GTA
Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 and springers ,rams => Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 => Topic started by: rustysocket on September 07, 2016, 05:24:38 PM
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Hi again,
So I'm a newbie to PCP guns but have been bit by the addiction. I can see right now where this is going and will be selling a lightly used child in good condition to fund this hobby. I would sell the wife, but have too much invested in the laundry basket and kitchen mods and feel that at this point the kids is probably my best bet.
In any event, my wife refuses to use the hand pump to fill my guns and these things are not going to fill themselves so I decided to research getting her a compressor. I found the shoebox and see that it requires a shop compressor which my wife already owns. We also see that they are available in a 3000 and a 4500 PSI model. The plan would be to get a bottle to fill and then use the bottle to fill the guns in the field. Why would one purchase the 3000 psi over the 4500 psi model?
Are there any other options I should consider other than the shoebox?
Thanks for your comments.
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There may be another option.
I'm looking at this myself but I'm not saying I endorse it.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/)
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There may be another option.
I'm looking at this myself but I'm not saying I endorse it.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/)
By all means you can get an alalros but your spending HUGE $$ FOR AIR. You also want a 4500 tank. More air more pressure. A 3000 tank you will never get that needed air into your gun.
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There may be another option.
I'm looking at this myself but I'm not saying I endorse it.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/)
By all means you can get an alalros but your spending HUGE $$ FOR AIR. You also want a 4500 tank. More air more pressure. A 3000 tank you will never get that needed air into your gun.
Not sure what you mean?
I'd only be filling my AT44 tubes.
That's what? 230 CC?
If I want to save money I'll just go Nitrogen and get a huge tank with the needed support equipment.
When you really look at it all? One should just go with the Omega.
Once you add up all the prices that's where you end up anyway.
The whole thing boils down to Air is free until you start compressing it. LOL
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I think the shoebox is an excellent option and depending on the circumstances has tons of things going for it.
I have heard that for actual shops and tuners that have tons of continues run time its not the best choice but
for how much air most of the airgunner themselves use I think its the best currently available and mostly affordable compressor on the market.
It is a proven reliable system with excellent support, in all my dealing with shoebox I've gotten replies to my emails in just a few hours.
Its is a very simple and pretty easy to work on so that it can be maintained by anyone with ok tool skills.
and there is just tons and tons of great info out on them including very informative video's right on shoebox's site.
I have one of the old chain drive 4500psi model and its worked flawless for me for the last year.
You will need the small oilless shop compressor to fill it and while it is not a necessity(I'll admit I don't run one...)
a HPA output moisture separator is a good idea as well. Note: while I don't run one on the output side I have a moisture separator on the input side.
all and all I think they are a great compressor.
As to 4500 vs 3000 the only reason he sells a 3000psi model is a lot of people fill their pcp's or paintball tanks
with SCUBA tank which fill to 3000psi. however if you can I highly recommend you get a carbon fiber SCBA tank which fill
you 4500psi. they will give you many more fill per top off and they are much lighter weight to carry around.
I personally have a JoeB guppy package(highly recommend JoeB and getting his second gauge and slow fill option.) along with my shoebox and I love it works great is light and compact to take to the range.
and get me enough air for most shooting trips. I just top it off when I'm getting down to 3000psi and I'm good to go.
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I think the one thing a new Guy (And I'm one in PCP) needs to get past is the fill time issue.
Say we start with an empty tank. Now we are talking hours.
But as most point out you'll never run that tank empty.
So now We are filling from say 2500 PSI to 3000 - 4500 PSI
Fill time just went way down.
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There may be another option.
I'm looking at this myself but I'm not saying I endorse it.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/)
By all means you can get an alalros but your spending HUGE $$ FOR AIR. You also want a 4500 tank. More air more pressure. A 3000 tank you will never get that needed air into your gun.
Not sure what you mean?
I'd only be filling my AT44 tubes.
That's what? 230 CC?
If I want to save money I'll just go Nitrogen and get a huge tank with the needed support equipment.
When you really look at it all? One should just go with the Omega.
Once you add up all the prices that's where you end up anyway.
The whole thing boils down to Air is free until you start compressing it. LOL
That's 230cui of air. That's the volume. Not the fill pressure. If you ever wanted to push 3200-3400psi into your gun you can not with a 3000. 4500 gives you greater air options.
If you are in the market for a tank look into Airhog. Excellent product and they are not pushy and arrogant like some others.
