Mk 15 Upgrades

lizardland · 20th March 2008, 12:59

Hi Folks,

Pretty simple, Colkan (their HUD looks verrrrry nice) or Hammerhead? Are Laguna a realistic option? I've been waiting a couple of weeks for a reply from them.

Anyone have any idea on cost of the various systems?

Or is the solenoid replaceable with something more efficient without touching the pod?

All views, advice or general insults appreciated.

Cheers,

Stuart

heyydude · 20th March 2008, 14:40

Hey Stuart,

We are now offering a Mark 15 HH with HUD driven by the Primary.

You can use the existing Secondary, or a Secondary from another manufacturer.

Tricia can give you the prices (814) 395-9509

Kevin.

**hoppyinca** · 21st March 2008, 00:03

I am in the process of switching to laguna... the system is extremely modular and uber robust!

You can get a mere pO2 monitor, or a full blown redundant and independent pO2 controller systems.

depending on what you want, the price will obviously vary; few hundred bucks for some of their pieces parts to a few thousand for a complete replacement of the electronics.

I have not dived one, but dived with one... (a buddy in San Diego diving one), and I like what I see.

I will give more details as I move along.... anyone interested in a horseboard and some bendix connectors?

Warm Regards,
hoppy

Paul G · 21st March 2008, 05:31

I've been using a Colkan Mk15.5 since May last year. The electronics have been excellent. I'm still using the original primary display but considering upgrading to the HUD very soon. I know quite a few Mk15.5 users who are already using the HUD and they are very happy with them. The operation of the electronics is very simple, which probably makes them very robust. My understanding is that they operate along the same lines as the original Mk15 electronics, but now use a microprocessor. Calibration and setpoint are selected inside the pod at home. The digital secondary is calibrated by unscrewing a plug on the back and pushing the calibration button. When diving the only control is an off/on switch.

Criticisms of the system would be lack of setpoint adjustment while in the water, the primary battery pack has to be made up from lots of AA batteries or bought already made from Colkan, and the secondary backlighting can only be turned on and off during the calibration procedure (not in the water). None of this has bothered me. Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product.

Cheers,
Paul

lizardland · 21st March 2008, 09:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by hoppyinca)

I am in the process of switching to laguna... the system is extremely modular and uber robust!

You can get a mere pO2 monitor, or a full blown redundant and independent pO2 controller systems.

depending on what you want, the price will obviously vary; few hundred bucks for some of their pieces parts to a few thousand for a complete replacement of the electronics.

Their stuff does look nice, what I was interested in was the external solenoid unit and controller handset. I got a good response when I contacted them initially but I've been waiting a while (must be three weeks now) for a response to my further questions. I'm a bit put off by that and also about waiting times as a lot of their stuff looks like CAD imagery in the brochures.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Paul G)

I've been using a Colkan Mk15.5 since May last year. The electronics have been excellent. I'm still using the original primary display but considering upgrading to the HUD very soon. I know quite a few Mk15.5 users who are already using the HUD and they are very happy with them. The operation of the electronics is very simple, which probably makes them very robust. My understanding is that they operate along the same lines as the original Mk15 electronics, but now use a microprocessor. Calibration and setpoint are selected inside the pod at home. The digital secondary is calibrated by unscrewing a plug on the back and pushing the calibration button. When diving the only control is an off/on switch.

Criticisms of the system would be lack of setpoint adjustment while in the water, the primary battery pack has to be made up from lots of AA batteries or bought already made from Colkan, and the secondary backlighting can only be turned on and off during the calibration procedure (not in the water). None of this has bothered me. Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product.

Cheers,
Paul

I've heard good things about the Colkan stuff, the HUD looks very nice and Col has been really helpful. He won't give me a cost though without seeing the unit which is still a couple of weeks away but I've heard it isn't shocking and I was trying to gauge if anyone else had an idea. I like that the stuff is simple, I'm a luddite and don't exactly have a surgeon's touch.

Anyone used a Shearwater controller? I'm interested in those too.

Cheers,

Stuart

**hoppyinca** · 21st March 2008, 16:39

Laguna Docs...
I just got a jpeg of the HUD CAD drawing, tri-color LED (Red/ Green/ Blue) tube-type. Uses a magnetic connection for the base to the "HUD holder" (thumb screw holds HUD in place in the "holder"). there are several units in use with more on the way... i.e. not vaporware...

