Questions about optima controls

dragerdiver · 13th April 2008, 01:36

I found a great deal on a optima rebreather on ebay. I have wanted one for a while but after winning the bid on ebay and then looking for an instructor, I was told by an instructor, that the type I got with metal hand sets are gaurranted to leak, and that I should upgrades and that the upgrades are rather expensive to the tune of about $2000.00. So the deal I thought I was getting may just be a huge piece of junk, does any one have any experiance with these units. did dive rite actually produce a rebreather that is of a poor quality that the main elecrtronics woould flood?

**Dsix36** · 13th April 2008, 02:24

The older units with the metal handsets did have some issues. I know people that are still diving them without the upgrade however.

The upgrade is expensive. I don't know exactly how much. There is also software upgrades and the ability for secondary deco calculations.

Possibly you can train on the unit as-is and get the upgrade at a later time if/when needed.

JCdesign97 · 13th April 2008, 03:08

Hi DD - the first thing I would say is that you should talk to another instructor ... preferably one that knows WTF he or she is talking about.

My Optima - the one that I have the better part of 100 issue-free hours on now - was one of the original, non-FX units when it started life, also. I bought it directly from Dive Rite as one of the last remaining originals when the FX version (and upgrade for the originals) first came out. The FX upgrade consists mainly of a modified backplate, adjustable foot and foot bracket, a different Rhinohide cover and remora tank brackets instead of the older cam bands (to accomodate different tank sizes easier). This can be done after the fact for not too much money.

As far as the 'older' metal handsets, the new FXs do come with the Delrin versions (NOT part of the relatively inexpensive FX upgrade BTW) that have a software update, a battery status monitor and the option for deco in the secondary. These are certainly nice, but they aren't an absolutely essential upgrade IMHO. As stated, I have almost a year on my 'old' metal handsets and I haven't had one single problem with them. As I understand it, the even earlier versions of HH handsets (not specifically for the Optima, but for Inspos, Mk16s, etc.) had some supplier issues with the electroplating and perhaps flooding; but with the exception of a few niggles, AFAIK the Optima metal handsets have been mostly trouble free. Another regular buddy of mine has an identical unit and with the exception of a bad pressure transducer he hasn't had any problems with his metal handsets, either. I haven't heard of flooding being a major issue with any Optima handsets, or HHs in general honestly.

It sounds to me like you got yourself a heck of a deal. If I were you, I would talk to your local Dive Rite dealer (or DR directly) about the FX upgrade, but then just get your training and see how the HH metal handsets work for you before you go spending big bucks on an upgrade that may not be necessary. Sure, it's on my list to get the delrin handsets at some point, also; but as long as my metal units keep performing flawlessly for the diving that I do, if they're not broke I ain't fixin' 'em.

Good luck and welcome to the dark side ... you're going to love it.

diverreb · 13th April 2008, 03:49

The question is how old are the hand sets? Which version?

The ones John talked about, which I also used for a year before upgrading to the Delrin units, were fine, with the exception one issue with the secondary that was promptly fixed by Juergensen Marine, the developer of the handsets used in the O2ptima.

There were versions used before the latest metal ones that did have some corrosion issues, but I don't know if they were ever used with the O2ptima.

If you take good care of the Handsets... cleaning them properly, handling them carefully (Not dropping them on the floor or deck of a boat) & changing batteries on a regular basis they should be fine.

I agree with John.... Find a new instructor.... This guy is blowing smoke at you....

Richie

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 13th April 2008, 05:45

It is hard to say what to do without knowing what you have there.

The first handsets were nickel plated. They worked fine in fresh water. However, due to a problem with a contractor that did the plating, there were many that suffered severe corrosion when placed in salt water. The earliest also had face plates that corroded.

The next version of the handsets had annodized aluminum cases and steel face plates. There are many people still using these without incident. However, there have since been improvements in the delrin case version (in the battery compartment and spring) that takes care of some issues that people were sometimes having with the battery contacts and corrosion in the battery compartment. (I never had these issues though I was meticulous about cleaning the contacts and using contact lubricant.) Also, there is an inexpensive upgrade available for these handsets because the firmware would cause oxygen to inject everytime that the unit boots up, which is a problem if you have a battery or contact issue (especially in deep water).

The most recent version has the delrin cases plus the ability to use the secondary for decompression. There is also a battery indicator and alarm. The new cases are lighter weight and a bit smaller, too.

To me, the latest version is definitely worth the cost of the upgrade. However, getting the existing sets that you have (if they are the annodized sets) upgraded to the latest firmware version will not be expensive and might serve you well enough. You should discuss these issues with your instructor. Qualified Optima instructors understand the history and issues, and should be able to suggest viable options for you.

