Should You Buy A Nitrox Analyzer?

[@greathairengineer]

Wiith respect towards the calibration using ambient versus dry compressed air, I agree it is always best to calibrate it this way; however, when you buy the Analox you get a small sheet which shows the end user how to calibrate against temperature and humidity in absence of dry air. For sure it is very likely you can find a tank to calibrate with, but in its absence you can use the provided tables from Analox to calibrate. At least for PADI, the recommendation is always to have your own analyzer, don't assume the boat will have one. In technical diving don't we always assume the other person won't have what we need and/or it may fail; thus, plan to always bring what you need for the surface and under the water. The Analox isn't a big device, mine fits perfectly in my small Pelican dry case (about the size of your red one in your older videos in the background) I bring diving, the same case which houses my first aid and save-a-dive components. For me, those boat analyzers get used and abused and I know my analyzer has been stored dry, used properly, and gets a new battery and sensor every year. Dying from convulsing underwater because it reads too low because I used an anaylzer that was abused and faulting isn't fun for me. For most people it is possible to get away with replacing the sensor every 3-4 years, in fact, I believe Analox prorates the sensor replacement within the first 3 years. Anyone can extend the life of the sensor by purchasing the cap for the sensor port too. I replace mine every year because it gets a lot of use. Diving ain't cheap and cheap diving ain't good.

[@csmith1453]

James, this is amazing timing. I’m in Bali right now and did my first dives yesterday with a shop that used ambient air to calibrate. I raised this issue and they said they’d never heard of using a cylinder in to calibrate and that it would be more risky to do so because you never really know what’s in the tank. I told them I was trained to use a cylinder for calibration and that as far as I knew all training orgs (PADI, NAUI etc) trained this way. I went back to the hotel and pulled out my NAUI nitrox manual and I was correct - you want dry air at same pressure as your nitrox mix going over the censor. But holy cow - i hate arguing with the dive shop - I’m just an intermediate diver at best (70 dives over last two years) but thank you for confirming again the proper way to calibrate - i want to know what’s going in my body!

[@MrNeobuxer]

It is okay to argue with the dive shop. The most important thing with ANY dive equipment is the manual. So if you have the manual, show it to them. If they are still arguing, and somehow think that they know better than agencies/manufacturers, maybe diving with them isn't a good idea.

[@adrianwebster3249]

I've just come back from a week in Sharm, and on the boat the dive guide said he rarely ever saw divers with their own analyser. I'm glad I took mine, as seeing other Nitrox 'trained' divers opening the valves on full power with the loan analyser already in place and as you stated, the unknown state of the O2 sensor, I stuck to my own! Not only was it quicker to do mine and my wife's cylinders, I had a higher level of confidence on what I was breathing (I am NOT saying the gas was wrong or the dive crew were not on the ball, they were; it was just for peace of mind, and it was a worthy investment for me).

[@searcaig]

When I was in Dahab last year I asked for Nitrox for some of the planned deeper dives and this was provided but they did not have an analyser for me to check the mix, "eet eez zirty too percent habibi" so I refused to use the tanks until they found an analyser from another shop. Fast forward tow days we headed down to Sharm to catch a boat and dive the Thistlegorm. Nitrox was provided, but again no analyser, so we ended up diving air. So, definitely having your own analyser can save a lot of grief and provide peace of mind when travelling to places outside of your comfort zone.

[@robbailey464]

@@searcaig Shopping for liveaboard deals I noticed that Red Sea trips are some of the least expensive. Do you think there is a correlation?

[@searcaig]

@@robbailey464 Unlikely, the current crisis further south might be scaring people off. I was supposed to do a LOB out of Djibouti but that's way too close for comfort under the current circumstances.