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I completely understand that I cannot use a 3000 psi pig tank to fill a gun that wants 3200 psi. I also understand that starting with a partially filled tank at 2000 psi takes less time to fill than one at atmospheric. And I understand that filling a large tank takes a lot of time. So were all good there in the expectations department.
I'm not looking to be a pioneer in the R&D department for a new product (not that it's a bad thing ) I'm just looking for the best solution to keep everyone shooting more and pumping less.
That does bring up a question: Does the shoebox shut off on it's own, or is this something that has to be attended the entire time it is filling a large tank? What kind of safeties are built in against over pressurizing a tank.
I did find a guy locally who will fill a small tank to 4500 psi for me so I think I will start there by getting a tank and continue saving some money for the shoebox. This makes the most sense in the short term as I can use my hand pump to add a few strokes to it during the day and allow for cooldowns as I feel like it.
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When you really look at it all? One should just go with the Omega.
Once you add up all the prices that's where you end up anyway.
The whole thing boils down to Air is free until you start compressing it. LOL
[/quote]
I just ordered one yesterday, should be here tomorrow.
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I would love to have an air setup. But I drive a few minutes to local scuba shop and they fill 2 tanks to 4500 for $5. Hard to complain.
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That does bring up a question: Does the shoebox shut off on it's own, or is this something that has to be attended the entire time it is filling a large tank? What kind of safeties are built in against over pressurizing a tank.
I did find a guy locally who will fill a small tank to 4500 psi for me so I think I will start there by getting a tank and continue saving some money for the shoebox. This makes the most sense in the short term as I can use my hand pump to add a few strokes to it during the day and allow for cooldowns as I feel like it.
Yes the shoebox has its own shutoff mechanism, on the Max its mechanical on the F8 and F10 and electronic and
fully adjustable while the mechanical Max can only be adjusted so far from the factory set(either 3000 or 4500)
I wondered about this myself but my shoebox consistently shuts off at 4400psi when running on 85psi
Note. when you lower the shop compressor's output when using a shoebox max it allows it to fill to a slightly higher pressure,
for instance what I do is set my regulater on my compressor to 85-90psi leave it let if fill to 4400 then lower the
shop compressor down to 70-75psi and fill to 4500psi
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Invariably, the best option for a new guy to pcps is probably the shoebox when you balance time , money , and INDEPENDENCE..And the last part is what you are buying , and what you will forever covet when you pass a closed dive shop one day on your way to go shooting .. (just opinion
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When you really look at it all? One should just go with the Omega.
Once you add up all the prices that's where you end up anyway.
The whole thing boils down to Air is free until you start compressing it. LOL
I just ordered one yesterday, should be here tomorrow.
[/quote]
Shawn--Which Omega did you order and from where--AOA?
I'd really like to get your feedback after you get it.
Thanks!
Ed
Oh yeah, I'm curious what the shipping cost is. Sorry for all the questions! :-[
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That altaros sounds very interesting and might be looking into that myself.
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That altaros sounds very interesting and might be looking into that myself.
it does seem interesting , never seen it before , really quite brilliant.. My only concern was how much electricity is one using to constantly refill the low pressure side,,
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I ordered the air charger from Precision Airguns in Michigan. Shipping to central Illinois was $79.95, so less for you I would guess.
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I ordered the air charger from Precision Airguns in Michigan. Shipping to central Illinois was $79.95, so less for you I would guess.
Wow, now my interest has gone up. I'm about an hour or so away from them! Really looking forward to your review.
Thanks!
Ed
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There may be another option.
I'm looking at this myself but I'm not saying I endorse it.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/bassic-info/)
The Altaros looks very interesting, I just watched the 3 videos on the website. Worth further investigation for sure at that price point...
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UPS finally showed up. After going to get purified water, I was up & running in just a few minutes. Checked for leaks, then hooked up the tiger shark for a trial run. 3500 to 4500psi in about 27 minutes including pressurizing the diablo filter. Like everyone says,it sounds just like an old washing machine. So far I'm impressed but time will tell.
Also for those who have these compressors, Renewable Lubricants will have 8oz & 16oz tubs of the grease recommended on their web site in a couple of weeks.
By the way, Jim & Nancy at Precision Airguns are great to deal with, I called them a couple times while researching and they were more than happy to answer all my questions.
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UPS finally showed up. After going to get purified water, I was up & running in just a few minutes. Checked for leaks, then hooked up the tiger shark for a trial run. 3500 to 4500psi in about 27 minutes including pressurizing the diablo filter. Like everyone says,it sounds just like an old washing machine. So far I'm impressed but time will tell.
