Fun Little Cascade Project [56K Will Commit Suicide]

[n00b 0f l337]

Not a normal start, nor a normal setup, but I think you'll like watching the progression, I know I like to :P
So you might be able to guess whats going on, and what goes where, and what is what, if you have any questinos why not ask. The first half, or pictures basically of tonights stuff, could comprise a very good chiller, but instead is the first half of the cascade, and this could easily be a start for a great single stage, all about how you approach it ;)

And into the pics of todays progress.
The Base!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP1.jpg
Opening the damn thing.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP2.jpg
Ooo nice packing, (Note to self: Save this!)
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP3.jpg
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP4.jpg
Who needs this crap anyway? :rofl:
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP5.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP6.jpg
Nice plug! Keeping that as well!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP7.jpg
Now that's a sweet image right there! 5000Btuh rated condenser with fan!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP8.jpg
Nice side grills, where air is drawn in.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP9.jpg
Nice front with filter and overall look.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP11.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Lets break this thing open! And definitly keeping that top and front, has a nice filter as you can see. Easy to get into with those nice screws too!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP12.jpg
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP13.jpg
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP14.jpg
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP15.jpg
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP16.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Time to rip out this crap.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP17.jpg
Nice evap, too bad!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP18.jpg
QS072CCA. Tasty, this things tall still unlike Rechi's, however thin!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP19.jpg
Removing more pieces.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP20.jpg
And look at this nice spot for a controller!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP21.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

But who really wants this crap?

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP22.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP23.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP24.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP25.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP26.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Captain Cascade beware! No filter but its definitly angled upwards! *GASP!* (just joshing mate, you know your right)
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP27.jpg
Now to get into that Evap box.....
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP28.jpg
Off with its head!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP29.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP30.jpg
And off with the recirculator! Its really a blower fan of sorts, sucks air through the Evap and throws it left and right.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP31.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

And out with the Evap box foam...
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP32.jpg
And bend that evap out of the way.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP33.jpg
Uh oh! A nubbly!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP34.jpg
I got a solution for that.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP35.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP36.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Ya know what they say. Location location location. This was the quick planning stage. Then some piping.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP37.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP38.jpg
I'd eat this stuff if I could.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP39.jpg
Just a shot of the room and parts.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP40.jpg
Look at that, easy as pie. Throw some 3/16 up, down into a nice filter. Hey look its pointing down!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP41.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP42.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP43.jpg


And thats it for tonight! First stage brazed, and now pressure testing!

[BNDMOD]

yayayaya... my god you do it easy

[n00b 0f l337]

Boredum is the mind killer ;)

[yngndrw]

Looks good, I really wish we could get Window AC units like that over here, for the prices you guys get them. :(

[n00b 0f l337]

Price ain't bad, it's what you can do with them. I bet I could do a 3 stager inside a 8k Btuh window ac box. Small compressors besides the 8k of course, go with some with close boiling points. Maybe R290/R170/R1150. Cheap way to the -100C range probably. Though I think a autoc at that range is much more potent, and you could replace the 8k Roto with dual 1/2hp pretty easy for 15.5cc goodness.

[philbrown23]

wow you phase guys are carayzeee

[n00b 0f l337]

Hahahaha aren't we all a little nuts deep down?

[ben333]

Some very sexy AC mods :up:

[[XC] gomeler]

A very nice start, should be a cheap yet effective cascade :up:

[captaincascade]

Its amazing what you can do with a window ac. good job, lets see some temps!!

[wdrzal]

Its amazing what you can do with a window ac. good job, lets see some temps!!

I still can't figure how they can produce them half way around the world,compressor,evap,condenser,case & electrics and, (manufacturer makes a profit),ship them to the USA(shipper profits) Sell at Sam's club(they profit) All for $80.00 dollars. :shrug:

hell I bet it would cost more to just ship 1 unit from the east coast to the west coast. :shrug::shrug::shrug:

[n00b 0f l337]

Heh I don't care at that price ;) I think the trick is ordering 10,000 of them to get the compressor for $6, and such.

[teyber]

Heh I don't care at that price ;) I think the trick is ordering 10,000 of them to get the compressor for $6, and such.

just an fyi. sorry for ot. i just realized- its 4:30 am nol and ive been chatting with you all night. don't you sleep?

[n00b 0f l337]

Sleep?

[Marvin_The_Martian]

I luv prutty pics :up:

Very interested in the rest of the pics, and maybe a diagram?

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/simplecascade.JPG

Tada.

Rest of the pics as I build the thing ;)

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Cool thanks nol, I might ask some questions to you soon. Though I would still need a damn dutch local to fill/tune the damn thing! Want to fix my ss and I to have an ac unit, so pictorial threads with diagram always get me abit... mad at myself for not getting started sooner, I'm getting older you know :D

What is the hpco btw?

[n00b 0f l337]

High pressure cut off.
It's a safety valve, gets wired in on the live wire of the AC, you set a pressure on it and it will kill power above that pressure. The ones I have I really like, adjustable from 50 to 450 psi, and manual reset by a neon green button on top of it.

[Marvin_The_Martian]

:doh: :am:

Sorry, should have known from the letters ( and the motherload of threads I read already on the subject )

Ygpm so I won't derail the thread :)

[n00b 0f l337]

Here's fine, deraillings fine, just don't try and rail me.