[@davidfaulks8170]

As a qualified gas blender I bought my own analyser when I did my course - great accessory for a Nitrox diver

[@jakegotta4334]

My buddies and I just went in together to get one. It costs a lot less split 3 ways! Also we went with the Nuvair Quickstick. It claims a 3 yr life for the sensor, so that should also help.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dougmanatt4317]

I depend upon my O2 analysis to protect my life. Therefore I have my own analyzer. I cross check it with other available analyzers as well as known air sources (dry air and various EAN mixes). This is too important to leave to others and equipment of unknown providence. Also a point on the sensor. The sensor is an electro-chemical cell that essentially burns a fuel to create an electrical potential which is then read by the analyzer's microprocessor. Thus the sensor does not "corrode" it "burns up".

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@MuttMuttOutdoors]

Got nitrox certified last year and actually made my own analyzer. Bought a high quality O2 sensor like what would be used on a CCR rig, hooked that to a voltage meter and then fed that information into an Arduino. All the Arduino is doing is reading the information that the voltage meter feeds in and then does the math. In all honesty you can actually do the same thing with a voltage meter and a calculator the Arduino just makes it easier and gives a nice little display to use. When doing all of the setup one of the things I learned is the the O2 sensors wear over time and eventually will not work correctly anymore. The shop where I took my nitrox course had a handheld meter and it always read less than mine did because the sensor was about 5 years old. So remember that if you are buying a meter if replacement sensors are not available you should move on to something else unless you want to replace the whole thing every single time. Hence the reason why I built mine instead of buying it. Any sensor that I can wire up and will function correctly I can use.

[@portageglaprairie]

As an engineer who.always had to.measure things the most reliable measurement is when two people, using two sets of equipment, measure something and get the same result. That is why I bought my own analyser.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@TheEllery29]

Great video, thanks! Also, the answer is yes 🙂 the diver is responsible for what goes into their lungs.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Hello James. I am taking the PADI Nitrox Course. Passed the Online portion. Waiting on the LDS for the Hands On. I realize this is a 2 year old video. I'm planning on buying one myself. Are any Brands Better than others in your experience? As in more Accurate and Reliable. Thank you

[@theownerofthechannel]

Really nice video as always :) As you said, If own an analyzer then absolutely calibrate and keep track of when to change the sensor. We replaced our cell last week, wife was going to do some deco dives and using high O2 mixtures. The sensor was pretty much dead and the cell wouldn't have shown a proper high reading if it had gone against the 60% my wife wanted to use on her deco stops. It's not a bad habit to test your tanks even if not expecting a nitrox fill, I've seen barely used nitrox tanks put on filling whips and distributed across other tanks that should have had pure air in. So testing is something that I recommend regardless of what your plans are, especially if going somewhat deep (30-40m). You really don't want a ppo2 that sends you into a seizure.

[@theownerofthechannel]

Oh and one other thing, you can calibrate in ambient air... not saying its the best way just that most analyzers will provide an oxygen moisture compensation chart that gives you the offset at different temps against different levels of humidity (the O@EII Analox for example has it on page 26 of their manual). That said calibrating against dry air and / or a known % of O2 is less hassle all round for those that don't have a humidity sensor etc.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

I just got a Divesoft analyzer. That sure makes your life a lot easier. It also tells you the MOD for the gas analyzed.

[@Teampegleg]

Thr sensor life depends on usage. At your usage level might be a year, but two to three years at a once a weekend divers. Particularly if you use a sensor saver or keep the unit in a sealed case. When sealed the sensor will use up all the oxygen in the container and stop reacting.

[@Chogogo717]

I’ve read some interesting info on the sensor saver that you have to give the sensor time to wake up if it’s been capped off for a while because the electro chemical reaction has been halted. What’s your experience?

[@_Sinsear_]

No, it doesn’t, the sensor is constantly degrading from the moment it’s manufactured. When it’s in the sealed airtight package from the manufacturer, it’s degrading slower, but still degrading nonetheless. You learn this fact after taking any rebreather class. All of the rebreather manufacturers state that the o2 cells (traditional galvanic O2 cells) have a 1 year lifespan, which can be extended by a few months from the manufacture date while it’s still unopened in the original packaging. But even an unopened o2 cell is expired after 15-16 months and is no longer accurate.

