Home Build O2 Analysers

[MartinS]

Right - I recently purchased one of these and a very kind soul (you know who you are) supplied me with an R22-2BUD sensor.  Now, due to huge delays with the item (and mucho complaining from my end) I managed to get it sent to me already built (what a result   ).
Now, it comes with a lead that has a phono plug at the unit end and a 3mm jack at the sensor end. The small problem is that the sensor only has three pins and you have to fanny about removing the jack and wiring the leads to the pins.
Now, I managed to source the parts from the UK to make this whole process a lot easier.  You'll need one of each of the following parts (all from Maplins):
HF82D - An open mono 3·5mm jack socket
BX97F - PCB Latch housing (3 way)
YW25C  - PCB Terminal (comes in a strip of 10, so just need one).
Instructions for how to do this courtesy of Rob Evans:
Solder two short wires onto the centre and waste pins of the 3.5mm jack socket.
These wires can then be crimped to the PCB terminals (which are inserted into the latch housing).
Plug the latch housing into the sensor and the jack plug from the analyser simply plugs into the jack socket.
Alternatively, you could buy one of these!  I was tempted, but am determined to try the home build attempt first.  The cost of the sensor from the US is about £35 (inclusive of P&P), so for anyone needing a replacement for a Vandagraph then this is a much cheaper alternative to the supplier.
Anyway, hope this helps
Regards and dive safe
Martin

[Finless]

Coincidence - that's what this post is.

After reading one of Bren's posts last year I sent off for and rcv'd the Oxygen Hackers Manual (something like that) and have been intending on building myself an O2 analyser ever since.

Your post has prompted me to dig out the book again and read it properly and, with the aid of your notes, get something done about it.

[MartinS]

Bryan
According to this recent post it can be even cheaper than what I've listed.  Oxycheq's El Cheapo is $100 inclusive of O2 sensor ( which works out about £55), whereas if you buy the two units I listed and build it yourself, it comes out at about £80.
I guess it's all down to whether you have the patience to do it yourself or just want to unwrap it and off you go.
Anyway, either way, it's kept me busy for an hour this morning rattling on about it!
Regards, and dive safe
Martin

[Finless]

Martin,

Rob (YBOD Evans) said I could have one of his old sensors from his used YBOD stocks.

I guess he doesn't use them "to the max" due to some wimpy load of bollocks about possibly ending up dead.

If  mine costs more than a tenner and a tupperware box I'll just buy the Analox O2 analyser    .

I will have a proper look your info/links this evening .

Rgds
Bryan

[Stu Sheridan]

<font color='#0000FF'>Hi martin, I just wanted to make sure I was reading it right.

Buy the box on ebay
Buy the bits from maplins
Buy/scav a sensor

Put it all together and hey presto?

Does that sound right?

I might have a go myself, looking at that other post it does look like it can be done cheaper, old multimeters, digital panels etc.

What's yours cost to build in total, and post a piccie or two if you can.

Cheers, Stu.

[MartinS]

Hi Stu
That's about it - I bought mine for about £40 (with free construction, which is usually £20 - although I did intend to self build buth when he offered to make it for me as an apoogy for the delay, what could I say!) &nbsp;If you're happy to do it yourself, then just the £40 (thats inclusive of P&amp;P from the US). &nbsp;The parts from Maplins came to about £4 (£2.30ish was P&amp;P) and the sensor was free, so in total £44. &nbsp;The unit is the same as in the picture from the first link, but apparently it can be done cheaper if you're handy with a soldering iron and some electronics knowledge.
If I can give you any more info, please ask.
Regads, and dive safe
Martin

[Rob Evans]

Pleased it all worked out OK Martin; as of this mo I have two cells going free to good homes.  This obviously exludes
Bryan who, being a hippy, can build his own out of hemp and a Europe CD.

[daveking]

<font color='#0000FF'>rob
thought you was sending me one a couple of months ago

[Paul Hinchliffe]

<font color='#0000FF'>Ive had one of these for quite a while, and it really does work a treat.

I did`nt have the luxury of having it built and fcuked the first panel meter with the soldering iron, Dohh. (Ill stick to knocking nails in wood), but I managed it the second time round. The secret is to tin (coat in solder) the wire first, then its easy.

I also managed to get the cell inside the box and put a flow restrictor on, this makes it nice and neat with no wires to worry about.

Be careful using a second hand cell, they are fine for low O2% blends, but will not be reliable for high % blends.


Cheers, Paul

[Rob Evans]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]thought you was sending me one a couple of months ago

Oops.... Ahem....Sorry Dave, due to customer demand etc (and me being a bit crap really) you missed out on the last round, PM me your address &amp; I'll get one off to you.
It's just occurred to me, I've sent a bunch of these out to various parties &amp; only Martin &amp; Janos have PM'd to say thanks. Mutter mutter grumble.