Also for those who have these compressors, Renewable Lubricants will have 8oz & 16oz tubs of the grease recommended on their web site in a couple of weeks.
By the way, Jim & Nancy at Precision Airguns are great to deal with, I called them a couple times while researching and they were more than happy to answer all my questions.
Very good to know. Thanks much for the post!
Ed
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Shoebox works great for me.
If you do not plan to get a compressor, invest in a larger tank... as you won't have to go back for refills as often.
If you DO get a compressor, you can get by with a smaller tank.
The Joe B tanks are super nice. ( airtanksforsale.com ) They have two gauges... one for fill pressure, and one for bottle pressure. (how much air is left in the tank) They also have a slow fill valve, so you don't zoom past your fill pressure.
For an occasional shooter, the Shoebox and small Joe B Guppy tank is a great combo.
Good Luck!
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So what is the verdict on the Altaros versus the Shoebox Max? Does anyone have an Altaros compressor yet because I haven't seen any reviews on youtube.
I'm looking to get a 4500 psi compressor and cheap small 4500 psi tank to start off with. Can anyone point me to an air tank primer for newbs? ;D
I have emailed Altaros for pricing. I will report back what they say.
Thanks,
Taso
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So what is the verdict on the Altaros versus the Shoebox Max? Does anyone have an Altaros compressor yet because I haven't seen any reviews on youtube.
I'm looking to get a 4500 psi compressor and cheap small 4500 psi tank to start off with. Can anyone point me to an air tank primer for newbs? ;D
I have emailed Altaros for pricing. I will report back what they say.
Thanks,
Taso
Here is the email I got from them a few days back. I ordered one and it's on its way. Disregard the part about no adapters available they got some from a different place in to feed the demand.
"Good day Dillon,
we are pleased about your interest in our Altaros compressor booster unit.
There was few customers which was thinking that compressor was self contained and just put out the high air pressure without needing anything other than just the regular air pressure to input.
So for sure, this compressor booster need Driving ( workshop ) compressor , which has to supply at least 72 PSI , max 150 PSI. Higher pressure and bigger amount of air workshop compressor can supply = faster filling of your airtank. It is possible use cheap workshop compressor which cost 100 USD, but filling time is longer, similar to driving compressor in our filling table: Scheppach HC 24 .
Check table for times of performance for different compressors here:
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/performance/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/performance/)
We have best experience with priority insured parcel which is send by air. It is also cheapest option, shipping cost is 89 USD.
Price for Altaros compressor booster unit is 514 USD .
So total price is 603 USD including shipping.
I Just want to ask about power adapter which you need:
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/how-to-order/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/how-to-order/) i supose that you need Typ A.
If yes, then unfortunately we sold already all adapters which we have here, we did not expect so big demand for this adapter type. Our bad.
I ordered few reduction on our adapters which should be here tomorrow. Normaly we use " Replacement 5.5mm 2.1mm DC 12V 1A Power Adapter Supply (100~240V / 2-Flat-Pin Plug) " .
New adapters for America/Canada market are on way, but they will be here mostlikely in 2-3 weeks.
S pozdravem / With kind regards
Michal Ječný
tel. +420 608 573 443
E-mail: Compressor@altaros.cz
www.altaros.cz (http://www.altaros.cz)
Altaros Air Solutions s.r.o.
Tanvaldská 345, areál Intex a.s.
463 11 Liberec 30"
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Thanks for the update DB. Let us know your thoughts when it arrives. I'm leaning the way of the Altaros personally. Was saving for a Bullpup, but a compressor is in the works somewhere down the line. I filled a :45 SCBA from 3000PSI to 4500PSI yesterday and it cost me $11, not cost effective when it was only $16 from empty???
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I still have not made a final decision on a pump yet.
Thanks for everyone contributing to this thread.
Dillon, I'm looking forward to your impressions when you receive yours. It may be another viable option for me as well.
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Same boat Shoebox or that Altaros compressor... Good price
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Looks like it has made it through customs already and should have it by the weekend!
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Looks like it has made it through customs already and should have it by the weekend!
Wow, that was fast! We're standing by for your report when you get it.
Ed
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Altaros compressor sounds interesting. just a month ago, I ve already spent on 2 scuba tanks and their accessories. If I would ve seen this post, I would certainly get Altaros compressor. well since I already invested on the tanks, I will wait for more reviews on a Altaros compressor
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Everyone keeps saying the Altaros compressor, I hope you actually mean booster. It has to work off of an actual compressor to work. The better the compressor it is working off of the better it performs. In other words the more pressure and volume of air it receives the quicker it will boost it to pressure. Hope this helps someone.