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Already sent the pm but ok :D it's still on the clipboard anyway ( the original posting )

I have an ac unit, and a busted ss. Always wonderd how much of a problem it would be getting those transformed into a cascade, but there are no builders close enough to me ( and more important maybe, cheap enough lol ).

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1623/ssa40782oz9.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ssa40782oz9.jpg)
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9843/ssa40814nd3.th.jpg (http://img238.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ssa40814nd3.jpg)
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/8476/ssa40805rm0.th.jpg (http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ssa40805rm0.jpg)

Think you remember the ss, black wooden board? Anyway, idk if that compressor would be any good, but I recon the AC has some nice features ( condenser is huge and compressor looks pretty big to me ( sorry for blurry pics, where made with my old camera ).

[n00b 0f l337]

Responded to your PM.

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Yeah thanks! So it would be a good first stage you recon? My german isn't real good, but the 1050w rating, could I just assume that's how much load the condenser is able to disipate? So up to 1050w load this assembly would hold it's ground?

[n00b 0f l337]

No I think that was input power, pointing to about a 16000 btuh system. Maybe more or so. Thats really rather big.

EDIT: OKay 5:30 AM, time for a power nap, wake up in oh, seven hour, drain that compressor, add Zerol, pipe and braze, braze, braze, braze, and see what the hell this thing might do :P
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/EarlyMorn.Jpg

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Cascasde in a day © By NoL :rofl: Will be watching I suppose ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

See now all day, you guys will be F5'in this page, just waiting, watching, and really its all planned. You now have to wait 7-8 hours while I snooze away the day ;)

[Marvin_The_Martian]

That's mean and you wouldn't do that... would you :p:


This forum requires that you wait 70 seconds between posts. Please try again in 19 seconds.
Arggh!!!!!

[loonym]

See now all day, you guys will be F5'in this page, just waiting, watching, and really its all planned. Amazing progress and great pics :clap:

[Marvin_The_Martian]

:poke: playing games NoL? Update's please :cheer:


This forum requires that you wait 70 seconds between posts. Please try again in 10 seconds.

:rolleyes:

[one_servant]

Wow, NOL, I leave for a few hours and come back to this post! Keep up the good work man! I'm really excited to see this sucker come together. Cheers!

[n00b 0f l337]

Ok! I am now away, now to see where I left off :P

[n00b 0f l337]

Changing the oil in the roto, boy is this a pain in the arse. Gotta sit there for an hour or two and jiggle the damn thing.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP44.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP45.jpg

And here's the nice looking lineset. Maybe it's not 4ft, might be 5ft, who knows, its long, he'll like it :P
Chilly1 style modified evap at the end, hot gas bypass line and refrigerant line can be seen. Braid will be going over once she's all done and brazed up and insulated.

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP46.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP47.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Now I can explain why this looks like a teenage drinking party.
Okay so odd system but it works!
Now the rotary contains 180cc of oil from the factory.
I'm not good with holding up my hands and telling you how much is there, and I don't know anyone who is. I also don't want to dirty up the cooking ware. Thus the following system.

Oil out of rotary goes in a plastic party cup, who knows what size that is.
180cc is 3/4 of a cup basically. Therefore, pour 3/4 of a cup of water into ANOTHER IDENTICAL party cup.
Compare height of liquids.
Realize I've got about the exact same, of course, less of the oil but only a mm or two less.
Jump and shout, run a few victory laps.
Now, taking ANOTHER IDENTICAL party cup, pour in XXX height of Zerol 150, as shown, to th e same height as the oil cup. Woohoo. Now I know most of the oils out, and I have about the same amount to put in...


One problem....

*view last picture*

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP48.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP49.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP50.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP51.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP52.jpg

[Stelios]

Can you find a syringe ?? I use a big one (50ml) for this purpose .

[n00b 0f l337]

Sorry no syringes, I've been clean going on 19 years ;)
Got a funnel though ;)

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Lol NoL g/l, you did have me wait today though :up: And I was just about to say an empty botle makes a good funnel if you cut it in half :)

[[XC] 2long4u]

I have a bunch of 60 ml syringes from my son. Noob if you need a few hit me up on a PM. They come in handy for a bunch of things.

[yngndrw]

Question: Do you need to repeat the oil change to make sure that the two different oils aren't mixed too much ?

[n00b 0f l337]

Question: Do you need to repeat the oil change to make sure that the two different oils aren't mixed too much ?
No, Zerol is AB actually, just special AB.

Here's an update, or well pics of the update, and expect more later

Got my funnel, but wait, it's too big!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP53.jpg
Time for.... ELECTRICAL TAPE!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP54.jpg
Temp wiring and such, and well, sorta replugged, new oil inside.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP55.jpg

[eXa]

80 bucks for an AC unit?:eek: I want one!

[n00b 0f l337]

Piping piping *whistle away*
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP56.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP57.jpg
HPCO and a Solenoid for Hot gas bypassin

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP58.jpg
ZOMG Braze!

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP59.jpg
Now ain't that just tight nit ;)

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP60.jpg
MMmmmm captube, not easy to wrap that by the way.

[teyber]

your in my garage. steelin mah hpco's

[n00b 0f l337]

Ha, me stealing yours, now theres some irony.
I actually had 4 more then I thought!

[Raadster]

Please people remember to be safe, when taking photo's using a camera or cell phone you may hurt yourself.

