New FX verses Upgrade Package

diveladydive

I trained mostly on the O2ptima Rebreather (second generation, prototype) & purchased an O2ptima FX. As to differences... the tanks are secured via a device called a "Remora," and from what I understand, getting it to fit exactly per your height/size is wicked, but Charles at Fill Express is pretty much an expert now. The Remora holds the tanks in a more rigid position than the bungee did, which is a positive. The negative is that cylinders are no longer interchangebale between units. I'll be shipping a set of cylinders to Hawaii just that reason. Also, below the tank valves there is a bottom plate bolted to the frame. It is moveable if you need to switch out cylinder sizes. The case is slightly more streamlined, and the cylinder valves project farther from the case than in the older model.

For Petite Divers such as me (yes, I used caps), DiveRite is offering smaller, redesigned counterlungs which are wider at the shoulder than the base. This helps prevent CO2 being caught in the counterlung, among other things that we Petite Divers understand best... :-)

Smaller hoses are also due, and there are more changes to come- all of which I assume will be available for both the FX and the Op2tima. I don't know about the original O2ptima, though- I'm not familiar with the electronics configuration.

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Instructor, IANTD
Member, Board of Advisors, IANTD
www.supremedivers.com
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The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and the author’s alone.

Jordan

Hi Peri,

They are actually more interchangeable now -- You probably just didn't get an extra Remora for your extra set of cylinders.

Cheers

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Jordan

Yo Alex,

The trip to the Oil Wreck was a success. We had perfect conditions all 3 days and had a blast. Ryan Meyer recovered a telegraph from the engineering area and will be starting electrolysis on it today or tomorrow. Hopefully there'll be a SN or other marking that'll confirm the identity of the wreck. If not, Barney will probably be going back soon because I'm sure he won't let some young punk outdo him

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Is it clear? No. Well, let's go anyways.

"Those who would sacrifice a little freedom for a little order, will lose both, and deserve neither." Thomas Jefferson

ScubaDadMiami

To change from the old version to the FX, they take the plate onto which everything is mounted, cut it down to a smaller size, put on the new mounting foot at the base, add the Remora mounts and put on a new cover. So, as far as the "rebreather" equipment goes, that is the same (head unit, handsets, etc.). The FX uses a new tank mounting system, adds an adjustable size to the case, and puts a new case on that allows for this.

Like SeaFox said, it is now even easier (as if it weren't before ) to open the canister for changing the scrubber. You can open just the top of the case to change the scrubber, you can open just the bottom of the case, and you can take off the entire back of the case (bottom and top).

On the old version, to open the case was more cumbersome, and you would end out laying down the unit (not a big deal but still more work) to get inside. On the FX, you can just take off the back, and leave the unit standing (which it does much better than with the old case).

The older case (especially the first version) tended to trap air and water inside, making the initial descent more work, and weighing down the unit when climbing out of the water. (I fixed this by getting a few holes made in the case to allow the gas/water to escape. So, it is not a big deal.) The new case easily fills/drains.

The new version is not strictly cosmetic in the changes. However, I would have no qualms about diving an older version. The new improvements are certainly more convenient and efficient. So, that's why I would make the change if I were to buy an older version.

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Howard Packer
IANTD CCR Instructor
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CCRDiveTraining.com

Alexv

Good for Ryan that should make a nice piece once its cleaned up. Did he pull it diving OC or CC

wreckdiv

Jordan - What is Ryan's telegraph made of that requires him to consider electrolysis? - Karen

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barney

Already fairly certain of the identification, but obviously additional supporting evidence would be great. Looking forward to seeing the telegraph cleaned up. Definitely a nice find!

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Michael C. Barnette
ASSOCIATION OF UNDERWATER EXPLORERS

devilgas

Hey John, sup. I am just ordering 2 units today for students over here on the right coast. Glad to here all the units are shipping as FX chassis.

Dived with Dori from VA last week on the Big O with the O2ptimas. We were the only 2 CCRs. Lots of eager looks, and I made a sale.

She has to go clean the units back in fresh water now :-)

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