Carette 4500 PSI Compressor Report
The Carette 4500 compressor is a Chinese compressor that seeks to fill the price performance gap between “big boy” dive compressors and Shoebox compressors.
Mr. Wang has kindly supplied a demonstrator unit for testing. As a demonstrator unit rather than a final production unit, the test unit may not match the appearance and configuration of the actual shipped units. This one included a PMV, high pressure air filter unit and automated condensate drain system. I do not know if those features will be in the final configuration. I have been told that the external finish will be better on the actual units. Also, the crankshaft bearing and rods will be more durable than those on this demonstrator.
I had hoped to be testing a unit that is an actual production sample, but because this is a demonstrator unit, bear in mind that the shipped product may differ from what I am testing. This does affect my ability to report whether the machine is a thumbs up or down. If the production units are worse than what I’m testing, I certainly wouldn’t be happy, nor would our forum members. On the other hand, I am getting very appropriate and encouraging responses from the manufacturer regarding my findings. Mr. Wang (Sincere) is actively improving the machine based on my comments.
For instance, he was ready about make changes regarding current draw based on my measurements. I don’t think changing the current draw would be worth it, if it slows the compressors. Also, the amount of oil I see in the condensate was already a known issue on this demonstrator. They already have a different component that cuts the oil bypass to 1/3 what I’m seeing. The oil bypass even on this demonstrator isn’t horrible. He’s also planning how to integrate the air filter on the compressor frame. It’s that type of desire to make a better product that I want in a manufacturer.
Rather than the demonstrator being perfect and production machines worse, we could end up with better production machines. However, I can only report what I am seeing and won’t speculate on what will actually ship to you. On the other hand, I have the impression that Mr. Wang actually does intend to deliver what he promises.
Main Topic Posts Index
Unpacking, Parts, Feature Details
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990&sid=25a9f57107862238e05a475ca0efe908#p371780
Oil, Water, Initial Run-in
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990&sid=25a9f57107862238e05a475ca0efe908#p371781
Rifle Air Cylinder Filling Test
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371782
Great White CF Tank Top Off & Fill From Empty Tests
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371783
24 Hour Torture Test
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371784
All Replies
Wow. I just got hinted to peek at mrodair.com. There is something new listed as the Mark 4 Compressor.
This is like finding someone you really don’t trust dating your sister. OMG! :suprisedn:
Looks like these are the old, Chinese domestic 220 volt configuration, not the new 120 volt, full configuration being prepped for the US market and sold via Bosun’s introductory special.
True to form, Mrodair is over hyping it as a SCUBA compressor able to fill cascade systems. I wouldn’t recommend either of those activities with a Carette.
Yikes. If this is the new US dealership, that would be pairing a great machine with a poor track record dealer.
This is what community is at its best! Hope to hear some long term reports on how it does, congrats on your new toy!
Self reliant air is a must for every pcp owner, and Carrette takes this one step closer to many of you out there.
Let’s hope there be more affordable units out there besides shoebox(slow) Altaros (needs a big shop comp to be fast) Omega (dunno much about that) and now the Carrette.
Will be interesting what else is behind the corner.
Marko
:8: :8: :8: :biggrinn:
I know you will take good care of it.
Guy
Ok so the test mule arrived 3pm by FedEx Stealthy Delivery. Made it safe guykuo. Thanks again. Pretty light little compressor. I managed to pull it out the box by myself. oiled and watered up. Pulled it over to the washer an dryer plugged into the same outlet as the dryer.( where I originally was going to plug in the Airmax) turned it on. Now this sounds like a dive compressor. Not a screaming banshee Airmax lol. The wife commented right off how quiet it is. I really like the slower run.
Set it up this morning filled my great white 3k to 4.5k 1hr5 mins. The auto drain I was expecting a louder blast lol that brass sieve on it quiets pretty good lol.
Yes, the intro special on the compressor with PMV and auto bleed is still happening. They cannot have a sales thread on this forum. No one can. That sales thread was rightly deleted after I reported it.
Gateway to Airguns asked me to repost my review and also let their members know about the special in their bargains section. There isn’t an equivalent section here at TAG for that type of information. So, ironically, the place where information about the Carette first came out isn’t where you learn about getting one.
Everything basically has to be done by contacting Bosunhu.
Quite fitting.
I found this fitting the subject of high pressure compressors….
[quote=”guykuo”]32 PCP’s !!! :8:
See here for more details http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371783
Great White top from 2750 to 4500 PSI in 72 minutes
Great White from completely empty to 4600 PSI in 3:06 hours.
