APECS 2.5/2.06 Question

scubamartin

Hello,

I see that Apecs 2.5 have a new feature called ASP (automatic setpoint) and AIA (Adaptive injection algorithm). My understanding of it is that this feature will try to manage the firing rate automatically to get a more accurate setpoint control instead of manually change the Off and On time using the menu.

For those of you who have experienced this new feature or have made an upgrade to that version, can you comment on it.

• Does it perform significantly better to keep the setpoint with less overshoot?
• How is its behavior when you change level or you go to the surface?
• How is its behavior on sudden workolad change?
• Is the upgrade worthwhile?

Thanks

stephenk

Your comments are about AIA, ASP is something different. I find AIA does overshoot less. When i had 2.01 it used to overshoot to 1.4-1.45, whereas with AIA it is closer to 1.3 after the injection and it certainly hasn't been any higher than 1.39. AIA does hold set point better on ascent too, it is injecting for longer on the way up. You still set the time between injects with AIA, it is just the length of the inject that is now automatic.

haven't used it on sudden workload changes, in theory it should be better. I'd recommend the upgrade though depends on how much it would cost you with postage etc to send the head back.

ASP is for descents, rather than select a set point or have different set points at different depths ASP keeps set point at the maximum it has reached so far to a max of 1.3. If you start decent on 0.8 po2, it will hold it there if you descend further and your po2 goes up to say 1.0 and then you stop at that level ASP will then hold it there. I've only used it a few times I don't dive deep enough and descend fast enough to have a po2 spike, which is what ASP is designed to avoid.

tibby

With AIA you still have the option to set custom off times (which I haven't done yet). I don't know how older APECS behaved but the AIA seems to be doing just what I would be doing manually on an ascent.
ASP seems to be a cool feature but I haven't really used it yet (properly).
Either way I understand an upgrade to 2.06 is $100 so it may be worth it.
Tibby

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BHopson

I recently purchased an Apecs 2.5 lid for my Meg. The AIA is excellent. It keeps setpoint very well during the dive and on ascents.

ASP simply eliminates the need to change to your high setpoint at depth. You tell it, before the dive, what your max setpoint will be. As you descend and your loop pO2 rises, so does your setpoint. If your dil pO2 is lower than your planned max setpoint (I like to have a dil pO2 of 1.0), you just hit the manual O2 button and when your loop pO2 reaches your pre-planned max pO2, so does your setpoint. It's pretty cool, since it doesn't use a depth sensor to change from your low setpoint to your high setpoint. ASP isn't really a huge benefit, but it's nice to have basically hands free setpoint change.

jradomski

AIA brings the Meg's SP control up to that of most other eCCRs.. The Inspiration has had this type of control since it was released back in the late 90s.. (and several other units prior to this) This is an area where the meg has been behind everyone else for a long time... Its good to see this update..

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Joe Radomski
CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer
ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10

All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.