just joined today

alan broder

hi everyone

the forum suggests that i introduce myself:

this is my first post to this or any other forum. please pardon my ignorance of all things internet (and spelling), which i shall display mightyly forthwith.
i started free diving in 1953, got my first open circuit "aqualung" in '55 and my first rebreather, a war surplus Desco "brownie" oxygen rebreather in 57. $35 including several large cans of barylime. that left me broke.
i used the aqualung on the dive-boats and the rebreather, which was not allowed on the cattle-boat, shore-diving. I saved up to buy a davco housed "brownie" still camera (about $8)--next, a kodak "brownie" movie camera, then homebuilt a housing.

my '"brownie" ensemble now complete, i began to pursue my passion at that time (and at this time)---underwater photography.

i had my first lime cocktail in '57; i was way younger than the drinking age.
i dived mostly on boats, so not as much rebreather in the sixties and none in the 80s. I did have some great rebreather dives to 60 feet and a little better. had to multilevel, so back up to 30 after 10 - 20 minutes. no computers so we had to "ballpark" it.

i made two rebreathers, one back and one front mount, out of brownie parts and bcs. i used the front mount more. i was able to use it on the dive boat in fiji, where i had my second cocktail- very unpleasant, but not quite fatal-just like the first. after this, the unit was dubbed the "kavorkian machine" by the crew. this was in sync with my homebuilt housing for a hasselblad bellows camera. This, the crew named the "washing machine". i thought that was harsh, since it never leaked. maybe it was about it's size.

i am now looking to build a new Rebreather. i want to know what components are available. any help from the forum would be appreciated.

down, down and away for now,

alan

jepuskar

Hi Alan and welcome to the board.

What brings you by?

Jason

mverick

Welcome,

I'd love to see the Washing Machine. I like the Hasselblads too... LOL

On Parts. There is a lot on here about Homebuilts. Best is to start reading and ask some questions. Lots of different parts out there for everything.

Fun Under Pressure

Welcome, a lot of fun here on RBW and a happy new year. Greetings from Germany.

Cheers Markku

alan broder

hi

i am going to build a new re-breather. probably a front mount.
i came to the forum to see what's new in meters, hose and mouthpiece designs, canisters and what-all. i haven't been doing re-breathers for many years.

that's about why i'm here. a bunch of like-mindless folks to b.s. with is a bonus.

alan broder

hi MV

where do you hail from.

i still have the thing now. at one time the thing had me. i'm right near LAX if you live near or are passing through sometime, we can arrange a meet.

we have some other hassie stuff these days that may interest you.



alan