Greetings From A Diver's Paradise ....

***caveseeker7*** · 15th May 2005, 02:33

Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen)

Or you could put one of these monstrosities on your RB80:

http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnnov00/ngear11.html

That is exctly what Stuart needs for his Meg.

And such a long time to go till christmas ...

**rdriver** · 15th May 2005, 02:40

Hi Darlene,

Glad to see your on Board.......

Scuba_Vixen · 15th May 2005, 03:13

Quote: (Originally Posted by TechBlue)

Hi Darlene,

Ditto on that, having seen some of your great projects on TDS I only wonder why you are beginning with a Dolphin with so many choices currently available particularly for somebody as handy as you have proved to be.

Chris

There's a couple reasons, actually.

There are 2 Dolphins here that may be available quite inexpensively. That's *always* the best way to begin a project. One of the LDS's has them and they haven't been used in over a year, maybe two. They have less than 10 dives on them, but need TLC, as they have been sitting for all this time without care or maintainance. Both oxygages and sensors are bad, and the mushroom valves in the DSV look like a mouse nibled at one of them. Both units are complete however. I was thinking $1500 for the pair might be a reasonable price.

Phase 1 would be to refurb the dolphins, replacing the oxygages with either an aftermarket display, or a connection to my explorer, (I'll need both eventually) and then certifying on it in it's scr configuration. My dive buddy is inspiration cert'd and a dolphin instructor, so I'll end up with lots of training hours for sure. Figured I'd convert 1 and leave the other scr, so I could be diving it while the project goes on.

The next reason is that by making it a project, I'll be taking the time to do a lot of homework and research to gain a greater understanding than if I went out and bought an Rebreather ready to fly. I think whenever you build something and then tweak it a few times for best performance, you come away with a far greater depth and breadth of knowledge gained than if you just bought one and started diving it. (proper training included of course)

The third reason is that a ccr dolphin will impose some depth limits that will keep me from wanting to get ahead of myself. By the time I've gained the Rebreather experience required to be able to go out and dive the depths I do on oc, the price on a slightly second hand YBOD will be within my budget. (Though I am partial to the Meg.)

Well, guess that's more than a couple reasons. Let me know if you think I'm on a logical track here.

Darlene

ROB DAVIE · 15th May 2005, 04:57

Darlene,

Sounds like a good logical plan. Be sure to keep us up-dated on the project and up-load pix.

Rob

**wedivebc** · 15th May 2005, 05:48

Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen)

There's a couple reasons, actually.

There are 2 Dolphins here that may be available quite inexpensively. That's *always* the best way to begin a project. One of the LDS's has them and they haven't been used in over a year, maybe two. They have less than 10 dives on them, but need TLC, as they have been sitting for all this time without care or maintainance. Both oxygages and sensors are bad, and the mushroom valves in the DSV look like a mouse nibled at one of them. Both units are complete however. I was thinking $1500 for the pair might be a reasonable price.

Phase 1 would be to refurb the dolphins, replacing the oxygages with either an aftermarket display, or a connection to my explorer, (I'll need both eventually) and then certifying on it in it's scr configuration. My dive buddy is inspiration cert'd and a dolphin instructor, so I'll end up with lots of training hours for sure. Figured I'd convert 1 and leave the other scr, so I could be diving it while the project goes on.

The next reason is that by making it a project, I'll be taking the time to do a lot of homework and research to gain a greater understanding than if I went out and bought an Rebreather ready to fly. I think whenever you build something and then tweak it a few times for best performance, you come away with a far greater depth and breadth of knowledge gained than if you just bought one and started diving it. (proper training included of course)

The third reason is that a ccr dolphin will impose some depth limits that will keep me from wanting to get ahead of myself. By the time I've gained the Rebreather experience required to be able to go out and dive the depths I do on oc, the price on a slightly second hand YBOD will be within my budget. (Though I am partial to the Meg.)

Well, guess that's more than a couple reasons. Let me know if you think I'm on a logical track here.

Darlene

Your logic follows a similar path that resulted in me owning several dolphins and diving 1 CCR. A couple of points though.
1 I would stay away from oxygauge for deeper dives. Their single o-ring at the head are notorious for leaking, especially once you get below 150ft
2. You don't need to have 2 rbs so you can dive while doing the conversion. Once I had all the parts I needed in hand it took about 1 hr to get it set up as CCR. Would take another 1/2 hr to change back (not that I would).

***caveseeker7*** · 15th May 2005, 07:03

I like your thinking, you make a sensible case for a conversion.

Some local LDS support can't hurt, especially in a location as remote as yours.
These days most if not all parts needed to convert a Dolphin into a CCR are readily available (at a price) largely eliminating the need for a machine shop. It has become more of an assembly than a building project.