Safety is paramount.

[teyber]

Ha, me stealing yours, now theres some irony.
I actually had 4 more then I thought!

nice :p: haha it was a jk. that B8stard bought the rest of the 21 of them... how dare s/he :p: glad i still have ten here.

Are the stages holding pressure?

[n00b 0f l337]

First stage is :), second will get the same treatment soon.

[teyber]

Please people remember to be safe, when taking photo's using a camera or cell phone you may hurt yourself.

Safety is paramount.

i think you messed up something-

How can you take pictures unless you use a camera of cell phone:p:

[n00b 0f l337]

Heh I think he was making a joke.

[mytekcontrols]

Glad to see you recycling AC units into something a bit more interesting. Did I start something?

Looking good :up:

[n00b 0f l337]

Hahaha you RE-inspired.
Actually the phase community has often started with window ac's for chillers and such. But you showed how they could become beautiful ;)

[teyber]

No, Zerol is AB actually, just special AB.

Here's an update, or well pics of the update, and expect more later

Got my funnel, but wait, it's too big!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP53.jpg
Time for.... ELECTRICAL TAPE!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP54.jpg
Temp wiring and such, and well, sorta replugged, new oil inside.
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP55.jpg

wait


just kicked in. zerol 150- your using r14?

[wdrzal]

Try removing the accumulator. unplugging the capacitor is also a good idea, A charged cap can discharge or just the static electricity can ignite the the O2/ oils vapors Or O2/refrigerant vapors with the correct Fuel /air mixture.

[* icy *]

can't wait for results :clap:

i'm still missing some parts for mine cascade :rolleyes:

[mytekcontrols]

Oh I forgot to mention that I really liked the step-by-step pictorial AC dis-assembly that you did. It clearly conveys what is there to begin with, and what to get rid of or modify.

Got a question; how are you planning to insulate the plate HX? Got something cool in mind (no pun intended)?

[Eppikk]

Its getting real 1337 dude!

[n00b 0f l337]

wait
just kicked in. zerol 150- your using r14?
Nope just going larger bore captube and no oil sep. Shouldn't need one for the temp range.

Try removing the accumulator. unplugging the capacitor is also a good idea, A charged cap can discharge or just the static electricity can ignite the the O2/ oils vapors Or O2/refrigerant vapors with the correct Fuel /air mixture.
All done already Walt, thus the pictures and all that ;)
Needed it all setup so that I could occasionally jar power it (aka flick on and off) to spin the motor a tidbit.

can't wait for results

i'm still missing some parts for mine cascade
Might have ice on the first by end of the day.

Oh I forgot to mention that I really liked the step-by-step pictorial AC dis-assembly that you did. It clearly conveys what is there to begin with, and what to get rid of or modify.

Got a question; how are you planning to insulate the plate HX? Got something cool in mind (no pun intended)?
I'm not so cool Michael that I can foam it, instead, I am going with neoprene and armaflex wrap as normal, give it like an inch of insulation or until I find the insulation is at ambient with system completely unloaded, and then add a few more wraps for good measure.


Its getting real 1337 dude!
Thanks! :)

[Buckeye]

Looks very interesting NOL !

Can't wait to see some results :clap:

[n00b 0f l337]

And first stage is vacuuming :)

[n00b 0f l337]

Updates! Ice ice baby! Adding plenty of refrigerant, going to put the precharge up towards 5-8psi unloaded as a goal with full insulation. Then start to the second. Pure r290 at the moment in the charge, nice low pressures, and guess what? This thing is incredibly quiet. The roto makes very little noise, and the fan has two settings, quiet with lots of air flow, or loud with enough airflow to move tools ;)

So here's some ice ice baby.

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP61.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP62.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP63.jpg

[loonym]

Quiet is very nice. Probably the panaflos that cool my ram and vid cards are as loud. Once again, great pics :D

[n00b 0f l337]

I don't expect the second to be that quiet though mate ;)

[one_servant]

Great job Adam! Looking sharp...and yeah, I'm thinking that second stage to be a bit louder...

Can't wait to see those first temps...pre tuning.

[yngndrw]

The latest images are broken ?

I want to see ice. :(

[n00b 0f l337]

Which? I don't think so...

[yngndrw]

Ah they all work now, odd. :/

Yay ice. Good job so far. :)

[n00b 0f l337]

Oh okay good, added ya on MSN by the way :)

Tomorrow after the vacuuming, or way later in the AM tonight, I'll put in some r290 and then some r1150, probably 50/50 by static charge, and boot her up. Maybe 70/30, not sure just yet. Should be fun to tune, the goal is load not temps so much, but I'm sure temps will follow ;)

[yngndrw]

I don't use MSN much anymore. :P

What is this cascade going to be used on. ?

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Mhm frosty... :up:

while you where bussy building a cascade I was bussy refurbishing my wc gear lol, mucho respect NoL and keep the images coming I mainly love to see what you're doing instead of read about it :p:

[n00b 0f l337]

A CPU ;)
Probably a quad, whatever it is I want a solid 250-300W of load out of it. Even if thats -55C. -40C, whatever. I want that ;) The super unrestrictive captube is going to help.

[Buckeye]

I think you should have made a 3 Stager out of that and call it a mini NCE.

