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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 => Topic started by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 07:20:54 PM

Title: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 07:20:54 PM
I realize that there are several reviews and threads on the Altaros already but I'm endeavoring to put as much information as I can in one thread. Guess we see how it goes.

First let me say that the guys at Altaros center on customer service. Very quick to respond to my email questions and super helpful throughout the entire process.

I placed the order on 3/1/17. The to my door price was $639.00 including shipping. The shipping originating with CZ post and then transferring to USPS once it arrived in the US. It shipped from CZ the following day on 3/2/17 and arrived at my house on 3/13/17. I knew that that I wouldn't be there at the time of the delivery so I picked it up the following day at the PO.

I have a 2 stage, 240v, 5 hp. 60 gallon compressor in a room separate from my shop already so it didn't take much research for me to decide on the Altaros. The Altaros uses the external compressor to both power the HPA compressor and cool it. The Altaros will run fine on a smaller compressor that what I have but the bigger compressor allows the Altaros will fill whatever gun or cylinder faster.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2843/32598817394_daefa32a69_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/REDsFL)

Pardon the incomplete repaint on the compressor room. It got to be winter before I got done.  ::)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2901/32603161204_60755a9a26_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RF2HX3)

Unpacking: The package made it without any damage. It shipped in a box wrapped with clear plastic shrink wrap.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3877/32598822394_11f6c0339d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/REDuaY)

The booster compressor was surrounded with foam inside the box.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3692/33058618210_ae299e6f95_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Snh4s3)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/659/33058621360_b14424d8f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Snh5om)

The Altaros unit is housed inside a plastic tool box and it arrived unscathed from it's long trip to Arkansas.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3915/33058624890_d3059304b3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Snh6rd)

An extra set of O rings is included.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3771/33401270926_3284beab3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/STyfau)

The unit is shipped completely assembled other than a couple of fittings that are provided but have to be installed by the end user. The first is the fitting for the air intake. The provided fitting has an O ring and is screwed hand tight onto this port on the back of the unit.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3916/32627731243_84494a8a2f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RHcDLp)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2920/32627734033_9dfe1a96c1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RHcEAv)

This fitting mates to a regular quick disconnect commonly used for compressed air.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2859/33401272436_4d8237e2c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/STyfBw)

The next thing that needs to be installed is the thumb screw for the bleeder valve. A simple matter of screwing it onto the fitting. This is also hand tight.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3813/33058686470_abb80639d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SnhpJW)

The manufacturer also ships a double ended male Foster fitting with the unit.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3675/33313734361_372d1df2af_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SKPAAn)

Inside the box we see the last of the things that needs to be installed. The 12v power supply. This provides power for the switches in the unit. It is in this white box inside the unit, packed with more foam to protect it.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2927/32598850244_5695d4ed3e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/REDCs9)

There is an access hole in the back of the unit with a grommet where the power cord is to fed through and then plugged into the booster.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/761/33313713341_e3fcd02ffb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SKPukX)

Altaros provides a water/oil filter with the unit that is already plumbed and attached to the inside of the lid. Really nice to have this right at the booster.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3680/33401290606_d76c67e5ab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/STym1N)

It is an interesting design. There is manual filtration along with a water seperator at the top.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3930/33441759535_efff0dacf4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SX8L1X)

An additional desiccant filter downstream form the first filter is also included and already plumbed.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3752/33414971016_c3b6a90582_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SULsHW)

The beads are bright orange when they are dry and turn to dark green if they need to be changed or dried in the oven.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3904/33072163000_8e646c3198_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SottQU)

The end cap farthest away from the first filter is the one that Altaros says should be removed. I covered the jaws of a set of Cobra adjustable pliers with masking tape to protect the cap.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3729/33072170050_56e962c9d5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SotvWs)

There are 2 filtered exhaust ports on the unit where air is exhausted from the cooling cycle.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3919/33401304946_f867fede5c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/STyqh3)

Altaros suggests that you can cut pieces of the packing foam to quiet the exhaust form these ports which works very well.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/705/33058680910_8149048cb2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Snho65)

And the foam installed on the port on the opposite end of the booster.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2929/33313728701_e20f5e2923_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SKPyUM)

And here is how the booster looks ready for use. We'll get it going in the next post.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3802/33072155390_f173c7d197_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SotrzG)
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 07:42:18 PM
I have a DeVilbiss QC3 filter drier ordered that I will use exclusively for the Altaros but I haven't received it yet so for now I will rely on my Sharpe F88 filter that I use already for shop air drying.

