Is a Nitrox Analyzer worth the money?

[Sonic04GT]

Was looking at the Analox one for $275 for use on our personal boat. However, the local dive shop convinced me that it isn't really necessary. Just analyze at the shop and you're good to go, no matter how long the tanks sit. How do you guys feel about this? Check the analysis at the shop when you pick your tanks up and call it a day, or do you have your own analyzer that you double check right before going down?

Is the $300 price tag + sensors justifiable?

Can it calibrate off of ambient air since all tanks on the boat will be filled with Nitrox? No reference air tank to calibrate off of.

 

[tbone1004]

Most of the ones calibrate off of ambient. More accurate than tanks usually depending on how old. Generally speaking, if you're diving said nitrox within a day or two of fills, as long as the shops analyzer is good, you're fine. Make sure YOU calibrate it and YOU analyze it though, not them. If you dive a lot of nitrox an analyzer is probably worth it.
Analyzers - Oxygen Analyzers - Northeast Scuba Supply
Nitrox and Trimix Analyzers
some good ones there as well.

All depends on how much you'll use it and if you trust the ones at the shop

 

[The Chairman]

If you dive Nitrox very much, then Indeed it is. You might consider a CO tester too.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

As a general practice, it's always good to verify cylinders you haven't personally analyzed ... meaning if your buddy picks up the tanks you're going to use, and you weren't involved in the analysis, you should analyze the tank yourself prior to diving it.

That ... at least ... is how it's supposed to be done.

As for calibrating from ambient air, you're going to be within two or three tenths of a percent accurate.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[ScubaMarc]

Three was a dive shop in curacao that said i had 32%, but my analyzer said 24%. (That could have hurt). I calibrate of ambient air, but i have not hose adapter on mine.

 

[Sonic04GT]

I will more than likely be primarily diving Nitrox once my buddy gets down here next month, which is why I'm considering getting it.

The dive shop I would get my fills from is very reputable and has about 5 stores across S. Florida which is why I was considering just analyzing myself at the shop. One of the workers there, older guy, said he filled his tanks last week with Nitrox, they'll sit for a while and not change...so as long as you see the original analysis yourself they're good.

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[Pullmyfinger]

I feel they are worth it. I analyze my tanks at the shop with their analyzer, I confirm it with my own.
Pre-dive, I analyze again with mine.

-Mitch

 

[Sonic04GT]

I feel they are worth it. I analyze my tanks at the shop with their analyzer, I confirm it with my own.
Pre-dive, I analyze again with mine.

-Mitch

Just out of curiosity, say your numbers are off from the shop's. How do you know that the sensor in yours isn't bad and that shops is right? Do you take it back to double check or do you assume your analyzer is always correct and the shop screwed up?

 

[HowardE]

I have one... but RARELY use my own. It's not necessary.

If a boat or a shop is offering nitrox, they SHOULD have an analyzer for you to use. If they don't... then don't dive their gas.

 

[HowardE]

Just out of curiosity, say your numbers are off from the shop's. How do you know that the sensor in yours isn't bad and that shops is right? Do you take it back to double check or do you assume your analyzer is always correct and the shop screwed up?

To truly know... You need to have known gasses in tanks. The best way is to have 100% O2 and dry compressed Air as comparison gasses to verify the ability of your sensor to calibrate properly. Sensors are like batteries, in that they are deteriorating from the day you open the package, and they have a lifespan from the born date.