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Compact battery for 3M AirStream or BreatheEasy

Maybe you also need to wear a cape with a "Z" on it to make sure that people can tell the difference.

Since you are now into designer colors for your Airstream units, do you know about the Krylon Fusion Plastic finishes? I think that it was originally intended for refinishing plastic lawn furniture, but it works for anything that is PVC as well as other materials. It is great stuff and I might just convert my Airstream to pink.
 
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Can I have one? Please?
Actually, I've been looking for a few weeks now, and the only "deal" I found was in England. Didn't want to get into the potential hassles. I think the word is getting out how important this is, and things are getting scarce on the used market. Or I just haven't been lucky.
 
Michael,

I'm trying to breed them, but there is little known about their reproductive cycle, especially in captivity.

If there are any offspring, I'll be sure to let you know.
 
I would also be interested in how long any young took to mature. Adorable as they may be, having a number of them around that are only of use to the cats has limited utility.
 
Someone on another forum asked about the tethered BreatheEasy helmet that I use in my shop. It's actually my favorite configuration, inspired by a similar setup used by Eugen Schlaak.

I don't have a closeup photo handy of the (inexpensive) HEPA room filter mounted on my wall, but this photo of one of my sons might give you an idea of the setup

There is a length of clear 2.5" hose going from the beige HEPA room filter, to a sliding curtain track on the shop ceiling (this take the weight off of the hose), so the hose can slide the length of the room. That hose ends in a swivel connector (so no tangled hose), and attaches via a reducer (seen taped in green) to a lightweight six foot 1.25" shopvac hose that in turn inserts conveniently into the ribbed BreatheEasy hose.

The nice thing about this setup is that it's very lightweight and quiet. With the powerful blower being a few feet away, the airflow is very adjustable.

I do tend to tweak equipment, eh?
 

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Grant,

I used a model HR30250 from ApplianceFactoryParts that is no longer available. It was a great buy at $59.

However, pretty much any similar unit would work.

Here's a list of some of the similar items from that company.
 

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They do have great prices, and since I may be in Ogdensburg NY within the next couple of weeks, I could have one delivered my my address there.

Thanks again, Alan.
 
Switched my Airstream to Lithium battery setup

Hello All,

Last weekend I switched my 3M Airstream to the Lithium battery setup described in this post. I saw Bill Grumbine's helmet in February when he did a class for our woodturning club. He asked me to hand him the battery. I was looking around for the brick like battery like the one that powered my mask. I was amazed at the size and weight of the Lithium battery.

After soldering new connectors on I am amazed at the performance. I think the airflow is superior to the old NiCad battery. No more getting the cord caught on my tailstock when walking around the lathe.

Thanks Alan!!!!

So why isn't 3M looking into this technology or a new battery?


Rick D
 
Rick,

I'm glad you like the modification.

3M is using a lithium battery in their Versaflo respirators.

One of the features of the BreatheEasy and AirStream batteries is that they are available in an "intrinsically safe" version suitable for potentialy explosive atmospheres.

Other than that, the helmets don't care who/what is supplying the power, as long as it's the correct voltage and can handle the current draw.
 
AlanZ said:
One of the features of the BreatheEasy and AirStream batteries is that they are available in an "intrinsically safe" version suitable for potentialy explosive atmospheres.
Click to expand...

As far as I know, the intrinsically safe batteries are the only batteries that 3M has for those units. The owners manual for my Airstream does not show a non-intrinsically safe battery. I have never seen anything on the 3M website about any different batteries either.
 
The Breathe Easy units have more options...having different part numbers for the regular and the intrinsically safe.

From the Breathe Easy manual:

The 3M™ Battery Pack BP-17IS can be used in environments that require intrinsically safe equipment ONLY when the clothing clip and screw are in place. If the clothing clip and screw are not in place, DO NOT USE in environments that require intrinsically safe equipment. Misuse may result in serious bodily injury or death.

BP-15 Battery – Not for use in environments requiring intrinsic safety.
Click to expand...


There are three battery packs available for the 3M™ Breathe Easy™ Turbo blower/filtration unit:
– Standard rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH);
– Intrinsically safe rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCd); and
– Non-rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide.
Click to expand...
 