I have the Altaros on a Snap On under hood work stand and it will also hold the SCBA cylinder being filled. I used a short coiled hose that I bought at Harbor Freight to connect the Altaros to the F88 filter. I also mounted a gauge at that connection to be able to show exactly how much pressure is available.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/699/32630738393_dbd78bc24a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RHt4FP)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3774/33403659326_2669656eca_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/STLu9N)

I made no adjustment to how I had the shop compressor set previously. The gauge shows that it is kicking on at 95 psi and off at 125 psi.

**UPDATE** -- When I began using the booster I did not adjust the air flow screw that meters the air entering the booster. My compressor was running for 1minute and 40 seconds and off for 6 minutes. I have now adjusted the air flow screw to achieve close to the suggested 60% off and 40% on cycle for the compressor. The compressor runs for approximately 2 minutes and is off for 3 minutes now. This has greatly improved the performance. It varies slightly as the pressure increases in the cylinder but I'm pleased with the cycle now. Head temps on the Snap On compressor stayed in the 150 degree neighborhood which is fine.

Here is the air flow screw that needs to be adjusted. That is done by loosening the lock nut and turning the screw in to decrease the flow and out to increase the flow.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3887/33455354695_2a22059eb5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SYkrog)

I began with the cylinder showing 3500 psi.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3838/32598888824_9a4e7c8d76_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/REDPVj)

After adjusting the air flow screw, I was able to go from 3500psi to 4500psi in 40 minutes. It's really nice to actually see these gauges on 4500psi as the paint ball shop could never get them over 4100psi which was more like 3800psi once they cooled off. The Altaros fill rate doesn't raise the temp of the cylinders so there is no loss once the filling process stops.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3742/33058709790_6cf713602b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SnhwF1)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3782/32598963124_e270d169a3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/REEd1m)

I am very happy with how the Altaros performed. The unit is very quiet. It also surprised me that the booster pump itself actually got cooler as the process continued. The finishing temp of the unit was 59.9 degrees. The ambient temp inside the shop was 74 degrees.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/633/32613425714_79e4c1983e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RFWkem)

There was a very small amount of water in the F88 filter but not a drop in the filter on the Altaros and the desiccant filter media was still orange. I do plan to still run the DeVilbiss filter once it comes but not sure that it is actually necessary. I felt no moisture at all when I opened the bleeder valve so I feel like there will not be a moisture issue but I want to err on the side of caution.

I'll report more as I use it.

Edit: I made a small mod that I read about on another forum. The fill hose doesn't have any way to secure it. So to keep it from flopping around and to protect the valve I made a small slot in the upper edge of the front of the tool box that houses the booster to capture the hose. Super simple and works perfectly.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3712/33455370515_294c5a62a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SYkw62)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/609/33327466071_50a0e2abb2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SM2YxZ)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2931/33299766242_304dab10af_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SJA1mJ)

Also in my 35 years working in a service industry I have learned that it is not if you are going to have an issue but how you handle it when you do. There was one small problem with the Altaros. The 12v power supply housing was broken. It broke right at one of the attachment screws. It still works fine so no issue and I simply put a small piece of packing tape on it and continued on. I sent an email to Michal at Altaros and he immediately sent me a link to a replacement on Ebay and credited my PayPal account the amount of the replacement. That is what customer service is all about.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2866/33299753662_5f84d72da6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SJzWBQ)

I cannot say enough how much the guys at Altaros have been open to and extremely helpful with all my questions throughout the process of research, ordering, shipping and use and adjustment of their product. I'm very impressed with the machine and the attention to detail that Michal and everyone at Altaros show to their customers is second to none.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 07:48:14 PM
Assorted links, videos and etc...

