e/m CCR Dolphin Builup

Scuba_Vixen

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I posted an update on my Dolphin project, but it's been in testing now for a while and it's pretty well sorted out.

In brief, it's a KISS Dolphin with electronic O2 control added.
I can run it in manual (KISS) mode, or in electronic control mode, or both can be active.
If both are active, then obviously, the solenoid only fires if the PO2 falls below setpoint and I haven't hit the add button.

My O2 consumtion rate is very low, about 0.5 l/m at rest, so I've changed the MAV oriffice to 0.0030" diameter. This gives a bit over 0.4 l/m, (at 12.5 bar IP) which allows me to maintain minimum loop volume and not have my PO2 rise slowly.

In an effort to Keep It Simple, the electronic control doesn't enable until I've reached the 1.2 setpoint manually for the first time, from there on, it will keep the setpoint. This way I know that my manual system is working OK from the start.

To make calibration easy, it's set up to be done remotely from the loop. A ziploc bag with a couple P ports and fittings for O2 from a deco bottle make it foolproof and uses very little O2. Flush that little ziploc a few times, and I know it's 100%. The computer, the digital PO2 readouts, and the HUD controller all calibrate at the same time.

I'm working on an article describing it in more detail with lots of pics, but I thought I'd post some of the pics since I'm not too swift at writing articles and it may be a while yet.

It looks pretty much like any other CCR Dolphin conversion at first glance, but you can see the KISS valve plumbs into the ADV, while the Jaska solenoid valve plumbs into the scrubber inlet. There's the usual non-compensated DS4 for the KISS valve, and a normal ScubaPro Mk16 for the solenoid valve.

What really makes it all easy to setup, is the custom stand I built, which when attached to the TMI back plate adapter, makes a nice free standing frame for everything. It's also mighty easy to stand it up on the tailgate to get into it!

All my electronics are housed in a custom Sartek canister which sits in a carrier on the frame. Some stretch velcro straps keep it snug in place.

Once everything is all set up and good to go, then I can put the wing and harness onto the BP adapter/frame and plug in the inflation hose etc. It's the Oxycheq 40# Rebreather wing with a transpac harness.

The complete unit, ready to dive, weighs exactly 75 pounds.


And to think this all started out as a DIY HUD project.



Darlene


Hope you guys like the pics,

Scuba_Vixen

Here's the shell assembled,

and the frame in place.


The long hose coming off the dil reg goes up to my backup 2nd stage on my neck for near instant sanity breaths.

A BOV is in the works.

Scuba_Vixen

Once the frame is in place, it's easier to stand it up to finish getting it together and putting in the leccies.

You can see in the lower 2 pics, there's a small white piece of PVC with a piece of shock cord above the center area of the canister.
That has a magnet on it and slides to the right to turn the leccies on, and back to the left to turn everything off. It has a tab at the far left end of the canister to make it easy to slide. ... If it breaks or gets lost somehow, the leccies stay on. The magnet is required to turn them off.


You can also see the display showing 021 D 021 D 021 ...... That's the PO2 reading for each of the 3 cells and the "D" indicated that the O2 addition control is Disabled. It changes to "E" for Enabled after the average PO2 reaches 1.2 for the first time.

Attached Images

P9060530smlr.jpg (442.8 KB, 495 views)

Scuba_Vixen

All that's left is to put on the wing and harness.

Attached Images

P9060544smlr.jpg (142.2 KB, 411 views)

decoweenie

Are you using a special adapter to connect to the KISS valve ?

I can't see too clearly, but it seems that the outlet side is a standard SCUBA connection...

BTW, great job on your project!

__________________
"...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..."

- Rebreather World PM

Scuba_Vixen

The outlet adapter lets me use the standard 3/8-24 end of a LP hose. The Tecme adapter at the DSV end accepts the standard 2nd stage end of the hose.



Darlene

decoweenie

Thanks. I didn't such adapter exists...

I have been looking for an adapter to work with the spare molded KISS valves I have without having to go to Swagelok ends like the KISS.

__________________
"...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..."

- Rebreather World PM

louisrankin

Darlene,

I like your idea on using one 02 cylinder and two stages to run the kiss valve and solenoid. I was thinking of using 2 02 cylinders and two valves for my Kiss Hammerhead but your option seems a lot nicer I am not sure it would work for me because of the Kiss case but I will try, can you reach the solenoid valve ok?

Louis

Crazyduck

Darlene,
Awesome Job…. have some green!
I like the H-valve running from the O2 tank and allowing you to shut down either valve.
Isolating that Solenoid is very… nice.

With the addition of the oxygen sensors for the electronics and the Explorer does it detract a lot from your counterlung volume?

Thank you for sharing- I am curious what’s next on your Hobby list?

Happy diving, Andrew

__________________
Howdy Senor- What’s Happening!
Rob Davie April 2005-

Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit.

"You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.

Scuba_Vixen

Yeppers, all the valves are easy to reach. The solenoid's valve handle is at an unusual angle that takes a bit of getting used to for the engrams to form, but I'm good with it now.

I wouldn't want to trust the old OMS face seal type H valve there, but the frame keeps everything pretty well protected.



Darlene