Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues

Crispey · 2nd January 2008, 04:17

Hi Guys,

Let me introduce myself - qualified as CRR Meg diver at the Lanzarote dive shop last November (2007). The support offered by this concern was superb and I will go back again in Jan for additional training plus trimix. Since November then I have made one exploration to the Maldives where there is scant knowledge of rebreathers and the logistical effort to set up the arrangements was significant. However the end result was worthwhile.I now have circa 20 hours on my baby - the Meg.
One or two issues ;
1. I had to change batteries early on - my fault because of wrong setting on the screen save.
2.On my last two dives I had a cell apparently go NBG on a dive then came good , then went out -low reading on the pre check for the next dive. Recalibrated and system checked out AOK. During the dive the cell again read low. I will now change the cell but I am still somewhat confused how a cell can read AOK then flicker in and out?
3. I bought the Meg complete with a Tech wing but was not happy with it during training. I changed it for my OMS double wing (previously used for twin tanks)for the Maldives trip and was happy with this during diving. However the wing appears to restrict access to the head of the sofalime cylinder , and can become easily trapped at the top joint ?
4. Also note my VR3 had an issue in that the time crystal apparently broke down and it gained significant time . I did not realise until I compared dive times with my back up device and I had recorded 50% time on the VR3!
I hope info and points/questions are not too simplistic.
Regards,
Crispy

PacketSniffer · 2nd January 2008, 07:23

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey)

2.On my last two dives I had a cell apparently go NBG on a dive then came good , then went out -low reading on the pre check for the next dive. Recalibrated and system checked out AOK. During the dive the cell again read low. I will now change the cell but I am still somewhat confused how a cell can read AOK then flicker in and out?

This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey)

3. I bought the Meg complete with a Tech wing but was not happy with it during training. I changed it for my OMS double wing (previously used for twin tanks)for the Maldives trip and was happy with this during diving. However the wing appears to restrict access to the head of the sofalime cylinder , and can become easily trapped at the top joint ?

Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey)

4. Also note my VR3 had an issue in that the time crystal apparently broke down and it gained significant time . I did not realise until I compared dive times with my back up device and I had recorded 50% time on the VR3!
I hope info and points/questions are not too simplistic.

I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1.

edasque · 2nd January 2008, 09:06

Where did you dive in the Maldives and what did you have to do to get tanks, O2 and sorb ? I dove there in 2003 in Kani (Erik Dasque's Gallery | Maldives 2003) and loved it but in OC. I'd love to go back with a CCR though I would have to shy away from the cattleboats and find a place that can catter to my needs. (Still limited to 30m, aren't they ?)

Crispey · 2nd January 2008, 12:48

Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer)

This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive."
From a process of elimination I have come to the same viewpoint. Secondly another bit of info received suggested I also changed the cells around and ascertained whether the problem continued . Based on your input I think I will
do what you have suggested and change the cells around naturally noting the change .If this then fails I will change the cell.Thanks for the input.

Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on."
Agreed and care is of course taken - I was just seeking other inputs whether other users experienced the same issues or whether other wings were more user friendly.

I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1.

Ok, I will review.
Appreciate the input.
Crispy

Crispey · 2nd January 2008, 13:24

[By a process of elimination I arrived at the same conclusion but I was awaiting other inputs/experience. From another source I was also advised to change the cell position , naturally noting the cell position change and monitor during a dive. Based on your input I will do both , check contacts, change cell position , recalibrate and go dive.
I am aware that there is a nedd to be careful I was seeking other user input to ascertain whether the problem was my own or one that is generally experienced. I have an answer.
The Liquivision X1 I have no experience of and will research. However I am reluctant to change because of finance and that the VR3 is only 2/3 months old.

Appreciate the input.
Crispy[/quote]

Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer)

This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive.

Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on.

I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1.