The Altaros compressor main page...

http://www.altaros.cz/en/other-accessories/48-altaros-compressor-booster-unit (http://www.altaros.cz/en/other-accessories/48-altaros-compressor-booster-unit)

Performance with various compressors...

http://www.altaros.cz/en/other-accessories/48-altaros-compressor-booster-unit#demoTab5 (http://www.altaros.cz/en/other-accessories/48-altaros-compressor-booster-unit#demoTab5)

Video showing how the Altaros works...

https://youtu.be/fVcZmZXEFhY (https://youtu.be/fVcZmZXEFhY)

My home video of the compressor in action. I'm still surprised at how quiet it is.

https://youtu.be/_K3o1Zl4_94 (https://youtu.be/_K3o1Zl4_94)

**UPATE** Once I had the air screw adjusted properly I made another video to show the difference in how fast the booster operates now compared to the original video.

https://youtu.be/E2nx3lzbjj8 (https://youtu.be/E2nx3lzbjj8)

Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: aceflier on March 14, 2017, 07:58:07 PM
Looks good. Thanks for the unboxing. You've got me really considering one. I'm waiting on a member to get an air Venturi to sell me his shoebox. Did you have a shoebox before? And wondering if a 5hp 30gallon compressor is enough for the altaros?
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 08:22:26 PM
Looks good. Thanks for the unboxing. You've got me really considering one. I'm waiting on a member to get an air Venturi to sell me his shoebox. Did you have a shoebox before? And wondering if a 5hp 30gallon compressor is enough for the altaros?

I did not have a compressor prior to today. I was getting my cylinders filled at a paint ball store. I considered a Shoebox but I felt personally that the Altaros was a better design and more cost effective.

You should be fine with a 5 hp 30 gallon compressor.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: aceflier on March 14, 2017, 08:25:51 PM
Cost and how long did it take to arrive? Sorry for all the questions.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 08:27:36 PM
Cost and how long did it take to arrive? Sorry for all the questions.

$639.00 all in to my door. Took 11 days to arrive.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 14, 2017, 08:56:26 PM
5 - 10 - 15 - 20.....    Oh sorry, I was counting up my nickels.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 08:59:38 PM
5 - 10 - 15 - 20.....    Oh sorry, I was counting up my nickels.

Worth every penny...er...nickel.  ;D
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 14, 2017, 09:05:49 PM
Lemme ask a question... would it be silly to leave the tank attached like a reservoir and fill the guns. Set the compressor to auto fill the tank when it reaches a preset low level? Or, is that how you guys do it?
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 09:17:59 PM
Lemme ask a question... would it be silly to leave the tank attached like a reservoir and fill the guns. Set the compressor to auto fill the tank when it reaches a preset low level? Or, is that how you guys do it?

The Altaros doesn't work that way. It has an asjustable high side cutoff only.

Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 14, 2017, 09:21:25 PM
Gotcha... thanks
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: RAJOD on March 14, 2017, 09:25:34 PM
Nice post Terry thanks!!

Do you have access to a lesser compressor than the Snap on.   I'm trying to find a small one that can fill.  I just don't want a 200 pound compressor if I don't have to.

Like  4 gallon mikata or somethign like that.   

Looks like on the high end its around 1 hour 40 minutes for a top off.

On the low end I'm wondering what people are getting.

I've seen a ingersol Rand 100 percent duty 4 gallon oil compressor for 299.00 I like the weight and footprint.   I think someone has one on the forum.



Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 09:30:39 PM
Nice post Terry thanks!!

Do you have access to a lesser compressor than the Snap on.   I'm trying to find a small one that can fill.  I just don't want a 200 pound compressor if I don't have to.

Like  4 gallon mikata or somethign like that.   

Looks like on the high end its around 1 hour 40 minutes for a top off.

On the low end I'm wondering what people are getting.

I've seen a ingersol Rand 100 percent duty 4 gallon oil compressor for 299.00 I like the weight and footprint.   I think someone has one on the forum.

Sorry I don't have another other than my tiny Harbor Freight pancake.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: RAJOD on March 14, 2017, 09:53:20 PM
Nice post Terry thanks!!

Do you have access to a lesser compressor than the Snap on.   I'm trying to find a small one that can fill.  I just don't want a 200 pound compressor if I don't have to.

Like  4 gallon mikata or somethign like that.   

Looks like on the high end its around 1 hour 40 minutes for a top off.

On the low end I'm wondering what people are getting.

I've seen a ingersol Rand 100 percent duty 4 gallon oil compressor for 299.00 I like the weight and footprint.   I think someone has one on the forum.

Sorry I don't have another other than my tiny Harbor Freight pancake.

