Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me!

Def · 6th October 2006, 10:57

I am diving in Sydney, in around 17/18d water for 50-60minutes a dive...

Dive 1 .. all sweet, get to the end of the dive, and I some times get a Cell 1 error...

Dive 2.. Dive in again, 10 minutes or so, Cell 1 Error again!!!

Tested Cells, All fine, well within all Specs ...

When I open the head, there is alot of beads of condensation on the head, i have tasted the water (not that I like licking heads or anything) and its always nice and fresh, no water at the bottom of the unit.

I am thinking of moving Cell 3 to Cell 1, see if there is another reason for Cell1 issues (this will remove all doubt)..

What else can I do ?, Any Ideas ?

Padowan · 6th October 2006, 11:09

Open the head up between dives, give it a shake to get the bulk of the water out, and leave it to air before you jump in again. Makes a world of difference.

Also take the cells out and check the state of the pins every now and again - they develop a black film after a while that is uaually the cause of this type of fault (this is assuming you ahve a classic with the 3-pin molex's on).

sven · 6th October 2006, 11:36

Quote: (Originally Posted by Def)

I am diving in Sydney, in around 17/18d water for 50-60minutes a dive...

Dive 1 .. all sweet, get to the end of the dive, and I some times get a Cell 1 error...

Dive 2.. Dive in again, 10 minutes or so, Cell 1 Error again!!!

Tested Cells, All fine, well within all Specs ...

When I open the head, there is alot of beads of condensation on the head, i have tasted the water (not that I like licking heads or anything) and its always nice and fresh, no water at the bottom of the unit.

I am thinking of moving Cell 3 to Cell 1, see if there is another reason for Cell1 issues (this will remove all doubt)..

What else can I do ?, Any Ideas ?

Cameron,

Do you really get a cell#1 failure? If so, this is probably not related to the condensation. Cell#2 is more likely to give you grief. I never had a problem with #1 so far. (... touches wood ...)

Do you do any drills during the dive? Or dribble a lot???

Have you considered a neoprene cover for your loop (the thermal insulation made a world of difference on my Inspiration!) Bazza sells them at SXD. When you go to the shop, check out Bazza's new hairtcut!!!

BTW, I will be at the shop around lunchtime Saturday.

jkaterenchuk · 6th October 2006, 14:00

Cameron

I had exactly the same problem about one month ago. About 10 minutes into the second dive it would give me an error. If I left the top open to dive it would be fine the next dive but then again on the second dive I would get the error. First I put new molex connectors and pins on. This did not make a difference. Then I moved the cell to a different location. This did not make a difference so I just replaced the cell. No problem now and I can hear better our of my left ear.

John

Pierre Farrugia · 6th October 2006, 14:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by jkaterenchuk)

Cameron

I had exactly the same problem about one month ago. About 10 minutes into the second dive it would give me an error. If I left the top open to dive it would be fine the next dive but then again on the second dive I would get the error. First I put new molex connectors and pins on. This did not make a difference. Then I moved the cell to a different location. This did not make a difference so I just replaced the cell. No problem now and I can hear better our of my left ear.

John

I had your exact problem but mine always came 40min+ into the dive, it was the wire corroded going into the molex connector!

Def · 7th October 2006, 02:00

Opps,

Thanks for the reply guys, its a 9 month old Vision, no corrosion, never had salt in the head ...

Maybe I dribble alot (gargar) I hear a gargle in the hose now and then and just dump it in the lung, but again I must say there is only ever been a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the tub (fresh mind you, either condensation or dribble (yes I have tasted it)), but I will open it up and have a look... move cell 1 to 3 (changed my mind now) and go for a dive..) and .. order a new cell just in case!

Maybe sven we could do it over a beer / or before a dive or something and finally catch up ?

Pugwash · 7th October 2006, 18:15

I had this exact same problem on about 3 dives, but with cell 3, and diving in 28'C water. 40 minutes into the dive I would get a cell warning, over and over. Really anoying...

After the last problem dive I carefully stripped the cell out and there was a film of water over the cell face, almost as if the hydrophobic coating was not applied or not effective. This was not apparent on the other 2 cells. If you flicked the cell into the palm of your hand there was a surprising amount of water.

I swapped cell 3 for cell 1. I haven't looked back and had no further issues.

Dan

GuyW · 8th October 2006, 13:45

The only time I have had this cell error problem it was due to an old cell. It was still within the 18mths, but it was slow compared with the other two and this caused intermittant cell errors.

New cell, problem gone.

I have never had any evidence of moisture related cell errors. Including multiple (long) dives in warm water.

Have a close look at the displays when the cell error is going off and it may give you a hint as to what the issue is.

Or bite the bullet and replace the cell. You need to start replacing them periodically anyway.

Guy

Def · 11th October 2006, 07:08

Well last night I replaced 1 with 3, and its all back together again, ready for this weekend ... if this does not help, I will replace cell 1 (now in 3) and start the cell cycle program!

Hmm! ...

anton610 · 4th September 2007, 21:47

Hello!

