Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There?

Yankee Rebel · 10th July 2007, 07:26

im finding myself in rather short notice NEED of a reliable single cell PPO2 meter just for use as a safety on an O2 rig... plan is to chart out PPO2 levels at depths using a poorly flushed loop. yes i am aware of the risks, and i know it isnt advisable.. but i intend to do it. i will likely be diving alone at the time wich i realize increases my risks, wich is why i say reliable PPO2 meter...

i ask for the cheapest because right now money IS an issue.

PPO2.com's single cell kit is $95 iirc and it doesnt have the housing, the wiring, no sensor even. AND an electronics idiot would have to put it together and i just DONT trust my abilities there that much...

i am looking for a complete PPO2 meter with a sesor that i can either solder on the wires to the sensor after i put it in its holder.. a PVC "T"... or one that is complete and ill just cut the wires.. run the sensor into the holder and resolder them and silicon the crap out of them. the sensor wont likely be coming out of the T peice anyways... plan to silicon the crap out of it when the cap goes on..

anyone know of anyone? commercial or hobbiest who knows what they are doing is fine with me... no offense but i dont wanna be someones guinnea pig for their first PPO2 meter...

thanks for your time,
Yankee Rebel

p.s. time is short too.. id need the thing by the 20th of this month.

Mdemon · 10th July 2007, 08:44

The cheapest way will always be home build. It's not as tough as you think; buy a cheap display, add a resistor and a trimming pot and the electronics in the display takes care of everything for you I used a bargraph diver to do this and the whole project was aroud £20GBP - and I'm NO electronic expert! Check Tom Rose's cheap HUD project?

Otherwise; rEvoDream works nicely. Or use the 4th cell option on your computer if you have one? VR£ or HS explorer?

Sorry, not exactly what you were after.

**PhilSiswick** · 10th July 2007, 10:28

My research on this led me to the rEvoDream. I haven't actually implemented one yet, but it's a well trodden path and the rEvoDream has many fans.

The only way I could get something cheaper, particularly as I'm based in Europe, was to build one myself. I'm happy to pay a premium for the extra certainty that buying a properly manufactured product would bring....

And the best bit is that the rEvoDream has a HUD.

Cheers,

TechBlue · 10th July 2007, 13:47

[quote=Yankee Rebel;125358]im finding myself in rather short notice NEED of a reliable single cell PPO2 meter just for use as a safety on an O2 rig... plan is to chart out PPO2 levels at depths using a poorly flushed loop. yes i am aware of the risks, and i know it isnt advisable.. but i intend to do it. i will likely be diving alone at the time wich i realize increases my risks, wich is why i say reliable PPO2 meter...

Ray,

Question is why are you doing this particularly alone? I am sure you are familiar with the golden triangle-fast, cheap, reliable just doesn't work you always end up giving one of the sides up...and we are not talking about a walk in the park.

Corallaro · 10th July 2007, 14:54

You caun evaluate this very cheap possibility:

http://www.rebreatherworld.com/home-...da-71-a-3.html

The "3-1/2D LCD Digital Panel Meter PM 438" is approximately 5 Euro in italy

Giovanni

Skipbreather · 10th July 2007, 14:58

If you only want to get testing numbers and then dive the rig clean, cheapest option might be to just borrow a PPO2 dive computer as mentioned above.

A couple of years ago I heavily modified an RGUFM for Hawaii layovers while working and wanted, like you seem to, to get some reliable numbers for a carefully controlled and repeatable incomplete flush. I used a T in the inhale hose and PPO2 capable VR3. Worked a treat to gather data. Took them off after testing and replaced w/ plain inhale hose. I didn’t want to take a chance traveling w/ the VR3 while working- no time to engage in remedial education @ the magnetometers. Explaining why the Captain was carrying his personal 4 cf O2 bottle- empty yet- took all the time I had!

Captain Randy · 10th July 2007, 16:48

Try Martin @ Tauchen - Cave, Nitrox, Rebreather Ausbildung, Tec Ausrüstung, Reisen he has a premade version of the one at ppo2.com

Randy

undrh2o · 10th July 2007, 22:42

The only way to make this cost effective is to do it yourself cheap and off the shelf don't really go together unless you pull off the shelf parts together like below.

If I had to do it in a hurry here is what I'd do:
PARTS
=====
Buy and OMS 660' canister from leisure pro or LDS - $40 (link to another thread http://www.rebreatherworld.com/home-...y-housing.html)

Get two 1/2 inch Barb to 1/4 NPT or 1/8 NPT fittings and some ear clamps or hose clamps at a hydraulics shop or from Mcmaster-carr - under 10 bucks 1/4" NPT is all over since it's used for shop air hoses

A piece of LP reg hose - you can cut up an old one or get it from the LDS
or a piece of shop air hose

An el cheapo 200mv scale panel meter from electronics supplier like alliedelec.com - $10 - $40 or buy the el cheapo nitrox analyzer kit from oxycheq (which I think comes with an o2 cell) and use the instructions to build it with out the case

A load resistor (10k or 100k), plus a trim pot for calibration - couple bucks at radio shack or alliedelec.com

some thin gauge wire from radio shack - couple bucks

ASSEMBLY
========
Don't just use a bunch of silicone to seal the the cell and wires into the PVC Tee use the 1/2" barb to NPT fittings and the hose.

Cap the PVC Tee fitting and drill and tap it for the NPT to 1/2" hose barb you can add some expoy to the pvc cap if it's thin or glue an extra disk of PVC to give it some meat

Drill and tap the cap of the OMS canister

Run the wires through the LP hose thread them into the two hose fitting and use the ear clamps to clamp the hose.