Well that pancake could yield useful information.   I would be curious how fast the pancake would fill it.   

Did you add that pre filter just as a precaution.  Altaros told me you don't need an additional filter as its built in.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: Taso1000 on March 14, 2017, 10:59:28 PM
Terry,

Really nice thread!   ;D

Taso
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 11:06:07 PM
Nice post Terry thanks!!

Do you have access to a lesser compressor than the Snap on.   I'm trying to find a small one that can fill.  I just don't want a 200 pound compressor if I don't have to.

Like  4 gallon mikata or somethign like that.   

Looks like on the high end its around 1 hour 40 minutes for a top off.

On the low end I'm wondering what people are getting.

I've seen a ingersol Rand 100 percent duty 4 gallon oil compressor for 299.00 I like the weight and footprint.   I think someone has one on the forum.

Sorry I don't have another other than my tiny Harbor Freight pancake.

Well that pancake could yield useful information.   I would be curious how fast the pancake would fill it.   

Did you add that pre filter just as a precaution.  Altaros told me you don't need an additional filter as its built in.

I don't think the pancake will be effective. It will run virtually 100% of the time.

I'm being proactive on the moisture. I live in humidville. The F88 filter does a good job but the peace of mind was worth the $150 I paid for the DeVilbiss. I'll have the DeVilbiss setup to be exclusively used for the Altaros. I'm confident that nothing is getting past that filter.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 11:10:39 PM
Terry,

Really nice thread!   ;D

Taso

Thanks. I enjoy doing such. Hope it's helpful to someone.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 14, 2017, 11:12:33 PM
Didn't help me a darn bit. Now I want one more than ever.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 14, 2017, 11:44:29 PM
Didn't help me a darn bit. Now I want one more than ever.

You're welcome.  ;D
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: RAJOD on March 15, 2017, 12:14:06 AM
Two compressors I am looking at. 

I'm trying to go smaller witout adding too much time to the fill.   

The larger one no doubt would be best but its heavy hard to move and oil can spill moving it on its side.    The ingersol has 100 percent duty if need.  And 3.2 CFM at 150 psi.   4.3 at 90.

Wonder how long that would to top off.  Its not going to be 1 hour 40 min like with that snap on.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 15, 2017, 12:41:43 AM
Two compressors I am looking at. 

I'm trying to go smaller witout adding too much time to the fill.   

The larger one no doubt would be best but its heavy hard to move and oil can spill moving it on its side.    The ingersol has 100 percent duty if need.  And 3.2 CFM at 150 psi.   4.3 at 90.

Wonder how long that would to top off.  Its not going to be 1 hour 40 min like with that snap on.

No clue how long the IR would take with only a 4 gallon storage capacity and 3 or 4 cfm. I understand it has a 100% duty cycle but having it run 100% of the time every time can't be a good thing. The HF seems a much better choice for this application.  The IR appears to be more of a job site compressor meant to run nail guns etc...

I would not transport any oil type compressor on it's side. Oil is likely to go where you do not want it to go.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: RAJOD on March 15, 2017, 02:39:55 AM
Two compressors I am looking at. 

I'm trying to go smaller witout adding too much time to the fill.   

The larger one no doubt would be best but its heavy hard to move and oil can spill moving it on its side.    The ingersol has 100 percent duty if need.  And 3.2 CFM at 150 psi.   4.3 at 90.

Wonder how long that would to top off.  Its not going to be 1 hour 40 min like with that snap on.

No clue how long the IR would take with only a 4 gallon storage capacity and 3 or 4 cfm. I understand it has a 100% duty cycle but having it run 100% of the time every time can't be a good thing. The HF seems a much better choice for this application.  The IR appears to be more of a job site compressor meant to run nail guns etc...

I would not transport any oil type compressor on it's side. Oil is likely to go where you do not want it to go.

I would run it 70/30 so not 100 percent.  The mikatas the same size are only 50/50.   
I dunno the more I look at this more the the Shoebox max seems better.

Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 15, 2017, 03:55:46 AM
Yeah, I just don't think my Husky Vertical 20 gal 2.0 hp oil less would cut it. 4.0 cmf at 90psi. 175 max. I better look in other directions.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: avator on March 15, 2017, 04:00:50 AM
Even though I'm only looking at filling the 100cf from 2500 back up to 3300.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 15, 2017, 08:40:13 AM
Yeah, I just don't think my Husky Vertical 20 gal 2.0 hp oil less would cut it. 4.0 cmf at 90psi. 175 max. I better look in other directions.