Now if we can get Teyber to start doing something like this we can have a shoot out for the best units :)

Then donate the winning unit to some needy person :rofl:

[n00b 0f l337]

On a break from college I am definitly considering picking up a 8k unit and making a 3 stage. But I think for now on its autocascading for me. You'll see soon enough.

Oh and in other news....

NINE THOUSAND POSTS!
ITS BEEN A GOOD RUN EVERYONE! GOOD MORNING GOOD AFTERNOON GOOD EVENING AND GOOD NIGHT! :rofl::rofl::ROTF::ROTF: :shocked::shocked:


*someone help me :help:*

[Marvin_The_Martian]

I think you're past his help now NoL :fact:

:devil: <- he might have you on his list :rofl:

j/k ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

La te da, just more and more vacuuming. Wired up the hot gas bypass for testing though, and have it "open" for vacuuming. Hopefully the controller and contactor will be here in the next few days, though I'll be away this weekend.

[one_servant]

I remember being amazed by the time NoL had to post more than a year ago when I started lurking on this forum...the man's off the charts now!!

[n00b 0f l337]

Sadly that might be coming to a bit of an end, school and all.

[one_servant]

Man, you need something to distract you from your university work...it might as well be posting on the XS forums!! ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

You bet it will be, sadly won't be building as much though.
Okay so the solenoid makes a slight hum, that okay? I think so, ive heard they do that before.

[[XC] gomeler]

You bet it will be, sadly won't be building as much though.
Okay so the solenoid makes a slight hum, that okay? I think so, ive heard they do that before.

While energized the coil will make a low buzzing noise. Nothing to worry about, it'll get a little bit warm too but this is all normal. Since it shouldn't be energized but during the few moments when you are doing the hot gas bypass, this won't affect anything at all.

[n00b 0f l337]

Yep, figured as such. Buzzing noise actually disappeared just a little when I rotated the top of the coil where electronics are back to a parallel position to the coil.

[wdrzal]

just make sure your voltage to the coil is correct. They come in wide range of voltages.

[n00b 0f l337]

Its a 110Vac coil.

[teyber]

noob you have 9k posts. nice. when you get 10k ill throw you a party :)

[[XC] 2long4u]

noob you have 9k posts. nice. when you get 10k ill throw you a party :)

You mean tomorrow?:rofl::rofl:

[n00b 0f l337]

Hey!
Hahaha give me a few weeks ;)

[wdrzal]

noob you have 9k posts. nice. when you get 10k ill throw you a party :)

If your jumping out of a cake,be sure to take video,we'll all like to see that.:rofl::rofl:

[Movieman]

noob you have 9k posts. nice. when you get 10k ill throw you a party :)

Nah, no one could get 10,000 posts..
They'd have to live here!:rofl:

(looks to the left,cringes)

[n00b 0f l337]

Nah, no one could get 10,000 posts..
They'd have to live here!

(looks to the left,cringes)
Hahahahaha okay settle down, we'll bring out more food for you to gum later Dave ;) *haahaha that's gonna get me hit*

[n00b 0f l337]

Update!
No ice yet, still vaccing the crap out of this.
But, controller arrived, another rotary for possibly a different project, two mounts (BIG THANKS TO BLUEAQUA!), and a secret item.
Controller is a simple PID, with output to relay or SSR, and allows a temp to be set to trigger the first stage, through a contactor that's also on it's way.
The PID nicely enough reads every kind of thermocouple you can image.

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP64.jpg

[yngndrw]

Update!
and a secret item.
A can of Coke isn't really a "secret item". -_-

[n00b 0f l337]

No thats breakfast ;)

[Eppikk]

Is the secret Item in da box ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

Maybeeee ;)

[teyber]

are you going to try and pull that ln2 trick with the coke?

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP65.jpg

PID! All programmed up, right now itll trigger via relay set 1 at -30C to turn on the second stage. Woohoo. Gotta see if I can make it safely turn off the second if first gets too warm. But I think I'll handle that in tuning as well.

[[XC] gomeler]

are you going to try and pull that ln2 trick with the coke?

That actually is his load tester, he threw away resistor based load testers months ago and just checks to see how long it takes to pull the coke can down to -100C :yepp:

[n00b 0f l337]

I don't think this one will hit -100C actually. Even with ethylene, since the heavy mix with r290, and the aims at much warmer temps then that.

[n00b 0f l337]

Back!
Updates later.

[n00b 0f l337]

Sneaky update....
Just r290 in first, and just r290 in second, thus high side pressure of 2psi, and low, well low. Going to mix that up soon though ;)
So here is the liquid r290 very very very slowly pooling out ;) Thus no ice passing the captube just yet. Plus low restrictive captube, so r1150 next up. Noticed a 2C offset in temps from my PID here to the DT200, and 1.5C offset in temps to my Fluke 51. That is, the PID is reading a bit warmer ;)

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP66.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP67.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP68.jpg

[n00b 0f l337]

Ya know what I love?
Adding that r1150, booting her up, and going from liquid pooling of r290, to white! Snowy days! Snowy days!
Full unloaded right now, but no insulation, and first staying at -35C even after turning on 2nd and no desuperheater, it dropped down to -34.6C then regained slowly. You can hear the liquid, I bet I might have flooded the plate hx ;) Who knows! Ice on first accumulator to the compressor basically, which is something I do very much love.

So here's the ice you want to see...

