Dive Rite Optima FX eCCR

The O2ptima FX Rebreather is a compact,  electronics-driven fully closed circuit constant PO2 design rebreather (eCCR). Supplied by Dive Rite, a large and well-established U.S. based dive equipment company, the O2ptima FX was designed by a collaboration of diving experts. The O2ptima FX combines the benefits of the Micropore designed ExtendAir cartridge based CO2 scrubber, Dive Rites proven regulators, and the Hammerhead closed circuit, mixed gas controller and decompression computer from Juergensen Marine.

To be ready to dive, the O2ptima FX rebreather diver needs only to add the supply cylinders and buoyancy control system. The O2ptima accepts a very wide range of cylinder sizes from aluminum 13's to steel 27's. For buoyancy control, the O2ptima can utilize the Dive Rite TransPac, TransPlate, or any backplate and harness system coupled with one of Dive Rite's many air cells. Less the cylinders, the entire unit can be carry-on luggage for most airlines.

IDC Scuba is an Authorized Dealer for the O2ptima eCCR. We offer sales of the O2ptima rebreather, along with a complete inventory of accessories, spares and consumables. We also offer training on the unit as well as service and repairs.

IDC Scuba offer a great 24 month interest free payment plan for those wanting to purchase one of these units.

Breakdown as follows:

Unit Cost: AUS $10,500.00*  (Includes tanks) 

$4500.00 Deposit
$6000.00 on Ezi-pay 24 month interest free ($250.00 a month)

*Price may fluctuate due to the changing US exchange rate.

The O2ptima rebreather requires formal training for safe use. The O2ptima pricing does not include training, and full training is available through IDC Scuba . The training time is five days consisting of classroom lectures, confined water session and at least seven OW dives. On completion you will receive a TDI or IANTD certification.

Cost of Training is AUS $1350.00 (Plus Consumables)
 
When you purchase your Dive Rite O2ptima, we suggest you immediately complete the required O2ptima Liability Release, and the Micropore Liability Release, and then fax both to IDC Scuba. When you begin training, because the liability releases are already on file, your instructor will only need contact Dive Rite and provide the serial number of your unit. Dive Rite will register the serial number of the unit in your name and issue, only to your instructor, the handset PIN codes required to enable the electronics.

Highlights of the O2ptima rebreather include:

Breathing Loop
The scrubber canister is positioned horizontally behind the divers head. This position offers many benefits: decreased breathing loop length, lower breathing resistance, and improved buoyancy trim. The axial flow scrubber canister contains a water trap, provides simple and quick replacement of the CO2 absorbent and allows easy access to the three oxygen sensors. The dual over-the-shoulder counterlungs are independently shoulder/front-mounted and position adjustable to provide the most effective breathing configuration for your body. Each lung is fitted with a swivel valve for manual addition of your gases and the valve accepts standard BC-type quick release hose fittings. The oxygen and diluent manual addition valves are designed to operate differently from each other. The exhalation tee contains an additional water trap and the counterlung includes an OPV with spin-valve, providing for the easy the removal of any trapped water, even while underwater. Also included as standard is an Auto Diluent Valve (ADV) which automatically adds diluent into the breathing loop during descent as the gas in the loop compresses, and includes an inline shutoff valve. The low-maintenance mouthpiece, called the Dive/Surface Valve (DSV), is compact and uses a friction seal so there are no o-rings to wear out and replace. The O2ptima DSV is designed for easy one-handed open/close operation.

The O2ptima rebreather is designed to use the ExtendAir EP Cartridge CO2 absorbent manufactured by Micropore, Inc. ExtendAir cartridges are a revolutionary new technology that solves many of the problems associated with traditional granular carbon dioxide absorbents. ExtendAir absorbents use the same chemistry as granular absorbents but in the form of easy-to-use cartridges that are quickly loaded into the scrubber canister (even under adverse conditions). The individually sealed cartridges need only be opened immediately prior to use and are date stamped to assure freshness. ExtendAir cartridges eliminate problems of channelling and duration variability associated with granular absorbents because they eliminate both settling and individual differences in canister filling technique. ExtendAir cartridges also eliminate the problem of absorbent dust contamination in the breathing loop. The O2ptima scrubber is more compact and light weight than granular adsorbent scrubbers, because ExtendAir cartridges are more efficient with more consistent performance. These are available as a consumable item through IDC Scuba.

Hammerhead Electronics Package
The O2ptima rebreather is powered by the newest generation of the Hammerhead closed circuit, mixed gas controller and decompression computer from Juergensen Marine. Hammerhead electronic CCR controllers are in use on nearly every model of commercially available closed-circuit rebreather, with hundreds of Hammerheads in service worldwide. The electronics CCR control system utilizes two separate electronics handsets with Delrin housings that are completely independent and pressure tested to 600 feet. The handset displays do not share any electronics and are independently powered with each handset using it's own battery. The only shared components are the oxygen sensors which are accessed individually by the handsets. The handset controls use piezoelectric switches that are hermetically sealed, unaffected by depth and contain no moving parts or magnets. The low-weight Hammerhead Delrin handset case and electronics offers several new features including battery voltage monitoring, O2 calibration at altitude and a battery door that does not require tools. Highlights of other Hammerhead Electronics features include:
Primary Handset -- The Primary Handset, normally worn on the wrist, is responsible for maintaining the chosen PO2 set-point by firing the oxygen injection solenoid using voting logic with the three oxygen sensors. The Primary display shows the measured PO2 for the three oxygen sensors, dive time, actual and max depth, and decompression information. Decompression information includes required stop obligations and time-to-surface calculation.
Secondary Handset -- The completely redundant, independently powered and electrically isolated Secondary Handset can also be worn on the wrist, clipped off, or carried in a special waist-mounted handset pocket. The secondary display shows the three individual oxygen sensor values plus the average PO2, any alerts, and is the controller for the Heads-Up-Display. The Secondary will also provide dive time, actual and max depth, and temperature information. As an option the secondary can be enabled with a PIN code to also provide full decompression information.
Heads-Up-Display (HUD) -- The HUD offers two methods to monitor your loop PO2 via the heads-up display using a color LED mounted on the DSV. The first method is the user set-point mode, which displays Green, Yellow or Red depending on variance from set-point. The second method is the PO2 mode, where the actual loop PO2 for each of three sensors is displayed via a flashing code.
Display Integrated Vibrating Alarm (DIVA) -- When activated by the computer, the DIVA transmits a distinct vibration, light and sound to the diver as an alert to an emergency situation.
Bühlmann ZH-16 Deco Algorithm with Gradient Factors -- Bühlmann-based algorithms are among the most widely used decompression models, and the ZH-L16 algorithm is programmed into many of today's dive computers. The improvement of Gradient Factors allows the diver unique and individual control of their dive computer decompression calculations.
Full Nitrox/Trimix/Heliox Support -- The dive computer supports any breathing mixture of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Helium. As many as ten different gas mixes can be pre-defined by the diver and selected at any time during a dive. The O2ptima includes full Trimix support as a standard feature.
Imperial or Metric Units of Measure -- The computer can be set to display depths in either feet of sea water, or meters of sea water.
Automatic Activation and Shutdown - The electronics will automatically activate when the diver enters the water, even if the unit was not activated beforehand. The unit automatically controls the solenoid whenever the electronics are activated. The electronics may be set to automatically shutdown at a user-definable time ranging between 2 and 30 minutes provided the unit is dry and on the surface.
These features are just the highlights of the Hammerhead controller, for more details consult the HammerHead User Electronics Manual Rev 2.01.

Regulators and SPGs
The O2ptima rebreather uses the highly reliable and easily serviceable Dive Rite RG1208 first stage regulator. The two regulators each have a Dive Rite Over Pressure Valve installed in a low pressure port. Each regulator also has a Dive Rite compact 1.5-inch submersible pressure gauge (SPG) and the Oxygen SPG has a color coded green boot. The oxygen regulator supplies a manual addition valve and the oxygen injection solenoid. The diluent regulator supplies a manual addition valve and a multi-port manifold block to simplify hose routing. The diluent manifold block supplies the ADV, BC inflator hose, and a bailout second stage or LP accessory hose such as a drysuit inflator.

Cylinder Options
The O2ptima FX design has an adjustable foot, aluminum plate (introduced in Aug/09) and mounting system that allows the diver to choose between a large variety of gas supply cylinders. Divers of varying statures will appreciate this flexibility as they can customize their O2ptima to fit their body type as well as adjust the weight of the unit by selecting cylinders that are lighter or heavier. The FX shape is narrower at the base, allowing easy access to cylinder valves. The O2ptima FX rebreather base unit price does not include cylinders or valves. The O2ptima FX model will accept a variety of cylinder sizes using standard left and right modular DIN valves. Including the valve, the maximum cylinder dimensions are 18.5-inches in length by 5.5-inches in diameter. For O2ptima FX "Sport" configurations we suggest aluminum 13 cubic foot capacity cylinders, which minimizes the O2ptima total weight. The 13's are more than adequate to support over three hours of sport diving, but we recommend carrying an external bailout. The O2ptima FX may also be configured with aluminum 20 cubic foot cylinders. With the additional volume of the AL-20 cylinders, diluent capacity is sufficient to support on-board bailout for the sport diver, and provides plenty of oxygen capacity even with transfer under filling.

Harness and Air cell Options (Extra)
The O2ptima rebreather provides standard 11-inch centers mounting which accepts any of Dive Rite's buoyancy control systems. The diver may choose from an enormous variety of BC configurations including the ultra comfortable TransPac or TransPlate systems. The diver may even choose traditional webbing harness systems, incorporating aluminum or stainless steel backplates. Choose from a variety of Dive Rite's air cells, depending upon your buoyancy requirements. Note the harness and air cell are priced separately and not included in the base price of the O2ptima.

Physical Characteristics
The O2ptima FX light weight aluminum and stainless steel frame holds all the components securely in place, has a carry handle and stands upright for storage, as well as being streamlined to fit body contours, particularly on smaller individuals. The exceptionally durable fabric cover is a combination of Rhinotec and Cordura with reflective stripes to improve visibility in low light or silty conditions. The O2ptima FX cover allows for easy access to both the scrubber canister and gas supply cylinders. Quick release clips allow divers to open the top only or bottom only rather than having to remove the entire cover. Weight pockets, one on each side of the canister-portion of the cover, can handle 5-lbs of weight. The O2ptima FX is an adjustable 22 to 25 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep and the weight (without cylinders and absorbent) is less than 28 pounds. Although airline luggage restrictions vary widely, the O2ptima FX qualifies as "carry-on" with many airlines.

Consumables
The recommended consumables are: Saft LS14500 3.6V size "AA" lithium battery (two required), Micropore ExtendAir EP CO2 absorbent cartridge (one required), Dupont RelyOn MDC (formerly Virkon) 1% solution for breathing loop disinfection, Tribolube 71 O2 Compatible Lubricant oxygen compatible lubricant for O-ring seals, and Caig Labs DeoxIT GOLD for cleaning gold electrical contacts. All are available through IDC Scuba.

For more details on the unit please contact Rubens on 03 5984-1799