I think that primary compressor will run the Altaros. Might be slower but it will run it. It would be a matter of getting it going and adjusting the air flow valve so that the compressor runs in the 60/40 parameter.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 15, 2017, 08:41:47 AM
I emailed back and forth with Michal from Altaros and he suggested that I open the air flow valve more since my primary compressor is running so little. I will do that today and retest. I'll post the results and update the original posts.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: farmerjoe99 on March 15, 2017, 09:21:30 AM
I emailed back and forth with Michal from Altaros and he suggested that I open the air flow valve more since my primary compressor is running so little. I will do that today and retest. I'll post the results and update the original posts.
I thought your numbers looked a little low and wondered if this was the case so I'll be interested to see what you get with the adjustments
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...
Post by: TerryH on March 15, 2017, 11:35:15 AM
I emailed back and forth with Michal from Altaros and he suggested that I open the air flow valve more since my primary compressor is running so little. I will do that today and retest. I'll post the results and update the original posts.
I thought your numbers looked a little low and wondered if this was the case so I'll be interested to see what you get with the adjustments

You are correct, sir. I'm updating the original post to reflect the adjustments and the performance numbers. Amazing little piece of machinery.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: aceflier on March 15, 2017, 06:59:33 PM
I'm 90% sure I'm going to get one of these. I had planned to run conduit from the garage to the house. Well I put the conduit in last week. I bought a 100' hose today and can not get the darn compressor line past the first 90. Lol got to dig it up on both ends now splice it back together and buy new 90's. I should have not glued the 90's together yet. Top it off the ground is frozen again and 1 end is under my deck! At least I didn't forget the pull through string! Back to the drawing board. Lesson learned.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 15, 2017, 10:35:09 PM
I'm 90% sure I'm going to get one of these. I had planned to run conduit from the garage to the house. Well I put the conduit in last week. I bought a 100' hose today and can not get the darn compressor line past the first 90. Lol got to dig it up on both ends now splice it back together and buy new 90's. I should have not glued the 90's together yet. Top it off the ground is frozen again and 1 end is under my deck! At least I didn't forget the pull through string! Back to the drawing board. Lesson learned.

Bummer. That's no fun at all. Hope you get it figured out.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: KnifeMaker on March 17, 2017, 08:23:27 PM
Terry,
Unreal post and pic's Sir!  Just WOW!!!

I ended up opening up the internal adjustment full on. And my upright is almost exactly the same specs as yours.

Folks, I have written this over and over. It doesn't matter all that much what the max PSI of a compressor is that you are looking at.

The CFM and the duty cycle are what count. You want at least 5.5 cfm, And that is a minimum. And a duty cycle unit capable of at least 50/5o is required. A 100 percent duty cycle capable unit is optimum. but only if it is at least a 5.2-5/5 CFM unit. Forget the PSI until these requirements are met.   

And don't' get the 5.2-5.5 cfm stuck in the head when looking at compressors. THIS IS THE MINIMUM, as in SLOW!!!!!!!! 

The higher the CFM at a min. of 90 fps, the faster the compressor will perform.  ;) 8)

Knife
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 18, 2017, 12:17:43 AM
Terry,
Unreal post and pic's Sir!  Just WOW!!!

I ended up opening up the internal adjustment full on. And my upright is almost exactly the same specs as yours.

Folks, I have written this over and over. It doesn't matter all that much what the max PSI of a compressor is that you are looking at.

The CFM and the duty cycle are what count. You want at least 5.5 cfm, And that is a minimum. And a duty cycle unit capable of at least 50/5o is required. A 100 percent duty cycle capable unit is optimum. but only if it is at least a 5.2-5/5 CFM unit. Forget the PSI until these requirements are met.   

And don't' get the 5.2-5.5 cfm stuck in the head when looking at compressors. THIS IS THE MINIMUM, as in SLOW!!!!!!!! 

The higher the CFM at a min. of 90 fps, the faster the compressor will perform.  ;) 8)

Knife

Thanks Mike! I'm going to experiment with it a bit more. Michal told me not to turn it wide open as that might actually slow it down a bit. One way or the other I am ecstatic with the performance of the Altaros!
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: KnifeMaker on March 18, 2017, 12:31:57 AM
You Know Terry,

There are three things that really excite a pcp shooter the most.