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Thanks Alan

A fellow club member gave me one of these helmets to see if I could resurect it and thanks to your post I have. Since the original battery he had was shot and I did not need the flexibility of using both types of battery, I simply cut the wire coming from the helmet and soldered the 1.3 mm female connector directly to it. In case anyone needs to know the red wire goes to the center post of the female plug. Other than that I pretty much followed exactly what you did.

Thanks again. I now, finally, have a good helmet that allows me to keep the crud out of my lungs and that I could afford. It does work great. David
 
David,

I'm glad it's working out well for you.

The more people who regularly wear safety equipment, the better.
 
Modification to 3M Airstream

Just read about your alternative to the 3M Nicad battery and thought I would pass on another way of using your system. This method was designed and built by Eugen Schaak and I am sure he doesn't mind my passing on his WOW (World Of Woodturners) posting. I converted mine per his instructions and it works great without needing a battery or battery pack. Check it out. FYI only...........Ralph

http://www.thewows.com/isapi.dll?c=...ntid=ZZZZYP6J&contentclass=PICT&categoryid=48

AlanZ said:
In another thread about 3M AirStream filters, I mentioned that I'm using an alternative to the stock 3M NiCad battery.

This tiny rechargeable lithium battery lasts longer, and is a small fraction of the weight and cost of the original.

Because of its size and USB connectors, it lends itself to mounting on the helmet, eliminating a cord going to your belt.

I hope this gives some folk ideas for use in their own configurations.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/T0m9n9Iog7w
Click to expand...
 
Ralph,

I have one of my Breathe Easy helmets set up the way Eugen does it. I rather like the setup with a hepa room filter. I have mine mounted on a wall. To keep the hose off of the floor, I installed a drapery track on the ceiling, and the hose moves on ball bearings. I also installed a swivel connector in the hose line so it doesn't twist as I move around the room.

It is a very nice, and quiet installation, if you don't mind being tethered.
 
3M Conversion

Hi Allen. I got lazy and have it on wheel with a 9' hose. I rarely move it as with the long hose I can get to almost everything I need without having to remove my helmet. I have the hose attached to a metal stand that keeps it off the floor near the filter but it does drag on the floor from there. Your system sounds great. I have a problem with my garage door being over my lathe when it is open so I haven't tried anything like you have done. I sure don't miss the battery pack and recharging the battery. The filter and all the necessary attachments cost me less than $100.00 and I am sure the filtration is better than the small one on the 3M unit.

Thanks for commenting and your method may attract others to simply get rid of the need for a battery.🙂

Best Regards.........Ralph

AlanZ said:
Ralph,

I have one of my Breathe Easy helmets set up the way Eugen does it. I rather like the setup with a hepa room filter. I have mine mounted on a wall. To keep the hose off of the floor, I installed a drapery track on the ceiling, and the hose moves on ball bearings. I also installed a swivel connector in the hose line so it doesn't twist as I move around the room.

It is a very nice, and quiet installation, if you don't mind being tethered.
Click to expand...
 
Alternate Battery?

I recently bought an Airstream and would like to make this battery conversion. Unfortunately, I cannot find the battery mentioned in the video (Tekkeon MP1860A) available for sale anywhere.

I wonder if anyone could recommend a different battery? Or at least the key things I should be looking for to help me in my search?

Thanks for any help.

Dave
 
Dave,

The Tekkeon MP1860a battery (4400 mah) was discontinued, and unfortunately, the MP1820 (4800 mah) battery that replaced it won't drive my AirStream units.

The MP1860a has a 2.1amp port, the new MP1820 has only a 1.2 amp port... and cuts out when it sees the helmet attempt to draw power.

Here's an alternative:

New Trent iMirror 6600 mah battery

Although it's a little heavier (but even longer 6600 mah capacity), here's a battery that works fine with my AirStreams.

It's flatter and wider than the Tekkeons, and still balances very well atop my helmets.

The New Trent battery has a smaller on/off switch, on the side of the unit, so it's not quite as convenient as the slide switch on the Tekkeon batteries. But there's also a pretty good charge indicator... a series of LEDs on the New Trent.

This battery does not come with a charger or adapter cords. It does come with one USB to micro-usb cable to charge the battery from any usb source or charger.

So if you get that battery, and a
Tekkeon MP1650 myCharger USB Power Adapter

You'll have a configuration that will be similar to my original setup (at at about the same total price)

My guess is that pretty much any USB battery that has a 2.1 amp port on it will work to power the AirStream. It's possible that some of the lower amperage units will work... they may have lower tolerances than the newer Tekkeon unit.
 