HUD Assembly.jpg

attached the pricelist of the various components

LRI Retail Price List.pdf

the description of the components can be found here;
Laguna Research - Electronic Design & Manufacture

hoppy

***Decodiver*** · 21st March 2008, 17:57

Stuart,

Hugh, HMP on here, is using Laguna electronics on his Mk15, try PMing him.

Cheers,

Dave.

lizardland · 21st March 2008, 19:51

Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver)

Stuart,

Hugh, HMP on here, is using Laguna electronics on his Mk15, try PMing him.

Cheers,

Dave.

Cheers, Dave.

Hoppy, thanks I got the price list from Wayne. It doesn't have the external solenoid unit on it which is what I'm interested in though

Bloody work and time zones... no consideration for phoning about rebreather parts when they give you a job!!!

**hoppyinca** · 22nd March 2008, 15:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

...Bloody work and time zones... no consideration for phoning about rebreather parts when they give you a job!!!

I agree!
BASTARDS!!!!!

hoppy

osiris · 25th March 2008, 06:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by Paul G)

Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product.

Cheers,
Paul

Do you use a secret code? I've been trying to contact Colkan for ages with no response.....

20th March 2008, 12:59	#1 (permalink)
lizardland Yak Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Ray Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North... Posts: 1,154	Mk 15 Upgrades Hi Folks, Pretty simple, Colkan (their HUD looks verrrrry nice) or Hammerhead? Are Laguna a realistic option? I've been waiting a couple of weeks for a reply from them. Anyone have any idea on cost of the various systems? Or is the solenoid replaceable with something more efficient without touching the pod? All views, advice or general insults appreciated. Cheers, Stuart __________________ Can you imagine drifting along in the sea with your mouth open and a load of f***ing plankton going in? You'd like it, would you? www.westons-cider.co.uk Azerbaijani Association of Technical Divers Publicity Officer and Goat Wrangler
(Online)

20th March 2008, 14:40	#2 (permalink)
heyydude King of the Geeks Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Optima Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Addison, Pennsylvania Posts: 320	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Hey Stuart, We are now offering a Mark 15 HH with HUD driven by the Primary. You can use the existing Secondary, or a Secondary from another manufacturer. Tricia can give you the prices (814) 395-9509 Kevin.
(Offline)

21st March 2008, 00:03	#3 (permalink)
hoppyinca New Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA USA Posts: 249	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades I am in the process of switching to laguna... the system is extremely modular and uber robust! You can get a mere pO2 monitor, or a full blown redundant and independent pO2 controller systems. depending on what you want, the price will obviously vary; few hundred bucks for some of their pieces parts to a few thousand for a complete replacement of the electronics. I have not dived one, but dived with one... (a buddy in San Diego diving one), and I like what I see. I will give more details as I move along.... anyone interested in a horseboard and some bendix connectors? Warm Regards, hoppy __________________ "The government is merely a servant... merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them..." - Mark Twain
(Offline)

21st March 2008, 05:31	#4 (permalink)
Paul G New Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 27	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades I've been using a Colkan Mk15.5 since May last year. The electronics have been excellent. I'm still using the original primary display but considering upgrading to the HUD very soon. I know quite a few Mk15.5 users who are already using the HUD and they are very happy with them. The operation of the electronics is very simple, which probably makes them very robust. My understanding is that they operate along the same lines as the original Mk15 electronics, but now use a microprocessor. Calibration and setpoint are selected inside the pod at home. The digital secondary is calibrated by unscrewing a plug on the back and pushing the calibration button. When diving the only control is an off/on switch. Criticisms of the system would be lack of setpoint adjustment while in the water, the primary battery pack has to be made up from lots of AA batteries or bought already made from Colkan, and the secondary backlighting can only be turned on and off during the calibration procedure (not in the water). None of this has bothered me. Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product. Cheers, Paul __________________ www.sydneyproject.com
(Offline)

