Altaros compressor booster mini review

[KnifeMaker]

Thanks Bob!

My OLD shoe Box should be called the freedom 2.5 I guess! LOL!!! Never knew the numbers indicated the cfh.

Knife 

[KnifeMaker]

Both QV TOM and OLD PRO address what I have tried to explain about the dangers of using an non oil less compressor with a shoe box in the aliexpress compressor thread next to this thread.

I do indeed use a oil lubed compressor to fill the shoebox, but I have three oil separators on it. As do ALL Dive type compressors. They all have at least one. This is because dieseling is possible while compressing air at high pressure. Period!

Knife

[Dairyboy]

Dairyboy. Sorry for the childish banter. I will ignore any further issues. At least until it is at least someone who has actually seen an Altaros. LOL!!!

Knife

Lol no worries your standing up for the compressor and you have one so you understand what it is I think you have she's alot more light on it than I ever could cause you use it all the time where I've only used mine twice since owning it and still have 4000psi in my tiger shark. Your a much better example of really using the product to test it. I thank you for helping the others out in knowing what it is!!

[moorepower]

So how much is this in US$$? I have a big compressor so it might be time to upgrade from the Shoebox.

[Scubajeeper]

$603 to your door.

[Scubajeeper]

What is your opinion on this? I'm thinking about using this between my comp and the Altaros then putting a high pressure filter between the Altaros and my tank.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1-2-COMPRESSED-AIR-INLINE-PARTICULATE-FILTER-DESICCANT-DRYER-COALESCING-/171969632663?hash=item280a305997%3Ag%3ADxUAAOSw5VFWH7nG&_trkparms=pageci%253Aaf4888b9-a8fc-11e6-afe4-005056bb187b%257Cparentrq%253A59907b061580a3588b9f4352fffbbe5b%257Ciid%253A1

[straightshooter]

Not sure on that one? I think a couple folks may be using the Wilkerson Filter?:
https://www.grainger.com/product/WILKERSON-Desiccant-Air-Dryer-5Z611

This Filter was selling on ebay for 100 bucks not too long ago.

It was my understanding a high pressure filter such as the Diablo and Alpha are not necessary with the Altaros?

[Scubajeeper]

It was my understanding a high pressure filter such as the Diablo and Alpha are not necessary with the Altaros?

I'm a firm believer in overkill!

[straightshooter]

I really do not know that much about filters, but this one looks impressive, the manufacture claims that it removes 98% of the water:

[Scubajeeper]

I watched that video, I can't help but wonder why the air hose is going through the peg board. Makes you think they're up to something.

[KnifeMaker]

Thank you DairyBoy.

Folks, the act of futher compressing air after the standard filters and water sepporators have done their job, will still result in some water. It is simply a function of the fact that the more air is compressed, the more water that will be removed from it.

However, I am getting very little at the moment. (I also run several Oil separators, as I do not use an oil less compressor).

I added the Wilkerson unit a couple of weeks ago, and it is doing a fine job. I will look at the unit sold by Dman over on the Tag in a month or so. I am hearing of problems with the Diablo.

I do know that the (very expensive) unit sold by Joe B. is a very high quality unit, But also cost a bit to maintain.  It also has an advantage, as it can maintain pressure after a fill. Something some of the others  cannot do.

Knife

[ancient1one]

Ive been interested in Altaros booster since seeing on their website. Altaros makes quality products no reason the booster should be different. The only thing that would stop me is they are have no distributors in the USA.

http://www.altaros.cz/en/cms/6-distributors

A couple of my buddies use an oil/H20 separator from Dman1114(Jamie). Cost is about 1/3 of the Joe B separator and quality is the same. Dman1114 can be found on the TAG forum or a search in GTA members.