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That's good to know, Alan. Tks. I had bought two of the replacements for the 1860 and had to return them since they could not take the draw of the 3M motor. I hadn't pursued finding an alternative, since I made two power packs from re-chargeable D cells. The one that you've found would save a lot of weight.
 
Thanks

Alan, thanks for the quick reply. I just ordered one of the New Trent batteries. By the way, Amazon has a promotion going on where you can get a free charger along with the battery; follow the link in Alan's post, scroll down and follow the instructions to:
Get a FREE $9.95 value of New Trent Dual USB port (2.1A) wall charger, NT99C (NEW model) when purchase 1 or more this New Trent external battery on Amazon site
 
Dave,

Don't forget that you need to get the power from the battery to the helmet.

I opted to use the retractable cable that came with the 1860a (or with the Tekkeon charger)

It's available directly from Tekkeon and comes with a mini usb tip (many other tips are available).

Any other cabling that makes it easy to take the power from the usb port will work too... I just liked the versatility of the modular, retractable cord.
 

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BTW, for anybody interested in an alternative power source, I just measured the open circuit voltage on my seven year old intrinsically safe Airstream battery (520-01-02) and it is 5.1 volts. When I get a chance, I will test the voltage and current under load in order to get both the battery and load impedance values. The charge time for my battery is around four hours after the battery has been used all day long. I suspect that the FL voltage is probably close to the 4.8 volt stated on the battery pack. BTW, on my battery, one of the positive terminals is switched and the other isn't. I should point out in contradiction to what is stated in the video that both are used -- the switched one is used for powering the Airstream and the unswitched one is used during charging.
 
Bill, in the video, I was trying to get across, that if you make an adapter cord that goes to the stock battery, only one hot terminal and the negative needs to be used, simplifying the adapter.
 
AlanZ said:
Dave,

My guess is that pretty much any USB battery that has a 2.1 amp port on it will work to power the AirStream. It's possible that some of the lower amperage units will work... they may have lower tolerances than the newer Tekkeon unit.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info on converting the AS-400 power source to Li ion battery. I just ordered my AS-400 but did not order a charger with the intention of converting to Li ion battery. I just stumbled onto this battery pack that's almost twice as big as the one you mentioned (http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-NT120T-chargeable-Thunderbolt/dp/B009TCUPIC/ref=pd_sim_e_6). Do you think it might work?
 
It would likely work. I own and have used the respirator with a smaller version, the New Trent iMirror 6000mAh battery... I don't know if it's still available. The battery manufacturers change models and specs very often.
 
AlanZ said:
Dave,
.....

My guess is that pretty much any USB battery that has a 2.1 amp port on it will work to power the AirStream. It's possible that some of the lower amperage units will work... they may have lower tolerances than the newer Tekkeon unit.
Click to expand...

Just an update on my substitution of the original NiCd battery pack on the AS-400 with a Li ion battery pack. Alan, you are right that as long as there is a 2.1 amp (5 v) port on the battery pack it will work. Thanks to the suggestion of one of my club members, I ordered an EasyACC 12,000 mAh Li ion pack (http://www.amazon.com/EasyAcc-12000mAh-External-Battery-Charger/dp/B0098EO61S) and a wall USB charger (http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-high-speed-NT90C-IMP90C/dp/B009RXU59C/ref=pd_sim_cps_21) for a total of $53, a fraction of the cost for the smart charger for the NiCd from 3M. The battery pack comes with a USB cable for charging and two cables for running cell phones and tablets with a bunch of adapters. Unfortunately, of course, there is no adapter for the AS-400. I turned an adapter on my wood lathe with brass terminal inserts (pictures attached), cut off the cell phone charger plug and connected the wires to the terminals. I then held my breath and connected everything. Voila, the AS-400 runs!!!

The battery pack is obviously larger and heavier than the 6,600 mAh unit Alan initially adopted. As such, I don't intend to mount it on my helmet. It is still a fraction of the size and weight of the 3M NiCd unit and can just be carried in my back pocket. (And guess what, if I ever get a smart phone or a tablet, I can use it while not working in the shop.)

Thanks again to everyone that posted on this thread, esp. Alan Z.
 

