Prism Questions

NJDiver · 11th June 2005, 14:22

I currently do not dive a rebreather, and am in the early reseach phase of determining if a Rebreather is right for me. After looking at a number of the threads I am starting to think the Prism looks like a well balanced unit. The questions I have are on training: has anyone here taken training on the east coast (US) New Jersey ?

On the Steam Machines web site they referance the O2 sensors 3 proprietary galvanic’s - SMS202 Does this make sourcing replacment sensors difficult? Or more difficult than other units?

Any other likes or dislikes you would like to share are welcomed..

Thanks

***caveseeker7*** · 11th June 2005, 15:49

Ron Scorese is the PRISM instructor in the NE, including trimix.
Haven't done any training with him, but Pete thinks very highly of Ron,
he's the only IT besides Pete for the unit.

I don't know if there is a stocking distributor for SMI in the NY/NJ area,
there is one here in L.A.. You call one day and get sensors the next.
Getting them through Steam Machines is the same, they'll ship them
to whatever location you need them. So sourcing is not a problem.

My likes and dislikes you can find in the article I wrote.
Add to those a bp/w and separate weight harness, a personal preference
of mine. Either Deep Sea Supply or Greywolf can accomodate PRISM divers
in that regard.

Bottom line is that I consider the PRISM the most transparent, easy to use
eCCR available, with safety and performance being the most important parts
of the design envelope.

jbpccr · 13th June 2005, 15:39

NJDiver,

I live in South Jersey, took my Prism class with Ron. Waiting on delivery of my unit. Hopefully, this month. Anything in particular I can answer about the unit or Ron. Highly recommend Ron, and can't wait for the unit so I can get wet. Were do you live?

jp

apitkin · 13th June 2005, 18:46

I've heard that you can use an 'ordinary' sensor, such as an R22, in an emergency. Having said that, I can't imagine a situation where I'd want to do that.

The SMS202 sensors do seem to be remarkably robust, with very little drift at all. I seem to go months without having to alter the calibration, compared with weekly with my O2 analyser.

Stefan's right, a backplate/wing is really all it needs. It's a great breathing system, but it just needs a little tweaking to turn it into a great diving system.

When that's done, you'll have a great tool, which I personally feel is the most capable one out there.

Andy

***caveseeker7*** · 13th June 2005, 19:31

Andy,

I doubt that an R-22 or like sensor would work in the PRISM.
The SMS202 is a high output sensor, generating between 16mV and 22mV during its useful life.
By comparisson, sensors used in the Meg, YBOD, KISS etc. generate 9mV to 13mV or so.

The lower output sensors don't generate enough power to drive the analog gauge wich runs off the current generated by the cell. That's the reason for using high output cells in the first place.

Furthermore I doubt the electronics would accept the weaker signal during calibration or start up. They would more likely consider the sensor out of range, the LED's would flash and the rig not calibrate.

Finally, the R-22 has a different size and shape than the SMS202, I'm not sure you could even fit them properly.

As the MK15/15.5 use high output cells (I believe somewhere around 25mV, give or take a few) to drive analog secondaries those might work. The SM1600 (which has PRISM electronics) also uses the SM202 sensors so those may fit or work.
Shas will know that.

NJDiver · 13th June 2005, 19:57

After thinking about this the sensor question was rather short sighted If I was traveling I would pack a couple of spares. I think the BP would be a need for me since this is all I ever dive with. Are the tank valves standard units (hard to tell form the pics) or special? Just wondering what is needed to travel with the unit.
Thanks again for the help.

***caveseeker7*** · 13th June 2005, 20:38

Spare sensors are the way to go if you're travelling, especally abroad.

The O2 tank has a 200 bar valve, the diluent tank a 300 bar valve.
The O2 valves are made to spec for SMI, but the mods are internal.

The PRISM travels well if you take it apart. Counterlungs, hoses, etc
in the space were the tanks would go. The backplate is about 17in high
and 15in wide, depth around 9in.

Crazyduck · 13th June 2005, 22:35

Stefan,
Dude- we both need a vaction----

I can see it now LaPaz Mexico, the beach, the sharks, diving on Prisms.
Damn what a vision....

I wonder if we could get Shas to bring Peter????

Hope everyone is having a great day.

They should have a warning label on the paperwork for Intro to Prisms- this is highly addicitive and you will not want to dive Open Circuit after this.

Like it would have stopped us....

Oh.. Prisms Rule!

Andrew

Chris · 13th June 2005, 23:14

Well I racked up the first 4 hours on my PRISM after my course on the weekend.

A few trim issues on the first dive, just getting my weight sorted, found I needed to put a bit more upstairs in the lungs.

By the third I felt comfy enough to take my camera. Now this is where the PRISM is just outstanding, to be able to spend 15 minutes concentrating on getting a photo while knowing exactly what the P02 is doing at all times via the HUD just makes the unit.

So far I am really happy with the PRISM and it is exactly what I expected, and worth the wait. I also did the tear down photos on the weekend so will get these up ASAP.

Cheers
Chris

***caveseeker7*** · 14th June 2005, 04:09

Andrew, first I need to get a life to take a vacation from.

Chris, awesome you finally get to dive your rig.

