Author Topic: New Nomad II Compressor full review (Read 381 times)

Crosman999 · « **on:** November 27, 2018, 08:09:29 AM »

Hey all, had the chance to field test the new Air Venturi Nomad II portable compressor. This is a step above the first model and works pretty well to fill smaller cylinders or top off larger ones. The build quality looks good as well as a few features such as the load indicator I think work well. Very compact little unit! Here is the video that shows about as much as I could.

Alan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2018, 11:22:47 AM »

While it is nice to be able to refill tanks out in the field, getting left in the field due to a dead battery—isn't!

When H.A.M. first reviewed the Nomad (I and II), I brought up the issue about powering the unit without the engine running. The current draw is 26 amps, and depending on the vehicle in question, this amount of load is enough, that after about an hour of powering the Nomad, the vehicle in question might not have enough reserve to restart the engine, especially in cooler weather. My suggestion then, and now (!), is to start the engine and let it run while using the Nomad. And, the negative lead of the Nomad, should be connected at, or close to, the battery's chassis ground. This assures that the battery monitoring system is not bypassed.

Crosman999 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2018, 11:27:51 AM »

Quote from: Alan on November 27, 2018, 11:22:47 AM

While it is nice to be able to refill tanks out in the field, getting left in the field due to a dead battery—isn't!

When H.A.M. first reviewed the Nomad (I and II), I brought up the issue about powering the unit without the engine running. The current draw is 26 amps, and depending on the vehicle in question, this amount of load is enough, that after about an hour of powering the Nomad, the vehicle in question might not have enough reserve to restart the engine, especially in cooler weather. My suggestion then, and now (!), is to start the engine and let it run while using the Nomad. And, the negative lead of the Nomad, should be connected at, or close to, the battery's chassis ground. This assures that the battery monitoring system is not bypassed.

Did you watch the video?

Alan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2018, 02:16:47 PM »

Yes, and if you mentioned the issue at hand, I missed it.

Rewatching the video, I did see that you connect the Nomad directly to the battery's terminals. You don't want to do that! You can get by with doing so on a vehicle without a battery monitoring system, but almost ALL makes and models made since 2012 have one. Part of the system is a LDS (Load Detect Sensor). It is a Hall device, which is either incorporated into the battery's negative connector, or as a separate unit with the battery's ground lead running through it. If you bypass the load detect sensor, the engine computer may get confused, which can cause other maladies like illuminating the MIL (Maintenance Indicator Light), or worse, not properly charging the battery, engine running or not!

Since I brought this up some months ago, it apparently had an effect, as the manuals for the Nomad (and two similar models) now mention the issue.

Here is the info on my Amateur Radio Site: http://www.k0bg.com/wiring.html#power

steveoh · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2018, 02:32:27 PM »

Looks to be an interesting compressor, and handy for those on the road situations. My truck has dual heavy duty batteries, and I also have one or two deep cycle batteries I can utilize. For sure, running down a pair of batteries on the Cummins surrounded by a Dodge is a NO WAY, situation. It would not be easy jump starting my truck, should the batteries go too far down to crank.

I have mentioned to Kevin a couple times about my desire to have a portable compressor to fill rifles at the very least, and perhaps filling tanks. When I take three DAQs to a shoot, they eat up the air pretty quickly. I have chewed on having a genuine scuba fill compressor powered by a gasoline engine.

Oh to be independently wealthy and have a lot of extra time on my hands.

Crosman999 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2018, 02:46:48 PM »

If the vehicle is running while Compressor is in use it should be no problem.

steveoh · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2018, 02:51:07 PM »

Quote from: Crosman999 on November 27, 2018, 02:46:48 PM

If the vehicle is running while Compressor is in use it should be no problem.

Yah, the Cummins will sit and run until the cows come home.

Great review!

Do tell, did you take the cover off the Nomad? I'd like to know what's under the hood.