Note the blue oxygen tank and yellow air tank on this experimental system based upon Dr. Bobs FEOR married to a RGU. East meets West in this unholy marriage. There is only one potentially deadly problem. Once you decide to go below 20 feet, you need to add some air or trimix to keep the PPO at a safe level. If you want to make it back up alive, you need one or more oxygen sensors to monitor your PPO. Here is how I solved that problem.
You can die from too much oxygen. You can die from too little oxygen. You can drown. Screw up and you are likley to die. When you enter the water, you are on your own, even if a buddy is nearby. You alone must make the decision that you are capable of using a rebreather, you are up to the dive, and that your equipment is up to the dive. Even extensive open circuit experience will not prepare you for the details inherent with staying alive underwater on a rebreather. If you have any concerns about your abilities, take a course or do not dive. If you are foolish enough to dive rebreathers, be aware that it is a case of Evolution in Action. It is an effective sorting out process that has created many unhappy widows, mothers, and children. I recommend against it. This project is described for your amusement only. It is not the intent of the author that you build one of these and go out and kill yourself.
Did I save money.....Hell No!!! At my chargable rate, the project cost me over 3,000 dollars in labor. Parts were under $220 for the dual sensor system. Was it fun...damned right it was. Could I repair the system in the field... you bet I could. I understand every componant and the relationship between them. That is what makes homebuilders and tinkerers tick. Would I build another one....I intend to because I have control over the final design and do not have to make another system fit my needs.
The system I built contains two sensors, a connecting cable assembly, and two PPO oxygen displays in a watertight box. The discription of this project is image intensive making it slow to load. I believe it is worth it, but hell, I wrote it.
I purchased my two sensors from Patrick Duffy of
OXYCHEQ.
I highly recommend Patrick. Not only is he is a great guy and a fontain of information, but he will not sell you anything you do not need...talk with him....tell him what you are going to do....he plays straight....buy his stuff...keep him arround....keep him in business...I don't plan to stock sensors so I need a supply for an occasional project.
Here are the connection pins for the sensor. Use the two outside pins. The center pin is not used.
I decided on Light Emitting Diode displays. Model 7516 ME at 11.95 each or 10.95 each in quantity of 10. I know that they use up batteries much faster than Liquid Crystal Displays, but in darker water, the bright large displays are a pleasure to view. Batteries are cheap when you buy them in bulk from Batteries Plus. The displays were purchased from
Marlin P. Jones. They also carry LCD Panel meters and lots of other good stuff. I bought ten LED and ten LCD displays because I am always needing them for projects. I told you up front...in my case it is not about money...but the fun and power of knowlege.