I agree that a converted Dolphin shouldn't be used to the same limits as a Meg, PRISM or Buddy, it simply wasn't designed for it. I consider the scrubber design the most limiting factor in that respect. Good of you to consider that sort of thing, and tying it in with the need to become proficient first.

The Dolphin is a pretty rudamentary design to start out with, and no matter what you do to it, as long as you use factory parts it always will be. While I agree that quite some can be learned by building or converting a rebreather, it is unlikely that it will lead to a truly well engineered rig. There is a reason only few models are.
There are several people here on the board who dove stock or converted Dolphins and moved on to Megs and PRISMs.

I would skip the Oxygauge, too, and go with a tripple sensor display (one of which can be the Explorer).

Regarding the training, make sure you get some on a CCR, not just the stock unit.

I'm looking forward to the progress of your project.

TechBlue · 15th May 2005, 14:10

Darlene,

Makes a lot of sense, I agree with Dave you don't need two rigs the price is certainly right although I must say the path you are taking makes me think a second hand KISS might be a better choice for you, maintenance on the unit is minimal and you would be staring off on the right road. If you choose later you will be able to sell it and go for an ECCR if you feel the need.

Chris

cool_hardware52 · 15th May 2005, 15:17

Welcome Darlene!

Your shiny new filling station won't be working so hard filling 19's

My guess is that you are going to fit in just fine around here (geek heaven

)

Tobin

Helium_diver · 15th May 2005, 17:11

Welcome Darlene,

You will have a great time here as this site is full of the friendliest people around. Info flows freely and there is no animosity towards anyone. Just finished a couple of dives on my ccr dolphin and i love the thing. Have fun and be safe.

Helium_diver

onetime · 15th May 2005, 21:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen)

Ya know if you put a NiMH battery pack in a SS-UV42, you'd have room left over for a 2 day capacity scrubber.

Or you could put one of these monstrosities on your RB80:

http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnnov00/ngear11.html

I'll be a while on the hybrid, ... maybe in the next lifetime.

Darlene

LOL, yeah that'd do it.

15th May 2005, 02:33	#11 (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: 5,451	Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen) Or you could put one of these monstrosities on your RB80: http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnnov00/ngear11.html That is exctly what Stuart needs for his Meg. And such a long time to go till christmas ... __________________ 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.!"
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15th May 2005, 02:40	#12 (permalink)
rdriver Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Join Date: May 2005 Location: Monroe, WI 53566 U.S. Posts: 147	Hi Darlene, Glad to see your on Board.......
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15th May 2005, 03:13	#13 (permalink)
Scuba_Vixen e/mCCR Dolphin Pilot Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Croix USVI Posts: 557	Quote: (Originally Posted by TechBlue) Hi Darlene, Ditto on that, having seen some of your great projects on TDS I only wonder why you are beginning with a Dolphin with so many choices currently available particularly for somebody as handy as you have proved to be. Chris There's a couple reasons, actually. There are 2 Dolphins here that may be available quite inexpensively. That's always the best way to begin a project. One of the LDS's has them and they haven't been used in over a year, maybe two. They have less than 10 dives on them, but need TLC, as they have been sitting for all this time without care or maintainance. Both oxygages and sensors are bad, and the mushroom valves in the DSV look like a mouse nibled at one of them. Both units are complete however. I was thinking $1500 for the pair might be a reasonable price. Phase 1 would be to refurb the dolphins, replacing the oxygages with either an aftermarket display, or a connection to my explorer, (I'll need both eventually) and then certifying on it in it's scr configuration. My dive buddy is inspiration cert'd and a dolphin instructor, so I'll end up with lots of training hours for sure. Figured I'd convert 1 and leave the other scr, so I could be diving it while the project goes on. The next reason is that by making it a project, I'll be taking the time to do a lot of homework and research to gain a greater understanding than if I went out and bought an Rebreather ready to fly. I think whenever you build something and then tweak it a few times for best performance, you come away with a far greater depth and breadth of knowledge gained than if you just bought one and started diving it. (proper training included of course) The third reason is that a ccr dolphin will impose some depth limits that will keep me from wanting to get ahead of myself. By the time I've gained the Rebreather experience required to be able to go out and dive the depths I do on oc, the price on a slightly second hand YBOD will be within my budget. (Though I am partial to the Meg.) Well, guess that's more than a couple reasons. Let me know if you think I'm on a logical track here. Darlene
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15th May 2005, 04:57	#14 (permalink)
ROB DAVIE Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: HOUSTON, REPUBLIC OF TEJAS Posts: 1,120	Darlene, Sounds like a good logical plan. Be sure to keep us up-dated on the project and up-load pix. Rob __________________ [SIZE=2]"CC Rebreathers will become a viable part of tech diving [U]WHEN PIGS FLY[/U]!!"--GI3[/SIZE]
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15th May 2005, 05:48	#15 (permalink)
wedivebc Dave Tomblin Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada Posts: 1,444	Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen) There's a couple reasons, actually. There are 2 Dolphins here that may be available quite inexpensively. That's always the best way to begin a project. One of the LDS's has them and they haven't been used in over a year, maybe two. They have less than 10 dives on them, but need TLC, as they have been sitting for all this time without care or maintainance. Both oxygages and sensors are bad, and the mushroom valves in the DSV look like a mouse nibled at one of them. Both units are complete however. I was thinking $1500 for the pair might be a reasonable price. Phase 1 would be to refurb the dolphins, replacing the oxygages with either an aftermarket display, or a connection to my explorer, (I'll need both eventually) and then certifying on it in it's scr configuration. My dive buddy is inspiration cert'd and a dolphin instructor, so I'll end up with lots of training hours for sure. Figured I'd convert 1 and leave the other scr, so I could be diving it while the project goes on. The next reason is that by making it a project, I'll be taking the time to do a lot of homework and research to gain a greater understanding than if I went out and bought an Rebreather ready to fly. I think whenever you build something and then tweak it a few times for best performance, you come away with a far greater depth and breadth of knowledge gained than if you just bought one and started diving it. (proper training included of course) The third reason is that a ccr dolphin will impose some depth limits that will keep me from wanting to get ahead of myself. By the time I've gained the Rebreather experience required to be able to go out and dive the depths I do on oc, the price on a slightly second hand YBOD will be within my budget. (Though I am partial to the Meg.) Well, guess that's more than a couple reasons. Let me know if you think I'm on a logical track here. Darlene Your logic follows a similar path that resulted in me owning several dolphins and diving 1 CCR. A couple of points though. 1 I would stay away from oxygauge for deeper dives. Their single o-ring at the head are notorious for leaking, especially once you get below 150ft 2. You don't need to have 2 rbs so you can dive while doing the conversion. Once I had all the parts I needed in hand it took about 1 hr to get it set up as CCR. Would take another 1/2 hr to change back (not that I would). __________________ Cheers, Dave.... Man is the only animal burdened with the knowledge he will eventually die
(Offline)