It is not a fast unit running at the limits of its mechanics. We’ve seen what happens when one forces two, light cylinders to run fast – lots of heat, risk of dieseling, high mechanical stress and wear.
The Carette 4500 design team made some wise decisions. They built the compressor with higher grade parts and run them below max limits. This thing calmly spins at just 1,000 RPM for cooler operation and reduced wear. The cooling system has more than ample capacity. The compressor’s elegantly executed design for longevity instead of speed won me over.
With the auto bleed and shutoff, the filling time isn’t a big issue. Set the auto stop to 4500, autodrain Q 10 minutes, 0.5 second duration and let it go.I would still keep an eye on it for the last couple hundred PSI fill, but it pretty much takes care of itself.
I recommend putting a good drying AND hydrocarbon removing filter like an Alpha or Dmann’s post compressor (or any other compressor lacking a desiccant and activated carbon filter). There is always some oil blow by on an oiled compressor. it isn’t bad on this compressor, but a filter would really let you do it right.[/quote………………. GUY , Thanks for this info ,
]
Bosunhu’s special deal thread has been deleted for being direct marketing.
I was wondering how it stayed online so long.
The special is still on. You just can’t do direct commercial selling on the forum.
Or coltri ce750, any ISO VG 195 Will do and you don’t pay for the Bauer logo 😉
No point on using something generic compressor oil, it’ll be more expensive in the long run.
Changing oil more frequent will save you money in the long run also, it doesn’t turn black when starting to loose lubricative abilities so don’t be looking for that. If it’s black there is combustion present or ceramic coating particles in some case ( not related to carrette) and you have something worn.
Marko
Remember this tip for when it come time to fill the coolant…..
An extra piece of plastic tubing is needed to do the initial fill. There is a filling procedure video on youtube. Watch that, but it is a lot easier to fill and drive air out by using a spray bottle to pump the coolant rather than using gravity.
Tilt the compressor by lifting the front 2 inches. That lets the radiator clear all air.
Detach the coolant tubing running from the low pressure cylinder ate the high pressure cylinder. That is the highest point on the compressor.
Run a piece of plastic tubing from a a common Home Depot spray bottle to the high cylinder water inlet. You can attach your tubing to the spray bottle if you pull off the blue nozzle. Fill the bottle with your cooling solution.
Keep the spray bottle cap open and run the tubing from the low side into the bottle.
When you pump the spray bottle, you force air free coolant into the high side cooling jacket. Air/coolant will come out of the low side tubing and into your bottle. Keep pumping until air has been purged from the system.
Then reattach the tubing from low side to high side cooling jacket.
——-
You will need compressor oil for the compressor. About 300 ML is needed. I used Bauer synthetic compressor oil. It holds up to compressor use, has the correct viscosity, has a high flash point, and is not obnoxious smelling.
Here is one place that has it http://www.augustindustries.com/shopexd.asp?id=613
I’m sure Ray Contreras or Joe Brancato could also source the compressor oil.
32 PCP’s !!! :8:
See here for more details http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371783
Great White top from 2750 to 4500 PSI in 72 minutes
Great White from completely empty to 4600 PSI in 3:06 hours.
It is not a fast unit running at the limits of its mechanics. We’ve seen what happens when one forces two, light cylinders to run fast – lots of heat, risk of dieseling, high mechanical stress and wear.
The Carette 4500 design team made some wise decisions. They built the compressor with higher grade parts and run them below max limits. This thing calmly spins at just 1,000 RPM for cooler operation and reduced wear. The cooling system has more than ample capacity. The compressor’s elegantly executed design for longevity instead of speed won me over.
With the auto bleed and shutoff, the filling time isn’t a big issue. Set the auto stop to 4500, autodrain Q 10 minutes, 0.5 second duration and let it go.I would still keep an eye on it for the last couple hundred PSI fill, but it pretty much takes care of itself.
I recommend putting a good drying AND hydrocarbon removing filter like an Alpha or Dmann’s post compressor (or any other compressor lacking a desiccant and activated carbon filter). There is always some oil blow by on an oiled compressor. it isn’t bad on this compressor, but a filter would really let you do it right.
Dj , damm you got me beat, I thought I had a lot of A/guns,= quite a few.. not sure of the size tanks , I have one bigger one , 1 medium next is smaller, & a guppy, & 1 scuba tank
Guy, thanks for the confirmation, without trying to read thru this long thread, & I am almost asleep, how long does it take to fill a great white (just a reference) from empty to 4500 ? I am pretty sure I am going to pull the trigger on this deal in the morning, roger
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Wow I sure didn’t see that coming!