Rebreather Service. Self or Factory only?

[justinthedeeps]

Really love the companies that supply all easily serviceable parts via an eShop and/or regional retail distribution partner.

Beware that some companies/shops/regional representatives might withhold basic parts, claiming liability, risk, technical standards etc. Had this happen recently where a US distributor of parts for a European company stopped selling what would be some very useful spare BOV parts (o-rings, diaphragm etc)

Was told that we now have to send everything in for professional servicing, rather than be allowed to carry spares and do field repairs wherever and whenever needed (international etc). I (and likely others) had already done my own simple replacements of said parts previously...

Full factory/authorized servicing sounds like a great option for 'convenience' or major/specialized work, but should not necessarily be required for basic maintenance or simple consumable parts.

Non-optional exclusive "authorized service representative" send-outs even for basic parts sounds more like a gig than a service.

 

[davehicks]

My KISS units (4 of them since 2007) have never made a visit to the factory or a force shop. There is nothing i cannot service myself (regulators) or replace (orings, fischer cables, occasional plastic parts). mCCR designs are tough to beat for my style of diving and independence.

 

[happy-diver]

Opining about rebreathers.

I consider you have failed the prior rebreather research test and should find something else to opine about

Are You A Prestige Diver?

Let's take a look at diver motivations. It's easy to get side-tracked into superficial motivations. Who is the Prestigious Diver?

scubatechphilippines.com

 

[Vicko]

Except Poseidon I can't think of any other unit that can't be serviced by just about anybody with basic wiring knowledge.

Some units almost force you to DIY, last time when I asked for a rewiring for my meg the quote was over 1000 euros. Yaaaay Eu.

 

[macado]

It's a tough question to fully answer. Some units the electronics are potted in and may require it to go back to the factory. They may want to fully pressure test the head. Other units like KISS, rEvo it's quite easy to replace cables yourself. They don't have traditional "heads" so most stuff is easily DIY. On some units the solenoid is quite easy to change yourself.

Units like X-CCR and JJ are not made in the USA but they can be fully serviced in the United States. Meg and Fathom are made in the US. This is nowhere near an exhaustive list.

The electronics part is a bit more difficult since Shearwater generally wont send you parts for repair but they generally have a very good warranty and repair services (DiveTronix in the USA).

Beyond electronics, most things on rebreathers can be serviced yourself if you have the knowledge and experience to do so. I've never sent any of my rebreathers (I've owned 3) in for annual service.

Most of this stuff should be serviced (or at least inspected) annually. I'm not going to get into the whole trained vs. qualified debate but these things are easily DIY if you know what you're doing.

• Rebuilding Diluent and O2 first stages
• Rebuilding ADV
• Rebuilding DSV/BOVs / replacing mushroom valves
• Rebuilding MAVs
• Replacing o-rings / inspecting and changing hoses

I don't know of any rebreathers that will lock you out besides the Poseidon if you don't annually service it. From my understanding Poseidon requires service every 2 years (104 weeks). I honestly don't even know if it completely locks you out but I know it will give you a warning on the screen.

I can't think of any other units currently on the market that will prevent you from diving it if you don't service it annually

 

[Tracy]

Fathom, Meg are two popular units that as far as I know are entirely domestically manufactured, sans the SW.

Anyone know any others?

Dive Rite units are made in Florida.

 

[211ratsbud]

Dive Rite units are made in Florida.

damn that was so blatantly obvious i cant beleive i forgot that.

 

[mstrty]

Was told that we now have to send everything in for professional servicing, rather than be allowed to carry spares and do field repairs wherever and whenever needed (international etc). I (and likely others) had already done my own simple replacements of said parts previouslye

What company so i can avoid them. TIA

My KISS units (4 of them since 2007) have never made a visit to the factory or a force shop. There is nothing i cannot service myself (regulators) or replace (orings, fischer cables, occasional plastic parts). mCCR designs are tough to beat for my style of diving and independence.

This is what i am looking for. DiveRite, Kiss. Avoiding Possidon if they downgrade the computer (service warning on display) unless you pay the piper. Ill find others. I wish manufacturers would make this more clear.

 

[Big-swede]

What company so i can avoid them. TIA

This is what i am looking for. DiveRite, Kiss. Avoiding Possidon if they downgrade the computer (service warning on display) unless you pay the piper. Ill find others. I wish manufacturers would make this more clear.

You can get the service code and do it yourself on the poseidon