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Everyone keeps saying the Altaros compressor, I hope you actually mean booster. It has to work off of an actual compressor to work. The better the compressor it is working off of the better it performs. In other words the more pressure and volume of air it receives the quicker it will boost it to pressure. Hope this helps someone.
+1
I'm assuming it's comparable in the way it works to the Shoebox. ???
Ed
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That's what I'm assuming as well that it's basically a different kind of shoebox in a sense.
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Dillon,
Does the Altaros compressor need any exotic consumable parts? I know it has a 2 year warranty. It is almost half the price of the more comparable Freedom 10 so that is a huge draw.
Thanks,
Taso
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My bad... I was using the terms booster / compressor interchangably.
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For sure you will need a oil less compressor just like the shoebox plus filters to make sure the air is nice and dry.
Your right most likely the more air pressure is supplied the faster it will pump. Shoebox is the same but I have read it gets bit hotter.
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My Sanborn V twin has oil in the crankcase so would that rule it out as an option for the low pressure compressor. It's been used mainly for spray painting but now all it does is fill tires.
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Dillon,
Does the Altaros compressor need any exotic consumable parts? I know it has a 2 year warranty. It is almost half the price of the more comparable Freedom 10 so that is a huge draw.
Thanks,
Taso
As far as I know just feed it air and that's it. Reading through the description they tested the prototype for 2 years with basically no maintenance/minimal maintenance which is huge to me. Also it does have a two stage moisture filter/separator so I don't think extra filters are necessary from what they've seen. I should be getting it tomorrow by the looks of things!
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Dillon,
Does the Altaros compressor need any exotic consumable parts? I know it has a 2 year warranty. It is almost half the price of the more comparable Freedom 10 so that is a huge draw.
Thanks,
Taso
As far as I know just feed it air and that's it. Reading through the description they tested the prototype for 2 years with basically no maintenance/minimal maintenance which is huge to me. Also it does have a two stage moisture filter/separator so I don't think extra filters are necessary from what they've seen. I should be getting it tomorrow by the looks of things!
Looking forward to you getting it so we can all run over to your place to fill our tanks! ;) :D
Ed
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Keep us posted bud... Pretty excited about it and I'm not even getting it LOL.
In a couple of weeks I will be deciding on Shoebox or Altaros. I'm going to assume this should fill faster.
Another thing to consider is if you can use a regular oiled piston setup or oiless piston setup on the compressor side.
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Well looks like it's coming today now! Problem is I don't even have my tiger shark yet :( I can always just direct fill my gun though and test it out
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Keep us posted bud... Pretty excited about it and I'm not even getting it LOL.
In a couple of weeks I will be deciding on Shoebox or Altaros. I'm going to assume this should fill faster.
Another thing to consider is if you can use a regular oiled piston setup or oiless piston setup on the compressor side.
Me too, on how it works out and I'm ready to buy. I was going to buy an R-10 or a S400 MPR but I am tired of pumping. I tried to purchase a used Shoebox almost two months ago but the compressor never showed up.
I also got a lead on a paintball shop close to me that fills to 4500 psi. I need to call them and get more info and hopefully they may rent me a tank.
Taso
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I'm anxiously awaiting here as well... possiby a unwrapping / first startup video ;) ;) ;)
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The Altaros booster unlike the Shoebox does not require an oil-less compressor and actually an oil type high volume shop compressor is recommended by the manufacturer for faster fill times.
Also you will have to change out the male foster fitting for a female foster fitting to work with most fill setups.
The male shop compressor fitting that comes with the Altaros is not a standard US size and will have to be swapped out for the proper fitting.
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Glad to hear it doesn't need an oil-less compress, as mine just bit the dust a few weeks ago. I've been looking at some new ones but holding off for a few reasons.
Got some good news today, I don't have to have an MRI for a pinched nerve in my neck. So that's $1000 I may not have to spend. Tomorrow I should find out what's wrong with my old 7.3L Powerstroke that went in the shop last week. Hopefully if it's not too much to repair I'll be looking a little closer at the Altaros as well.
Seems like we are all waiting for you to unveil Christmas this year....
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Here's a little teaser pic! I wish I wasn't so busy but so far just a pic! I need to read through the instructions for it before I do anything. So far very nice and seems well built.