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP69.JPG

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP70.JPG

Oh and about a few seconds after this pic, the 2nd stage accumulator iced.

[loonym]

This is what it's all about hooooya! :)

[teyber]

what mount is that? what evap is that? i like the black muff :)

[n00b 0f l337]

Chilly1 old style, ABS black plastic cap from home depot, ****WINK WINK WINK WINK WINK!!!!****

[teyber]

you don't say?.... how much do they cost each usually?

[n00b 0f l337]

Oh normally like $1.50 or so ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

Away for the weekend, but it's insulated now ;)
Woohoo, lookin fine baby.

[loonym]

Enough teasing, let's see some temps :D

[n00b 0f l337]

Hahaha I'm away till Monday afternoon, then we'll see some temps assuming my ASC has arrived!

[one_servant]

Good work Adam! I love the frostie!! ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

Heading home, finish up insulation, and take some shots, then see if the ASC has arrived, though I beleive the contactor has, so pre-tune stuff, then finish up the tuning :)

[BlueAqua]

Looking good NoL. It'll be nice to see this baby finished.

[n00b 0f l337]

Home!
Contactors here! Plus some tea from China. :) Wonderful wonderful, damn the contactors not a small thing though! :) Course its a 2 local 25a, so parallel would be a 50a contactor! :)

[Captain Zero]

So wait, you're actually gonna hook up a PC to that frankenpopsicle? You phase guys are whack!!!!!!!!

[[XC] gomeler]

So wait, you're actually gonna hook up a PC to that frankenpopsicle? You phase guys are whack!!!!!!!!

le sigh. You have no idea :shakes: :D

[n00b 0f l337]

Contactors are fun ;) Very, very, fun.

[Moc]

What are contactors?
EDIT: Okay, checked the dict. ... but why do you find them so funny?!

[mytekcontrols]

damn the contactors not a small thing though! Course its a 2 local 25a, so parallel would be a 50a contactor!
Hmmm... sounds like extreme over kill for that system. Every think about just using a DPDT relay instead? I used a Radio Shack one for my AC-2 project which has 2 sets of 10 amp contacts (these can be paralleled for 20 amp operation).

10 Amp DPDT Relay w/125 VAC Coil --- Radio Shack p/n 275-217 ($8.49)
10 Amp DPDT Relay w/12 VDC Coil --- Radio Shack p/n 275-218 ($8.49)
10 Amp Relay Socket (for above) --- Radio Shack p/n 275-220 ($2.99)

[n00b 0f l337]

Eh when in doubt go way overboard, and though it's physically a bit large, it fits, and it'll work ;) Thus if anything its just way extra safe :P Thanks for the tip though Mytek! Didn't even think to check radiohack.


EDIT: Now what the hell... The snap rings not on the evap anymore... This is rather odd.

[n00b 0f l337]

Odd, cant find it anywhere.
Luckily have more on the way :)
Time to finish the case and wiring and insulation then.

[Eternalightwith]

EDIT: Now what the hell... The snap rings not on the evap anymore... Odd, cant find it anywhere.


The phase gremlins visited you while you were gone. :D

[n00b 0f l337]

Yeah seriously, must have popped and gone flying, happens sometimes, though normally just means snap ring either was a bit too small, or wasn't in right. But its been on there for about a week, and NOW it pops. Hahaha that's just ironic.

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3oRiR5pLhA
O? ;)

Temperature controller in action! Woohoo! Now to set at -30C turn on, maybe off at -20C incase of way to much heat or something!

[piotres]

BASTARD !!! How can You damage such beautiful and brand new AC unit :ROTF: :D ??

Those second rotary looks tiny :O .

I've been always frustrated why You in US use gauges scaled only in PSI ? :shakes: why producer can't add Bar ? :confused: :mad:

Looks good so far :) .

I hope captube will work fine in 1st stage ...

Good luck :)
peter

[n00b 0f l337]

Oh I'm not a huge TXV fan myself, and yes it will work fine ;) As it is right now ;) Hahaha

[teyber]

BASTARD !!! How can You damage such beautiful and brand new AC unit :ROTF: :D ??

Those second rotary looks tiny :O .

I've been always frustrated why You in US use gauges scaled only in PSI ? :shakes: why producer can't add Bar ? :confused: :mad:

Looks good so far :) .

I hope captube will work fine in 1st stage ...

Good luck :)
peter

god what an idiot!:p: americans are greater then everybody else, why should we use your "Lesser" forms of measurment? god we americans are so smart that we don't need to use a system that makes sense:p::p:

jk... i don't know why either. you can divide the number in psig by 15 to get a approximate number in bar- or 14.7 but then I would need a calculator:p:

[Buckeye]

What temps/load do you project that this will produce ?

Plus what Evap, are you going to put a case around it. You know how much I like nice clean units in cases ;)

[sjg0]

god what an idiot!:p: americans are greater then everybody else, why should we use your "Lesser" forms of measurment? god we americans are so smart that we don't need to use a system that makes sense:p::p:

jk... i don't know why either. you can divide the number in psig by 15 to get a approximate number in bar- or 14.7 but then I would need a calculator:p:

I dont understand why it matters, its just a number that represents a property of matter/gas.

@ teyber: "makes sense"?? how so?

[loonym]

It's going to be housed in the original ac case... a sleeper :D Nice movie NoL, let's see some more ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

Later :)

[one_servant]

god what an idiot!:p: americans are greater then everybody else, why should we use your "Lesser" forms of measurment? god we americans are so smart that we don't need to use a system that makes sense:p::p:

jk... i don't know why either. you can divide the number in psig by 15 to get a approximate number in bar- or 14.7 but then I would need a calculator:p:

ROFL!! :rofl:

That was hot man! :D

[Moc]

god what an idiot!:p: americans are greater then everybody else, why should we use your "Lesser" forms of measurment? god we americans are so smart that we don't need to use a system that makes sense:p::p:

jk... i don't know why either. you can divide the number in psig by 15 to get a approximate number in bar- or 14.7 but then I would need a calculator:p:

:ROTF::up::up:

Or do it like I do it everytime I see pressures in PSI:
Open google, write: " *** psi in bar " and google does the calculation. :yepp::up:

[n00b 0f l337]

Okay so still rather undercharged in the first stage, it's decently hard to keep up the condensing pressure with a condenser like this and a short captube, of course I have solutions for that ;)

[teyber]

I dont understand why it matters, its just a number that represents a property of matter/gas.

@ teyber: "makes sense"?? how so?

makes sense as in divisible by 10:shrug:

[[XC] 2long4u]

Looking good :up:

[Raadster]

and what are your solutions adam?

[n00b 0f l337]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP71.jpg
Insulated!

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP72.jpg

From the side!
http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP73.jpg

Just some temps pre-tuning and such, low side still well and pulling down, you can see the pressures at this point, fairly low, and alot of r290 in there.

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP74.jpg

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP75.jpg

[Buckeye]

WAAAHHOOO Nice !

[n00b 0f l337]

First stage needs some more refrigerant me thinks.

[n00b 0f l337]

Right now second is undercharged I know, still showing about -5 low and 160 high, but holding 250W actually, second stage evap at base is -55.4C, flickering up to -55.2C and down to -55.6C in about a 4 second oscillation. Which is good, I like that. At that load the first is holding in there nicely about -31C. Not bad at all, mostly r290 remember. Second stage is 30psi r290, then the rest r1150, and I think I'm going to add some more r290 first to see how that gives her a hand, keeps the high side discharge down, and load capacity up.
Great stuff though, but ambient was hitting 90F in the workshop, didn't have any windows open, so I'm glad that condenser is helping out.

Again this is without an oil sep or desuperheater. Ya leave her alone and she pulls second down to -88.1C. Very nice :) So some more refrigerant, bring that -88.1C closer to that -55.4C, and woohoo :) The magic ;)

[Raadster]

looking good

[mytekcontrols]

Coming together fast, but will it still fit in the original AC case? It looks like it will on the right, and back side. However it appears that there is some overhang on the left. This could just be an illusion caused by the angle of the shot.

[n00b 0f l337]

All angle, and what won't fit, I have a angle grinder for, though I might have to use your method ;)

[mytekcontrols]

All angle, and what won't fit, I have a angle grinder for, though I might have to use your method
You must be referring to the clamps :D
Yes where there is a will, there is a way.

[n00b 0f l337]

Yes where there is a will, there is a way.
They say the same thing about knocking off rich grandparents ;) :lol:

[loonym]

This keeps getting better and better. I have no doubt that it'll fit. Very nice work. :D

[mytekcontrols]

Bumpity Bump Bump :)

Just giving you a nudge Nol :stick:

How is this project going? Anything cool to report?

[n00b 0f l337]

Haha sorry last few days hectic, update tomorrow I bet ;)

[andre X_X]

looking good so far....
cant wait to see cascades without oil sep...

[n00b 0f l337]

You can do it easily, I just really think you need to swap to Zerol or your doom.

[andre X_X]

hmm... if im not mistaken i've seen someone's cascades without oil sep and not changing the oil... i believe its from french. he has Dog avatar here in XS.. forgot his name
certainly the oil will frozen, but somehow he did it..

[n00b 0f l337]

If you add quite a bit of r290 or such to get it moving and push it along, sure, but I think you sack the performance a good bit.

[andre X_X]

well, thats not bad to save some money :D....
lose arround 10c but saves about $100... Lol :D

[Stelios]

Nol , i just saw in benchtec that you have finished this project and you showed some temperatures (-88C) . :up:

What capacity are the compressors you used ??? 1st stage is 5000btu ??? 2nd ????

[teyber]

no load :/

[Stelios]

no load :/
I've read that . :)

[n00b 0f l337]

5000btu and 5600btu. Quite small. Camera is again dead, goes through batteries somehow! I dunno! I just bought a pack of 8 and there GONE! That and the xbox 360 controllers, damn damnits. Temps are nice I'll hint ;)

[mytekcontrols]

I bought rechargeables for my camera. It was well worth the investment.

[[XC] MarioMaster]

I bought rechargeables for my camera. It was well worth the investment.

agreed, I have around 10 rechargeable AA's I use for all kinds of stuff

[Xeon th MG Pony]

Rechargables is all I use period, let the succers keep buying throaways! havent buaght a battery in 2 or 3 years now.

[andre X_X]

it's already tommorow nol, how's she goin?

[n00b 0f l337]

Heh had no batteries, gotta hop out now to get some, and then later I'll post up probably "Final" results and such. Gotta start casing her up and such for shipment hopefully tomorrow.

[runmc]

I bought rechargeables for my camera. It was well worth the investment.

