Making the Evolution Taller

pierrevz · 22nd June 2005, 15:59

When I made my decision to purchase the Evolution over the Inspiration, I was primarily concerned with travel weight. I knew from experience, the 2 hour scrubber rating was much below the practical limit, especially when monitored electronically.

The issue I have is that the Evolution is short for my frame, so when I set the unit down behind my seat on a typical dive boat, there is a space of 10 cm or more between the bottom of the unit and the seat. Similarly, putting on the unit, I need to crouch down with my backside below the seat to fit my arms through.

What I would like to do, is fabricate some kind of light-weight spacer to fit under the unit, out of plastic or metal, which could be a protected storage compartment (for light canister, lift bag, dry suit cylinder etc.) during the dive. I do not envision it to be fully closed off but rather open at the sides and perhaps the back.

Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design.

decoweenie · 22nd June 2005, 16:10

Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz)

Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design.

As mentioned, I have made a couple of frames for the Insp/Evo following the concept of the DT box (use any size tanks, etc) with my requirements of also:

- mount tanks upright or inverted on the same frame
- light weight for travel
- sit up high on bench

At the moment, the frames are in 2 different SS rod thicknesses to test the buoyancy characteristics, etc. But the finished version will also be made in aluminum, or thin rod, for travel.

As soon as I have tested the frames this week and make some changes, I will post pictures.

***caveseeker7*** · 22nd June 2005, 16:34

Enrique Alvarez at Diving Equipment Specialties has build a variety of frames out of ss and titanium, from a small bailout tank/stand to Joe Radomski's titanium frame. Having seen the latter, his craftsmanship is excellent. His newest creation, shown at the link above, is made from aluminum. Getting it sized for the Evo shouldn't be a problem.

Then again, Phi has come up with some intresting and well thought out solutions, so I would wait to see his latest creation before making any decisions.

decoweenie · 22nd June 2005, 16:39

I know I won't be able to compete with Enrique on quality, but price will be my advantage...

dive2dive2000 · 22nd June 2005, 17:26

Tech blue also makes a nice aftermarket frame
Martin

Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz)

When I made my decision to purchase the Evolution over the Inspiration, I was primarily concerned with travel weight. I knew from experience, the 2 hour scrubber rating was much below the practical limit, especially when monitored electronically.

The issue I have is that the Evolution is short for my frame, so when I set the unit down behind my seat on a typical dive boat, there is a space of 10 cm or more between the bottom of the unit and the seat. Similarly, putting on the unit, I need to crouch down with my backside below the seat to fit my arms through.

What I would like to do, is fabricate some kind of light-weight spacer to fit under the unit, out of plastic or metal, which could be a protected storage compartment (for light canister, lift bag, dry suit cylinder etc.) during the dive. I do not envision it to be fully closed off but rather open at the sides and perhaps the back.

Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design.

dive2dive2000 · 22nd June 2005, 17:36

I also received an email from rebreather mailing list (i think so many forums) The home builder posted a web site for hard pack back packs that motorcyclists use. With a few modifications he claimed would make a perfect custom case

, hope this helps

Martin

pierrevz · 22nd June 2005, 22:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by decoweenie)

As soon as I have tested the frames this week and make some changes, I will post pictures.

I would be interested in seeing what you create. I am interested in how you secure the frame to the Evolution shell. ...and price does matter.

[quote=caveseeker7]Enrique Alvarez at [url=http://www.techdivetools.com/...[/QUOTE]

Enrique's design is interesting with a backplate built in. Something I hadn't considered. It looks sturdy enough to hold the weight of the unit and to survive impact.

Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000)

Tech blue also makes a nice aftermarket frame
Martin

Where can I find pictures. I coudn't find anything on the tech-blue.com site.

Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000)

... hard pack back packs that ... would make a perfect custom case

Any idea is worth looking into. The only stipulations are that I need to be able to build or buy it. It needs to be safe, functional and not look out of place on the boat or in the water.

Simon A · 22nd June 2005, 22:36

If it's cost effective you want...
Apparently a few kiss owners have gone this route.
Go to the DIY store, get one of those cheap plastic single steps, put it on the bench put the Evo on top of it, and voila the evo is now 10" or so higher.

Simon A

***caveseeker7*** · 23rd June 2005, 02:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz)

Where can I find pictures. I coudn't find anything on the tech-blue.com site.

In the Rebreather World Gallery

Has it's own thread somewhere, too.

Andy M · 23rd June 2005, 03:08

Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)

In the Rebreather World Gallery

Theres Larry again!

