AMW (still makes me smile, that name
), I took some pictures of the Sentinel, too, at the recent Dive 2007 at the NEC in Birmingham. They'll be in my show report once I get around to work on the images and write it.
The Sentinel is very nicely build, and will come in three configurations ranging from Nitrox/recreational to Trimix/fully loaded. The latter has many features of the Ouroboros, such as ADV and solenoid isolation valves (isolating the gas supply to either or both, allowing to manually add gas without opening/closing the tank valves), offboard O2 and dil plug-ins etc.
The unit standard configuration has a full case with includes the backmounted single counterlung, but will be available with over the shoulder bags, too. In that configuration the tanks can be mounted to the scrubber can, as it is done with Meg. Making for a smaller, more versatile size for travel.
The electronics are pretty much the same as they are on the Ouroboros, but the new small and very low profile handsets are different. These will also be used on the larger unit, and eventually in the VR3 and URM (C2R's single cell/HP or tripple cell monitor system with HUD and optional secondary cell monitor).
The electronics are not in a separate pod, nor is there a rear pO2 readout. There is however a second tripple LED for buddy monitoring in the back, repeating the same info as the diver's HUD (and the Ouroboros' LEDs). Much less stainless steel piping that way, too.
On the other hand the open circuit integrated BOV will be stock, with the Ouroboros DSV an option.
The use of an axial scrubber allows for the scrubber gauge, a stick with temperature sensors monitoring the stack. While different from AP's TempStick™, it serves the same purpose. It is also less expensive to manufacture than large Ouroboros scrubber.
Both scrubber duration and breathing resistance are very good compared to other CCRs, and the unit is being tested under CE protocol for certification.
The first instructor class is scheduled for March 2008, and the first customer units should become available around that time.
One major difference to the Ouroboros is the price, with least expensive Nitrox/recreational version being offered at £4500, and the full trimix version for £5400. Those prices include color primary display (currently an option on the Ouroboros), ADV, BOV, and scrubber gauge. Options include VPM algorithm and the o-t-s lungs.
Kevin and the people around him have done a cracking job. IMHO one of the nicest and most versatile CCRs I have seen, at a competitive price (at least here in Europe, the exchange rates not considered), tested under CE protocol and build by a company with a top reputation for customer service.
