Cell wiring

PeteS · 30th October 2007, 06:26

I took a look at a friends Optima the other day, and I was suprised. The cell wiring is still using molex connectors, when the Inspiration moved away from these connectors nearly 3 years ago due to corrosion problems. Why haven't the co-axial connectors been adopted by the Optima?

jhaaja · 30th October 2007, 06:45

Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell.

JH

David Pye · 30th October 2007, 07:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja)

Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell.

JH

My classic KISS uses Molex connectors (even though I have just bought a brand new kidney). The C2R style KISS kidney means that you cannot change the cables at all now, as they are wired into a potted Fischer connector. The old-style Jetsam kidney had independent wires so the whole thing could be swapped out without replacing the kidney.

PeteS · 30th October 2007, 10:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja)

Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell.

Change as in replace the corroded cables with more molex terminated cables, or change as in change to co-axial connectors?

It just seemed really strange that someone brings a unit onto the market and builds into it a design fault that a competitor had previously removed by changing a component.

jhaaja · 30th October 2007, 10:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by PeteS)

Change as in replace the corroded cables with more molex terminated cables, or change as in change to co-axial connectors?

It just seemed really strange that someone brings a unit onto the market and builds into it a design fault that a competitor had previously removed by changing a component.

I meant that it should be easy to use different types of connectors on those short cables between the box and the cells. Please take a look at the pics on Juergensen marines site: Why The Hammerhead is so cool...

Don´t know if the cells are connected the same way in Optima though...

JH

diverreb · 30th October 2007, 11:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja)

I meant that it should be easy to use different types of connectors on those short cables between the box and the cells. Please take a look at the pics on Juergensen marines site: Why The Hammerhead is so cool...

Don´t know if the cells are connected the same way in Optima though...

JH

They are.... It uses the Banana Block. Then there are molded pieces that fit over the connection on the cell itself. I don't know of anyone with an O2ptima that's experienced corrosion issues in that area. The overall design of the head and it's location all contribute to the lack of issues.

Richie

jhaaja · 30th October 2007, 12:03

Quote: (Originally Posted by diverreb)

They are.... It uses the Banana Block. Then there are molded pieces that fit over the connection on the cell itself. I don't know of anyone with an O2ptima that's experienced corrosion issues in that area. The overall design of the head and it's location all contribute to the lack of issues.

Richie

Thanks! Found the same info from the Optima manual. Then it is quite easy to use for example coax connectors on the cell ends if one wants. Also it is even easier to bin corroded connector and just put a new piece of cable in.

JH

JCdesign97 · 30th October 2007, 12:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja)

Also it is even easier to bin corroded connector and just put a new piece of cable in.

JH

Exactly. Like Richie said, I have yet to hear of anyone reporting a major issue with sensor wire corrosion ... probably because if they suspected anything at all with the harness it's a 5 minute swap. I (like most Optima owners, I imagine) keep a spare harness in my kit for just such an issue; plus I believe it is one of the recommended parts to be replaced during annual service, regardless of any noticeable corrosion.

Drmike · 30th October 2007, 14:08

Quote: (Originally Posted by JCdesign97)

Exactly. Like Richie said, I have yet to hear of anyone reporting a major issue with sensor wire corrosion ... probably because if they suspected anything at all with the harness it's a 5 minute swap. I (like most Optima owners, I imagine) keep a spare harness in my kit for just such an issue; plus I believe it is one of the recommended parts to be replaced during annual service, regardless of any noticeable corrosion.

or they could just use the right connectors in the 1st place

all wiring and connectors in the head should be sealed - period.

this is a design fault - we shouldnt accept it.

but we do dont we. we make excuses, we happily carry spares and accept need for anual service replacement. Why?

JCdesign97 · 30th October 2007, 14:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

... but we do dont we. we make excuses, we happily carry spares and accept need for anual service replacement. Why?

Because when we did our training with Oster Rich, that's what he told us was the right way, Mike ...

