Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year

jkaterenchuk · 1st May 2008, 23:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by Terry)

I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor.

I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month,

Terry

Enjoy, sounds like a nice trip. I can't wait to hear about the over weight baggage issues.

John

***jradomski*** · 2nd May 2008, 05:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn)

Joe,

What does that mean for a vegetarian?

Jerry

It shouldn't be a big deal as long as they know ahead of time so that they can plan.. The always have lots of fruits, salads and other stuff available.. They probably don't have to make a big adjustment..

I have been told that they will make special meals when they have enough warning.. (I was told this because a friend of mine was supposed to go on a trip (until he got hurt) with me and he has alot of food alergies)

huntdive · 2nd May 2008, 06:34

Quote: (Originally Posted by Terry)

I am headed out on the Oddysey in two weeks for a tour of the Truk wrecks. Though I am going with Olympus Dive Center in NC, I made all of my equipment reservations through Cliff at their home office in Florida. He will have sorb reserved for me. Though, they do not have rebreather (Inspiration style) tanks on board. They do have 30 cu ft aluminums setup for air and O2, used as swing tanks for the OC tech divers. I changed out the house clamps to 5.5 inches on my HH's metalsub mounts and am prepared to mount 30's there, and in the event they do not have the 30's I am prepared with hoses to swing an 02 tank. (Some saw my other post regarding this). I plan on bringing my O2 valve and cleared it with Cliff that I can swap it out with their valve, if for some reason I can not swap valves I'll just dive their tanks with the valve pointing straight back.

With all off the reservations, they warned me that there still is a possbility that O2 may not be available. Cliff said it hasnt happened yet, but could.
I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor.

I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month,

Terry

I heard someone mention this weeked that the Oddysey's O2 is 95% Oxygen and has a lot of Argon in the remaining 5%. I have not check this with Cliff, but I intend to find out before I go later this year. It's my understanding with a CCR you will need to do periodic dill flushes every so often to remove the build up of Argon. It's could make Narcosis an issuse without the flushes. Again I don't know this to be fact just infornation someone else told me.

***jradomski*** · 2nd May 2008, 07:16

Quote: (Originally Posted by huntdive)

I heard someone mention this weeked that the Oddysey's O2 is 95% Oxygen and has a lot of Argon in the remaining 5%. I have not check this with Cliff, but I intend to find out before I go later this year. It's my understanding with a CCR you will need to do periodic dill flushes every so often to remove the build up of Argon. It's could make Narcosis an issuse without the flushes. Again I don't know this to be fact just infornation someone else told me.

they get the "local oxygen (at least last time I heard) which is made by a psa system.. you will get 4.5% argon.. The deeper you go the less of the effect it has since more of the loop volume will be made up by the diluent.. (expect 92-95.4% o2) (when its lower than 95.4% o2 the extra inert gas it n2) - .1% are trace gases

a complete loop flush every 10 mins or so will keep the argon levels low... The amount of loop "contamination" is dependent on depth and metabolic workload..

The thorfin usually (but not always) gets it o2 from guam (its usually 100%) and is ALOT more expensive for fills as compared to the odyssey.. (the thorfin charges per fill regardless on how much o2 is left in the cylinder - last I heard it was $35 per fill)..

if you need to calibrate your Rebreather on 100% o2, you need to either cal before you get to chuuk, or make some fittings so that you can overpressurize your loop to trcik the system for a proper calibration..

broady · 2nd May 2008, 09:41

We had 100% O2 on Odyssey in January this year

G

.

***jradomski*** · 2nd May 2008, 10:50

Quote: (Originally Posted by broady)

We had 100% O2 on Odyssey in January this year

G

.

That makes it easier for people that need 100%... Whether its 95% or 100% really doenst make a big difference as long as you compensate for it..

Personally I rather pay $10-$20 a fil instead of double that...and be able to top it off after 2 or 3 dives than have to wait for the end of the day... alot of the stuff varies month to month...

Personally I would still assume that one might not be able to get 100% regardless of who they dive with...

omech · 2nd May 2008, 13:41

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

Personally I rather pay $10-$20 a fil instead of double that...and be able to top it off after 2 or 3 dives than have to wait for the end of the day... alot of the stuff varies month to month...

I'd heard the same and wasn't too keen on the $35 flat rate fill system, so I asked Carol for clarification on their O2 fill rates on small tanks, and this was the response as of Feb '08:

"With regards to the Oxygen fills’ cost, you will be charged per cu.ft. filled on the pony. Say for example, we have initially put 100% of O2 to a 20 cu.ft. pony – 3,000psi charged for $45..The next day, there’s only about 1,200psi. left in it, so you’ll need 1,800psi more or 60% x 20cu. ft. = 12 cu. ft. x $2.25 = $27.00 will be the amount to be charged to you for the refill."

