Totally New to CCR

P

pete4561

New Member
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and totally new to CCR so thought I'd say hi!

I have a willing instructor waiting and just need to find a unit! I have been recommended, and am looking for, an Inspiration Classic so if anyone has one going then let me know!

I've had a look round the forum and understood some of whats posted, looking forward to understanding more!

On a geeky(er) note, I've been shown a Shearwater Petrel and they look oh so shiny! They seem to do a loop integrated version which acts as a third ppo2 monitor which cannot control the solenoid. Two things, is that right and do I need to look out for anything when looking for a unit which would make it compatible/connectable to the unit or do all units have some sort of standard data port which these can be connected to? Or have I just totally missed the point!? I'm not planning on going out and buying one straight away but was mainly thinking of saving potentially pricy upgrade later if it can be avoided and isn't needed

From what I've read, this question always seems to stir people up, I don't want to do that here but I think I'm missing something?.......Narked at 90 O2 cells seem to respond quicker to changing levels in the O2 (and are therefore safer?) and seem infinitely more reliable than the AP cells and they seem to be able to be used in classics as long as they are not mixed in a unit, is this right? Which ones are the best to start out on!?

I will obviously speak to my instructor about this but was just interested!

Cheers!

Pete
 
I had a classic with a shearwater predator reading three cells. it's a thing of beauty but you need the cell moniroring kit to go with it.

my advice would be get a used vision instead of a classic if you are already thinking upgrades, it'll be cheaper in the long run
 
Unless you want to spend lots of money modifying things- a Vision (as recommended above) is the way forward- out of the box they do almost everything you will ever need.

I assume your willing Instructor can teach APD units from your post? :-)


However- Shearwater stuff is brilliant, take a look at http://www.narkedat90.com/category_s/1836.htm they do parts to connect almost anything to almost anything else and are a good trustworthy UK business.


Oh and whatever your budget? Double it- now you have enough ;-)
 
you can get a classic in a good-ish condition for GBP1000-1400, add HUD and shearwater cell monitoring computer circa GBP1500 and it becomes a very expensive classic which handsets are prone for cracking.

You can get a vision which handset does not have classic's issues, it had HUD and deco/cell monitoring handset for about GBP2500.

it is a no-brainer to be honest!
 
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the input. The main reasons around looking for a Classic was the initial outlay for the unit would be around the 1000-1400GBP as Humpbackdiving said and they seem to be one of the more simple units out there.

I'm not looking at getting the computer for a while, I want to get used to the unit before adding more 'stuff' which will keep the initial outlay down. The cheapest vision I've seen so far has been about 2600GBP.

Ben - yeah I've seen their site! Looks a dangerous place to be! From what I've figured this afternoon (just from having a browse around here) http://www.narkedat90.com/apd_classic_3cell_coax_backup_kit_p/0024.htm seems to be the component I would need from them in order to use a Shearwater computer with it? As I said its going to be a while before I'm looking at getting one though. figure I need to learn the basics first!

Any input on the cell issue?

Cheers for all your input
Pete
 
I have a used inspo classic for sale.

the unit has HH rev c+ electronics with oled screens.
golem shrimp bov (availabe)
SW 4th cell monitor (available)
2 metal sub clamps (available for drysuit & light)

this is the way to go i feel with the unreliablity of AP O2 cells going on now

PM if you are interested and i can send you pics.
 
PM sent! Forgive my ignorance but what is the "HH electronics"? (I'm assuming hammerhead from what I've read) does this mean the handsets have been replaced? What internal components have been changed 'from stock'?

Thanks

Pete
 
Pete,
If it's a Hammerhead on a classic, that's a complete replacement Head so the lid of the scrubber and all the electronics are all replacement.
You may need to borrow a standard head for the course, but the hammerhead has built in deco and a HUD.
A used Classic's a fine rebreather to start with, but if you're thinking about adding a computer connected with the cells then I'd suggest saving yourself the hassle and saving up to get yourself a Vision for around the £2.5k mark. It's got deco, it's got a HUD and it's likely to have a tempstick (crude scrubber monitor), + if it's not got it at the moment, then later you can get the new battery box fitted which is much easier to find batteries for.
I don't have a classic (dived it for 5 years and sold it) but if you want to pop over to Tilehurst and pick it up, I still have the APD manual for it that I printed out.
Regards
Simon A
pete4561 said:
PM sent! Forgive my ignorance but what is the "HH electronics"? (I'm assuming hammerhead from what I've read) does this mean the handsets have been replaced? What internal components have been changed 'from stock'?