1. Accuracy
2. Power with Accuracy
3. and a big grin comes when you have those, and are Air Independent!  Once you are air independent, "IT's On"!

Now for Big Bores, where you cast your own ammo. Now that is independance.  8) 

Congratulations Terry!!! Very happy for you! ;) 8)

Rebuilding my Altaros with the new seals and grease that Michal sent last week. Probably doesn't need it, but a good precaution for long life.

Your's is already equipped with it.

I am going to fully polish the Hi-side piston rod while at it.

I questioned Altaros when I first bought the unit abut the very light silicone spray they used for assembly. I felt that a true grease would be better. That, and polished rods.

At the time, they did not feel it was needed. I guess feed back from a few Big bore Shooters that use a "LOT, of air, and really stress the unit changed their minds.

Not really unusual though. I tried to get Shoe Box to listen to me for years. I polished the rods in the SB, and really extended the "O" ring life in it. Also ask why we couldn't use a thicker silicone oil for the lube rather than lithium grease. Was told it would not work. LOL  Guess what they use now? Credit for it, No way! LOL

Altaros is completely different. They pay attention! Great people, great product, and fantastic customer service!

Mike/Knife
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: KnifeMaker on March 18, 2017, 12:36:02 AM
Terry,
Unreal post and pic's Sir!  Just WOW!!!

I ended up opening up the internal adjustment full on. And my upright is almost exactly the same specs as yours.

Folks, I have written this over and over. It doesn't matter all that much what the max PSI of a compressor is that you are looking at.

The CFM and the duty cycle are what count. You want at least 5.5 cfm, And that is a minimum. And a duty cycle unit capable of at least 50/5o is required. A 100 percent duty cycle capable unit is optimum. but only if it is at least a 5.2-5/5 CFM unit. Forget the PSI until these requirements are met.   

And don't' get the 5.2-5.5 cfm stuck in the head when looking at compressors. THIS IS THE MINIMUM, as in SLOW!!!!!!!! 

The higher the CFM at a min. of 90 fps, the faster the compressor will perform.  ;) 8)

Knife

Thanks Mike! I'm going to experiment with it a bit more. Michal told me not to turn it wide open as that might actually slow it down a bit. One way or the other I am ecstatic with the performance of the Altaros!

Thanks Terry, I'll slow down the air feed a bit and see what happened!

Mike/Knife
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 19, 2017, 12:57:38 AM
You Know Terry,

There are three things that really excite a pcp shooter the most.

1. Accuracy
2. Power with Accuracy
3. and a big grin comes when you have those, and are Air Independent!  Once you are air independent, "IT's On"!

Now for Big Bores, where you cast your own ammo. Now that is independance.  8) 

Congratulations Terry!!! Very happy for you! ;) 8)

Rebuilding my Altaros with the new seals and grease that Michal sent last week. Probably doesn't need it, but a good precaution for long life.

Your's is already equipped with it.

I am going to fully polish the Hi-side piston rod while at it.

I questioned Altaros when I first bought the unit abut the very light silicone spray they used for assembly. I felt that a true grease would be better. That, and polished rods.

At the time, they did not feel it was needed. I guess feed back from a few Big bore Shooters that use a "LOT, of air, and really stress the unit changed their minds.

Not really unusual though. I tried to get Shoe Box to listen to me for years. I polished the rods in the SB, and really extended the "O" ring life in it. Also ask why we couldn't use a thicker silicone oil for the lube rather than lithium grease. Was told it would not work. LOL  Guess what they use now? Credit for it, No way! LOL

Altaros is completely different. They pay attention! Great people, great product, and fantastic customer service!

