Altaros compressor booster mini review

[Taso1000]

Hi All,

I attached a picture of the compressor I have.  Is it adequate for the Altaros booster?

Thanks,

Taso

[rsterne]

I would think so.... The fill rate would be the question....

Bob

[Scubajeeper]

Guys, is there anyway that the unit could be driven by a compressor and the boost air come from a tank? Could the unit be replumbed so that it could be used as a true air booster? I would love to be able to use the nitrogen out of my tanks when the pressure drops below useable levels. If you could regulate a tank to 140 Psi and feed it to the unit and use a compressor to drive it you wouldn't have to worry about moisture.

[n2omike]

Hi All,

I attached a picture of the compressor I have.  Is it adequate for the Altaros booster?

Thanks,

Taso

It will run it, but it will run almost continuously...  and when it does that, it will get hot and produce a ton of moisture. 

To make it work, you'll need to manually turn it off and on to let it rest and stay cool...  have a really good desiccator like has been detailed in this thread, and not push it.  The guy on here using a similar compressor lives in the desert with very low humidity, and still used up quite a bit of desiccant on a single fill...  and that was with letting his unit rest by only running it 50% of the time. 

So, you CAN make it work, but you'll need to constantly babysit the thing, turning it off and on enough to keep it running cool, and build a desiccant dryer like was shown on here.  The desiccant beads, themselves, can be purchased on Amazon or Ebay for a reasonable cost...  or you can buy the nice Wilkerson unit that was shown on here.  I have one of those.  They hold about a quart of beads, and can usually be found for less than $100. 

The Altaros is inexpensive, but you'll need a 240V compressor with a 2-stage pump to run it to it's potential, and truly keep it happy...  and those are around $1,200.  You can get by with a slightly smaller compressor, but you'll have to follow the above procedure.

Good Luck

[Taso1000]

So then would the Shoebox be a better booster for those without 240V, 2-stage pump compressors?

Thanks,

Taso

EDIT:  I forgot to clarify.  I just want the convenience to set it to fill my tank and walk away.  I understand the whole stopping the process to let the compressor cool but I know I'll forget to stop and start the process over and over.  Thanks, Taso

[rsterne]

Mike, I asked the same question over 2 months ago, regarding using the Altaros to boost Helium while driving it with air.... in the hopes that the manufacturer would answer.... the same day Altaros himself posted about his booster.... http://airgunguild.com/airgun-tanks-compressors-and-filling/altaros-air-compressor/15/

Crickets....

Bob

[DocMortal]

Altaros for guys that already have a really really nice compressor is a no brainer I believe knife said its about 300% faster then a shoebox because he has the flow to push it to its potential.

Shoebox is a proven entity already nice design and works.

For me I'm on a budget AND I'm not in a hurry to fill up my tank.
So if I have to wait 3 to 4 hrs to get my fill is fine. I made my own dessicant setup and i already had the water seperators so was cheap.

I spent 700 bucks and have a great reliable system that I set and walk away from.

Just really depends on what you want... Fast or Slow... what compressor you have at home ?

Lots of variables ....  for me it works great and I'm just down 700 bucks...

For you guys that have 800 to 1200 and up compressors it's a no brainer get the Altaros some type of dessicant filter and you will kill any shoebox.

For us budget minded peeps that decision is much harder and depends what your needs are.

[n2omike]

Altaros for guys that already have a really really nice compressor is a no brainer I believe knife said its about 300% faster then a shoebox because he has the flow to push it to its potential.

Yea, what I'm saying...  is that a non commercial compressor will not feed the capacity of the Altaros, and will run continuously.  It will need to be cycled off and on manually in order to not get too hot, and spew mass amounts of water. 

If you want a machine that 'can' pump high pressure air for cheap, don't mind babysitting it, and have the proper desiccant filters...  it might work just fine.  It will just take a very long time, and it won't be 'set it and forget it' unless you have a commercial grade 240V 2-stage compressor to drive it.  Anything else will run continuously, and create major heat/moisture problems.