Enjoy your Optima.

jiseson · 13th April 2008, 21:35

Quote: (Originally Posted by dragerdiver)

I found a great deal on a optima rebreather on ebay. I have wanted one for a while but after winning the bid on ebay and then looking for an instructor, I was told by an instructor, that the type I got with metal hand sets are gaurranted to leak, and that I should upgrades and that the upgrades are rather expensive to the tune of about $2000.00. So the deal I thought I was getting may just be a huge piece of junk, does any one have any experiance with these units. did dive rite actually produce a rebreather that is of a poor quality that the main elecrtronics woould flood?

if u send the unit to dive rite for the FX upgrade -no new handsets-it si $200! they will put the latest metal -no problem case on it and also upgrade the circut board on the primary-just call dive rite they are great!

mattmexico · 13th April 2008, 21:50

yo

I went through 4 stages of Optima handsets. From clear plastic to aluminum to nickel plated and the now to have delrin handsets.

I certainly feel that the delrin handsets are the best to have for corrosion and battery contact issues ( plastik, alm and nickel plated ) with previous handset material but I have had only once leak issues and they came from the pressure transducer o-ring that failed on the nickel plated handsets and leaked into it.

greetings
Matt

jiseson · 13th April 2008, 23:27

THe latest aluminum handsets are great--if u don't need deco on your secondary- u do miss the battery function-u save $2000!-just send it back-and all will be good for $200!

dragerdiver · 14th April 2008, 17:13

Thanks, every one for the information.
I just got off the phone with DR, and thought every one might like the info I got.
to upgrade to the FX(back plate, cover and remora) $275
the annual inspection(no delrin Hand sets) but would give me minor software upgrades and sensors. $195.
The person was unable to find the info for the full upgrade to delrin, but I think I will stay with the current hh till I can afford the delrin,(the training is going to cost me plenty.) So any Optima- IT's feel free to write me.
Lee

jiseson · 14th April 2008, 17:15

Quote: (Originally Posted by dragerdiver)

Thanks, every one for the information.
I just got off the phone with DR, and thought every one might like the info I got.
to upgrade to the FX(back plate, cover and remora) $275
the annual inspection(no delrin Hand sets) but would give me minor software upgrades and sensors. $195.
The person was unable to find the info for the full upgrade to delrin, but I think I will stay with the current hh till I can afford the delrin,(the training is going to cost me plenty.) So any Optima- IT's feel free to write me.
Lee

the software fix cures the reboot sensor firing issue

13th April 2008, 01:36	#1 (permalink)
dragerdiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gahanna, ohio Posts: 5	Questions about optima controls I found a great deal on a optima rebreather on ebay. I have wanted one for a while but after winning the bid on ebay and then looking for an instructor, I was told by an instructor, that the type I got with metal hand sets are gaurranted to leak, and that I should upgrades and that the upgrades are rather expensive to the tune of about $2000.00. So the deal I thought I was getting may just be a huge piece of junk, does any one have any experiance with these units. did dive rite actually produce a rebreather that is of a poor quality that the main elecrtronics woould flood?
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13th April 2008, 02:24	#2 (permalink)
Dsix36 Going Down? Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida Posts: 890	Re: Questions about optima controls The older units with the metal handsets did have some issues. I know people that are still diving them without the upgrade however. The upgrade is expensive. I don't know exactly how much. There is also software upgrades and the ability for secondary deco calculations. Possibly you can train on the unit as-is and get the upgrade at a later time if/when needed. __________________ THE MORE THAT I LEARN, THE MORE THAT I STILL NEED TO LEARN!!!!!!
(Online)

13th April 2008, 03:08	#3 (permalink)
JCdesign97 My unit can beat up yours Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PA, USA Posts: 350	Re: Questions about optima controls Hi DD - the first thing I would say is that you should talk to another instructor ... preferably one that knows WTF he or she is talking about. My Optima - the one that I have the better part of 100 issue-free hours on now - was one of the original, non-FX units when it started life, also. I bought it directly from Dive Rite as one of the last remaining originals when the FX version (and upgrade for the originals) first came out. The FX upgrade consists mainly of a modified backplate, adjustable foot and foot bracket, a different Rhinohide cover and remora tank brackets instead of the older cam bands (to accomodate different tank sizes easier). This can be done after the fact for not too much money. As far as the 'older' metal handsets, the new FXs do come with the Delrin versions (NOT part of the relatively inexpensive FX upgrade BTW) that have a software update, a battery status monitor and the option for deco in the secondary. These are certainly nice, but they aren't an absolutely essential upgrade IMHO. As stated, I have almost a year on my 'old' metal handsets and I haven't had one single problem with them. As I understand it, the even earlier versions of HH handsets (not specifically for the Optima, but for Inspos, Mk16s, etc.) had some supplier issues with the electroplating and perhaps flooding; but with the exception of a few niggles, AFAIK the Optima metal handsets have been mostly trouble free. Another regular buddy of mine has an identical unit and with the exception of a bad pressure transducer he hasn't had any problems with his metal handsets, either. I haven't heard of flooding being a major issue with any Optima handsets, or HHs in general honestly. It sounds to me like you got yourself a heck of a deal. If I were you, I would talk to your local Dive Rite dealer (or DR directly) about the FX upgrade, but then just get your training and see how the HH metal handsets work for you before you go spending big bucks on an upgrade that may not be necessary. Sure, it's on my list to get the delrin handsets at some point, also; but as long as my metal units keep performing flawlessly for the diving that I do, if they're not broke I ain't fixin' 'em. Good luck and welcome to the dark side ... you're going to love it. __________________ Cheers, John
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13th April 2008, 03:49	#4 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 512	Re: Questions about optima controls The question is how old are the hand sets? Which version? The ones John talked about, which I also used for a year before upgrading to the Delrin units, were fine, with the exception one issue with the secondary that was promptly fixed by Juergensen Marine, the developer of the handsets used in the O2ptima. There were versions used before the latest metal ones that did have some corrosion issues, but I don't know if they were ever used with the O2ptima. If you take good care of the Handsets... cleaning them properly, handling them carefully (Not dropping them on the floor or deck of a boat) & changing batteries on a regular basis they should be fine. I agree with John.... Find a new instructor.... This guy is blowing smoke at you.... Richie
(Offline)

