| Here's my rough breakdown of the costs incurred putting together my CCR Dolphin. This is a timely thread, as I've been asked a few times recently how much the unit cost me, and to date I hadn't actually gone through the exercise until now (all in New Zealand pesos, I'll convert to US$ later):
SCR Dolphin complete NZ$2300
0.003" orifice + hose NZ$50
Apeks DS4+plug NZ$280
2 x steel 3L fabers NZ$300 (2nd hand)
Mark Munro 3-PP02 kit NZ$280
2 x sensors NZ$220
PVC for sensor housing NZ$50
Other bits for display NZ$200
Assorted other fittings NZ$300
Stainless + welding rods
for backplate adapter NZ$60
G-snaps NZ$300
C4 VR3 + ext sensor NZ$2500(!)
Subtotal - NZ$4340 + VR3
Total - NZ$6840
Using a rough exchange rate of US$0.70 to the NZ dollar = US$4800.
Without the VR3, we're talking US$3000, plus or minus a few bucks here and there.
This doesn't take into account any of my time, which has been substantial. I'd have to guess at a minimum of 250 hours over the past 18 months. If you factor it all in, the KISS units are certainly a viable alternative financially. The Dolphin would look a little better if the exchange rate was back down around the 45c US mark of course...
I've had no formal training in CCR diving, an issue I've been giving some thought recently. My options are limited though, as pointed out by wedivebc.
Greg |