How to Add Gasses to your Poseidon CCR

​

Well that is a pretty simple title, but I think it requires a bit of explanation before we dig into the How To.   First is the concept of why do you need to Add Gas Manually, as the Poseidon CCR is already equipped with a ADV or Auto Diluent Valve on the BOV Mouthpiece.  This device would sense if the rebreather breathing volume or "loop volume" was diminished or lacking, and it would trigger a valve to inject diluent gas for volume.  The only other valves to add gas to the breathing loop are "Solenoid" valves that are triggered by computer to add gas when calibrating either oxygen or diluent past the sensors, or to add oxygen to maintain a set point or Po2. 

 

So the concept of Manually Adding Gas is to add an apparatus to the Poseidon rebreather that would allow the diver to select a gas, and manually add the gas on demand.  The question then becomes what gas would the diver add and why? One of the gasses that a diver could add is oxygen, and reason would be to maintain an oxygen level, set point or Po2 higher than the computer would choose.  The situation would then involve an ascent where the diver wanted to improve the off gassing by increasing the oxygen gradient.   Another option would be a diver who wishes to flush a rebreather loop with fresh diluent.  A reason could include a rich spike in oxygen that the diver wished to lower, or to flush out carbon dioxide which can increase due to improper breathing patterns.  Also the diver may simply wish to flush out a loop if they are uncertain, and they would flush the loop with diluent to re-establish a new loop volume.   A third option is when a diver anticipates a need for a larger volume and wishes to add diluent before the demand valve would kick in. 

 

The most common reason then for adding gas would be to add oxygen to increase the gradient and have a favorable decompression ascent.

 

At present time there are at least four common mechanisms available for adding various gasses into the breathing loop of the Poseidon rebreather.  I will rate these on a "Star" basis from one star to five stars, as this is a common method of ratings on everything from hotel rooms to movies, etc.   Anything below 1 star is on the Lingonberrie standard measure.

 

             1 Sprig                         Works as stated, but you get head slapped!

 

**        2 Star                           Works but why bother when you can upgrade to better

 

***      3 Star                           Good and you are getting close

 

****    4 Star                           Very Good and almost to the correct application of equipment

 

*****  5 Star                           Congratulations you have made the best choice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poseidon T-Pc Modified MAV injector ports  

(need Manual Injector Pack #6011-051 $320 + BMCL Adaptor Kit #6011-068 $70 = $390)

 

​

One Sprig Lingonberry - Poseidon T-Pc Mounted MAV (drysuit inflation valves) on top of BMCL's    The issue is that you mount an inflator button on top of each T-Pc and you have to reach up on top to inflate each gas.  This is not an easy reach in drysuit gear, perhaps in warm water thin suit?  But it is also a busy location as you need to reach over your breathing loop hose... The hoses are also bent at a funny loop and bungy tied to hoses? 

 

Requires rubber bungies on each loop hose to hold the kinked inflator hoses to T-pc, and 2 SiTech inflator valves?

 

 

Installation Tips:

 

Start by acquiring a large bottle of Aquavit, a sprig of fresh Lingonberries, and a large shot glass.  Pour a measure of Aquavit and drink before starting assembly.  Between each step, make sure the Aquavit glass is re-filled, and emptied.  To assure proper assembly you must ensure that the glass is never empty, but whenever it is full you must drain it,  re-fill and repeat.   You can use the Lingonberries as a garnish, or sometimes hung over a doorway in place of holly.   Don't be too consumed with the lingonberries as they will become self evident after you have consumed the bottle of Aquavit.

 

Remove the top of the T-Pc and install the spacer #6011-068 and screw the O2 injector to the top of the spacer being careful to snug against the o-ring, but not over tighten. The inflator nipple should be pointing down.  You can choose the rubber hose, or if you select name brand Myflex and not the cheap asian import hose that look alike however can kink.  Do not use the flex hose that kinks!  The use of Myflex may allow a softer bend in hose and less stress on the hose bungies.  Install numerous rubber bungy bands around the rear loop hose to hold the oxygen and diluent feed lines. 

 

Note you may install a Y manifold on the oxygen supply line, therefore having only one low pressure port hose attached to first stage with an intermediate lenght hose.  From the Y manifold you will install a short flex hose to the oxygen head inlet, and one Myflex hose to the Oxygen MAV on top of right shoulder t-pc.

 

The Diluent side may already have a manifold (as used on cylinder inversion), however if the amount of LP ports is already used up, then see selection of 3 and 4 port manifolds from OmniSwivel. 

 

Remember to drain glass and re-fill, repeat.

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

Poseidon Tech Counter Lungs ( Front Mounted ) MAV Injector

( Manual Injector Pack #6011-051 $320 )

 

**  Two Stars goes to Poseidon Tech Chest Mounted Counter Lungs with MAV ( Drysuit Inflation Valves ) , one on each lung to correspond to diluent on Left lung and oxygen on Right (exhale) counter lung.   It only rates slightly higher than the One Lingonberry above as the hose routing is simple, no kinked hoses,  they are easy to reach in front and this is an already established CCR typical MAV concept.  The problem here is that NObody wants to have two large pillows in front of them as the world has moved on to Back Mount Counter Lungs and a clean chest. 

 

If your name is Dolly Parton and your image is a large set on chest, then we give you a pass.  If not then we slap you on the back of the head!

 

Despite the criticism of OTS ( over the shoulder ) counter lungs, I have dived several CCR's that utilized OTS counter lungs and they never held me back on any dives that I wished to do.   Once I got over the rhetoric of BMCL (back mount counter lung) and realized that they work just as well, and provide me with a very clean chest, then I simply went BMCL and never looked back.  So moral to the story is that they do work, and this method of injecting is very common in industry.

 

Your first decision is going to be where to route the diluent and oxygen hoses and there are two common routes.  The first is down the outside of each counter lung with the inflator hose being held by velcro on outside edge of cl.  The next is to route down the center of each counter lung, and if there is any velcro you may employ, or start at top and run bungy cord around harness web.  

 

On the large Tech Counter Lungs you will find a blank plate that screws into the inner bag.  Note underneath each blank plug you will find an o-ring that is critical to the seal between plate and or now SiTech inflator valve and the inner counter lung.   Start by verifying that there is either an o-ring at the base of threads on the bottom of the SiTech inflator valve, or sitting in the o-ring groove of the inner counter lung.  You only need one, and not one in each location, but one only for this seal to occur.

 

Hose length and color are options that you can choose.  Some divers have gone to extreme of having oyxgen  hose be in color of green and I have no preference or comment as it is personal choice.  You may find that having a Y manifold on oxygen side and 3 or 4 way manifold on diluent side a proper advantage.  With the unit set up and standing upright, you can take a soft fabric tape measure, and starting at point of the Y or Manifold, measure to the base of the inflator nipple.  Be sure to allow for your torso space, if not sure then wear the Poseidon ccr and have a friend make the measurement, allowing for drysuit, undergarment or wet suit spacing.    Note hose length is not identical as position of the valves is different on each counter lung.  Order a Myflex hose in corresponding length.  

​

​

​

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Tec Me MAV Injector on T-Pc Adaptor

  ( TecMe  #PD0702 $259 )

 

***  Three Stars - Goes to the Tec Me version of the JJ swivel MAV that is installed on an "in-line" adaptor between T-Pc mounted either on exhaust lung for oxygen addition only, or the diver may add one on each side?  It then becomes a MAV over each shoulder with diluent on left side and oxygen on right  (exhale) side.  Now there is a minor bit of Farfignugen or German engineering added here that I first noticed with the AP Inspo breathers.  The Europeans use a BCD type nipple that is the same diameter as U.S. style,  however the "length" of the nipple will mean that about 25% of the U.S. BCD type hose connectors will not connect?   So while there is some standards for example amongst regulators to have 3/8" UNF low pressure ports, 7/16" HP ports, etc.... the Europeans have to be a pain in the arse with atypical BCD nipple fittings?

​

This is a fairly simple solution, with reasonable hose routing.  The MAV button swivels so you could disconnect the Add Gas and supply an off-board gas via another bcd type hose.   This only facilitates one gas, so a diver would need to use one over each shoulder if they choose to add both oxygen and diluent. 

 

 

Decide if you are going to add 1 only MAV with priority on the oxygen side first, or if you wish to have one injector on each shoulder. 

