Altaros Air Booster Updates

Jump to latest Follow Reply
I recently ordered one and it's on the slow boat to me now. :) I'll be using it with a Ridgid shop compressor rated at ~4.9 SCFM at 90psi very similar to this one. From what I understand, you really want to have a shop compressor that runs at 5 SCFM at 90psi or more. Otherwise, you're shop compressor will struggle to keep up. 

For those of you who are on the fence about which compressor to buy...
Justification: Here's why I chose the Altaros over the Shoebox or a stand alone high pressure compressor...
Price - Always a driving factor in any purchase. It's hard to beat a price of just over $600 for a high pressure booster compressor. Additionally, I'll be buying an in line desiccant filter for ~$150-200. That makes the price more like $800 which is still way below the 1150 price on the shoebox. 
Utility - Someone may still have to spend $200-400 and up on a shop air compressor if they don't already have one. But, those of us that do own a shop compressor already have surely learned how valuable they are. So, for the price of a shoebox, you could have a setup that allows you to also use air tools and fill tires. 
Also, It comes in a tool box. I like that a lot. It allows me to treat the compressor a little more rough because I'm not overly concerned with accidentally hitting a fitting or scratching the nice painted metal. If the toolbox does happen to break, it's easy and cheap to replace The pockets on top allow me to put all my smaller sized excess high pressure fittings in one place. 
Moving parts - The Altaros moves slowly, which reduces friction. Ultimately, when you break it down to the smallest level, friction is the enemy of longevity for most, if not all, machines. Other high pressure compressors use motors to spin gears or pulleys which then move some type of plunger up and down at high speeds. This creates friction, which creates heat.... on and on. 
Noise - I've heard others run in person or on videos. They all have varying levels of noise but, they all seem to be annoying enough to drive someone out of a room or find some way of blocking the noise level. My shop compressor is like this. It'll scare the bejesus out of you when it comes on and then, it's so loud that you want hearing protection. Ultimately, I built a plywood box (with holes) for it and stuck it in a different room - MUCH better. The Altaros hisses. And even that can be lessened by using some foam blocks inside the box. 
Pressure bump - I like that it automatically shuts off when the pressure is reached. Most compressors will do this. But, the Altaros will turn itself back on if that pressure is lost. What was that rotisserie cooker slogan? "Set it, and forget it!" lol!

The downside... It's a booster, not a stand alone compressor. So, you'll need a decent shop compressor, some hose, and a desiccant filter would be wise as well. This stuff takes up room and makes a lot of noise. If space was an issue, I'd probably have saved up for an Omega and then shoved it in a closet. 
It's not made in the USA. Parts, if needed, could take a while to get to you. 
It's not putting out breathing air like the Daystate does. Why is this important. IMO - if it's good enough for me to breath, it should be excellent for my rifles!

Happy Shooting,
Tom 


 
Upvote 0
I love mine too !
I use the Altaros for filling my Joe B. guppy tank,and so far,is working great .
I have the chance to use it at my work place with an industrial compressor,and it rocks !
When I use it at home,it takes more time with my 3hp /5 gallons small compressor .
At work,it takes about 30 minutes to top the guppy tank from 3500 to to 4500 .
At home is 1 hour and change .
The unit stop itself when the pressure reaches 4500 psi as stated before .
At work,zero water presence in the filters .
At home just a little,but,never reaching the water trap inside the unit .
Great unit .
I made this video,showing my now portable unit with filters for when I take it at my work place .(nothing hi tech guys! cost:$00 )

 
Upvote 0
I purchased the Altaros unit as a backup for my AirMax Extreme HPA compressor that after making several repairs/modifications I got it operating properly.
The Altaros is so much more quieter and easier to setup than the AirMax Extreme that I don't bother using the AirMax anymore.
I chose the Altaros over the ShoeBox F10 because I didn't want to purchase an oil-less compressor when I already owned 2 oil type compressors both of which work fine with the Altaros unit and at a reasonable noise level. I use the Altaros to fill my (3) 90ci tanks.
http://
 
Upvote 0
I'm running mine with a 6.5 peak Hp, 60 gallon upright, single stage. 5 1/2 minutes on 4 1/2 off, it fills my 45 minute Scba from 3500 to 4500 in 56 minutes. I built a pipe loop condenser running into a three stage filter/dryer combo and so far have zero moisture getting to the Altaros. I'm also running a high pressure filter before my tank. It's a great setup and I am 100% satisfied with it. Guys, don't rely on the separator and desiccant filter that is on the unit, I really don't think it is adequate.
 
Upvote 0
"Tominco"I recently ordered one and it's on the slow boat to me now. :) I'll be using it with a Ridgid shop compressor rated at ~4.9 SCFM at 90psi very similar to this one. From what I understand, you really want to have a shop compressor that runs at 5 SCFM at 90psi or more. Otherwise, you're shop compressor will struggle to keep up. 

