Reef Fish wrote:

> The August 2001 Issue of Alert Diver (DAN publication) is already out.
> One of the articles in it prompted this post to inquire whether any of
> you (1) own a portable unit, (2) have a particular brand to recommend,
> and (3) any information to share or advise on my situation/need.

I don't own my own tanks. When I rent tanks to take to "local" dive sites I
perform the analysis in the dive shop providing the tanks, using their
analyzer.  All of the boats I have used nitrox from have provided an
analyzer for use by divers to verify their fills.  The brand and models of
the analyzers provided vary, of course.  I didn't use nitrox in Coz for a
couple of reasons:  I would have been the only diver in our group using it,
and it is still a hassle to get it from the operator we were using
(Paradise Divers).  Hence, the issue of analysis never came up.

When I use nitrox I use it much as John Nitrox does -- as air, but with
restricted MOD.  So I am more concerned about too high an O2 count than too
low.  I was interested in John's comments about the accuracy of the
analyzers at uneven flow rates.  Since I use whatever analyzer the shop or
boat offers (I believe the PHD Sea Dancer used a MiniOX) does this mean
that I have to learn the characteristics of every analyzer on the market?

My understanding of the available O2 analyzers is that they: 1) are
expensive, and  2) need to have the O2 sensor replaced frequently.  For the
amount of nitrox diving I do, that's a no-brainer.  I have no reason to
purchase my own unit.  The only reason I can see for doing so would be the
one you mention: lack of a conveniently available analyzer where you do
most of your diving.  But be aware that you'll need to replace the sensor
element regularly.

> I am
> considering the purchase of an inexpensive (read cheap) and reliable
> one (if such is not an oxymoron) instead of breaking the Rule and
> rely on the reliability of the fill on the island.

I would consider an O2 analyzer to be part of my life support equipment,
along with my regs, computers and gauges.  I didn't go cheap on the reg
set, and I wouldn't go cheap on an analyzer.  My life depends upon it being
accurate.

Dive safe [\],
-Dave

--
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Dave DeBarger
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"ASSETS make things possible.  PEOPLE make things happen!"
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