Still pricey, but at least one can get top offs when desired without undue penalization. I think I'll be taking a copy of that email along in case some variation has occured before I get there...

owen

***jradomski*** · 2nd May 2008, 19:39

Quote: (Originally Posted by omech)

I'd heard the same and wasn't too keen on the $35 flat rate fill system, so I asked Carol for clarification on their O2 fill rates on small tanks, and this was the response as of Feb '08:

"With regards to the Oxygen fills’ cost, you will be charged per cu.ft. filled on the pony. Say for example, we have initially put 100% of O2 to a 20 cu.ft. pony – 3,000psi charged for $45..The next day, there’s only about 1,200psi. left in it, so you’ll need 1,800psi more or 60% x 20cu. ft. = 12 cu. ft. x $2.25 = $27.00 will be the amount to be charged to you for the refill."

Still pricey, but at least one can get top offs when desired without undue penalization. I think I'll be taking a copy of that email along in case some variation has occured before I get there...

owen

sounds like they changed the policy but upped the initial cost and cpst per cu/ft.. the original reasoning was that every time they had to use the booster they had to flush it with o2, hence wasting a few cuft to do it properly..

at least they dont realize its 20 cuft at 2640psi so your getting about 3 cuft for free...

rob.laurie · 3rd May 2008, 04:56

Any one have any input on the most cost effective, reliable & safe way to ship gear, sorb, cylinders etc.. to Truk ?
Thanks, Rob

Mixaddict · 3rd May 2008, 05:44

Quote: (Originally Posted by rob.laurie)

Any one have any input on the most cost effective, reliable & safe way to ship gear, sorb, cylinders etc.. to Truk ?
Thanks, Rob

I would check out the US Postal Service. For some crazy reason, Uncle Sam feels compelled to continue to offer US postal service with standard domestic rates to Truk. Might as well take advantage of our tax payments at work! It's pretty much like mailing a package from California to New York.

1st May 2008, 23:55	#21 (permalink)
jkaterenchuk . Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 1,084	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by Terry) I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor. I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month, Terry Enjoy, sounds like a nice trip. I can't wait to hear about the over weight baggage issues. John
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 05:18	#22 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,110	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn) Joe, What does that mean for a vegetarian? Jerry It shouldn't be a big deal as long as they know ahead of time so that they can plan.. The always have lots of fruits, salads and other stuff available.. They probably don't have to make a big adjustment.. I have been told that they will make special meals when they have enough warning.. (I was told this because a friend of mine was supposed to go on a trip (until he got hurt) with me and he has alot of food alergies) __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 06:34	#23 (permalink)
huntdive New Member Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 7	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by Terry) I am headed out on the Oddysey in two weeks for a tour of the Truk wrecks. Though I am going with Olympus Dive Center in NC, I made all of my equipment reservations through Cliff at their home office in Florida. He will have sorb reserved for me. Though, they do not have rebreather (Inspiration style) tanks on board. They do have 30 cu ft aluminums setup for air and O2, used as swing tanks for the OC tech divers. I changed out the house clamps to 5.5 inches on my HH's metalsub mounts and am prepared to mount 30's there, and in the event they do not have the 30's I am prepared with hoses to swing an 02 tank. (Some saw my other post regarding this). I plan on bringing my O2 valve and cleared it with Cliff that I can swap it out with their valve, if for some reason I can not swap valves I'll just dive their tanks with the valve pointing straight back. With all off the reservations, they warned me that there still is a possbility that O2 may not be available. Cliff said it hasnt happened yet, but could. I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor. I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month, Terry I heard someone mention this weeked that the Oddysey's O2 is 95% Oxygen and has a lot of Argon in the remaining 5%. I have not check this with Cliff, but I intend to find out before I go later this year. It's my understanding with a CCR you will need to do periodic dill flushes every so often to remove the build up of Argon. It's could make Narcosis an issuse without the flushes. Again I don't know this to be fact just infornation someone else told me.
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 07:16	#24 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,110	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by huntdive) I heard someone mention this weeked that the Oddysey's O2 is 95% Oxygen and has a lot of Argon in the remaining 5%. I have not check this with Cliff, but I intend to find out before I go later this year. It's my understanding with a CCR you will need to do periodic dill flushes every so often to remove the build up of Argon. It's could make Narcosis an issuse without the flushes. Again I don't know this to be fact just infornation someone else told me. they get the "local oxygen (at least last time I heard) which is made by a psa system.. you will get 4.5% argon.. The deeper you go the less of the effect it has since more of the loop volume will be made up by the diluent.. (expect 92-95.4% o2) (when its lower than 95.4% o2 the extra inert gas it n2) - .1% are trace gases a complete loop flush every 10 mins or so will keep the argon levels low... The amount of loop "contamination" is dependent on depth and metabolic workload.. The thorfin usually (but not always) gets it o2 from guam (its usually 100%) and is ALOT more expensive for fills as compared to the odyssey.. (the thorfin charges per fill regardless on how much o2 is left in the cylinder - last I heard it was $35 per fill).. if you need to calibrate your Rebreather on 100% o2, you need to either cal before you get to chuuk, or make some fittings so that you can overpressurize your loop to trcik the system for a proper calibration.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 09:41	#25 (permalink)
broady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 28	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year We had 100% O2 on Odyssey in January this year G .
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 10:50	#26 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,110	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by broady) We had 100% O2 on Odyssey in January this year G . That makes it easier for people that need 100%... Whether its 95% or 100% really doenst make a big difference as long as you compensate for it.. Personally I rather pay $10-$20 a fil instead of double that...and be able to top it off after 2 or 3 dives than have to wait for the end of the day... alot of the stuff varies month to month... Personally I would still assume that one might not be able to get 100% regardless of who they dive with... __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Offline)

2nd May 2008, 13:41	#27 (permalink)
omech RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 37	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) Personally I rather pay $10-$20 a fil instead of double that...and be able to top it off after 2 or 3 dives than have to wait for the end of the day... alot of the stuff varies month to month... I'd heard the same and wasn't too keen on the $35 flat rate fill system, so I asked Carol for clarification on their O2 fill rates on small tanks, and this was the response as of Feb '08: "With regards to the Oxygen fills’ cost, you will be charged per cu.ft. filled on the pony. Say for example, we have initially put 100% of O2 to a 20 cu.ft. pony – 3,000psi charged for $45..The next day, there’s only about 1,200psi. left in it, so you’ll need 1,800psi more or 60% x 20cu. ft. = 12 cu. ft. x $2.25 = $27.00 will be the amount to be charged to you for the refill." Still pricey, but at least one can get top offs when desired without undue penalization. I think I'll be taking a copy of that email along in case some variation has occured before I get there... owen
(Online)

2nd May 2008, 19:39	#28 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,110	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by omech) I'd heard the same and wasn't too keen on the $35 flat rate fill system, so I asked Carol for clarification on their O2 fill rates on small tanks, and this was the response as of Feb '08: "With regards to the Oxygen fills’ cost, you will be charged per cu.ft. filled on the pony. Say for example, we have initially put 100% of O2 to a 20 cu.ft. pony – 3,000psi charged for $45..The next day, there’s only about 1,200psi. left in it, so you’ll need 1,800psi more or 60% x 20cu. ft. = 12 cu. ft. x $2.25 = $27.00 will be the amount to be charged to you for the refill." Still pricey, but at least one can get top offs when desired without undue penalization. I think I'll be taking a copy of that email along in case some variation has occured before I get there... owen sounds like they changed the policy but upped the initial cost and cpst per cu/ft.. the original reasoning was that every time they had to use the booster they had to flush it with o2, hence wasting a few cuft to do it properly.. at least they dont realize its 20 cuft at 2640psi so your getting about 3 cuft for free... __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Offline)

3rd May 2008, 04:56	#29 (permalink)
rob.laurie RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic MK 15.X Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Not Bought Yet Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta Canada Posts: 80	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Any one have any input on the most cost effective, reliable & safe way to ship gear, sorb, cylinders etc.. to Truk ? Thanks, Rob
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3rd May 2008, 05:44	#30 (permalink)
Mixaddict RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Draper, Utah USA Posts: 519	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by rob.laurie) Any one have any input on the most cost effective, reliable & safe way to ship gear, sorb, cylinders etc.. to Truk ? Thanks, Rob I would check out the US Postal Service. For some crazy reason, Uncle Sam feels compelled to continue to offer US postal service with standard domestic rates to Truk. Might as well take advantage of our tax payments at work! It's pretty much like mailing a package from California to New York. __________________ Randy Thornton (MixAddict) Inspiration, Evolution, Hammerhead & Sentinel CCR Instructor
(Online)

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