pusser:
-working RB with PPO2 monitor $2000-2500
rated to 130fsw (rec limits with 1 hr gas supply at that depth)
The duration depends on the flow rate (orifice), tank size and how often the ADV kicks in. The standard Dräger 4 ltr/27 cuft is rated by Dräger for 45 mins, reasonable as the flow rate for the 32% nitrox is 15.5 ltr/min (using 697.5 ltr, the tank hold 800 ltr - Some is used on pre-dive, too).
You can extend the duration by using a larger tank (Dräger has a 5ltr), lower flow rate and avoiding yoyo profiles (always bad on RB in regards to gas efficiency).
- scr skill seem to translate over to CCR at least buoyancy and pre dive checks should be similar although you need a different ticket for every rebreather you dive right?
Some of them do, some of them are like, but different, some of them don't. What it does (or should) instill is a rebreather state of mind that includes the discipline required to dive safely. So I don't consider SCR training and experience useless, but different units
do operate differently and need different skills in and out of the water.
- don't know about parts in AUS except aqualung dealers in US carry them.
Feedback from divers has been abysmal in Oz, and it isn't consitently good in the US. Here it really depends on the LDS and the relationship you have with them. In Oz, unfortunately, the distributor is the problem.
One very valid point was raised, however. Aside from the $$$ Colkan 155 all production units and their spares are shipped to Australia, and aside from AP parts there is pretty much no stock for any unit in country. W&S and TecMe both suppy Dräger spares worldwide and have very good reputation doing so. Hence that problem is probably a lesser one.
- I don't think they are very expensive at all
http://www.ppo2.com/order.htm $95 for display + $70 for sensor. Build your own housing or look here
www.tecme.de
Dräger has a pO2 monitor with adjustable alarm that simply plugs in (into the later units). Costs about US$500 or so. Not everyone can or will build his own.
- 3hrs sodalime ~$15 2hrs nitrox ~$10 works out to $10 per hour or the same as a single nitrox fill
Prices for both gas and sorb can vary vastly from location to location.
Hard to pin and (dis-) advantages down unless you research the local market (and other likely diving spots)
Funny how 2 people can look at the same data and come up with different POV.:06:
One would expect that, different people have different wants or needs, different skills and abilities.
But it's always intrestinng to see.