30th October 2007, 06:26	#1 (permalink)
PeteS Consent Issued! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 533	Cell wiring I took a look at a friends Optima the other day, and I was suprised. The cell wiring is still using molex connectors, when the Inspiration moved away from these connectors nearly 3 years ago due to corrosion problems. Why haven't the co-axial connectors been adopted by the Optima? __________________ Pete S. http://www.steggle.co.nz Every silver lining has a cloud
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 06:45	#2 (permalink)
jhaaja Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 884	Re: Cell wiring Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell. JH
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 07:31	#3 (permalink)
David Pye CK#69 Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 174	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja) Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell. JH My classic KISS uses Molex connectors (even though I have just bought a brand new kidney). The C2R style KISS kidney means that you cannot change the cables at all now, as they are wired into a potted Fischer connector. The old-style Jetsam kidney had independent wires so the whole thing could be swapped out without replacing the kidney.
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 10:14	#4 (permalink)
PeteS Consent Issued! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 533	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja) Have not seen the optima but if it uses the same connection box approach as HH on YBOD it would be quite easy to change the short cables between the connection box and the cell. Change as in replace the corroded cables with more molex terminated cables, or change as in change to co-axial connectors? It just seemed really strange that someone brings a unit onto the market and builds into it a design fault that a competitor had previously removed by changing a component. __________________ Pete S. http://www.steggle.co.nz Every silver lining has a cloud
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 10:42	#5 (permalink)
jhaaja Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 884	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by PeteS) Change as in replace the corroded cables with more molex terminated cables, or change as in change to co-axial connectors? It just seemed really strange that someone brings a unit onto the market and builds into it a design fault that a competitor had previously removed by changing a component. I meant that it should be easy to use different types of connectors on those short cables between the box and the cells. Please take a look at the pics on Juergensen marines site: Why The Hammerhead is so cool... Don´t know if the cells are connected the same way in Optima though... JH
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 11:59	#6 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 595	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by jhaaja) I meant that it should be easy to use different types of connectors on those short cables between the box and the cells. Please take a look at the pics on Juergensen marines site: Why The Hammerhead is so cool... Don´t know if the cells are connected the same way in Optima though... JH They are.... It uses the Banana Block. Then there are molded pieces that fit over the connection on the cell itself. I don't know of anyone with an O2ptima that's experienced corrosion issues in that area. The overall design of the head and it's location all contribute to the lack of issues. Richie
(Online)

30th October 2007, 12:03	#7 (permalink)
jhaaja Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 884	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by diverreb) They are.... It uses the Banana Block. Then there are molded pieces that fit over the connection on the cell itself. I don't know of anyone with an O2ptima that's experienced corrosion issues in that area. The overall design of the head and it's location all contribute to the lack of issues. Richie Thanks! Found the same info from the Optima manual. Then it is quite easy to use for example coax connectors on the cell ends if one wants. Also it is even easier to bin corroded connector and just put a new piece of cable in. JH
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 14:08	#9 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,322	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by JCdesign97) Exactly. Like Richie said, I have yet to hear of anyone reporting a major issue with sensor wire corrosion ... probably because if they suspected anything at all with the harness it's a 5 minute swap. I (like most Optima owners, I imagine) keep a spare harness in my kit for just such an issue; plus I believe it is one of the recommended parts to be replaced during annual service, regardless of any noticeable corrosion. or they could just use the right connectors in the 1st place all wiring and connectors in the head should be sealed - period. this is a design fault - we shouldnt accept it. but we do dont we. we make excuses, we happily carry spares and accept need for anual service replacement. Why? __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 14:26	#10 (permalink)
JCdesign97 My unit can beat up yours Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PA, USA Posts: 385	Re: Cell wiring Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) ... but we do dont we. we make excuses, we happily carry spares and accept need for anual service replacement. Why? Because when we did our training with Oster Rich, that's what he told us was the right way, Mike ... __________________ Cheers, John Cogan
(Online)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode