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THE AIR LINE
STORY. |
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THE
COMPETITOR'S STORY. |
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1. Developed direct-drive, for dive compressors, in 1998.
Introduced the new technology in May, 1999, based upon
proven technology of compressor giant, Thomas Industries.
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- 1. Followed with their own version of in-house assemblies
in August 1999.
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2. Incorporates specific, proprietary, compressor
features, inside and out: Acrylic, Electro coating on
housing, head, cover, valve plate and piston rod top provide
unparalleled resistance to the marine environment.
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2. No marine protection with exception of stainless-steel
compressor cover, which is irrelevant as internal parts are
uncoated and moisture WILL intrude.
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- 3. Fully vented, unobstructed compressor cover for bearing
heat reduction. Venting provides immediate access to
internal parts, for post-dive wash out, with no disassembly.
This coupled with the extraordinary marine features
mentioned in #2 are simply just not duplicated ----anywhere----by anyone.
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3. Three small slits on one model, no vents on other.
However, compressors are nestled deep inside
fiberglass, mounting pans, with only 2" of top of
compressor showing. Cover is no more than one inch from pan
wall effectively creating a heat shield. To do an internal
rinse, unit would have to be unbolted from mounting pan and,
in one case, cover would have to be removed as well.
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4. Fully U.S. made to precise standards, and assembled to
Honda motors by Thomas technicians at 500,000 s.f.,
Wisconsin facility. (Go Packers) |
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4. Major components are made in Taiwan based upon Thomas
patents. Parts are then put together and mounted to Robin,
or Honda motors in house. (Robin? Really?)
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- 5. Over 1,000 service locations through 55 year old,
Thomas Industries international network.
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5. Compressor service and warranty issues are handled at a
single location. |
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6. Commercial quality compressors are engineered to run all day,
every day, at 3,400 to 3,600 rpm for maximum air delivery. |
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6. Compressors are run at 2,600 to 2,900 RPM to prevent
bearing overheating. It is a simple rule of
mechanical physics that slower running speeds reduce
delivered air volume.
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7. High-flow, solid-brass, nickel-plated, glass-like
swivel fittings. Essentially indestructible. Maximum air. |
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7. A series of eight, plastic, snap together fittings with
¹" ID, between the compressor hose and the second stage
regulator. (see also 6 and 8)
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8. Individual 60' down hoses for maximum air (which is
what you are buying) and greater freedom around
obstructions, such as rock formations and wrecks. In case of
equipment failure, there is an air reserve in each hose,
providing self-sufficiency. Consider the same scenario with
a single down hose. |
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8. One, 60' by 3/8" air delivery hose to be shared by
all participants, which splits off to individual 20' by
5/16" hoses. This configuration coupled to #6 and #7
understandably affects amount of delivered breathable air.
There are, also, two other issues involved here, which we
can discuss over cocktail hour. What time, and where?
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9. A so-so gear bag. |
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9. A very nice gear bag.
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