Mike/Knife

The Altaros guys were amazingly responsive to questions. Great to deal with. It is very, very nice to be able to make my own air. I shot the heck out of the .22 cal Armada and th4e Prod this afternoon. Never a thought about how much air I was using.  8)
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 22, 2017, 11:20:41 PM
DeVilbiss QC3 filter finally got here and I got it installed tonight. I feel totally confident that I will have zero moisture issues with this filter in conjunction with the Sharpe F88 main filter and the dual filters in the Altaros. I also adjusted the air screw more and now have the shop compressor pretty much maximized. I had misunderstood the 60/40 ratio by thinking that it should be 60 off and 40 on but it's the other way around. I have the air screw as far out as the Altaros guys said I should take it and the shop compressor run ratio is just about 50/50.  It appears that the 3500 to 4500 top off is going to be in the 30 minutes or so neighborhood now. Super happy with how all of this worked out.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2923/33556700936_52627d7f70_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8hS6f)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3764/33597149105_dcee11cc58_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TbSaVt)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3757/33597150575_7b1954582c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TbSbmP)

Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: aceflier on March 22, 2017, 11:29:18 PM
How much for the filters I can't find much local I have a tractor supply 3/8 water catch on my compressor now looking to add another befor the altaros. Hope that will be good enough when I get the altaros
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 23, 2017, 08:56:43 AM
How much for the filters I can't find much local I have a tractor supply 3/8 water catch on my compressor now looking to add another befor the altaros. Hope that will be good enough when I get the altaros

I got mine on Ebay for $150 delivered but don't see any more listed there now. $185 on Amazon is the next best that I see.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PR8ZXK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=37BRG975X2TA7&coliid=I1CNYRVXVT3LZ3 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PR8ZXK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=37BRG975X2TA7&coliid=I1CNYRVXVT3LZ3)
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: Taso1000 on March 23, 2017, 10:36:54 PM
Terry,

I think you're going to use up that desiccant capacity faster than you anticipate in the QC3 filter.  And replacement cartridges are $34 on Amazon if I'm not mistaken.  So it could get costly for you. 

Maybe you can split the pump air supply and hpa supply to get more life out of those cartridges like my idea here:

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=123325.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=123325.0)

and only filter the hpa supply with QC3?

What do you think?

Taso


Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 23, 2017, 11:51:53 PM
Terry,

I think you're going to use up that desiccant capacity faster than you anticipate in the QC3 filter.  And replacement cartridges are $34 on Amazon if I'm not mistaken.  So it could get costly for you. 

Maybe you can split the pump air supply and hpa supply to get more life out of those cartridges like my idea here:

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=123325.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=123325.0)

and only filter the hpa supply with QC3?

What do you think?

Taso

I'm pre-filtering the air with the F88 and cooling with 30+ feet of line before the F88. I see no water vapor coming out of the F88 and only bought the Devilbiss for an additional line of defense/insurance. It will be dedicated to the Altaros so not in use for my regular air needs. Given the additional filtering and the short amount of time that the Altaros will be running to top off my cylinders I'd venture a guess that the cartridge will last a good long time in my application. We will see as we go along.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: Taso1000 on March 24, 2017, 12:14:47 AM
Ok, My concern was because the Altaros is an air hog and you'd be pushing all that air through the QC3.

But like you said, we will see.  Hopefully the F88 and your cooling line will suffice.  I have my fingers crossed!   :)

Thanks,

Taso
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on March 24, 2017, 12:23:40 AM
Ok, My concern was because the Altaros is an air hog and you'd be pushing all that air through the QC3.

But like you said, we will see.  Hopefully the F88 and your cooling line will suffice.  I have my fingers crossed!   :)

Thanks,

Taso

No need for the finger crossing. I was aware of the cartridge cost going in and have no worries at all about cartridge life. The QC3 would have not been my choice if I were using it for hours at a time every day. With the Altaros making 1000psi of air in 30 minutes or so it won't run long enough or often enough to be a concern.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: Scubajeeper on April 26, 2017, 12:15:34 AM
What size Scba is that?
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: TerryH on April 26, 2017, 07:59:29 AM
What size Scba is that?

I have 68 cu.ft. cylinders.
Title: Re: Altaros booster compressor from A to Z...**UPDATED**
Post by: Scubajeeper on April 27, 2017, 02:15:39 PM
I have a little information that may help some of you. Mine quit building pressure, I emailed Altaros and they responded promptly with the solution. It seems the fitting on the high pressure side had gotten loose. I snugged it up and it works like a charm again.

The white hose that connects the mid pressure to the high pressure is connected to the cylinders with a chrome push lock connector, that's the one I'm referring to. This was my first issue with it and it was very minor. I know all of you that have one are as happy with it as I am with mine, they are great units.