Iart - Info

VR Computer

Booster

Travel frame

Travel frame for Inspiration and Evolution

developed by IART Instructor Trainers Phi Le, Dave Thompson and a support team

As mentioned, the primary goals are to produce a frame that is:

easy to travel to far-way tropical destinations
light weight (~2kg/4.5lb)
compact to fit inside most suitcases, and even large carry-on
yet tall enough to be comfortable when suiting
able to take most RB-tank sizes available locally
able to take wing/BP or BCD using 2 standard bolts
adequate protection for overhead environment, if needed

And once achieved, it would be very easy to make a heavier-version for diving with drysuit and thick undersuit when doing local dives.

We thought that we had the final version recently until it was tested on a vibrating machine for durability-test to simulate bouncing on a RIB, so I have lost track of the different models that were designed. Some were even built and tested, as mentioned.

Most of the fundamental ideas came from combining the DT box (top-load) and Weenie-frame (back-load) designs. At the end, we decided on the top-load design for the initial product after careful considering the pro & cons of both types.

I will post more pictures of the actual test piece later on, but at the moment, it is strong enough for at least a 75kg/165lb load to be placed across its axes.

All designs were done in solid models. Manufacturing is done by a professional company in the sheet-metal industry.

The internal dimensions were kept as small as possible to keep the rig compact and less resistant when swimming against current. Cam band straps are chosen due to its simplicity and speed when changing tanks, but using metal connections won't be an issue.

There are more featured versions with added niceties in the plan. However, to introduce them or not will depend on the response of this Travel Frame.
We will manufacture 25 frames initially within the next 2 weeks. And I will offer them to RBW members first before making the announcement on the Inspiration mailing list. So let me know if anyone is interested...

For actual prices, more information and more pics go to www.decoweenie.com/Frames.htm where you can also place an order

Shipping costs will be kept to a minimum for most members since it will be delivered from a stocking location in Europe.

IART Instructor

Dive centre

Rebreather

Rebreathers - a new technology?

Rebreathers are almost as old as diving itself. Despite this, they have up till recently only been used by a select few divers. Only a few years ago Rebreathers were almost exclusively reserved for military use due, on one hand, to their tactical advantages and, on the other hand, the very strict, drill-like training regime required to dive the units. Due to a lack of understanding of the physiological aspects involved and the absence of a structured training programme the use of Rebreathers for recreational diving (Hans and Liselotte Hass and Jacques-Yves Cousteau all dived at times with Rebreathers) came to a quick end in the late 1950's.

Rebreathers were simply considered to be dangerous and unsuitable for recreational diving. Today, at the beginning of a new millennium, there have been some fundamental changes. These result from the development within the diving industry that has put new, technically advanced Rebreathers on the market and also the growth of training organizations like IART that have introduced "tailor-made" training for the equipment. For the first time ever the number of recreational rebreather divers outnumber the military divers.

If you are interested in finding out more about Rebreathers, then you should seek advice from those that really know, those that have experience of ALL types, in order to form an objective opinion. IART-Instructors are usually experienced on all types of unit and can explain the various pros and cons to you. IART offers, as a dedicated training agency, courses on ALL CE-tested and approved Rebreathers. Furthermore there are even options for training on diverse military units.

How a rebreather works

As the name suggests, a rebreather is a piece of equipment that enables most of the expired gas to be inhaled again. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the expired gas is removed by a special filter. The used O2 (oxygen) is replaced electronically or mechanically. Generally speaking there are 3 categories of rebreather (a very simplified explanation follows)

Semi Closed Rebreather (SCR),

Semi-closed units:

Here a pre-mixed Nitrox supply is either fed continuously into the loop through a regulating "constant flow" valve or via a manually-triggered supply into a counterlung in order to always provide enough oxygen-rich gas to breathe. A small amount of excess gas is also vented constantly from the loop. Advantages: Longer no-stop times / longer dive times compared to open circuit equipment, quieter. Ideal equipment for the recreational diver (e.g. Dolphin/Ray, Azimuth)

Dolphin Ray Azimuth

Oxylon Fully closed oxygen Rebreathers:

A technically simple pure oxygen rebreather, free of bubbles and exhaust noise. It is normally chest-mounted and is mostly used for military purposes. It has a very limited depth range. e. g. Poseidon Oxylon.

Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR)

Fully closed mixed gas Rebreathers:

Here, either mechanically or electronically controlled by one or more sensors, a constant partial pressure of oxygen is maintained. Advantages: much greater depth range, the best gas consumption efficiency, an optimum gas mix at every depth and almost completely silent diving. It can also be used for extreme diving. (e.g. Inspiration, Evolution, KISS)

The best explanation: Rebreathers in the internetby Bishop Museum.

Rebdiver

Why use a rebreather?

There are a lot of advantages.

A few examples of which are:

Gas consumption is largely independent of depth, (For CCR's determined by exertion level and actual oxygen metabolised)
longer no-stop and shorter deco times due to the higher partial pressures of oxygen
Little or no exhaust bubbles
Therefore almost silent underwater
Breathing feels more natural.
Less dehydrating than OC regulators
Reduced loss of body heat thanks to the warmer breathing gas

There are however extra risks involved that are specific to Rebreathers.

Hypoxia (oxygen starvation): incorrect gas mix, sensor, injection valve or computer failure, incorrect calibration, incorrect flushing procedure
Hyperoxia (oxygen poisoning): sensor, valve or computer failure, incorrect gas mix
Hypercapnia (CO2 poisoning): flooded or exhausted CO2 filter, channelling caused by incorrect filling
Caustic cocktail (Inhalation of water mixed with absorber material): Flooded loop caused by incorrect assembly of the equipment, failure to carry out pre-dive pressure checks, holes or tears to the equipment during the dive
As well as all the other (e.g. Submatix, Dolphin/Ray, Azimuth) usual diving risks

Quote:

Independent of their reliability, they are fundamentally dangerous but with sufficient care, alertness and correct use, they can be successfully used - but every mistake can lead to fatal consequences. (Dr. Walter Stark)

VR Computers

Booster pump offer for Instructors!

Travel frame for Inspiration and Evolution

Info for Instructors

Information for Dive centers

Rebreathers - a new technology?