 

Set up Poseidon ccr complete, then remove the back hose connector from exhale side ( right CL ) or from t-pc to head fitting.  Insert the TecMe insert with MAV so the swivel inlet port sits on the inside, and the low pressure hose, injector drapes over the right shoulder inside. 

 

Install a Y manifold on the oxygen supply regulator with an intermediate hose of aproximately 11 inches.  This allows you to now use one of the 3/8 unf ports to supply the head with oxygen, and a low pressure bcd hose over the shoulder to the inflator/injector  nipple.

 

With the Poseidon ccr fully set up, wear the unit with approximate padding to simulate type of exposure suit.  Have a friend with a soft cloth tape measure, measure the length from base of Y manifild port to the base of the nipple on injector.  Order an appropriate length of MyFlex BCD hose to have the injector sit flat on chest at mid or nipple range for ease of access.  You should be able to disconnnect and rotate the injector nipple in downward attitude and plug in an off-board gas via a similar bcd hose.    Do this for either one side oxygen, or for both sides oxygen / diluent gas.

 

*Note the nipple length of the TecMe is based on a European measure,  and not sure if they are adding length to compensate for shorter lengths in other areas, but you need to realize that this may impact you on which hose brand may fit or not fit on this nipple. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Tec Me Poseidon T-Pc Adaptor (s )

   ( TechMe  #PD0080 $125 or #PD0700 $85 + fittings and MAV valve's  )

 

****  Four Stars also goes to Tec Me, but in this instance it is for the two styles of MAV Add Ports that are first a T-Pc replacement of heavy duty delrin, and the second is the in-line adaptor as used above.  Both of these are different than above for the reason that the user may choose the style of MAV from open market.

 

Choose either the Heavy Duty Delrin T-Pc with 3/8" unf port to add gas inlet fitting, or choose the In-Line Insert that also has 3/8" unf port for add gas fitting

​

Regardless of which "Inlet" part you choose from the HD Delrin Replacement T-Pc or the T-Pc In-Line, you must be considerate or smart about installing the 90 degree swivel.  I choose the Omni Swivel brand over any other as I do NOT want to have a cheap asian knock off that wobbles or leaks gas!  The Omni Swivel 90 degree fitting that you should consider is the  PS-LP-3 this is a 3/8" UNF swivel 90 with 1/4 inch extension.

​

​

​

​

                        Omniswivel PS-LP-3

​

​

When you install the 3/8" thread into the Delrin, do this carefully to avoid any cross thread and only tighten until snug!  If you have a battle of nickel plated brass over delrin, then the delrin will lose and you will strip the plastic threads. 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

Titan 3 Button MAV + Tec Me HD Delrin T-Pc)

   ( Titan MAV + TecMe T-Pc, Hoses, Fittings, etc.   $699  )

 

*****  Five Stars goes to my favorite which is a combination of Farfignugen or German engineering from Tec Me in the heavy duty delrin T-Pc, and good old USA copy cat of Titan 3 button MAV.  This puts only 1 add port on the diver right T-Pc, and one MAV chest mounted on divers right chest.  The MAV is very tactile with raised diluent button, a middle recessed button to add oxygen, and a lower button that corresponds to a separate BCD nipple on the bottom (yes U.S. Standard fitting)  of the MAV to add ANY off-board gas from extra oxygen, to deep mix.  The hose bundle on the divers right chest is held snug to shoulder strap via a bungy, and held underneath the T-Pc shoulder strap.   One hose bundle over the divers right shoulder is cleaner than two hoses coming over each divers right and left shoulders!  The three button MAV is so popular that it is found on 4 out of 12 CCRs on market today.   It requires NO lingonberries, and leave you the option of taking a shot of Aquavit as an after dive celebration toast!

​

The Cats Pajamas, the Bees Knees, the Octopus Elbows....  This is the cleanest, simplest, most tactile MAV with 3 gas choices.   It combines Farfignugen ( German engineering ) and good old USA ingenuity of simple design that works!  Chest mounted at divers right side, with gas injecting into the exhale counter lung ensures proper mixing.    

