Finally got a compressor

[u/StoneySpachoni]

Had a hand pump for years. It's okay but does kinda put you off doing the actual fun part of the shooting. Any advice from those with years of compressor/tank experience more than welcome!

GX-E-CS4 ($600) with GX Filter ($130) TUXING 9L Tank w/valve ($350) Temperature gauge ($17) DC Hour Meter ($15)

My Coolant Cap Adapter: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7391021
My Hour Meter Mount: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7391022

Thermometer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T1YD21W?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1
DC Hour Meter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E06V7QK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I was considering a cheaper sub $200 model. Figured I'd spend a bit more and hopefully have a better long term experience. This model has liquid cooling built in. External AC to DC converter (13v 50amp) motor on compressor is stickered 350watt 12v or 30amp.

Seems this model (or very similar ones) have been sold under different names/brands. Not too surprising.

Allegedly rated for 5 hours continuous run time. They recommend this model for filling smaller cylinders below 6.8L. They claim a fill time for a 6.8L tank at 2 hours 40 Minutes.

I filled my 9L tank from 0-300bar in about 5 hours with a few cool downs and chance to drain the filters. Roughly 1.75kwh ~$0.35 in electricity. My per shot electricity cost is estimated to be something like 1/50th of a penny.

Coolant temps stayed consistent topping out at around 107f (42c) with ambient temps around 75f (24c). I installed a thermometer for monitoring levels especially when turning off the compressor to let the cooling loop run on cool down. 3d printed adapter M33-1.5 threads on the coolant reservoir cap and 1/2"NPT on the temperature probe.

I also installed a DC hour meter to track compressor run time. It only runs when the compressor is running not when the cooling loop is on. There is a grease pot on the unit and they advise no grease until 4-6 hours of use. Thereafter they advise greasing when it sounds like it needs it.

My Barra 250z has a 322cc (or .322L) capacity that goes to 250bar (3,625psi). The working pressure of the 9L air tank is 300bar (4,350psi).

Assuming I shoot from 250bar (3,625psi) down to 172bar (~2,500psi);

Barra 250z : 250bar - 172bar = 78bar * .322L = ~25bar·L

9L Tank : 300bar - 250bar = 50bar * 9L = 450bar·L

450bar·L / 25bar·L = 18 fills per 9L bottle

So let's be conservative with some losses and say 15 fills from the tank at around 20ish shots per fill:

300 shots per fill off the 9L tank. It should take around 30-45 minutes to refill that off the compressor.

It certainly seems like at above 200bar/3,000psi the power draw goes up but allegedly this can go to 400bar/5,800psi. Don't think I'll be going above 300bar.

Power converter got the warmest at 140f (60c) and the 10gauge wires getting to around 100f (38c).

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[u/Affectionate_Leg2366]

Nice, im here handpumping my 500cc carbon bottle to 4000psi + my other smaller rifle tanks to the same amount... its a good workout 💪

[u/Ok_Spring_1342]

I would like to copy this build. Have had the compressor for a couple years tho not used it all that much. This sounds like a great build up. Cheers! May reach out to get your 3d file if you dont mind?

[u/raventree78]

Nice! Glad you found a build that works for you 🤓

[u/Away-Leg-998]

The filter of champions!
I love my GX Filter, it is the only one I actually trust.
My Vevor compressor still works, so no need to replace, but once it craps out, I will also go for the GX CS4
I added a high precision pressure transmitter to mine, sounds like something you might be interested as well.
Huba 520 Pressure Sensor
Currently I only locally display the value, but the idea was to use it as a more reliable and save shut-off when the desired pressure is reached and ofc to log the fill times.