For those of you who are on the fence about which compressor to buy...
Justification: Here's why I chose the Altaros over the Shoebox or a stand alone high pressure compressor...
Price - Always a driving factor in any purchase. It's hard to beat a price of just over $600 for a high pressure booster compressor. Additionally, I'll be buying an in line desiccant filter for ~$150-200. That makes the price more like $800 which is still way below the 1150 price on the shoebox. 
Utility - Someone may still have to spend $200-400 and up on a shop air compressor if they don't already have one. But, those of us that do own a shop compressor already have surely learned how valuable they are. So, for the price of a shoebox, you could have a setup that allows you to also use air tools and fill tires. 
Also, It comes in a tool box. I like that a lot. It allows me to treat the compressor a little more rough because I'm not overly concerned with accidentally hitting a fitting or scratching the nice painted metal. If the toolbox does happen to break, it's easy and cheap to replace The pockets on top allow me to put all my smaller sized excess high pressure fittings in one place. 
Moving parts - The Altaros moves slowly, which reduces friction. Ultimately, when you break it down to the smallest level, friction is the enemy of longevity for most, if not all, machines. Other high pressure compressors use motors to spin gears or pulleys which then move some type of plunger up and down at high speeds. This creates friction, which creates heat.... on and on. 
Noise - I've heard others run in person or on videos. They all have varying levels of noise but, they all seem to be annoying enough to drive someone out of a room or find some way of blocking the noise level. My shop compressor is like this. It'll scare the bejesus out of you when it comes on and then, it's so loud that you want hearing protection. Ultimately, I built a plywood box (with holes) for it and stuck it in a different room - MUCH better. The Altaros hisses. And even that can be lessened by using some foam blocks inside the box. 
Pressure bump - I like that it automatically shuts off when the pressure is reached. Most compressors will do this. But, the Altaros will turn itself back on if that pressure is lost. What was that rotisserie cooker slogan? "Set it, and forget it!" lol!

The downside... It's a booster, not a stand alone compressor. So, you'll need a decent shop compressor, some hose, and a desiccant filter would be wise as well. This stuff takes up room and makes a lot of noise. If space was an issue, I'd probably have saved up for an Omega and then shoved it in a closet. 
It's not made in the USA. Parts, if needed, could take a while to get to you. 
It's not putting out breathing air like the Daystate does. Why is this important. IMO - if it's good enough for me to breath, it should be excellent for my rifles!

Happy Shooting,
Tom 


Click to expand...
@Tomlinson - please share your source for your dessicant/filter ? Thanks
 
Upvote 0
When an air compressor pumps air it heats it up. Warm air will hold more water than cool air, making it difficult to remove it. When I installed the air in my work shop. I was getting a lot of water in my airlines even with 2 air filters at the compressor. I asked a paint expert what I could do to fix the problem. He told me to run my air line up into the attic and run at least 25 feet of line before I install my filters. That would give the air time to cool and let the water come out of susspension and the filters can remove it. That is the way I installed my system and it has been there 17 years and I have never got water out of any of the ends. I have never had an issue with water in my paint, or in any of my air tools. I think this might be something you all might want to look into.

Jimmy
 
Upvote 0
I filled my 66cf Scba last night for the forth time since receiving the Altaros. The pipe loop and three stage filter is working great. I opened up the desiccant filter in the unit and poured the beads in a cup, no green beads at all, 100% orange, and considering I have a high pressure filter also, I'm totally confident my air is dry. Guys, you can't over do it, make sure you have adequate filters. I'm loving this thing, as far as I know, there have been zero issues so far out of all the units sold, we have a real winner here!
 
Upvote 0
Love my Altaros powered by my Oil Less Husky 30 gallon compressor.

Worse problem was the black foster piece coming out of the Altaros supply hose got loose Huge Hiss! .. Tightened it up all good.

Fills up my Carbon SCBA tank to 4600 psi and stops perfectly. Its really quiet !

I will say you need a great dessicant air setup before it gets to the Altaros .

I run 3 stages then a final stage with my diablo filter after the Altaros.

Runs Awesome you wont regret it
 
Upvote 0
Here's some pics from unboxing...
Pellet tin is for size ref.
It was well packaged and wrapped in plastic wrap for moisture protection during the long journey.

I only quickly perused the instructions but, they looked well thought out and written. Lots of little compartments in the top storage. I would have liked larger compartments but, that's something I can alter to my liking. 

I'll have to come up with some way to secure the fill line. 

Oooh, thats a crummy pic! Middle pressure gauge in MPa

Back of unit has both the power and air input. 

Left side has the setting screw for the output pressure. Mine is a little off center. The contours of the toolbox aid in protecting this from getting bumped. 

Main unit. I had forgotten that it came with its own water separator. It did not come with any desiccant. I picked up a 3 stage for use from my shop compressor and it happened to come with an extra bag of desiccant. :)
You can see two brass fittings on the outer piston chambers. This is where the unit off gasses during operation. You can quiet the unit down a lot by sticking some foam in these areas. Foam is conveniently provided as packing material. 

Also included is an array of O-rings, the bleeder screw, Male to Male foster fitting, low pressure fitting, and the power cord. 


I have not plugged this in yet, I've been too busy. From what I've seen on other posts, this should be a very nice backup system for me. 
Cheers!
Tom
 
Upvote 0
I'll look into the desiccant further. Been busy.
I did a test run and the Altaros works just fine. But, it has shown me that my shop compressor isn't doing its job. It's only putting out 2.38cfm, about half of what it is rated for. Ho Hum.... I guess I'll just have to buy a bigger and better one since my old one is worn out. Golly gee, what a shame. ;) 
Tom
 
Upvote 0
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/togo4it/20170115_204855_zps5wtke61g.jpg

I used a 3" piece of 1/2" pvc conduit that I cut a 1/2" slot along the length to accommodate the fill hose.
I slightly flatten the bottom of the pvc with a file, drilled (2) 1/8" holes, positioned it onto on the Altaros box and drilled through the box. I was then fastened the pvc piece with (2) 1/8" diameter rivets, reinforcing the underside with rivet washers. The piece of pvc is positioned to act as a holder for the fill hose and quick connect. The slight tension from the hose keeps it in the holder and can be easily removed for use.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu