View Full Version : Cheap O2 Analyzer?
Dunno about you lot but I've been hunting round for an O2 analyzer for a while, but it goes against the grain to spend £180 for a Pelican case and a brand name on top of £120 for an analyzer (naming no coughanaloxcough names :p )
I was thinking about ordering an "El Cheapo 2" from the states, but have since seen this: ebay no 230088473938
Looks ok and the construction work is basic... so I've ordered one up. Will try to remember to let you all know how I get on :)
Wish me luck!
Smudge
Ok, it arrived this morning so I built it up after work, no major dramas, if you can use a drill and solder it should be doable for you. I havent yet got an o2 sensor (awaiting delivery) but the kit was built up in about 3 hours from opening the envelope to tidying up and that was taking my time.
It's basic but looks functional and it passed the smoke test(!)
As an analyzer is generally as accurate as the sensor driving it, hopefully it should work fine (eg as well as a commercially built one;) ).
I'll post again once I've tried it for real.
Incidentally, the seller it turns out, is known to our club and is a diver himself so it should be as safe a transaction as you can get on eblag :)
edited to point out that the slow delivery was due to Dunfermline delivery office who seem to think it's normal and natural to sit on all packages for three to five days :(
Lizardland
14-02-07, 01:22
I used to build and sell analysers, they really are very simple bits of kit. I can't believe people pay £150+ for one. A DIY analyser will be as accurate as any commercial unit you'll buy in a shop, it's just a voltmeter with a bit of gain adjustment and the decimal point shifted.
As you say, if you can solder then you can make one. Even if you can't solder it isn't that hard to learn. And you're right, they are only as accurate as the sensor.
If you don't fancy building one then buy an industrial meter like these:
http://www1.uk.conrad.com/scripts/wgate/zcop_uk/~flN0YXRlPTMwNjM1Mzk4Njg=?~template=pcat_product_d etails_document&product_show_id=000000000000121501&p_back_template=pcat_suchergebnis&p_load_area=0601107~1&area_f_infobox=0601107~1
For £95 it isn't a bad price when you consider you'll pay £45 for a cell and £35 for the kit.
I've still got the parts for about 9 or 10 analysers in the shed so I might knock up a few.
Cheers,
Stuart
could you check the link stu?
its from a secure connection, so has an error report.
i have one of these.....
http://www.nrc-international.com/caupo/images/default_shop/Analyser-normal.jpg
did my basic nitrox course with NRC a few years back, got my analyser for about £60 direct from them in germany.
just checked their site, they are now around £88 + postage from germany.
the postage service is quick, around 3-4 days, used them a few times, so can recomend them.
could you check the link stu?
its from a secure connection, so has an error report.
There appears to be a problem hyperlinking directly to the item details due to Cookie use on their web site. Try visiting http://www1.uk.conrad.com and search for "oxygen".
Link to NRC O2 analyser (as recommended by stewart): http://www.nrc-international.com/caupo/index.php?action=showdetails&from=startpage&pageNr=1&productId=42ca8def8dcd3&sid=182d1f38728f1eb8616ce6af5f50abbe
(hope that one works... :eek:)
Lizardland
14-02-07, 21:51
If you go on the Conrad website then search for part no: 121501 - 62
It should bring it up. It looks like a R17D type cell as used in Vandagraph analysers (though I could be wrong).
Cheers,
Stuart