22nd June 2005, 15:59	#1 (permalink)
pierrevz New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 6	Making the Evolution Taller When I made my decision to purchase the Evolution over the Inspiration, I was primarily concerned with travel weight. I knew from experience, the 2 hour scrubber rating was much below the practical limit, especially when monitored electronically. The issue I have is that the Evolution is short for my frame, so when I set the unit down behind my seat on a typical dive boat, there is a space of 10 cm or more between the bottom of the unit and the seat. Similarly, putting on the unit, I need to crouch down with my backside below the seat to fit my arms through. What I would like to do, is fabricate some kind of light-weight spacer to fit under the unit, out of plastic or metal, which could be a protected storage compartment (for light canister, lift bag, dry suit cylinder etc.) during the dive. I do not envision it to be fully closed off but rather open at the sides and perhaps the back. Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design.
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 16:10	#2 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,487	Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz) Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design. As mentioned, I have made a couple of frames for the Insp/Evo following the concept of the DT box (use any size tanks, etc) with my requirements of also: - mount tanks upright or inverted on the same frame - light weight for travel - sit up high on bench At the moment, the frames are in 2 different SS rod thicknesses to test the buoyancy characteristics, etc. But the finished version will also be made in aluminum, or thin rod, for travel. As soon as I have tested the frames this week and make some changes, I will post pictures.
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 16:34	#3 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,561	Enrique Alvarez at Diving Equipment Specialties has build a variety of frames out of ss and titanium, from a small bailout tank/stand to Joe Radomski's titanium frame. Having seen the latter, his craftsmanship is excellent. His newest creation, shown at the link above, is made from aluminum. Getting it sized for the Evo shouldn't be a problem. Then again, Phi has come up with some intresting and well thought out solutions, so I would wait to see his latest creation before making any decisions. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 16:39	#4 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,487	I know I won't be able to compete with Enrique on quality, but price will be my advantage...
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 17:26	#5 (permalink)
dive2dive2000 PRISM DIVER & LUVIN IT! Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 796	Tech blue also makes a nice aftermarket frame Martin Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz) When I made my decision to purchase the Evolution over the Inspiration, I was primarily concerned with travel weight. I knew from experience, the 2 hour scrubber rating was much below the practical limit, especially when monitored electronically. The issue I have is that the Evolution is short for my frame, so when I set the unit down behind my seat on a typical dive boat, there is a space of 10 cm or more between the bottom of the unit and the seat. Similarly, putting on the unit, I need to crouch down with my backside below the seat to fit my arms through. What I would like to do, is fabricate some kind of light-weight spacer to fit under the unit, out of plastic or metal, which could be a protected storage compartment (for light canister, lift bag, dry suit cylinder etc.) during the dive. I do not envision it to be fully closed off but rather open at the sides and perhaps the back. Has anyone done this to their unit yet? I'd love to see some pictures or get some ideas as to materials and design.
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 17:36	#6 (permalink)
dive2dive2000 PRISM DIVER & LUVIN IT! Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 796	Frames I also received an email from rebreather mailing list (i think so many forums) The home builder posted a web site for hard pack back packs that motorcyclists use. With a few modifications he claimed would make a perfect custom case, hope this helps Martin
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 22:32	#7 (permalink)
pierrevz New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 6	Quote: (Originally Posted by decoweenie) As soon as I have tested the frames this week and make some changes, I will post pictures. I would be interested in seeing what you create. I am interested in how you secure the frame to the Evolution shell. ...and price does matter. [quote=caveseeker7]Enrique Alvarez at [url=http://www.techdivetools.com/...[/QUOTE] Enrique's design is interesting with a backplate built in. Something I hadn't considered. It looks sturdy enough to hold the weight of the unit and to survive impact. Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000) Tech blue also makes a nice aftermarket frame Martin Where can I find pictures. I coudn't find anything on the tech-blue.com site. Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000) ... hard pack back packs that ... would make a perfect custom case Any idea is worth looking into. The only stipulations are that I need to be able to build or buy it. It needs to be safe, functional and not look out of place on the boat or in the water.
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 22:36	#8 (permalink)
Simon A Escapee from DIY Rebreather's Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 346	If it's cost effective you want... Apparently a few kiss owners have gone this route. Go to the DIY store, get one of those cheap plastic single steps, put it on the bench put the Evo on top of it, and voila the evo is now 10" or so higher. Simon A
(Offline)

23rd June 2005, 02:22	#9 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,561	Quote: (Originally Posted by pierrevz) Where can I find pictures. I coudn't find anything on the tech-blue.com site. In the Rebreather World Gallery Has it's own thread somewhere, too. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
(Offline)

23rd June 2005, 03:08	#10 (permalink)
Andy M Dude Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 428	Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7) In the Rebreather World Gallery Theres Larry again! __________________ Know your PO2 at all times
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