Good Luck!

[Old Corps]

The Altaros is inexpensive, but you'll need a 240V compressor with a 2-stage pump to run it to it's potential, and truly keep it happy...  and those are around $1,200.  You can get by with a slightly smaller compressor, but you'll have to follow the above procedure.

Good Luck
[/quote]

Which is why it looks like it'd be a better idea for ME to save my pennies for an Omega Air Charger @ $1400. I've read several reviews, all pretty positive.

Ed

[n2omike]

Which is why it looks like it'd be a better idea for ME to save my pennies for an Omega Air Charger @ $1400. I've read several reviews, all pretty positive.

Ed

These prices are crazy... 

You can go to Tractor Supply and buy a commercial Ingersol Rand 240V 2-stage compressor with an 80 gallon tank weighing 400-500 lbs....   for the same price as one of those little Omegas...  if not less.   

Crazy how the Chinese can sell stuff so cheap.  (and yes, the vast majority of IR compressors are either made in China, and/or are just assembled here using Chinese parts)

Seems like we should be able to buy something like the Omega for around $400.

[KnifeMaker]

N2O, With respect, have you ever posted a comment that was NOT negative?

Folks, go the the TAG and research The Omega. It does a good job, but there are issues aplenty.

For the record, this is the unit I use from tractor supply. It just happens to be on sale right now for 50 bucks  off list!  It is capable of 100% Duty Cycle. Porter cable has a similar unit a little over 400 bucks that is a 50% Duty Cycle unit. both made in the USA.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005


There are now two versions of the IR. I purchased the Non Industrial version 9-10 years ago for my  Cylinder Head Porting business for Drag Racing.  It has performed all these years with zero issues.

[n2omike]

N2O, With respect, have you ever posted a comment that was NOT negative?

Folks, go the the TAG and research The Omega. It does a good job, but there are issues aplenty.

For the record, this is the unit I use from tractor supply. It just happens to be on sale right now for 50 bucks  off list!  It is capable of 100% Duty Cycle. Porter cable has a similar unit a little over 400 bucks that is a 50% Duty Cycle unit. both made in the USA.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005


There are now two versions of the IR. I purchased the Non Industrial version 9-10 years ago for my  Cylinder Head Porting business for Drag Racing.  It has performed all these years with zero issues.

Some positive stuff...

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=69190.0

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=97715.20

I ported the heads and intake on the mustang in my avatar.  It's a factory block, pump gas n/a, solid flat tappet 306 with a 200hp Top Gun plate out of the 1990's that is shifted at only 6800 rpm...  that is run through a stock toploader 4-speed and 4.33 Detroit Locker with a 28x9 tire.  It's a street car, and weighs 3250 lb with me in it.  Last week, it ran a personal best of 9.88 @ 135.36 mph.  6.29 @ 109 in the 1/8.  1.39 60ft.

I build the engines, port the heads, intake, select the cams, etc...  also build the transmissions and rear ends. 
This engine has the very first generation 170cc Twisted Wedge heads...  as all the parts were procured in 1995...  as the previous engine lasted for 12 years before I took it out.  This one had been in the car just as long, before I removed it for a refreshening last year.  Next engine will be a more serious 363 with High Ports.

It's not a full race car, but runs really well for what it is.  I know my way around the mechanical realm, and can do a lot more than just point out the negative.

The Altaros is an AIR HOG.  Trying to run one with a small compressor will result in the compressor running 100% of the time, and never shutting off.  When it does this, it gets hot and starts spewing moisture.  To effectively use the Altaros with a small compressor, it will need to be manually shut on and off to allow it to cool.  This will be a PITA, and take forever to fill up the tank.  A GOOD desiccant will also be mandatory.  It's simple physics.  No way around it.