Crispey · 2nd January 2008, 13:46

Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque)

Where did you dive in the Maldives and what did you have to do to get tanks, O2 and sorb ? I dove there in 2003 in Kani (Erik Dasque's Gallery | Maldives 2003) and loved it but in OC. I'd love to go back with a CCR though I would have to shy away from the cattleboats and find a place that can catter to my needs. (Still limited to 30m, aren't they ?)

I have dived in the Maldives from MV Seaqueen (Maldives Scuba Tours) and from the Banyantree and Angsana Resorts/islands. This was my third visit to Angsana and the first with a CCR. It was somewhat of a logistical nightmare since I had to arrange sofnalime and take with me a oxygen decanting hose. The Maldives is as you suggest not compatiable to CCR diving but with some perseverance it can be achieved. Since I have regularly dived with MV Sea Queen which is far from a cattle truck and is compatiable to real divers and great underwater photography (noting it is not a modern glass fibre replica ) they - that is David the dive /boat leader arranged a delivery of the sofnalime to Angsana ready for my visit. I took a decanting hose but note there was no oxygen boost and hence some of my fills were less than 100bar. Ok for one dive plus. I go back in March but on MV Sea Queen with an oxygen boost pump which I shall send prior via cargo prior to the visit. For Angsana I had to take my own cylinders which I have left out there for my next visit to the Sea Queen. David does happen to have some compatiable CCR cylinders as part of his equipment.
I would suggest you try the MV Sea Queen which from a budget /expense angle plus a superb diving itinerary is a better proposition than an island based venture in the Maldives. Island diving is expensive and is somewhat limited. I did it this time since my wife and I wanted some R&R coupled with some diving.

2nd January 2008, 04:17	#1 (permalink)
Crispey New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 6	Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues Hi Guys, Let me introduce myself - qualified as CRR Meg diver at the Lanzarote dive shop last November (2007). The support offered by this concern was superb and I will go back again in Jan for additional training plus trimix. Since November then I have made one exploration to the Maldives where there is scant knowledge of rebreathers and the logistical effort to set up the arrangements was significant. However the end result was worthwhile.I now have circa 20 hours on my baby - the Meg. One or two issues ; 1. I had to change batteries early on - my fault because of wrong setting on the screen save. 2.On my last two dives I had a cell apparently go NBG on a dive then came good , then went out -low reading on the pre check for the next dive. Recalibrated and system checked out AOK. During the dive the cell again read low. I will now change the cell but I am still somewhat confused how a cell can read AOK then flicker in and out? 3. I bought the Meg complete with a Tech wing but was not happy with it during training. I changed it for my OMS double wing (previously used for twin tanks)for the Maldives trip and was happy with this during diving. However the wing appears to restrict access to the head of the sofalime cylinder , and can become easily trapped at the top joint ? 4. Also note my VR3 had an issue in that the time crystal apparently broke down and it gained significant time . I did not realise until I compared dive times with my back up device and I had recorded 50% time on the VR3! I hope info and points/questions are not too simplistic. Regards, Crispy
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2nd January 2008, 07:23	#2 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Re: Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey) 2.On my last two dives I had a cell apparently go NBG on a dive then came good , then went out -low reading on the pre check for the next dive. Recalibrated and system checked out AOK. During the dive the cell again read low. I will now change the cell but I am still somewhat confused how a cell can read AOK then flicker in and out? This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive. Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey) 3. I bought the Meg complete with a Tech wing but was not happy with it during training. I changed it for my OMS double wing (previously used for twin tanks)for the Maldives trip and was happy with this during diving. However the wing appears to restrict access to the head of the sofalime cylinder , and can become easily trapped at the top joint ? Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on. Quote: (Originally Posted by Crispey) 4. Also note my VR3 had an issue in that the time crystal apparently broke down and it gained significant time . I did not realise until I compared dive times with my back up device and I had recorded 50% time on the VR3! I hope info and points/questions are not too simplistic. I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1. __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat. Last edited by PacketSniffer : 2nd January 2008 at 07:29.
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2nd January 2008, 09:06	#3 (permalink)
edasque French Erik Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 262	Re: Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues Where did you dive in the Maldives and what did you have to do to get tanks, O2 and sorb ? I dove there in 2003 in Kani (Erik Dasque's Gallery \| Maldives 2003) and loved it but in OC. I'd love to go back with a CCR though I would have to shy away from the cattleboats and find a place that can catter to my needs. (Still limited to 30m, aren't they ?)
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2nd January 2008, 12:48	#4 (permalink)
Crispey New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 6	Re: Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer) This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive." From a process of elimination I have come to the same viewpoint. Secondly another bit of info received suggested I also changed the cells around and ascertained whether the problem continued . Based on your input I think I will do what you have suggested and change the cells around naturally noting the change .If this then fails I will change the cell.Thanks for the input. Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on." Agreed and care is of course taken - I was just seeking other inputs whether other users experienced the same issues or whether other wings were more user friendly. I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1. Ok, I will review. Appreciate the input. Crispy Last edited by Crispey : 2nd January 2008 at 12:50.
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2nd January 2008, 13:24	#5 (permalink)
Crispey New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 6	Re: Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues [By a process of elimination I arrived at the same conclusion but I was awaiting other inputs/experience. From another source I was also advised to change the cell position , naturally noting the cell position change and monitor during a dive. Based on your input I will do both , check contacts, change cell position , recalibrate and go dive. I am aware that there is a nedd to be careful I was seeking other user input to ascertain whether the problem was my own or one that is generally experienced. I have an answer. The Liquivision X1 I have no experience of and will research. However I am reluctant to change because of finance and that the VR3 is only 2/3 months old. Appreciate the input. Crispy[/quote] Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer) This sounds like the wiring plug that goes on the cell. Pull the plug to that sensor. Use something small enough to push the contacts out of the plastic plug and brush them with sandpaper. Check the rest of the wiring for that sensor for any issues. Push the contacts back in to the plug, calibrate, and go dive. Almost all wings are going to get trapped while putting the head back on. That's the nature of having that slim package. Even the ISC Meg wing can get trapped under the head when putting it on. You just have to be careful when putting the head back on. I would suggest you look at the Liquivision X1.
(Offline)