Today i had the same problem with cell #3. (cell warning)

Have you still any problems with the cells?
is it good to change cell #1 with cell #3?

regardss anton

6th October 2006, 10:57	#1 (permalink)
Def New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 83	Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! I am diving in Sydney, in around 17/18d water for 50-60minutes a dive... Dive 1 .. all sweet, get to the end of the dive, and I some times get a Cell 1 error... Dive 2.. Dive in again, 10 minutes or so, Cell 1 Error again!!! Tested Cells, All fine, well within all Specs ... When I open the head, there is alot of beads of condensation on the head, i have tasted the water (not that I like licking heads or anything) and its always nice and fresh, no water at the bottom of the unit. I am thinking of moving Cell 3 to Cell 1, see if there is another reason for Cell1 issues (this will remove all doubt).. What else can I do ?, Any Ideas ?
(Offline)

6th October 2006, 11:09	#2 (permalink)
Padowan RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Exeter, UK. Posts: 524	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Open the head up between dives, give it a shake to get the bulk of the water out, and leave it to air before you jump in again. Makes a world of difference. Also take the cells out and check the state of the pins every now and again - they develop a black film after a while that is uaually the cause of this type of fault (this is assuming you ahve a classic with the 3-pin molex's on). __________________ Padowan The future's bright, the future's Yellow .....for now padowan.net - Latest Video: Scapa Flow Rebreather Diving
(Offline)

6th October 2006, 11:36	#3 (permalink)
sven Blogs Admin / Forum Mod Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 551	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Quote: (Originally Posted by Def) I am diving in Sydney, in around 17/18d water for 50-60minutes a dive... Dive 1 .. all sweet, get to the end of the dive, and I some times get a Cell 1 error... Dive 2.. Dive in again, 10 minutes or so, Cell 1 Error again!!! Tested Cells, All fine, well within all Specs ... When I open the head, there is alot of beads of condensation on the head, i have tasted the water (not that I like licking heads or anything) and its always nice and fresh, no water at the bottom of the unit. I am thinking of moving Cell 3 to Cell 1, see if there is another reason for Cell1 issues (this will remove all doubt).. What else can I do ?, Any Ideas ? Cameron, Do you really get a cell#1 failure? If so, this is probably not related to the condensation. Cell#2 is more likely to give you grief. I never had a problem with #1 so far. (... touches wood ...) Do you do any drills during the dive? Or dribble a lot??? Have you considered a neoprene cover for your loop (the thermal insulation made a world of difference on my Inspiration!) Bazza sells them at SXD. When you go to the shop, check out Bazza's new hairtcut!!!BTW, I will be at the shop around lunchtime Saturday. __________________ Regards, Sven The Sydney Project website: http://www.sydneyproject.com My Blog: http://sven.rebreatherworld.com "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." Mark Twain
(Offline)

6th October 2006, 14:00	#4 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 1,041	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Cameron I had exactly the same problem about one month ago. About 10 minutes into the second dive it would give me an error. If I left the top open to dive it would be fine the next dive but then again on the second dive I would get the error. First I put new molex connectors and pins on. This did not make a difference. Then I moved the cell to a different location. This did not make a difference so I just replaced the cell. No problem now and I can hear better our of my left ear. John
(Online)

6th October 2006, 14:32	#5 (permalink)
Pierre Farrugia Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Malta Posts: 636	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Quote: (Originally Posted by jkaterenchuk) Cameron I had exactly the same problem about one month ago. About 10 minutes into the second dive it would give me an error. If I left the top open to dive it would be fine the next dive but then again on the second dive I would get the error. First I put new molex connectors and pins on. This did not make a difference. Then I moved the cell to a different location. This did not make a difference so I just replaced the cell. No problem now and I can hear better our of my left ear. John I had your exact problem but mine always came 40min+ into the dive, it was the wire corroded going into the molex connector! __________________ Pierre Farrugia My wife told me " If you don't quit diving I'm going to leave you" My reply " God, I'll miss you" www.atlam.org www.divemed.com
(Offline)

7th October 2006, 02:00	#6 (permalink)
Def New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 83	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Opps, Thanks for the reply guys, its a 9 month old Vision, no corrosion, never had salt in the head ... Maybe I dribble alot (gargar) I hear a gargle in the hose now and then and just dump it in the lung, but again I must say there is only ever been a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the tub (fresh mind you, either condensation or dribble (yes I have tasted it)), but I will open it up and have a look... move cell 1 to 3 (changed my mind now) and go for a dive..) and .. order a new cell just in case! Maybe sven we could do it over a beer / or before a dive or something and finally catch up ?
(Offline)

7th October 2006, 18:15	#7 (permalink)
Pugwash New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 45	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! I had this exact same problem on about 3 dives, but with cell 3, and diving in 28'C water. 40 minutes into the dive I would get a cell warning, over and over. Really anoying... After the last problem dive I carefully stripped the cell out and there was a film of water over the cell face, almost as if the hydrophobic coating was not applied or not effective. This was not apparent on the other 2 cells. If you flicked the cell into the palm of your hand there was a surprising amount of water. I swapped cell 3 for cell 1. I haven't looked back and had no further issues. Dan
(Offline)

8th October 2006, 13:45	#8 (permalink)
GuyW Old Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 61	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! The only time I have had this cell error problem it was due to an old cell. It was still within the 18mths, but it was slow compared with the other two and this caused intermittant cell errors. New cell, problem gone. I have never had any evidence of moisture related cell errors. Including multiple (long) dives in warm water. Have a close look at the displays when the cell error is going off and it may give you a hint as to what the issue is. Or bite the bullet and replace the cell. You need to start replacing them periodically anyway. Guy
(Offline)

11th October 2006, 07:08	#9 (permalink)
Def New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 83	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Well last night I replaced 1 with 3, and its all back together again, ready for this weekend ... if this does not help, I will replace cell 1 (now in 3) and start the cell cycle program! Hmm! ...
(Offline)

4th September 2007, 21:47	#10 (permalink)
anton610 toni the strange Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: May 2006 Location: austria Posts: 190	Re: Condensation - Its Starting to Annoy me! Hello! Today i had the same problem with cell #3. (cell warning) Have you still any problems with the cells? is it good to change cell #1 with cell #3? regardss anton __________________ "Das Übel kommt nicht von der Technik, sondern von denen, die sie mißbrauchen." Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997)
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode