Looking for an electric pump

[getinbig]

If anyone is interested, this is my take on the DP-4000. The pump works GREAT! That being said it is a little bit different from what I was expecting, but I'm still really satisfied. So, the pump is really easy to program, and it comes with a default program already loaded. Here's what's different from what I was expecting from what I got. It says that it has space to store 10 different programs on the pump. However, you should know it's not 10 complete programs as much as 10 different settings within one program. You can download the software free from the website to view how it is setup before getting the actual pump. I recommend doing this so that you can see how easy it is, and so you can get an idea of how you'll need to set up your routines once you get the pump. You can set the first setting to whatever value and time length that you want, but once that one is done, it automatically moves on to the next settings. This isn't a bad thing nor a real problem. I was simply under the idea that I could set up 10 completely different routines and choose which ones to run once I turned on the pump. Whatever settings you program go to the pump and will be run until you plug it in again and change your routine. It's really simple and takes less than 2 minutes. Also, the pump doesn't "hold" a pressure. I've seen with some other manual pumps where you can use a valve to lock in the pressure that you want. With the DP-4000 it pumps within the parameters of the pressure that you set and then continuously adjusts itself to keep reaching that pressure. So even with a perfect seal, you're not going to stay at say 4Hg for 5 minutes straight. Every few seconds the pump adjusts and even has a graph where you can see how much of an adjustment is being made. You can set the pump to stay within 1 +/- of whatever pressure you set. Meaning if you set it for 4, the pump will not allow the pressure to fall below 3. Noise volume had always been a major concern for me with buying the pump. It's not perfectly quiet, but I can say I can't hear it in the next room in my apartment, so I'm happy with it. It's lightweight, easy to carry and move around and small. I think the only thing that would make it better is a carrying case for if you need it while traveling. Also Chris has been really good at answering any questions I've had thus far in detail. I'm happy with my decision to choose this pump. A little pricey, but completely worth it in my opinion

bambamm89, thanks for this great and encouraging post. How long have you been using your DP4000? When you started using the preloaded program, how did you decide how long each session should be? You're right about Chris. He seems very willing to help and guide newbies using his pump. I'm very excited and looking forward to getting started in the next few days. Hopefully we can be buddies and share information and learn from each other.

[getinbig]

corrected:
Threshold Setting
+/- 1.0 means it will adjust, if vacuum changes from preset by 1.0" hg
+/- 1.5 means it will adjust, if vacuum changes from preset by 1.5" hg
+/- 2.0 means it will adjust, if vacuum changes from preset by 2.0" hg

(how sensitive the pump will be to say, air leaks. The lower the #, the more sensitive it is; it would adjust more frequently. A larger # means the pump will tolerate a larger change, before it kicks in. This will compensate for air leaks.)

Sample Step program:
"hg..........seconds

3.500 7.000
2.500 4.000
4.000 7.000
3.000 5.000
5.500 7.000
3.500 6.000
5.000 7.000
3.000 5.000
5.500 5.000
4.000 3.000

(program will loop back to start after last step)
program can be stored in a text file, use Windows Notepad or equiv)

Pump will store up to 10 steps.

Yes, I've owned one for years.

Hey Dangler, I've ordered one and expect it to arrive in the next few days. I'd really appreciate your help once I get started. Another member here at PEGym, Richardwad, also ordered one. Hopefully we can share notes and learn from each other. The DP4000 looks like a great pump. Can't wait to get started.