 

The image above is pretty straightforward assuming that you have already implemented the Cylinder Inversion kit, as the right side of the picture shows only from the Dil Manifold forward.  This will assume that the diver is using a 3 gas manifold with an intermediate length hose from Dil regulator to the manifold.  The 4 way manifold is now needed as you will utilize one port for each; diluent to MAV, diluent head, BCD and optionally BOV unless you already have an off-board supply via QC6 fitting to stage bottle.   * Note if you do not need the Omni Swivel 4 port with hose adaptor, please let us know at time of purchase and we can refund the $52 off sale.  

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

   

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Epstein's Noose

​

We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of the "Epstein's Noose" for aiding in the the fast drying of your Back Mount Counter Lungs. This kit contains: a short cord for hanging your BMCL inverted, as well as "wicking towels" that are inserted into the CL ports to aid in drying. The towel is antimicrobial and the noose is approved by both Prince Philip and former President Clinton as an effective tool for the job. The towel is rinsed and dried after use and may last years if you are careful, but do NOT allow the towel to be used if it starts to get ragged or tattered as you do not want bits of towel to remain inside the CL.The Epstein Noose is guaranteed for life, or for as long as Jeffery was alive in The Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.

​

Your Epstein's Noose Kit includes

• Two of the correct size, fold with fast-crease shape to speed drying

• One length of cord for hanging your CL inverted

• Plausible deniability that you were ever at the MCCM

• Full Limited Lifetime warranty

​

"Often Imitated, but never Duplicated" insist on the real thing!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Weight Pocket Hack

​

I have discovered that all ccr's are not equal in power, strengths, technology, but one of the most astonishing is the true buoyancy characteristics.  The lie that the industry perpetuated was that "Rebreathers are Lighter" and this first started with the god awful Drager Dolphin that was like diving with a mooring bouy on your back!  It took and enormous amout of weight to dive and busted this myth.  But when I started teaching some 12 other ccr's I discovered that were some other dogs out there too.  Not to be named, or shamed... but you can take a JJ rebreather that weighs in at 65-70 lbs on the surface, yet requires 10 -15 lbs of lead to make it diveable.  The Poseidon is one of my favorites due to the weight ratio of surface weight to slightly negative in water.  It is due to the combination of strong but lightweight aluminum, the correct fittings and when appropriate well made plastic fittings.  The diver can choose steel or aluminum cylinders, steel or aluminum back plates to further implement a neutral or negative dive ready unit.  And one of the toughest skills for experienced tech divers to cross over to CCR's is that they are not extremely negative like a set of dual steel cylinders.  Divers who have this ingrained mental process are tied like a monkey to a gypsy with the mindset that they have to press deflate to sink, then hit the inflator to blow the wing up and trim out.  A new rebreather diver may take some time to learn that they will use their wing very very little on the dive, while the cross over experienced tech diver will fight this concept and struggle with an over weighted ccr.  The more gas you have in a wing, the more dynamic changes will occur and you will struggle to perfect your buoyancy, where a tiny amount of gas has less impact on your buoyancy profile.  The key here is that the ccr diver must have "enough" negative buoyancy to handle any irregularities, possibility of using a stage during a bailout that changes the clinders buoyancy to become positive, etc.  The weight must then be positioned on the divers body to help them trim out properly.  One of the easiest ways to do this is with a SS Screw Band with Weight Pocket attached to the top of the cylinder.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Slippery Cylinder Syndrome

There is likely nothing more irritating that a cylinders slipping out of a cam band strap.  Make life a bit more certain by adding a rubber pad to each cam strap and dive on!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Out of Round Has me Out of the Water!

​

Please do not leave your cylinders laying about on the; dive set up table, gate of our vehicle, or any raised area if you do not have a Stainless Steel DIN Plug inserted.  I have learned early on that it only takes a tiny bump of the tank valve to drain a CCR diluent or oxygen cylinders.  Before I was able to pull my vehicle over on the roadside, the 3 liter tanks was empty!   Worse yet  was watching my cylinder roll off a ledge and land on the top of the valve, turning the perfect round DIN opening into a couple dollars worth of scrap brass.  If you dent the DIN opening, you are screwed with no chance to fix.  Don't let this happen to you and always use the SS Din Gas Saver, Valve Saver Plugs.   Of course you will want to carry an adjustable wrench in your tool kit, but it is worth it. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​