mr_v
Contributor
Howdy folks,
While I was prebreathing, PPO2 shown on the controller/monitor was in the expected range, above the low setpoint. Then, all of the sudden, the controller started showing 0.0 PPO2 across all sensors. Then the controller PPO2 ranged [0.0 - 0.13]. Meanwhile, the solenoid started injecting O2 into the loop. I disassembled the unit, checked all connections, put everything back together - all checked out. The unit was dry, including the battery box. Also, I cleaned the 4-pin connector with DeoxIt suitable for gold plated connectors.
I had a few conservative dives without any issues.
Unfortunately, the same thing happened a few weeks later as I was about to get into a cave. I got out, disassembled the unit and inspected the wire which links 3 O2 sensors (molex) to a 4-pin wet connector. A buddy pointed out that one of the molex connectors was probably damaged. I replaced the connector with a brand new one and did several dives. The problem did not return.
The hypothesis is that moisture got into molex connectors and travled upwire wrecking havoc on voltage readings.
The unit had ~150 hours on it. Petrel 2 has the latest software version. The unit never experienced a flood and I dry it religiously in open air. I still have the supposedly bad connector that I'd like to inspect when I get back home. However, I am curious if anyone else experienced the same issues. If so, what did you discover and what was the solution?
Thank you!
While I was prebreathing, PPO2 shown on the controller/monitor was in the expected range, above the low setpoint. Then, all of the sudden, the controller started showing 0.0 PPO2 across all sensors. Then the controller PPO2 ranged [0.0 - 0.13]. Meanwhile, the solenoid started injecting O2 into the loop. I disassembled the unit, checked all connections, put everything back together - all checked out. The unit was dry, including the battery box. Also, I cleaned the 4-pin connector with DeoxIt suitable for gold plated connectors.
I had a few conservative dives without any issues.
Unfortunately, the same thing happened a few weeks later as I was about to get into a cave. I got out, disassembled the unit and inspected the wire which links 3 O2 sensors (molex) to a 4-pin wet connector. A buddy pointed out that one of the molex connectors was probably damaged. I replaced the connector with a brand new one and did several dives. The problem did not return.
The hypothesis is that moisture got into molex connectors and travled upwire wrecking havoc on voltage readings.
The unit had ~150 hours on it. Petrel 2 has the latest software version. The unit never experienced a flood and I dry it religiously in open air. I still have the supposedly bad connector that I'd like to inspect when I get back home. However, I am curious if anyone else experienced the same issues. If so, what did you discover and what was the solution?
Thank you!