[Scubajeeper]

I realize the high pressure filters need to be under pressure to work properly, thus the reason Joe B. Puts a pressure maintaining valve on the Alpha. That may be nessesary when filling a gun directly or filling a tank from zero but, I will never have need to do either, so when I connect my tank to to fill it and open the valve, the filter will be under pressure, so I see no need to pay the extra money for a PMV. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[MJP]

You are correct, PMV is not mandatory when filling tanks that are above approx 1500psi.
Marko

[KnifeMaker]

If I do order one of the High Side Filters, it will be from Dman.

As for distributors here, I'm very happy we DON'T have any here. It would make for at least a 75% higher cost for the end Customer, unless it is from you know who. Then it will be double.

No doubt this will happen. I am very glad to be fortunate enough to get one while they are so reasonable.

Am I in trouble for this post? 

Knife

[KnifeMaker]

I would like to add that the folks at Altaroshave been very quick to respond to any questions, and ship very fast! I really don't see what a Stateside dealer would benefit us, other than may be a couple days faster receipt.

Now, a little tidbit of info. The SCBA tank valve has a (APX.), 2" tall stem protruding vertically from the valve unit when viewed in the way an SCBA Bottle is worn. All that is necessary to purge any water oppon demand, is simply modify this tube.

If you cut if off even with the base of the valve and counter it lightly, you can purge your cylinder any time. It only takes a few minutes to perform the modification, and after, only a simple puf from the valve, and water is gone!, 

Simply hold the SCBA bottle in the proper position for wearing in a Fireman's Pack and quickly open and shut the valve. (While the hose is well secured).

In other words, the bottle has to be positioned "Valve Down" for a few minutes for all moisture to collect in the valve region. With this one quick step, you're golden!

Works best after a good cool down period to allow all the condensation to give optimal results.

Sure cheaper than a High side Filter. No?

That tube is there to prevent any water entering while providing air  to the wearer of a fireman's pack. (Apparently, even industrial compressors can give some moisture, With their very expensive setups).

Since we will not be using the SCBA for actual Breathing Air, the precaution of a snorkel in the valve is null and void.  But NEVER-EVER use said Tank for breathing air once modified!!!

Knife

[ancient1one]

If I do order one of the High Side Filters, it will be from Dman.

As for distributors here, I'm very happy we DON'T have any here. It would make for at least a 75% higher cost for the end Customer, unless it is from you know who. Then it will be double.

No doubt this will happen. I am very glad to be fortunate enough to get one while they are so reasonable.

Am I in trouble for this post? 

Knife

My thoughts on were if a problem arose and the unit needed to be sent in for service the shipping cost.

[n2omike]

Just topped off a Ninja tank (similar to a guppy) from 3000-4500 with the Freedom 8. 
First stage compressor kicks on at 80 psi, and kicks off at 120.
Fill took 35 minutes.

[KnifeMaker]

If I do order one of the High Side Filters, it will be from Dman.

As for distributors here, I'm very happy we DON'T have any here. It would make for at least a 75% higher cost for the end Customer, unless it is from you know who. Then it will be double.

No doubt this will happen. I am very glad to be fortunate enough to get one while they are so reasonable.

Am I in trouble for this post? 

Knife

My thoughts on were if a problem arose and the unit needed to be sent in for service the shipping cost.

This unit is so dog simple, that if there were a problem, these Guys have been so easy to deal with, that more than likely, a simple photo and explanation of the problem would be all it would take for the remedy to be on its way to you.

As the unit is modular, not much can go wrong, that can't be fixed by simply swapping a part. Eazy, Peezy!

Knife

Did I mention it's so simple that a cave man can do it? LOL!!!

There is 2 year full warranty, and about the only thing I can see so far that would ever go wrong, is possibly stripping a thread by being ham handed, or the electronic module going out. Cheap to mail if out of warranty! 

[Scubajeeper]

Altaros has a video on YouTube where they are filling a 7L tank from 200 to 300 bar. Can anyone tell me what size tank that is in cubic feet? I've searched and have come up empty. Thanks.