Thanks

Pete
Click to expand...
 
Hi Simon,
Thanks for getting back to me, I'll have a look into the vision again, instructor shouldn't have an issue has I'm pretty sure he can teach on any of the ADP units. I'm not thinking of getting a cell link computer straight away so it may just work out too expensive at this point! but I'll have a look!

Cheers for the input guys

Pete
 
Hey Simon the AP ccr's are all good units
If you can find o2 cells that work to dive them!

Look how many people are now trying to sell
There vision & evolutions now due to the faulty AP
o2 cell issue.

This is a legitimate reason to consider on not buying
A unit with vision electronics.

Do a search on this site for AP cells.

Good luck Pete I wish you the best on buying
A good used Ccr here.

Jim
 
Last edited:
I have a factory refurbished classic for sale in great condition, new hand sets, solenoid, etc. Email me if you would like to discuss further.

Rgds

Paul
 
Pete,

I went the "buy a secondhand Vision" route and have a standalone (not capable of integrating) Shearwater for backup deco info (bought while OC Trimix with the future plan of using it standalone with CCR).

However, another viable route would be buy a Classic now, get trained, start to build up hours and then when you reach the time and finances to add the additional electronics sell the classic and buy a vision instead.

Classics (and Visions) hold their price pretty well so you should be able to sell the classic for pretty much what you bought it for. It means you end up with a Vision but can get into CCR diving with Classic finances.

Some mods can cross from the classic to the Vision (Alibox / harness, etc.) so you can upgrade some of the Classic and take them with you to the Vision.

Cheers.
 
pete4561 said:
The main reasons around looking for a Classic was the initial outlay for the unit would be around the 1000-1400GBP...
Click to expand...

Yes it would but I've not seen a Classic at that price that was "ready to dive" at a minimum anyway you'll be looking at sensors (£200) Tank and Reg test/service (£200) buy a box of emergency spares and unit specific tools (£100+) and perhaps a unit service (£little-thousand+) and that's before you fix any gremlins.

Some of these costs are irrespective of unit choice but a Vision will generally be newer- less prone to problems requiring instant servicing to be sure its ok and more future proof.

Whatever your budget for "going CCR" is, double it and buy a unit at the original amount to give you some flash cash!

humpbackdiving said:
there was a vision for sale in April in the UK for GBP2500.... why would you even bother with a classic at this price?
Click to expand...

Find out where and buy this ^^^ that's a total steal price, frankly if I saw a Vision at or below £2500 I'd be tempted- and I dislike ECCR's and already have a rebreather! :-)
 
Ben Field said:
Find out where and buy this ^^^ that's a total steal price, frankly if I saw a Vision at or below £2500 I'd be tempted- and I dislike ECCR's and already have a rebreather! :-)
Click to expand...

it is sold i am afraid but my point was that there are cheap visions therefore i would not bother with a classic as by the time you buy a stand alone computer and HUD you can have a vision which is pretty much bombproof!
 
I agree - Classic is old hat now. Go Vision and dive unmodified for 100 hours before considering any changes.

Matt.
 
Hi Guys, Sorry I've been offline for a while (thanks BT!) Just to update - I've been offered a classic in amazing condition at a really good price with a brand new BOV!................Now theres the little matter of learning how to dive the thing so I@m sure I'll have plenty of stupid questions over the next weeks/months/year(s)!

Thanks alot guys,

Pete
 
pete4561 said:
Hi Guys, Sorry I've been offline for a while (thanks BT!) Just to update - I've been offered a classic in amazing condition at a really good price with a brand new BOV!................Now theres the little matter of learning how to dive the thing so I@m sure I'll have plenty of stupid questions over the next weeks/months/year(s)!

Thanks alot guys,

Pete
Click to expand...

Have a read of my guide at the following link, you might find there something of benefit as you begin your CCR journey: http://www.haynesmarine.co.uk/images/stories/A Survival Guide To Rebreather Diving Nov 2011.pdf

Safe Diving

Paul
 
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