First run of my new Alkin W31

[TTPaws]

So day before yesterday, I finally got to run my new compressor. It took a really long time to get to this point and I am doing it for convenience not to save money First deciding on the Alkin took me months and then they shipped it in a timely manner, but then it sat at the transhipper another 2 weeks, slow boat to the island and the 2 weeks to get customs to clear it (long story - I live in a US Territory) then I get it home and spend hours going over all of it. It comes with a bare 3 wire 30 Amp 220. I was waiting many, many weeks till I could get the shed wired (after the solar gets installed ) and then decided, since I have to run the generator anyway (yes I was careful of the exhaust) to run the compressor. I filled 5 tanks and I'm happy. To make the day even better I scored over 300 cuft of He AND tanks for $225. Yesterday I picked up an H of O2, now I have to get my booster set up and find someone ON island that will sell me an O2 tank, cause the gas company charges me 0.42 a day rental on the tank.

 

[BoltSnap]

You run your compressor from Solar panels or generator or what?

 

[TTPaws]

You run your compressor from Solar panels or generator or what?

Right now I'm running it off my generator as I don't have power run to the shed. But once the solar system is in place it will run off the house solar/battery system. Assuming our calculations are correct I'll be able to make enough to handle it easily. It just takes time to get everything done and I wanted to start my own filling.

 

[BoltSnap]

Right now I'm running it off my generator as I don't have power run to the shed. But once the solar system is in place it will run off the house solar/battery system. Assuming our calculations are correct I'll be able to make enough to handle it easily. It just takes time to get everything done and I wanted to start my own filling.

That will be fantastic to be able to run the compressor from solar panels. I will be following you very closly and I hope that you will succeed in your project. Keep us posted on your progress please.

 

[BoltSnap]

@TTPaws

I just read your bio on your website, you are from Jamestown, RI!!! I dove there for almost 20 years. I went through my Instructor course, NAUI, at the URI GSO in 1987. What a beautiful place and great diving.

 

[TTPaws]

@TTPaws

I just read your bio on your website, you are from Jamestown, RI!!! I dove there for almost 20 years. I went through my Instructor course, NAUI, at the URI GSO in 1987. What a beautiful place and great diving.

I spent many years up there on multiple occasions. I was actually from the Groton CT area. I taught in Stonigton CT and Ft Wetherill before I moved to DC in 16. It was an awesome place to teach, cause of the shallow protected area. I still visit up there, but will probably never dive in that cold of water again

 

[PBcatfish]

... now I have to get my booster set up and find someone ON island that will sell me an O2 tank, cause the gas company charges me 0.42 a day rental on the tank.

In my area, I can buy O2 tanks that are 122cf or smaller, but the big 244cf tanks are rental only. The same was true when I lived in MA, NY & AZ

 

[formernuke]

I'm waiting on cascade bottles, lines and fittings for mine.

 

[Tracy]

In my area, I can buy O2 tanks that are 122cf or smaller, but the big 244cf tanks are rental only. The same was true when I lived in MA, NY & AZ

Try a different gas company. I own over 60 bulk bottles. all are 200s and 300s. I have never had an issue with the small shop I use now or back when I used airgas.

 

[TTPaws]

I just wish I could score a tank or two I could use for O2, and the shipping wouldn't kill me.