of your wing?  Do you take your regulator's box cover off on a regular basis and check the diaphragm, exhast valve, and mouthpiece?  Obviously there are checks and skills you need on RB that are non-issues on OC  :-\

Assuming a "squared away" OC diver can do 2 dives a day with 1 set of doubles and 2 stages...you break down and set up every day.  I will break the unit down completely after 3-4 days of diving.  I drain the lungs and spin the spit out of the hoses every other dive.  All things considered I don't think I spend "more" time maintaining my equipment I just spend it "differently."

One of the great things about diving an RB is that service is a regular thing.  The checks that you learn in the course will immediately point out a failure point.  System integrity is very important and failure usually can be tracked down to a flat O-ring or lack of lubrication  

Hope this helps,

Chuck Northrup
Going Under Dive Center

[divbum]

Thanks for the extra time.

[Chris H]

Thank you Chuck.    It is nice to have someone on board who has the experience to explain this stuff. 

[chuck_northrup]

No problem  ;D 

If you ever happen to run into me out at Wazee I would be more than happy to give you a walkthrough on the unit.

Sorry for the highjack...you guys need a RB section 

I know Maple Grove MN is a haul for most of you, but for the extremely curious we will be having a Rebreather Demo Day on Feb 19th.  Your chance to dive the Inspo, KISS, Meg, Dolphin and Azimuth and judge for yourself.

Safe Diving,

Chuck Northrup
Going Under Dive Center 

[Vtach]

Very informative, thanks.  I also agree we need a RB forum.  I suggested it awhile ago but it didn't look as though the admin caught it.  I would really like to attend the demo but gotta consult the schedule.

[Chris H]

No problem  ;D 

If you ever happen to run into me out at Wazee I would be more than happy to give you a walkthrough on the unit.

Sorry for the highjack...you guys need a RB section 

I know Maple Grove MN is a haul for most of you, but for the extremely curious we will be having a Rebreather Demo Day on Feb 19th.  Your chance to dive the Inspo, KISS, Meg, Dolphin and Azimuth and judge for yourself.

Safe Diving,

Chuck Northrup
Going Under Dive Center 
[/quote]

I think a rebreather forum would be nice, but I think there is a real lack of rebreather guys on Wiscuba to make a go of it when MNscuba has such a big rebreather contingency.  If you are willing to moderate a rebreather forum on this site, I'm sure we can get a forum going.  In the past, there have been very few rebreather posts that amounted to anything other than a quick mention.  I personally don't see myself 'flying' a rebreather anytime in the near future, but I think they are interesting and I wouldn't mind learning more about them.

[guido]

I was hoping in the near future there would be a rebreather forum.  I have alot of interest in a rebreather and hope to get one soon.  I have been on mnscuba and geting great info from Chuck.  Chuck has your shop been certified for the O2ptima yet?  Have you had a chance to try it out?

[divbum]

Chuck -
I would think Jamie owes you big time about now...

If your really looking for a web site look at rebreatherworld.com 

[Omicron]

We could do a rebreather section without any problems... but I just didn't think there were any RB divers on the board at all.  Chuck I think is the only one