11th June 2005, 14:22	#1 (permalink)
NJDiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4	Prism Questions I currently do not dive a rebreather, and am in the early reseach phase of determining if a Rebreather is right for me. After looking at a number of the threads I am starting to think the Prism looks like a well balanced unit. The questions I have are on training: has anyone here taken training on the east coast (US) New Jersey ? On the Steam Machines web site they referance the O2 sensors 3 proprietary galvanic’s - SMS202 Does this make sourcing replacment sensors difficult? Or more difficult than other units? Any other likes or dislikes you would like to share are welcomed.. Thanks
(Offline)

11th June 2005, 15:49	#2 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,435	Ron Scorese is the PRISM instructor in the NE, including trimix. Haven't done any training with him, but Pete thinks very highly of Ron, he's the only IT besides Pete for the unit. I don't know if there is a stocking distributor for SMI in the NY/NJ area, there is one here in L.A.. You call one day and get sensors the next. Getting them through Steam Machines is the same, they'll ship them to whatever location you need them. So sourcing is not a problem. My likes and dislikes you can find in the article I wrote. Add to those a bp/w and separate weight harness, a personal preference of mine. Either Deep Sea Supply or Greywolf can accomodate PRISM divers in that regard. Bottom line is that I consider the PRISM the most transparent, easy to use eCCR available, with safety and performance being the most important parts of the design envelope. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'!"
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 15:39	#3 (permalink)
jbpccr New Member Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 18	NJDiver, I live in South Jersey, took my Prism class with Ron. Waiting on delivery of my unit. Hopefully, this month. Anything in particular I can answer about the unit or Ron. Highly recommend Ron, and can't wait for the unit so I can get wet. Were do you live? jp
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 18:46	#4 (permalink)
apitkin New Member Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land Posts: 100	I've heard that you can use an 'ordinary' sensor, such as an R22, in an emergency. Having said that, I can't imagine a situation where I'd want to do that. The SMS202 sensors do seem to be remarkably robust, with very little drift at all. I seem to go months without having to alter the calibration, compared with weekly with my O2 analyser. Stefan's right, a backplate/wing is really all it needs. It's a great breathing system, but it just needs a little tweaking to turn it into a great diving system. When that's done, you'll have a great tool, which I personally feel is the most capable one out there. Andy
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 19:31	#5 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,435	Andy, I doubt that an R-22 or like sensor would work in the PRISM. The SMS202 is a high output sensor, generating between 16mV and 22mV during its useful life. By comparisson, sensors used in the Meg, YBOD, KISS etc. generate 9mV to 13mV or so. The lower output sensors don't generate enough power to drive the analog gauge wich runs off the current generated by the cell. That's the reason for using high output cells in the first place. Furthermore I doubt the electronics would accept the weaker signal during calibration or start up. They would more likely consider the sensor out of range, the LED's would flash and the rig not calibrate. Finally, the R-22 has a different size and shape than the SMS202, I'm not sure you could even fit them properly. As the MK15/15.5 use high output cells (I believe somewhere around 25mV, give or take a few) to drive analog secondaries those might work. The SM1600 (which has PRISM electronics) also uses the SM202 sensors so those may fit or work. Shas will know that. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'!"
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 19:57	#6 (permalink)
NJDiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4	Thanks for all the helpful feedback After thinking about this the sensor question was rather short sighted If I was traveling I would pack a couple of spares. I think the BP would be a need for me since this is all I ever dive with. Are the tank valves standard units (hard to tell form the pics) or special? Just wondering what is needed to travel with the unit. Thanks again for the help. __________________ Duct tape is like the force it has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 20:38	#7 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,435	Spare sensors are the way to go if you're travelling, especally abroad. The O2 tank has a 200 bar valve, the diluent tank a 300 bar valve. The O2 valves are made to spec for SMI, but the mods are internal. The PRISM travels well if you take it apart. Counterlungs, hoses, etc in the space were the tanks would go. The backplate is about 17in high and 15in wide, depth around 9in. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'!"
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 22:35	#8 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 707	Stefan, Dude- we both need a vaction---- I can see it now LaPaz Mexico, the beach, the sharks, diving on Prisms. Damn what a vision.... I wonder if we could get Shas to bring Peter???? Hope everyone is having a great day. They should have a warning label on the paperwork for Intro to Prisms- this is highly addicitive and you will not want to dive Open Circuit after this. Like it would have stopped us.... Oh.. Prisms Rule! Andrew
(Offline)

13th June 2005, 23:14	#9 (permalink)
Chris Go Nude Or Go Home Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Prism Topaz Sport Kiss Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 607	Well I racked up the first 4 hours on my PRISM after my course on the weekend. A few trim issues on the first dive, just getting my weight sorted, found I needed to put a bit more upstairs in the lungs. By the third I felt comfy enough to take my camera. Now this is where the PRISM is just outstanding, to be able to spend 15 minutes concentrating on getting a photo while knowing exactly what the P02 is doing at all times via the HUD just makes the unit. So far I am really happy with the PRISM and it is exactly what I expected, and worth the wait. I also did the tear down photos on the weekend so will get these up ASAP. Cheers Chris __________________ Megalodon Sorb and Sensors whilst in Australia www.divetub.com.au Diving & Photography @ www.uwphotog.com
(Offline)

14th June 2005, 04:09	#10 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,435	Andrew, first I need to get a life to take a vacation from. Chris, awesome you finally get to dive your rig. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'!"
(Offline)

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