No joke Adam. :rolleyes:

We are tiered of the camera (battery) excuse. I'm gonna send you some rechargable batteries. :D

[loonym]

Last time I got some they had a special. It was like $8 for 4 so I bought 4 packs. I use 'em in everything all the time not just the cams. Great for the remotes, my daughter's toys, wall clocks and tons more. And they keep the charge longer than any alkaline I ever used.
Really looking forward to some more pics, this is a very nice build. :up:

[teyber]

harbor freight i believe has em cheap

[wdrzal]

harbor freight i believe has em cheap

What type & voltage some recharbles are onlt 1.2v instead of 1.5v

Most stuff from Harbor freight is junk........

[n00b 0f l337]

No joke Adam.

We are tiered of the camera (battery) excuse. I'm gonna send you some rechargable batteries.
Hahaha it seems I use that one alot though? This new cam is really awesome, but I guess I'll have to pickup some rechargables. It's killing batteries like overnight, and even when its off, it must be pulling juice somehow.

[[XC] gomeler]

You could atleast make a drawing of what it looks like and performance ;)

[wdrzal]

gomeler;3256059']You could atleast make a drawing of what it looks like and performance ;)

Or come up with a new Excuess......:shrug:

Like rechargeable batteries are in the mail,stuck in customs in China......:rofl:

[n00b 0f l337]

Hahaha well I'm working on other units as well, got deadlines, hows that for an excuse? :P
You'll see your results don't worry.

[runmc]

We're playing around with you Adam :D

Back in the old days they had Saturday afternoon matinees. Really good stuff but just when it was coming to the really good part the show would stop and you would have to wait until next Saturday to see what happens. :confused: That's what your builds are like, a Saturday afternoon matinee. :ROTF:

[Polizei]

We're playing around with you Adam :D

Back in the old days they had Saturday afternoon matinees. Really good stuff but just when it was coming to the really good part the show would stop and you would have to wait until next Saturday to see what happens. :confused: That's what your builds are like, a Saturday afternoon matinee. :ROTF:

Run, most people try to hide their true age... that post makes it seem as though you're bragging about it. ;)

[Movieman]

Run, most people try to hide their true age... that post makes it seem as though you're bragging about it. ;)

Ah, but those were the good days..
Take the 10 cent bus into town, 50 cent movie..a quarter to spend on a coke and popcorn if you were lucky, then 10 cents for the bus home..
Yea, all for less than a buck and if you were short money you would walk one or both ways to have the $$ for the coke and popcorn..
Still remember asking my Dad for a nickel to hit the corner pharmacy to get a coke at the soda fountain..:rofl:
That was the late 1950's and I think Ron is 1-2 years older than I am..:wasntme:

[n00b 0f l337]

That's what your builds are like, a Saturday afternoon matinee.
Always good to be a tease I've found ;)

[EvoCarlos]

http://www.thewiltedrose.net/adam/Phase%20Projects%2008/WindowAC%20Project/WACP46.jpg

i think i know why nol is taking his time updating this thred hes playing whit the cuddly toys in this image :up:

[wdrzal]

Ah, but those were the good days..
Take the 10 cent bus into town, 50 cent movie..a quarter to spend on a coke and popcorn if you were lucky, then 10 cents for the bus home..
Yea, all for less than a buck and if you were short money you would walk one or both ways to have the $$ for the coke and popcorn..
Still remember asking my Dad for a nickel to hit the corner pharmacy to get a coke at the soda fountain..:rofl:
That was the late 1950's and I think Ron is 1-2 years older than I am..:wasntme:

I was thinking the exact same thing before I read your post, mom would give you a buck. We walked 3-1/2 miles to the theater,.15 cent soda and .10 cent for a big bag of chips,.50 cent addmission. So a movie, 2 16oz soda's and 2 bags of chips were a buck.

Only problem I think every movie our theater ever showed was either the blood of Dracula,or some Dracula flick or Frankenstein comes alive. LOL :ROTF: Good old days.......

[teyber]

Ah, but those were the good days..
Take the 10 cent bus into town, 50 cent movie..a quarter to spend on a coke and popcorn if you were lucky, then 10 cents for the bus home..
Yea, all for less than a buck and if you were short money you would walk one or both ways to have the $$ for the coke and popcorn..
Still remember asking my Dad for a nickel to hit the corner pharmacy to get a coke at the soda fountain..:rofl:
That was the late 1950's and I think Ron is 1-2 years older than I am..:wasntme:

sorry for the OT... but you must be young:yepp: my dad said he there was one soda machine that sold cokes for a nickle... the rest were a dime.

[wdrzal]

sorry for the OT... but you must be young:yepp: my dad said he there was one soda machine that sold cokes for a nickle... the rest were a dime.

Theater's inflated the price like they still do.......:up:

The local store was 16oz soda for a dime and a nickle or a bag of chips.When I got my first minibike gas was .30 cent a gallon home heating oil was .17 cents a gallon (#2 diesel) maybe it was .13 cents before plastics industry took off they almost gave everything other than gasoline away.