[@dean_murray]

@@Chogogo717 yep they do take a while to wake up and stabilise. You see it even when you take a new one out of the packet. I'd only worry about sensor saver if not diving for several months, but be sure to remove the cap some days before you want to use it.

[@Chogogo717]

@@dean_murray sounds good!!! I definitely see the value in just protecting it from the boat environment between checks.

[@rickkirkham8701]

Actually sensors degrade whether used or not, even if sealed in their mylar packing. By all means protect from humidity and salt air in a dry box once installed.

[@dean_murray]

Another interesting point for discussion is should air only divers also be analysing their cylinders. DAN is now recommending yes, _all_ cylinders should be analysed. Seems prudent when cylinders coming from a place that fills both air and nitrox but I'd hate to impose yet more mandatory equipment and cost on divers. The other thing that is also a good idea but rarely done is carbon monoxide analysers. I don't have one yet but like the idea.

[@greathairengineer]

CO (Carbon Monoxide) analyzers are something I want in my kit, but I am not finding them readily available. I know Palm makes one, but I absolutely hated their Palm 02 analyzer so I am hesitant to buy their CO analyzer. If you get your fills from the same shop and you know they're reputable and always test their air (my LDS is practically considered the gold standard for air fills) so I don't have a compelling reason for a CO analyzer. That being said, the "smell test" is still somewhat valid, albeit not scientific per se, but if you open the valve and smell the escaped air and an odor is present, do not use it, get the tank VIP'd.

[@dean_murray]

@S C true and the only way to know for sure is a detector, except that CO it is usually a result of incomplete combustion (eg burning oil) and that frequently comes along with a whole bunch of other muck that does have an odour

[@greathairengineer]

@S C Correct, CO is odorless; however, it is normally accompanied by a smell of un-burned exhaust fumes from a car, or natural gas which usually has an added sulfur agent give it a smell (at least that is what they do here in the United States so you can smell the 'rotten egg' smell to know you're in danger of CO poisoning). In any case, yes, it is odorless but can be accompanied by a smell depending on the source of the CO, albeit that isn't always the case. That being said, the "smell test" is done so that if you don't have a CO analyzer you can reject the cylinder and get it VIP'd.

[@Fordallas]

I usually bring a Nitrox analyzer , but I also ask myself if i should buy a CO analyzer before most trips. I haven't yet, but i may soon. If a shop/boat offers Nitrox there will be an analyzer around, but i've not been to many shops that offer a live CO analysis with a fill. Some destinations don't give me great confidence in their compressor maintenance which could lead to issues..

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@ryanleopard2795]

Ryan from Analox here. Not sure if you're in the compressing and filling bottles industry yourself, but we do have a product that is for making sure the air coming out of the compressor is safe to breathe. It's called the ACG+. I can't link to our website from here as youtube will call it spam but if you google Analox ACG+ you'll find it. That'll check for CO too. Stay safe 😀

[@tridoc99]

If you don’t have pure air handy you can also account for humidity by altering the calibration from 21% based on the known relative humidity. Just check the weather and use the calibration card that comes with the analox. I have my own because it bothers me that most diver operations I’ve seen just set theirs at 21%.

[@greathairengineer]

I am with you on this; however, the tables show a reduced number in the calibration (say 90 degrees with 100% relative humidity), so even if you left it at 21% you're actually still creating a conservative buffer of safety in the reading. By no means is the reading accurate, per se, but a reading in the opposite direction (reading is lower O2 percentage than what is in the tank) can be dangerous.

[@cheaperdude1]

This model is discontinued. Any recommendations on another product equally effective?