21st March 2008, 09:00	#5 (permalink)
lizardland Yak Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Ray Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North... Posts: 1,154	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Quote: (Originally Posted by hoppyinca) I am in the process of switching to laguna... the system is extremely modular and uber robust! You can get a mere pO2 monitor, or a full blown redundant and independent pO2 controller systems. depending on what you want, the price will obviously vary; few hundred bucks for some of their pieces parts to a few thousand for a complete replacement of the electronics. Their stuff does look nice, what I was interested in was the external solenoid unit and controller handset. I got a good response when I contacted them initially but I've been waiting a while (must be three weeks now) for a response to my further questions. I'm a bit put off by that and also about waiting times as a lot of their stuff looks like CAD imagery in the brochures. Quote: (Originally Posted by Paul G) I've been using a Colkan Mk15.5 since May last year. The electronics have been excellent. I'm still using the original primary display but considering upgrading to the HUD very soon. I know quite a few Mk15.5 users who are already using the HUD and they are very happy with them. The operation of the electronics is very simple, which probably makes them very robust. My understanding is that they operate along the same lines as the original Mk15 electronics, but now use a microprocessor. Calibration and setpoint are selected inside the pod at home. The digital secondary is calibrated by unscrewing a plug on the back and pushing the calibration button. When diving the only control is an off/on switch. Criticisms of the system would be lack of setpoint adjustment while in the water, the primary battery pack has to be made up from lots of AA batteries or bought already made from Colkan, and the secondary backlighting can only be turned on and off during the calibration procedure (not in the water). None of this has bothered me. Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product. Cheers, Paul I've heard good things about the Colkan stuff, the HUD looks very nice and Col has been really helpful. He won't give me a cost though without seeing the unit which is still a couple of weeks away but I've heard it isn't shocking and I was trying to gauge if anyone else had an idea. I like that the stuff is simple, I'm a luddite and don't exactly have a surgeon's touch. Anyone used a Shearwater controller? I'm interested in those too. Cheers, Stuart __________________ Can you imagine drifting along in the sea with your mouth open and a load of f***ing plankton going in? You'd like it, would you? www.westons-cider.co.uk Azerbaijani Association of Technical Divers Publicity Officer and Goat Wrangler
(Online)

21st March 2008, 16:39	#6 (permalink)
hoppyinca New Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA USA Posts: 249	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Laguna Docs... I just got a jpeg of the HUD CAD drawing, tri-color LED (Red/ Green/ Blue) tube-type. Uses a magnetic connection for the base to the "HUD holder" (thumb screw holds HUD in place in the "holder"). there are several units in use with more on the way... i.e. not vaporware... HUD Assembly.jpg attached the pricelist of the various components LRI Retail Price List.pdf the description of the components can be found here; Laguna Research - Electronic Design & Manufacture hoppy __________________ "The government is merely a servant... merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them..." - Mark Twain
(Offline)

21st March 2008, 17:57	#7 (permalink)
*Decodiver* Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Ouroboros rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Geneva Posts: 2,164	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Stuart, Hugh, HMP on here, is using Laguna electronics on his Mk15, try PMing him. Cheers, Dave. __________________ CCR/OC Trimix Instructor Trainer CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/COPIS-Megalodon/KISS/Sport KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com Rebreather World Terms & Conditions
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21st March 2008, 19:51	#8 (permalink)
lizardland Yak Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Ray Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North... Posts: 1,154	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver) Stuart, Hugh, HMP on here, is using Laguna electronics on his Mk15, try PMing him. Cheers, Dave. Cheers, Dave. Hoppy, thanks I got the price list from Wayne. It doesn't have the external solenoid unit on it which is what I'm interested in though Bloody work and time zones... no consideration for phoning about rebreather parts when they give you a job!!! __________________ Can you imagine drifting along in the sea with your mouth open and a load of f***ing plankton going in? You'd like it, would you? www.westons-cider.co.uk Azerbaijani Association of Technical Divers Publicity Officer and Goat Wrangler
(Online)

22nd March 2008, 15:38	#9 (permalink)
hoppyinca New Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA USA Posts: 249	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) ...Bloody work and time zones... no consideration for phoning about rebreather parts when they give you a job!!! I agree! BASTARDS!!!!! hoppy __________________ "The government is merely a servant... merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them..." - Mark Twain
(Offline)

25th March 2008, 06:58	#10 (permalink)
osiris Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Auckland Posts: 217	Re: Mk 15 Upgrades Quote: (Originally Posted by Paul G) Colkan is an excellent company to do business with and really stand behind their product. Cheers, Paul Do you use a secret code? I've been trying to contact Colkan for ages with no response.....
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