13th April 2008, 05:45	#5 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,937	Re: Questions about optima controls It is hard to say what to do without knowing what you have there. The first handsets were nickel plated. They worked fine in fresh water. However, due to a problem with a contractor that did the plating, there were many that suffered severe corrosion when placed in salt water. The earliest also had face plates that corroded. The next version of the handsets had annodized aluminum cases and steel face plates. There are many people still using these without incident. However, there have since been improvements in the delrin case version (in the battery compartment and spring) that takes care of some issues that people were sometimes having with the battery contacts and corrosion in the battery compartment. (I never had these issues though I was meticulous about cleaning the contacts and using contact lubricant.) Also, there is an inexpensive upgrade available for these handsets because the firmware would cause oxygen to inject everytime that the unit boots up, which is a problem if you have a battery or contact issue (especially in deep water). The most recent version has the delrin cases plus the ability to use the secondary for decompression. There is also a battery indicator and alarm. The new cases are lighter weight and a bit smaller, too. To me, the latest version is definitely worth the cost of the upgrade. However, getting the existing sets that you have (if they are the annodized sets) upgraded to the latest firmware version will not be expensive and might serve you well enough. You should discuss these issues with your instructor. Qualified Optima instructors understand the history and issues, and should be able to suggest viable options for you. Enjoy your Optima. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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13th April 2008, 21:35	#6 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 454	Re: Questions about optima controls Quote: (Originally Posted by dragerdiver) I found a great deal on a optima rebreather on ebay. I have wanted one for a while but after winning the bid on ebay and then looking for an instructor, I was told by an instructor, that the type I got with metal hand sets are gaurranted to leak, and that I should upgrades and that the upgrades are rather expensive to the tune of about $2000.00. So the deal I thought I was getting may just be a huge piece of junk, does any one have any experiance with these units. did dive rite actually produce a rebreather that is of a poor quality that the main elecrtronics woould flood? if u send the unit to dive rite for the FX upgrade -no new handsets-it si $200! they will put the latest metal -no problem case on it and also upgrade the circut board on the primary-just call dive rite they are great! __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson*
(Online)

13th April 2008, 21:50	#7 (permalink)
mattmexico Rebreather World Writer Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Prism Topaz Sport Kiss RB80 / Clone Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mexico, Q.Roo, Playa del Carmen Posts: 752	Re: Questions about optima controls yo I went through 4 stages of Optima handsets. From clear plastic to aluminum to nickel plated and the now to have delrin handsets. I certainly feel that the delrin handsets are the best to have for corrosion and battery contact issues ( plastik, alm and nickel plated ) with previous handset material but I have had only once leak issues and they came from the pressure transducer o-ring that failed on the nickel plated handsets and leaked into it. greetings Matt __________________ N 20' 37.617' W 87' 04.693' www.andreaswmatthes.com
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13th April 2008, 23:27	#8 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 454	Re: Questions about optima controls THe latest aluminum handsets are great--if u don't need deco on your secondary- u do miss the battery function-u save $2000!-just send it back-and all will be good for $200! __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson*
(Online)

14th April 2008, 17:13	#9 (permalink)
dragerdiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gahanna, ohio Posts: 5	Re: Questions about optima controls Thanks, every one for the information. I just got off the phone with DR, and thought every one might like the info I got. to upgrade to the FX(back plate, cover and remora) $275 the annual inspection(no delrin Hand sets) but would give me minor software upgrades and sensors. $195. The person was unable to find the info for the full upgrade to delrin, but I think I will stay with the current hh till I can afford the delrin,(the training is going to cost me plenty.) So any Optima- IT's feel free to write me. Lee
(Offline)

14th April 2008, 17:15	#10 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 454	Re: Questions about optima controls Quote: (Originally Posted by dragerdiver) Thanks, every one for the information. I just got off the phone with DR, and thought every one might like the info I got. to upgrade to the FX(back plate, cover and remora) $275 the annual inspection(no delrin Hand sets) but would give me minor software upgrades and sensors. $195. The person was unable to find the info for the full upgrade to delrin, but I think I will stay with the current hh till I can afford the delrin,(the training is going to cost me plenty.) So any Optima- IT's feel free to write me. Lee the software fix cures the reboot sensor firing issue __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson*
(Online)

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