[Polizei]

i think i know why nol is taking his time updating this thred hes playing whit the cuddly toys in this image :up:

:owned: :up:

[n00b 0f l337]

Small sad update, must be a small leak on the first stage, now thats odd because its been fine everyday this week, but today not, and I removed the hoses last night. So My guess is a pin leak. Wonderful. Hahaha the to be owner is okay with that its going to add a week or two max to this, as again, I did build the thing rather quick.
Oh and the update would have been, -71C @ 250W. Damn, well 2nd stage charge is still fine! Only thing is, tomorrow I move into my residence hall (aka dormitory hall), and was hoping to ship it tonight. Actually the entire things basically cased up.

[teyber]

i hope its not under the insulation!

in that time frame i would just dunk it in a tub :/ best of luck finding it asap!

[n00b 0f l337]

It's gotta be the schrader core, sort of wish I had a tool now, it's okay, myself and the would be owner are still welllllll within the time frame, actually basically till winter ;)

[loonym]

Always good to be a tease I've found ;)


Oh and the update would have been, -71C @ 250W. Damn, well 2nd stage charge is still fine! Only thing is, tomorrow I move into my residence hall (aka dormitory hall), and was hoping to ship it tonight. Actually the entire things basically cased up.


It's gotta be the schrader core, sort of wish I had a tool now, it's okay, myself and the would be owner are still welllllll within the time frame, actually basically till winter :rolleyes:
http://lakesidepc.com/17-172-028-02.jpg
:D

[mytekcontrols]

It's gotta be the schrader core, sort of wish I had a tool now...
This shouldn't be a problem. Just put a brass flare nut with a copper bonnet on it (kinda rhymes :D). Use two wrenches (7/16" and 5/8"), on both sides, and give it a good tightening. Problem solved.

Basically you never want to depend on a schrader to be 100% leak tight forever. Just so long as the leak isn't so big that you lose too much charge during the time it is uncapped for disconnecting or connecting hoses (which is something that is only done during initial charging or tuning anyway).

[tiborrr]

Any progress, NoL? :up:

[n00b 0f l337]

Gonna be home next weekend hopefully :)
Amongst other things, the lack of being able to get on MSN Messenger is annoying.

[EvoCarlos]

* give's NOL a
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k262/evocarlos/567984.png

jk :up::up::up: been waiting for an update here ages

[loonym]

No updates on this for quite some time. Has there been any progress? BTW, the mount is probably out of date by the time this is finished.

[NaeKuh]

nol went to college.

were all desperately looking for him.

nothing bad... i miss that dude... :D

[loonym]

Time for a revival :D Is the mount going to be 1366 capable as well as 775?

[n00b 0f l337]

Indeed time for a revival, though it might be a day or two before Richard's back to help me leak find on this thing. In the meantime i'll finish all the nice wiring bits and maybe try and make the holes in the case!

As for 1336? Honestly? I have no idea what that is, quick search is telling me there's a new socket out though. If someone gets me dimensions I'll try and see if the old mount will accomodate a few new holes in it ;) Anyone have any info on heat load on new chips? Are they octo core or something?

[loonym]

They're hotter than a firecracker. From what I've seen of this unit, I think it's nice for an i7 though. (and killer for c2d)

[n00b 0f l337]

Further info shows its a quad with HT? Intel brought back HT? Oy, we'll see loonym, btu I need to get a load figure from another builder first. Of course it's always possible to detune the second for more load, not a problem.

[jcool]

LGA1366 is a square 80mmx80mm. Don't forget a sturdy backplate, it's more important than ever.
As to the heat load, well.. fully loaded with high clocks and HT enabled, these suckers draw current like mad. My SS unit breaks down if I run stability tests at over 1,5V Vcore for too long, and my unit can hold around 280W so go figure. You want 300W+, basically tune it for as high a load as you can possibly get.

[n00b 0f l337]

Oy. haha

[jcool]

What kind of answer is that LOL

[n00b 0f l337]

Haha 300W is a LARGE amount of heat for almost any evap, not only that, it's a different mind set in tuning for me to max the load tester ;)

[jcool]

Just telling you the facts there ;)

[n00b 0f l337]

Well why can't you lie to me for once ;)
Hahahaha, hmmm will give that number some thought. Might need to switch to more r290 then r1150 in the mix to keep it going.

[[XC] gomeler]

Core i7 is a very hot chip compared to Intel's 45nm quads so 300w is easily do-able under cascade temperatures. The worst part though is we don't know if the next stepping will cut power consumption or possibly increase it through increased overclockability. I'm hoping for decreased power consumption AND increased frequencies but if I had to choose I'd take the latter and just build bigger systems.

As for evaps, Teyber has been having fun with his tools and might have beefy enough evaps for such loads. Bigger seems to be better and it might work :up:

[jcool]

Yeah I am having huge problems delivering the cold to my chip as well... I checked and my chilly1 makes great contact, also did several remounts, however I still get deltas of up to 40-50C between evap temp and core temp (linpack at 1,5V brings the chip to +20C at -28C evap LOL)

[n00b 0f l337]

Update! Sadly no pics!
The unit is at the local shop;
After many failed attempts to find a leak, I decided its time to just rebuild the first stage, and start rebrazing joints a few at a time until it holds pressure.
My guess is we're looking at something almost indistinguisably tiny. Losing 10psi a week is NOT much!
So rebuilding the first stage is underway!
Hope to have this thing done done sooN!

[n00b 0f l337]

Richards shop that is;
He wants to give it a test with how they leaktest, then joint by joint rebuilding (sounds like me!)

[teyber]

is this done yet? leak found?