[@AlexanderLiffers]

How timely. About to head off to Indo on a dive holiday and was contemplating getting one, just because I'm forever sceptical and my life support system is my responsibility. Cheers.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rudygraefe9512]

It's funny you said "hopefully you read the manual". The manual for that model states a 4-5 year sensor life in air and it has a pro-rated warranty for 3 of the years.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for watching! Dive safe.

[@tristanlambert2258]

I'm getting mixed information on how long the sensor lasts I watched Alec Pierce Scuba and he mention 2 - 5 years. Unless I miss understood. Any chance of clarification. Also could you do a comparison between models as I have been looking at the Tex-Ox that seems to come out alot cheaper and in a plastic water tight box.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

It depends on use and the type of sensor. A larger sensor will last longer than a smaller one. Unfortunately you're bound to the size that fits your analyzer. If you're rarely using the analyzer, and keep it in a sealed, cool, dry container, the sensor will last a lot longer than when you're using it 6 times a week. Generally, the shelf life of a sensor is about 2-3 years depending on the sensor. When used on a daily basis, that can drop to 6 months.

[@Jimmy_CV]

Love listening to your content on the way to the dive site

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for your support! Dive safe.

[@Jimmy_CV]

@@DiversReady Always!

[@texasdivecenter2024]

Took a group to a PADI 5* IDC Resort in Fifi several years ago. They split us into two groups on two different boats for our week of diving. Nitrox tanks were already on the boat for our dives. As an Instructor I reminded everyone to analyze their nitrox tanks. No one had an analyzer and neither did the boat, saying oops sorry it must be on the other boat. Well guess what, the same excuse was told on the other boat. So my nitrox divers had to take the boat captain's word that we were getting EAN32. Ever since I carry my own when out of the US. I am a TriMix Instructor. I sent a qualtiy control letter to PADI over that issue. Yes, they are expensive and expensive to maintain due to replacement of sensor annually, but if you are diving the margins that cost is little compared to a DCI trip to the chamber.

[@quinnloop]

Not sure if you take suggestions but I would love to see a video on whether you think pony bottle's are useful for recreational divers!

[@taffysaint]

Great video, I dive in SEA mostly and the waving about thing is done everywhere, except at the tech place I am currently at who use a more advanced analyser for their mixes that they calibrate against air and oxygen. I've definitely waved one around myself! What would you recommend if someone is visting a dive centre that has an analyser but no baseline air cylinder to test calibrate against?

[@kingdarryl1994]

I would guess that all centers have at least one rec tank? But then again, haven't dived in enough places to know if it's a norm.

[@taffysaint]

@@kingdarryl1994 yeah I know the place I am at now uses sensors with temp/humidity sensors built in and for more advanced mixes uses a fully calibrated machine but the less specialist centres do exactly what James has described, definitely something I'll be paying closer attention to

[@Belowaveragejoes]

Hey out of the blue question for you. I was diving with horizons out of key largo about two weeks ago. Was that you there? I kind of brought it up but I felt you made it like it wasn’t you. If it was you,you had two young divers with you learning???

[@jeffconley6366]

Question, my local dive shop does not mix their own nitrox. They purchase ean 32. If they test it when they get it. Do I really need an analyzer?

[@Chogogo717]

I am looking into getting my own analyzer as well. The thing I’ve found is that the cost for the sensors AND their service life is not the same for all analyzers. For example, the OxyCheq manual says their sensors are guaranteed for 24 months and can operate up to 36 sometimes. That is a huge cost savings when figuring your maintenance cost. I’m actually considering their El Cheepo analyzer simply for the fact it uses commonly available sensors, the sensor life is double most other analyzers, and I’ve got the skills to construct it. The truth be told oxygen analyzers are simply panel mounted bolt meters. James, what is your stance on where/when to analyze. If you analyzed your gas at the fill station/dock, labeled them, and loaded them yourself, and you’ve been with your gear the whole time is there a benefit to analyzing again at sea? Great video!!!

[@tonfleuren3536]

My agency says it has to be analyzed by the diver, just prior to the dive (in any case on the day of the dive). Personally, if I've analyzed my tanks for a previous dive and they haven't been outside of my control, I don't bother to analyze them again. A question I rarely see answered, is at what point do you reject the fill? I recently got a tank that should have been EAN32 and analyzed it at 38%. Since I'm not going near the MOD of that mix, I accepted it anyway. To be fair, the shop owner warned me it was richer then intended and would have accepted a refusal.

[@Chogogo717]

@S C OxyCheck? It’s a brand.

[@tonfleuren3536]

@S C That would be GUE

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

The gas mix doesn't change over time. If you've analyzed the gas at the dive store when it was filled, and you labeled your cylinder correctly, you don't need to check it again. If you suspect someone's been messing with your labels, then definitely double check to make sure before the dive.

[@alle_namen_schon_vergeben708]

Hi James, what do you think about " O'Dive"? I could imagine you'd like something a little bit nerdy like it, since you told us in a video that you love to do calculations and planning for your dives :D

[@scmsean]

There is a plug you can buy for them. You can also store them in a zip lock bag with the plug in it. That will extend how long it will last.

[@mackstanley171]

Great video, this definitely looks like something my buddy should get!

[@DiversReady]

Go for it! Dive safe.

[@Will-ol9lp]

James Do u put a small packet of silicone in your Nitrox carrier to help keep the humidity down and the oxygen sensor life better

[@greathairengineer]

Do you mean a desiccant like Silica?

[@antoniomelchor7003]

There is a new computer from Apeks that comes with an analyzer. I would love to see a review of this new computer.

[@antoniomelchor7003]

@S C Apeks DSX

[@antoniomelchor7003]

@S C me neither, that's why I desperately need to watch a review of this computer. I have 2 hypothesis: 1) you buy the cell separately or 2) it is a different technology, cell less.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@antoniomelchor7003 You buy the cell separately. There is no reliable way to measure O₂ content without a chemical sensor.

[@turgutvelettin6727]

Thanks for your advice buddy 🤙🤙🤙

[@josephgurneck2577]

👍great information I have considered to purchase in the future 👍

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for watching!

[@davelundergoesunder]

Thank you for the video James. I currently do not own a sensor. I'm just curious if you ever tried running your own breath through the machine to see how much oxygen is left once you've inhaled and then expelled that air. I know if I own a sensor, I would not be able to resist finding out what that oxygen number is. It would probably be one of the first things I do when unpacking it.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@TheHoudaman]

should be 16% O2 roughly

[@davelundergoesunder]

@@TheHoudaman Thanks. 🙂

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

There's a lot of moisture in the air you exhale, so you wouldn't get a reliable reading. Normally you exhale about 4% CO₂, so there should be between 16 and 17% O₂ left in the air you exhale.

[@brois841]

Hey James, have you done the same test indoors? Outside, yes, we have lots of humidity... but I've seen people use "inside" air for calibration... curious how good that is.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

In an air conditioned room the humidity will be a lot lower than outside. Most people will analyze and label their cylinders at the dive site though, so calibrating on a known gas is better than waving it in the air like you just don't care.

[@royalraven747]

Tether or keep a good grip on the boat with one or you will be buying one for sure! (lesson learned and one lost in the water).

[@chankwanting]

New diver. I'll get nitrox certify when I can afford the course AND my own analyzer.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@B_A_Images]

Nitrox will make your dives a lot safer and extends dive time by increasing your NDL, it's worth taking the class as soon as possible. Get your tanks filled at a good shop, they should have a good analyzer, but use 1.4 PPO to have that added safety margin. (you will learn about PPO in the class)

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@B_A_Images A PPO₂ of 1.4 is the maximum allowed, so that doesn't give you a safety margin. A PPO₂ of 1.1 or 1.2 would give you an additional safety margin. You're probably thinking of the maximum PPO₂ of 1.6 when at rest at a deco/safety stop, but that only applies when you're diving with multiple gases.