And for the record...  those are NOT the compressors you use.  You mentioned yours goes up to 175psi.  That takes a 2-stage pump.  These only go up to 135psi max, and only have a single stage pump.  A unit like yours is around $1,200. 

[rsterne]

I have heard a lot of opinions about suitable compressors, and the effect they have on the moisture content of the air for use with the Altaros (or a ShoeBox, for that matter).... Here is my understanding of the Physics....

1. The higher the humidity of your environment, the more water in each CF of air.... The higher the temperature, the more water the air can hold....
2. If your humidity is 15%, once compressed to 90 psi, it is now 100% at the same temperature.... Therefore, most "shop air" is 100% humidity....
3. Each CF of air, once compressed enough that the humidity is 100%, will separate into liquid water and air saturated with water at whatever temperature it is at....
4. If you have a small compressor, running continuously (or nearly so), the air coming out of the outlet of the tank will be hot, and so will contain more water vapour....
5. If you have a large compressor, with a large tank, that only runs for a short duty cycle, the air in the tank has time to cool somewhat, and some of the water condenses in the tank and must be periodically drained....
6. In virtually every case, unless you dry the air after it exits your shop compressor.... you will be feeding your Altaros or ShoeBox with 100% humid air.... Further compression WILL produce liquid water at the outlet, once cooled to room temperature....
7. We are compressing the air about 200-300 times to fill our guns and tanks.... Drying the air before your shop compressor down to 1% humidity is still not good enough to prevent 100% humidity at your tank or gun....
8. Drying the air between the shop compressor and the Altaros or ShoeBox is much better, but even 3% humidity there will mean 100% humidity at 4500 psi....

There are a few things to be learned from the above....

1. Drying the air before your shop compressor is pretty much useless.... Dryers work better when the humidity is high, they aren't great at removing the last few percent....
2. Drying the air after your shop compressor is MUCH better, but you are still likely to end up with some water in your tank or gun....
3. To get completely dry air for your tank or gun, you must dry the air AFTER compressing it, and high pressure drying filters are expensive....
4. HOWEVER, if you fill a tank, and then use that tank to fill your gun, the air in the gun will be LESS THAN 100% HUMIDITY BECAUSE THE PRESSURE IS LOWER.... Water will collect in the tank, however....

Now, specifically for the Altaros....

1. It uses air from your shop compressor to drive it, and it's HUNGRY for air, if you want a decent fill rate.... That means a large CFM rating shop compressor if you want faster fills....
2. The larger your storage tank, the more chance you have for water to cool and condense in the tank.... but a large tank has nothing to do with the fill rate or duty cycle....
3. Using a series of tanks (2 or more) can allow the air to cool after your shop compressor, and more water to collect in the tanks, with less needing removal downstream....
4. If you are using a small CFM compressor, I would think about using a second (say 10 gal.) tank, with a water trap and/or dessicant filter before the second tank, and a dessicant filter after it....

This would actually be a useful setup for any size shop compressor, running an Altaros or ShoeBox.... The more you can do to cool and dry the air before feeding your high-pressure compressor, the drier the output air will be.... You could even install your regulator between the two tanks (ie run the second tank at your regulated feed pressure for the Altaros or ShoeBox) because expanding the air between the two tanks will cause more moisture to drop out before the second tank.... You should still have a dessicant filter before your high-pressure compressor....

Bob


 

[n2omike]

Spot on, Bob.

For the record, this is the unit I use from tractor supply. It just happens to be on sale right now for 50 bucks  off list!  It is capable of 100% Duty Cycle. Porter cable has a similar unit a little over 400 bucks that is a 50% Duty Cycle unit. both made in the USA.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005

The ones you listed are only single stage.  You've said yours is a 175psi unit, which would be 2-stage.
These listed would still be a MAJOR improvement over what most are using.

This is the best deal there.  A 2-stage 175psi 80 gallon unit for $999 on sale.


http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal?cm_vc=-10005

[Old Corps]

Wow, all I can say is I SURE HOPE my local dive shop that does 4500 psi fills stays around as long as I do!