2nd January 2008, 13:46	#6 (permalink)
Crispey New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 6	Re: Introduction and some Meg/Diving Issues Quote: (Originally Posted by edasque) Where did you dive in the Maldives and what did you have to do to get tanks, O2 and sorb ? I dove there in 2003 in Kani (Erik Dasque's Gallery \| Maldives 2003) and loved it but in OC. I'd love to go back with a CCR though I would have to shy away from the cattleboats and find a place that can catter to my needs. (Still limited to 30m, aren't they ?) I have dived in the Maldives from MV Seaqueen (Maldives Scuba Tours) and from the Banyantree and Angsana Resorts/islands. This was my third visit to Angsana and the first with a CCR. It was somewhat of a logistical nightmare since I had to arrange sofnalime and take with me a oxygen decanting hose. The Maldives is as you suggest not compatiable to CCR diving but with some perseverance it can be achieved. Since I have regularly dived with MV Sea Queen which is far from a cattle truck and is compatiable to real divers and great underwater photography (noting it is not a modern glass fibre replica ) they - that is David the dive /boat leader arranged a delivery of the sofnalime to Angsana ready for my visit. I took a decanting hose but note there was no oxygen boost and hence some of my fills were less than 100bar. Ok for one dive plus. I go back in March but on MV Sea Queen with an oxygen boost pump which I shall send prior via cargo prior to the visit. For Angsana I had to take my own cylinders which I have left out there for my next visit to the Sea Queen. David does happen to have some compatiable CCR cylinders as part of his equipment. I would suggest you try the MV Sea Queen which from a budget /expense angle plus a superb diving itinerary is a better proposition than an island based venture in the Maldives. Island diving is expensive and is somewhat limited. I did it this time since my wife and I wanted some R&R coupled with some diving.
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