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I have been experimenting with a few different battery packs (because the Tekkeon 1860 is no longer available)

Hopefully next week I will have time to make a follow-up video showing some new options. I will also be bringing my black Airstream to The Tampa symposium (using it in my demo) if anyone wants a hands on.
 
battery options for Airstream conversion

Alan,
first off, thanks for all your help here and on other forums. Your rotations at Tampa were great! And lauren was fantatsic as well.

Now down to business: could you please post the link to the latest battery that you showed me in Tampa along with links to others parts I will need. Also, are there any such things as solderless connectors for use with this conversion? Otherwise, i will go to harbor Freight and pick up a cheap soldering iron, some solder and flux ... I assume i'll need flux (as you know I have never soldered anything). Any other parts I'll need? I appreciate you helping an old greybeard (AAW # 13) and founder of AAW. I need all the help I can get!!!!!

dick gerard

PS If you prefer you can email me the info. I'm in the new AAW directory.
 
Dick,

I will contact you directly when we get home (we are just about the board the aircraft)

We'll figure out something for you. Maybe even do a webcam soldering lesson... Should be fun!
 
bowlman said:
Alan,
first off, thanks for all your help here and on other forums. Your rotations at Tampa were great! And lauren was fantatsic as well.

Now down to business: could you please post the link to the latest battery that you showed me in Tampa along with links to others parts I will need. Also, are there any such things as solderless connectors for use with this conversion? Otherwise, i will go to harbor Freight and pick up a cheap soldering iron, some solder and flux ... I assume i'll need flux (as you know I have never soldered anything). Any other parts I'll need? I appreciate you helping an old greybeard (AAW # 13) and founder of AAW. I need all the help I can get!!!!!

dick gerard

PS If you prefer you can email me the info. I'm in the new AAW directory.
Click to expand...

No, do NOT get any soldering paste or you will ruin the wires and connectors. Soldering paste is for plumbers to solder coper pipe fittings. The paste is very corrosive (even if the container says that it isn't). The type of solder you need is for electronics work. It has a rosin flux core that helps to clean the joint and is not corrosive. Do not get plumbers solder as it will either have no flux core or it will have a corrosive flux core -- both are very bad for electronics. My favorite type of electronics solder is eutectic which is 63% lead and 37% tin. It probably is no longer available, but several decades ago I bought a lifetime supply of various types of electronics solder in very large spools and still have most of it. I hope to live long enough to use it all. The ideal iron for what you are doing would be something on the order of a Weller 35 watt iron. I would be surprised if Harbor Freight has the right stuff. If you have a Radio Shack they might have it, but they seem top have mostly abandoned their bread and butter market of elecetronics hobbyists.
 
Bill, he didn't mention paste, he mentioned flux

And although most electronics based solder has a flux core, I still prefer to brush on a little electronic flux to help clean and prepare the wires for soldering.
 
Maybe so, Alan, but it doesn't hurt to be certain. Just to be clear, the term soldering flux is inclusive of both acid soldering paste (which removes oxidation) and rosin products that mitigate oxidation that might occur during the soldering process -- see attached picture of plumbers soldering paste/flux.

CIS_15-117.jpg

I haven't noticed rosin flux sold in a round tin in quite some time, but I am sure that it must still exist. In the high-tech electronics industry (not commercial, I don't know what they do), flux is not used very much since wave soldering is the norm on PWB's. On rework, rosin core flux would be used followed by thorough cleaning with "dry" isopropanol, but a brush-on paste/flux would never be used.
 
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If anybody would have it, it would be RS. 🙂

Also notice that RS calls it a Paste Flux.

Looking at the MSDS for the RS product is a bit humorous in a perverse way. In the Hazards section, it lists "heat". Duh! What part of soldering flux do they not understand.

Under conditions to avoid it lists high heat and high humidity. 😀
 
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Yes, this is a thin paste... Not the harder to find liquid flux.

As you pointed out, this is very different than the flux paste used for soldering copper pipes.
 
parts info for battery conversion

Alan,
I have now learned to solder! Please tell me what parts I need and where to get them. I really need to get rid of the heavy battery. Plus, do you know if the company that was selling and repairing Racal Airstreams ... I think they were called Air America or something similar ... is still in existence?

dick gerard
woodturn4@comcast.net
 
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