[@argonk]

Nice. How about calibrating against pure oxygen?

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

That's only necessary for analyzing high oxygen percentages. For recreational diving you only need to calibrate on air (or another known gas).

[@carlbush8919]

Recently got off a liveaboard. By a major brand. They pumped nitrox into our tanks, they would not let us test our own tanks. We were told to just trust them on what they were putting in our tanks.

[@greathairengineer]

If you're comfortable doing so, can you tell us which liveaboard so we can avoid this one at all cost? If anything, this proves you need to have your own analyzer.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Do you mean they wouldn't let you use their analyzer? If you have your own analyzer, who's gonna stop you?

[@dean_murray]

As others have said, calibrating to atmosphere is completely valid but you can't just use 20.9 you have to adjust for the temp and humidity via the tables. I built my own analyser that has a temp and humidity sensor in it and does this automatically. The sensors are cheap I cannot understand why commercial analysers don't include the feature. Also changing out the o2 cell yearly seems overkill especially if you learn and understand how the sensors act when they start to age.

[@BAMFSQUAD]

Nice info bro I have the same one 🤙

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for watching! Dive safe.

[@BAMFSQUAD]

@@DiversReady always bro 🤙

[@finnenjr]

my question is how can they still be 100-200 $ a pop. its 2024 and everything that's electric is cheaper nowadays..

[@kennethh2430]

I recently got PADI EAN certified and plan on purchasing my own oxygen analyzer. It was stressed to calibrate the analyzer against the climate you're in, which takes into account the shop environment. Since any accountable shop is making the diver or who is picking up the EAN tanks sign a document, which includes how much oxygen is in the tanks, tank pressure, as well as other information about the tank...buy your own analyzer and high pressure gauge for tanks you'll be breathing from. +/- 1% margin is pretty forgiving. A person I know dived with EAN and did not analyze the tank beforehand...they got f#@ked up and continue to have issues due to that oversight. If I'm signing off on anything, I'll be analyzing it for sure. Best safe than dead.

[@jorisvanheerebeek6026]

Last year i had mi first dives with nitrox 32 and at the shop after analysing it was +/- 0,5 %

[@Winrarior]

More doggos plz

[@jasecarter7320]

I think carrying your own is overkill for the vast majority of recreational divers. Making sure the air is analyzed and knowing how to do it properly is important, but I only dive 10-30 times per year and can't see how nitrox percentages off by 1-3% is a safety hazard.

[@kennethh2430]

If you're diving 32% EAN you can go about 111ft depth. If you think you're diving 32% and its really 35%, EAN calculations will limit you to 99ft depth. Your dive computer would not be able to accurately track the dive, your "thresholds/tolerances" would not be correct for the dive. From what I know all reputable dive shops offering EAN make the consumer sign off on each tank. This will also have a cumulative factor if someone is diving multiple times a day.

[@greathairengineer]

breathing a higher O2 content that exceeds PPO2 of 1.6 will likely resort in deadly consequences. I used an analyzer that read 6% lower than actual once used my own and read it correctly, if I used the boats analyzer I would have taken a CNS hit. Its a tiny piece of equipment to carry but is worth it

[@spence_dylan]

Long time supporter of the channel here- but we need some better content! These last 5 videos posted seems like you’re really mailing it in. It’s August in Florida we need dive content not just accessory videos! Not trying to hate just some constructive criticism :) - long time watcher, scuba diver, and professional marketer

[@laod7192]

Nitrox analyzer is always good to have, but the price is just a rip-off. An industrial O2 analyzer with the same sensor you see in a nitrox analyzer costs 60 USD from aliexpress. Just 3D print an adapter and you'll have a fully functional nitrox analyzer.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@DiversReady You definitely did not read that comment. The dude recommended getting an industrial O₂ analyzer from AliExpress.

[@IsmailNuzaifKokky]

.