Which Nitrox Analyser ?

[mark w]

I will shortly be doing the BSAC combined nitrox course and am aware of my need to obtain an analyser for use after hopefully passing the course.
So I thought it would be a good idea to ask for peoples veiws on the different makes and models of analysers available.
One other idea going though my mind is to use some equipment I already have for work, I am a heating engineer as so I have a flue gas analyser see link
http://www.telegangas.co.uk/sprint_2000XT.html
now among the other functions of this one measures the O2 present in its sampled gas. Now what I am thinking is why not use it for nitrox sampling, all I would need to do is to make a small tube that I could hold against my cylinder and attach a sampling hose into that connected to the analyser, now whilst I know that this is not as conveinient it does save buying another analyser and the subsiquent replacement of O2 cells
What do you other people think:
good money saving idea.........or..........am I just tight ?????
Either way, your revies and reccomendations on analysers would be greatly appreciated.

[bubbleless]

Hi Mark,

if you look at the tech spec for the meter O2- 0-25%

So thats 25% max, hopefully you will be able to use higher mixes upto 36%? after your course.

So it doesn't look like you can use your works meter for nitrox.

If you can solder and follow a simple circuit diagram then you could make your own DIY, sites on the web oxycheq.com has a diagram and there are others.

Hope this helps.

John

[Scuby]

Check its quoted accuracy and things like that, but otherwise as long as it can tell you much O2 is in the air it doesn't matter how big it is or whatever.

If your engineering skills stretch to a little bit of electronics then analysers are very easy (and extremely cheap) to make. Best method I found when I did it a while ago was using a cheap digital multimeter (about £5 from Maplin), a bit of wire, a plug, variable resistor, and an O2 sensor from Omni Components. Worked out at about £10 + oxygen sensor, rather than the £120 + sensor that retail ones tend to go for.
I cut the circuit board from my multimeter down to the minimum and mounted it all in a nice little black plastic box, and an adaptor to screw the sensor into a DIN valve.

Works really well, reading are the same as any other O2 analyser i've compared it to (within about 0.1 or 0.2 generally). Worth trying if you're any good at electronics.

David

[mark w]

Originally Posted by bubbleless

if you look at the tech spec for the meter O2- 0-25%

Must admit I hadnt studied the technical spec for my analyser yet, it was just an idea I had in the back of my mind, looks like the spec rules it out, however as it uses a standard O2 cell I cant see why its range should be limited, maybe because its a flue gas analyser and the manufacturers know that flue gas should always be less than 21.9% O2 (due to the O2 being used in combustion) then that is why they give it a 25% max spec, as I currently have a cyl with nitrox 36% in it when i get a moment i see what result i get sampling it with the flue gas analyser.

[RickW]

Originally Posted by Scuby

Check its quoted accuracy and things like that, but otherwise as long as it can tell you much O2 is in the air it doesn't matter how big it is or whatever.

If your engineering skills stretch to a little bit of electronics then analysers are very easy (and extremely cheap) to make. Best method I found when I did it a while ago was using a cheap digital multimeter (about £5 from Maplin), a bit of wire, a plug, variable resistor, and an O2 sensor from Omni Components. Worked out at about £10 + oxygen sensor, rather than the £120 + sensor that retail ones tend to go for.
I cut the circuit board from my multimeter down to the minimum and mounted it all in a nice little black plastic box, and an adaptor to screw the sensor into a DIN valve.

Works really well, reading are the same as any other O2 analyser i've compared it to (within about 0.1 or 0.2 generally). Worth trying if you're any good at electronics.

David

got a picture?

[Rob Dobson]

Try here: http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/analox%20O2EII.htm

[mark w]

I have found the analox model on ebay brand new for £150 + £5 p&p. Although I have heard of that make I wondered what veiws where on my other options, also is £150 a good price, listing says "Due to an over order we have 3 brand new Analox analysers available at cost" why when we are all in the bussiness of making money would anyone sell at cost ?? surely there is a good market for analysers without giving them away ?

[Paul Sharman]

I think Deep Blue sell two models of the Anolux both at £199. The anolux have had some good reports on here and elsewhere.

I used to use a Suunto Oxy Spy which I got at Trade +vat. No frills but it dos what it says on the tin

If I was buying again I would be very tempted with The Alpha 1 from Sub Aqua products. More Money £250 ish but has built in flow valve.

HTH.

Cheers,
Paul.

[triplefin]

Got an analox last year, v pleased with it, easy to work, compact and robust.
You'll probably find quite a few old threads comparing makes and models

[Ian B]

I use the OxySpy. Very easy to use. I'm told the sensors don't last as long as some other makes, but this is offset by the cheaper price.