Nitrox question

[mike_s]

Racket.... I think most peoples frustration here is the LDS took an agency course and added it's own requirement of "you've got to buy one of these" which is essentially pushing gear sales....

Now... I think we all agree that it's better to own your own analyzer. After you own one, you definately see the benefits of it more clearly.

now... to change the subject of "should I own" to "what to look for", snepdiver, which ever analyzer you buy, check to see the cost of an O2 sensor for it. You'll eventually have to replace one of those based on usage and time/exsposure.

Also, notice that some analyzers are made so that you can hold them up to the valve and get a reading that way. Others are made so that you connect a fitting to the low pressure power inflator hose (used for your BC inflator) on your regulator set.

This second option either requires you to take out your regulator any time you want to analyze a tank, or as most people do, have a spare 1st stage with a power inflator hose only mounted to it for this purpose. (If you choose this option, you'll need some way to bleed the air off the 1st stage with something like a blow nozzle.).

The 2nd option is usually more preferred for accuracy because it's a "closed circuit" system. Of course if your analyzing anything over 40%, you'll need all that gear O2 cleaned also.

Just somethings to think about when you're buying one of these.

 

[snepdiver]

Thanks Mike for the info. That is a lot of points I had not thought about.

The LDS does not require purchase. I must have misunderstood them. I will get my own soon.

 

[mike_s]

One more option instead of using a 1st stage and power inflator is the "T" with the O2 sensor in it. It's kinda like the first method I was talking about, but still uses the hose to the o2 sensor.


see first pic on left (from Vance Harlow's website)

 

[diverdowndh]

When my gf and I certified for Nitrox, the LDS strongly recommended purchasing one. It was not required though, they had one available for the class. However, my feeling was that the instructor had some form of bad experience with not having one on a dive trip sometime, and that is where it came from - not a class requirement. I've used Nitrox on about 4 different occasions and they always seem to have one available at the site. I've checked way in advance before going on a dive trip so I've thus far not purchased one. I *am* definitely interested in the book and the $100 one mentioned earlier! I think it would make sense to have one for sure....

 

[texdiveguy]

Are we suppose to be measuring something.....

 

[mike_s]

When my gf and I certified for Nitrox, the LDS strongly recommended purchasing one. It was not required though, they had one available for the class. However, my feeling was that the instructor had some form of bad experience with not having one on a dive trip sometime.

In the Nitrox class they'll teach you not to trust others analyzing your tank and you should do your own.

So I'm betting he got on the trip with a bunch of rental tanks and no way to analyze them for each student. Either that or he got there to pick up the tanks and the shops analyzer was broken, etc... (or not to be trusted). So that screws up the dives.... perfect example.

 

[Notso_Ken]

I am registered to take a nitrox class next week. My question is, Is it commom practice for the LDS to REQUIRE you to purchase an oxygen analyzer in order to complete the cert? Is this just a way to up sell gear? Everywhere I have been that does nitrox fills requires you to test your gas right there after the fill with their tester. Do I need one of my own to be certified? Lots of questions, I know. I will stop my short rant.

I did not know what sub-forum to use for this question so if it needs to be moved so be it.

My LDS recommended it, but made no push to get me to do so.

Ken

 

[marcienko]

Same here, I did not see place that force you to buy a analiyzer before taking calss.All our local LDS's have one avalive for testing.

 

[ronbeau]

I am registered to take a nitrox class next week. My question is, Is it com mom practice for the LDS to REQUIRE you to purchase an oxygen analyzer in order to complete the cert? Is this just a way to up sell gear? Everywhere I have been that does nitrox fills requires you to test your gas right there after the fill with their tester. Do I need one of my own to be certified? Lots of questions, I know. I will stop my short rant.

I did not know what sub-forum to use for this question so if it needs to be moved so be it.

I agree with Kraken. NAUI is the same as PADI in not requiring the student to buy a NITROX analyzer to complete the NITROX course.

If the LDS is requiring you to buy a NITROX analyzer it is time to find a different LDS/instructor.

 

[motorcitydiver]

Sounds like a ploy to make money to me. I can't see why you would need an analyzer to finish the course. I can understand why they would want you to purchase one after the course though. The analyzer is only good for so many tests before the sensor has to be replaced. If the LDS tested everyones tanks when they get a Nitrox fill they would eat up the life span on a sensor in no time. They aren't very cheap.

Another reason to have your own is because it's good practice to check the oxy % with a different analyzer then the one used by LDS.