15th May 2005, 07:03	#16 (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: 5,451	I like your thinking, you make a sensible case for a conversion. Some local LDS support can't hurt, especially in a location as remote as yours. These days most if not all parts needed to convert a Dolphin into a CCR are readily available (at a price) largely eliminating the need for a machine shop. It has become more of an assembly than a building project. I agree that a converted Dolphin shouldn't be used to the same limits as a Meg, PRISM or Buddy, it simply wasn't designed for it. I consider the scrubber design the most limiting factor in that respect. Good of you to consider that sort of thing, and tying it in with the need to become proficient first. The Dolphin is a pretty rudamentary design to start out with, and no matter what you do to it, as long as you use factory parts it always will be. While I agree that quite some can be learned by building or converting a rebreather, it is unlikely that it will lead to a truly well engineered rig. There is a reason only few models are. There are several people here on the board who dove stock or converted Dolphins and moved on to Megs and PRISMs. I would skip the Oxygauge, too, and go with a tripple sensor display (one of which can be the Explorer). Regarding the training, make sure you get some on a CCR, not just the stock unit. I'm looking forward to the progress of your project. __________________ 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)

15th May 2005, 14:10	#17 (permalink)
TechBlue RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Optima Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Costa del Sol, Spain Posts: 212	Darlene, Makes a lot of sense, I agree with Dave you don't need two rigs the price is certainly right although I must say the path you are taking makes me think a second hand KISS might be a better choice for you, maintenance on the unit is minimal and you would be staring off on the right road. If you choose later you will be able to sell it and go for an ECCR if you feel the need. Chris
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15th May 2005, 15:17	#18 (permalink)
cool_hardware52 RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: SoCal USA Posts: 385	Welcome Darlene! Your shiny new filling station won't be working so hard filling 19's My guess is that you are going to fit in just fine around here (geek heaven ) Tobin __________________ www.deepseasupply.com
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15th May 2005, 17:11	#19 (permalink)
Helium_diver Has anyone seen my Gerbil Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Baltimore MD USA Posts: 150	Welcome Darlene, You will have a great time here as this site is full of the friendliest people around. Info flows freely and there is no animosity towards anyone. Just finished a couple of dives on my ccr dolphin and i love the thing. Have fun and be safe. Helium_diver __________________ "If I look unconscious I probably am " Bill Hartman
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15th May 2005, 21:18	#20 (permalink)
onetime Classic KISSer #138 Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: US, NJ Posts: 673	Quote: (Originally Posted by Scuba_Vixen) Ya know if you put a NiMH battery pack in a SS-UV42, you'd have room left over for a 2 day capacity scrubber. Or you could put one of these monstrosities on your RB80: http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnnov00/ngear11.html I'll be a while on the hybrid, ... maybe in the next lifetime. Darlene LOL, yeah that'd do it.
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