(http://s6.postimg.org/a6ofgdwa5/IMG_20160922_212543854.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/a6ofgdwa5/)
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Refilling a 90ci CF guppy type tank
Shop compressor oil type 13 gal capacity set to 125 PSI
1955 HR start Altaros booster - tank dial at 1700 PSI
2017 HR tank dial at 3000 PSI
2100 HR tank dial at 4500 PSI
Altaros adjusted to automatically shutoff at finishing pressure 4500 PSI
Overall time from start to finish 65 minutes.
Unit sounds like a lung machine in a hospital, very quiet and vibration free during entire filling process.
The shop compressor (driving compressor) starts and stops during the filling process.
No heat seemed to be generated during and after using the Altaros booster.
Noticed some moisture inside the supplied filter and inside the case below the filter about a tablespoon of condensation.
I like the Altaros and it comes with spare seals.
I've never seen the Shoebox unit but feel that the Altaros will draw in a lot of customers due to competitive pricing less than the Shoebox F8 and easy to use.
I think it's a bargain as long as it proves to be durable, reliable and low maintenance.
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I can't wait! ;D
Taso
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If nothing gets hot and keep everything lubed... should last a long time..
Can't wait for more info
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Tap,
Where are you located and what is your relative humidity? I live in central Fl and humidity is a big problem here. Also I'm assuming your shop compressor is probably supplying approx 4CFM at 90PSI. Also was the guppy tank you filled empty, or did you fill from a partial fill?
thanks,
Ken
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If nothing gets hot and keep everything lubed... should last a long time..
Can't wait for more info
In one of the video's on their site they show filling a larger tank and the compressor runs for over an hour. IIRC the highest temps were around 40-45C
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Customcutter I live in So Cal and the relative humidity is 46%.
The start pressure in my 90ci CF tank was 1700psi.
I filled a second 90ci CF tank that had 2000psi already in it and it took 42 minutes to fill the tank to 4500psi.
I don't know the cfm but looking at my shop compressor label it is an American Tool 4HP and has 15 gal capacity tank.
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Tap, thanks for the info. Our RH here is 80-90% year round at least, unless we have a cold front then it may drop down to 60-70%. I'll need to run a filter and dessicant of some sort probably between the shop compressor and the Altoros.
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The guys that have this compressor already do you recommend it? Well built ? Looks like it will last a long time?
Do they ship with spare orings..? How loud is it when pumping ? First stage compressor turn on alot?
Auto shutoff can be set?
Thanks for any info...
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The guys that have this compressor already do you recommend it? Well built ? Looks like it will last a long time?
Do they ship with spare orings..? How loud is it when pumping ? First stage compressor turn on alot?
Auto shutoff can be set?
Thanks for any info...
+1!
Where are you Dairyboy???
Ed
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Ditto. I've got this one in my crosshairs now.
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Whoops I'm here guys! My wife has informed me today that my Tiger shark has arrived so I think I can get it filled today! Will take some pics of the inside and everything included. I believe it looks very solid and well built. Far from something being just thrown together.
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Too bad they didn't opt to charge us $20-$30 more to get a steel case of some sort. Looking forward to your review Milky.
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Just looking at the internal components of the Altaros booster I don't think it would be difficult to transfer everything to any similiar size toolbox or container.
I agree that the Altaros toolbox is flimsy but there is very little need to access the box once you have made the initial adjustments and I won't be moving it much now that it is setup.
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Looking forward to it dairy boy.
Especially an idea of the fill times on that bad boy. I will most likely be filling a 60min firefighter scba tank.
I'm sure I would make something nicer then what it ships with.
But I think they played it smart to keep the costs down just using that regular toolbox then people can modify it or use something else. I imagine it's a breeze to work on.
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For those who didn't catch it in post #22 here is a link to the performance page of the Altoros website. It's a little difficult to understand or was for me at first, but basically the higher pressure and volume of air you supply the booster with the quicker the fill times. Hope this helps. IIRC 150PSI is max pressure for supply side.
http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/performance/ (http://altaros-compressor.com/main-page/performance/)
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I watched their vids but not sure they mentioned what feeder compressor they used. It sure did kick on a lot of times in the duration of the filling. That's gonna use alot of electricity and be quite noisy. I have a smaller 65db 6g gallon tank that does 130 psi but don't want to KILL my motor on it. I also have a Craftsman 33 gallon oiless (LOUD) compressor that I'd have to run only during daylight hours so as not to wake the dead. But even that will not so good up some juice. I wonder if they were using a smaller gallon tank, hence needed constant run cycles.
