Nitrox/Oxygen Analyzers

[Sonic04GT]

Worthwhile investment?

I was looking at this one...
AmoxTec Analox O2EII Nitrox Analyzer

What are some other ways to calibrate? The only one I know of is analyzing regular air at 21%. What if it's just you and a buddy only diving Nitrox and there is no regular air available to calibrate using that method?

$130 to replace the sensor after 4 years... That's nearly half the price of the entire device =-O What are some signs of the sensor going bad, just cross-checking with other devices?

 

[Docc]

What are some other ways to calibrate? The only one I know of is analyzing regular air at 21%. What if it's just you and a buddy only diving Nitrox and there is no regular air available to calibrate using that method?

uh....regular air also means that regular air stuff we breathe....you know....non-compressed......kinda all around us......

 

[vtxkev]

uh....regular air also means that regular air stuff we breathe....you know....non-compressed......kinda all around us......

While this statement is true, most of these units do not have a pump on them and can not draw the outside air in and therefore the outside air we breathe is useless when calbrating these units.

 

[Docc]

I've got an Oxycheq which uses the ambient air around us to calibrate. Thats the only one I have experience with. Sorry.

 

[Sonic04GT]

Anybody want to chime in that owns the one I linked above? Will it work with ambient air?

 

[solowgregg]

I've only used Oxycheq units personally but others I've seen used were all calibrated with ambient air. I've seen some take their hand and "wave" fresh air into the unit while calibrating. If the sensor is good you should be able to do this and achieve accurate calibration. If in doubt contact the manufacturer.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

If you are diving a lot maybe. If you are planning on teaching then absolutely. If you get into technical diving running different percentages yes again.

If most of your diving will be flying someplace in to dive most ops will have one for you to use. If the shop you are diving out of has banked gas. Then check it at the shop and go. Save the money and put toward a couple of two tank trips.

The unit you are looking at is the exact same unit that I teach Nitrox classes with.
The unit comes with a removable plug that has a pin hole for measuring pressured gases from a scuba tank.

Take out the plug swish it around in the air and calib. for 21%. For back up put the plug in and sample a regular scuba cylinder. For me the results have always been the same.

I have used several different models and the sensor and battery are the only things that I have ever had to replace. Yes the sensors are expensive. I bought an extra one and left it sealed. When the one I have finally goes bad it will be interesting to see if the NIB sealed unit will be any good. Life may only be good for X period regardless.

Do a search for O2 sensors. Just be sure and get the exact model replacement. I had one unit that would only work properly with the OEM replacement no generics.

 

[vtxkev]

I stand corrected, thanks guys.

 

[LiteHedded]

every dive shop I use for fills has an analyzer.
just haven't found an excuse to buy one yet

 

[TSandM]

I found that, when the sensor in mine was going out, it began to give wonky readings -- When you requested 32% and the analyzer is telling you that you have 17%, or won't calibrate at all, it's a clue. They seem to be good for about 18 months (I guess longer if you take them out of the device and put them in the refrigerator when not in use).

I have one because I dive in places where they don't have analyzers for consumers to use (eg. Mexican caves). As it turns out, I have almost never used it at home.