Ed

[Taso1000]

Wow, all I can say is I SURE HOPE my local dive shop that does 4500 psi fills stays around as long as I do!

Ed

Ed,

If the close, buy their compressor lol.  Maybe they'll sell it to you cheap since you're a loyal customer.

Taso

[Old Corps]

Wow, all I can say is I SURE HOPE my local dive shop that does 4500 psi fills stays around as long as I do!

Ed

Ed,

If the close, buy their compressor lol.  Maybe they'll sell it to you cheap since you're a loyal customer.

Taso

Now there's a great idea! Can't be more than $10K................

Ed

[Taso1000]

Ed,

They cost that much?  Sorry.  I didn't know that.  And I thought the Bauers were expensive!   

I'm thinking a Shoebox Max for my use and budget.

Taso

[Old Corps]

Taso-
I really don't know what it cost but it can't be MORE than $10K...........I don't think.

I keep thinking about an Omega Air Charger.

Ed

[KnifeMaker]

N2O, With respect, have you ever posted a comment that was NOT negative?

Folks, go the the TAG and research The Omega. It does a good job, but there are issues aplenty.

For the record, this is the unit I use from tractor supply. It just happens to be on sale right now for 50 bucks  off list!  It is capable of 100% Duty Cycle. Porter cable has a similar unit a little over 400 bucks that is a 50% Duty Cycle unit. both made in the USA.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005


There are now two versions of the IR. I purchased the Non Industrial version 9-10 years ago for my  Cylinder Head Porting business for Drag Racing.  It has performed all these years with zero issues.

Some positive stuff...

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=69190.0

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=97715.20

I ported the heads and intake on the mustang in my avatar.  It's a factory block, pump gas n/a, solid flat tappet 306 with a 200hp Top Gun plate out of the 1990's that is shifted at only 6800 rpm...  that is run through a stock toploader 4-speed and 4.33 Detroit Locker with a 28x9 tire.  It's a street car, and weighs 3250 lb with me in it.  Last week, it ran a personal best of 9.88 @ 135.36 mph.  6.29 @ 109 in the 1/8.  1.39 60ft.

I build the engines, port the heads, intake, select the cams, etc...  also build the transmissions and rear ends. 
This engine has the very first generation 170cc Twisted Wedge heads...  as all the parts were procured in 1995...  as the previous engine lasted for 12 years before I took it out.  This one had been in the car just as long, before I removed it for a refreshening last year.  Next engine will be a more serious 363 with High Ports.

It's not a full race car, but runs really well for what it is.  I know my way around the mechanical realm, and can do a lot more than just point out the negative.

The Altaros is an AIR HOG.  Trying to run one with a small compressor will result in the compressor running 100% of the time, and never shutting off.  When it does this, it gets hot and starts spewing moisture.  To effectively use the Altaros with a small compressor, it will need to be manually shut on and off to allow it to cool.  This will be a PITA, and take forever to fill up the tank.  A GOOD desiccant will also be mandatory.  It's simple physics.  No way around it.

And for the record...  those are NOT the compressors you use.  You mentioned yours goes up to 175psi.  That takes a 2-stage pump.  These only go up to 135psi max, and only have a single stage pump.  A unit like yours is around $1,200.

Nope, never said mine goes to 175 psi. You are confusing some of the smaller compressors shown in this thread. (Which were oilless if I remember correctly.
  Mine is factory set to 135 and I bumped it to 140 psi.  with  11.2 cfm at 90 psi and it allows the Albatross to put out well over 800/near 900 psi per hour into a 88 cf scba bottle. With VERY little moisture. It is running 7 min. and off 6 minutes, and is giving fairly cool air.

The unit linked is now built to 15. cfm at 90. Which is higher than my older otherwise identical unit at 11.2 cfm at 90 psi. Which is what I now the pressure I feed to the altaros.

Knife