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I watched their vids but not sure they mentioned what feeder compressor they used. It sure did kick on a lot of times in the duration of the filling. That's gonna use alot of electricity and be quite noisy. I have a smaller 65db 6g gallon tank that does 130 psi but don't want to KILL my motor on it. I also have a Craftsman 33 gallon oiless (LOUD) compressor that I'd have to run only during daylight hours so as not to wake the dead. But even that will not so good up some juice. I wonder if they were using a smaller gallon tank, hence needed constant run cycles.
I would guess your 33 gallon would supply enough air to fill a :60 SCBA in half the time of a Shoebox. But that's just a guess. I don't own either one yet....
There are no free lunches. I know years ago I was concerned about the power consumption of my pool pump 2HP. I think it worked out to about $1/day running it constantly for 8 hrs a day. Skip a coke, bottle of water, or Latte at whatever that coffee house is called. ;D It cost me $11 to fill a :45 SCBA from 2000PSI to 4500PSI at the local dive shop last week. They get $16 filled from empty. That's the going rate in my area for everyone I've contacted so far.
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There may be 2 places in my city that fill to 4500psi but they are across town or have terrible parking circumstances. When I was younger and had a Z-28 Camaro I loved driving all over town. Now I'm 40 and hate driving 2 minutes to the Circle K around the corner from my house. Having my own filling station sounds just my style. Turning on my "big" compressor, not my style unless I have to. That's the reason I spent the $200 to get my quiet 6 gallon compressor. So it's not as much the electric bill as it is the noise factor. Even in my garage the big compressor can be heard throughout my house. Just something to ponder.
I almost got an industrial 80 gallon for a cnc plasma I wish I had followed through with but que sera, sera. Of course those easily go up to 175 psi + but the Altaros has a suggested max of 150 psi inlet side so there's that. But the amount of cycling on an 80 gallon tank would be less than my 33 gal. Looking forward to more reviews which hopefully include opinions on inlet compressor cycle times.
Thanks guys.
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I'm presently without a compressor, my 20 gallon 5.5HP oilless that is nearly 20 years old stopped working. I replaced a marginal start condensor for $25, still doesn't run. So it's either pull the motor and put it in the shop with a $25 quote fee, or buy another compressor. I've been shopping for new to used from Lowes to Craigslist from 20 to 80 gal trying to find one that "fits". The bargains are old and worn out. The "newer" used ones are as high as or higher than new ones in the store. I'm thinking a good 60gal and put it outside, for about half of new price...
I'm in the boat with you, I used to love to drive. Now I drive about 200 miles a week pulling a 20ft trailer. I'd rather take a poke in the eye with a sharp stick than drive across Tampa in morning or evening traffic. I don't even want to drive 10 miles to Brandon to fill my tank, so I'm looking at a compressor or booster also. In the long run it will eventually pay for itself in fees and time saved.
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I'm really fortunate in having a dive shop a half hour away that does 4500 fills. Nice people and filling my 74 cu. ft. from zero to 4500 psi cost me $8. I took the tank in the other day and they filled it from 2K to 4500 for $5. When I asked why it was only $5 he said "that's only a top off, not a fill". My concern is that although they've been in business for over 30 years if they were to close up it's a long way to find another fill source. I'd just like to be self sufficient.
Ed
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I watched their vids but not sure they mentioned what feeder compressor they used. It sure did kick on a lot of times in the duration of the filling. That's gonna use alot of electricity and be quite noisy. I have a smaller 65db 6g gallon tank that does 130 psi but don't want to KILL my motor on it. I also have a Craftsman 33 gallon oiless (LOUD) compressor that I'd have to run only during daylight hours so as not to wake the dead. But even that will not so good up some juice. I wonder if they were using a smaller gallon tank, hence needed constant run cycles.
I just got mine today. I have a craftsman 33gal hitting it with 95psi. It runs 4minutes on and 3 minutes off. I filled a 68ci tank from 3k to 4.5k in 20 minutes before I messed with the metering screw on the Altaros. It was doing 3min on 3.5min off before adjusting. It did 20bar on the air venturi 98cf tank in an hour. It was getting late so I quit there for the night. I have 2 water catches in front of the Altaros (one at the compressor and 1 just in front) they are both filled with silica gel and started to change color at the top 1/2 inch. The silica I added in the low pressure side in the Altaros itself did not change color at all. So seems I've got good enough water catches. It was also raining out so high humidity in the garage where the shop compressor is. The Altaros itself is in my basement. So far I'm very happy with the unit. Puts a smile on my face that I never have to drive or pump air again. I've named mine Vader lol.