Add the trim pot and load resistor to the panel meter throw in a 9v battery or whatever required to power the meter.

Solder or use a connector to connect the cell in the Tee

Solder the other end to the trimmer and load resistor

Calibrate, leak test and dive

So now you have an ambient pressure single cell PPO2 meter for around $100 to $150 more if you have to buy the drill bits and an NPT tap.

It won't be too pretty or too durable or ergonomic but should fit your stated purpose.

Yankee Rebel · 11th July 2007, 12:03

would i need an additional trim pot besides whats on the back of the 200mv voltmeter?
for a load resistor.. a 10k Ohms 1/2watt metal film resistor with extended leads.. is that ok?
and if i need an additional trim pot.. would an audio pot work? 10k audio or 10k linear?
trying to source everything from one source... so far the prices are as follows from a vintage style Amp manufacturer...

$8.50 for a display, $1.80 for a pot, and $0.09 for a resistor... so under $10.
i really havent gone TOO deep into looking for parts yet.. this is just what i found easily. am i on the wrong track?

would the links to the pages help?

i tried alliedelec.com but couldnt find a panel meter for under $40.

ill have to find an O2 cell next (Oxycheq most likely)... R22D is what the HSE single PPO2 takes iirc... mine is AWOL at the moment wich is what requires the NEED for PPO2... im STILL pissed about it not being where i remember putting it!!!

ahhh well.. back to looking.. and thankyou ALL for the help so far.. its REALLY made my life a bit nicer and easier with all this...

hmm wonder if i can get everything put together in a small enough package to put into a Gerber babyfood jar and fill it with mineral oil to try and eliminate leak potential? or even just a small jelly jar? paying extra care not to break the glass of course.

Crazyduck · 11th July 2007, 15:13

Hey there just thinking out loud.
Have you looked at a Otter Box?
Link- Otterbox at OtterBox.com: Otterbox, Waterproof Boxes, Waterproof Box, Waterproof Plastic Boxes, Waterproof iPod Cases

We use Mouser for small purchases of electronics.
Link- http://www.mouser.com/catalog/630/1748.pdf
Just a thought.

There is a search engine for electronic parts-
Link- FindChips.com Search

Great conversation- Andrew

Quote: (Originally Posted by Yankee Rebel)

hmm wonder if i can get everything put together in a small enough package to put into a Gerber babyfood jar and fill it with mineral oil to try and eliminate leak potential? or even just a small jelly jar? paying extra care not to break the glass of course.

10th July 2007, 07:26	#1 (permalink)
Yankee Rebel Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California Posts: 147	Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? im finding myself in rather short notice NEED of a reliable single cell PPO2 meter just for use as a safety on an O2 rig... plan is to chart out PPO2 levels at depths using a poorly flushed loop. yes i am aware of the risks, and i know it isnt advisable.. but i intend to do it. i will likely be diving alone at the time wich i realize increases my risks, wich is why i say reliable PPO2 meter... i ask for the cheapest because right now money IS an issue. PPO2.com's single cell kit is $95 iirc and it doesnt have the housing, the wiring, no sensor even. AND an electronics idiot would have to put it together and i just DONT trust my abilities there that much... i am looking for a complete PPO2 meter with a sesor that i can either solder on the wires to the sensor after i put it in its holder.. a PVC "T"... or one that is complete and ill just cut the wires.. run the sensor into the holder and resolder them and silicon the crap out of them. the sensor wont likely be coming out of the T peice anyways... plan to silicon the crap out of it when the cap goes on.. anyone know of anyone? commercial or hobbiest who knows what they are doing is fine with me... no offense but i dont wanna be someones guinnea pig for their first PPO2 meter... thanks for your time, Yankee Rebel p.s. time is short too.. id need the thing by the 20th of this month.
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10th July 2007, 08:44	#2 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,946	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? The cheapest way will always be home build. It's not as tough as you think; buy a cheap display, add a resistor and a trimming pot and the electronics in the display takes care of everything for you I used a bargraph diver to do this and the whole project was aroud £20GBP - and I'm NO electronic expert! Check Tom Rose's cheap HUD project? Otherwise; rEvoDream works nicely. Or use the 4th cell option on your computer if you have one? VR£ or HS explorer? Sorry, not exactly what you were after.
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10th July 2007, 10:28	#3 (permalink)
PhilSiswick Phil Siswick, Tango Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 1,095	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? My research on this led me to the rEvoDream. I haven't actually implemented one yet, but it's a well trodden path and the rEvoDream has many fans. The only way I could get something cheaper, particularly as I'm based in Europe, was to build one myself. I'm happy to pay a premium for the extra certainty that buying a properly manufactured product would bring.... And the best bit is that the rEvoDream has a HUD. Cheers, __________________ Phil (WSKD 0001) I have always felt that the dive I am on is not nearly important as the dives I plan to be on the rest of my life. Tom Rose, 2007 The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure thing boat never gets far from shore. Charles A. Lindbergh www.hugsac.org.uk
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10th July 2007, 13:47	#4 (permalink)
TechBlue RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Optima Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Costa del Sol, Spain Posts: 212	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? [quote=Yankee Rebel;125358]im finding myself in rather short notice NEED of a reliable single cell PPO2 meter just for use as a safety on an O2 rig... plan is to chart out PPO2 levels at depths using a poorly flushed loop. yes i am aware of the risks, and i know it isnt advisable.. but i intend to do it. i will likely be diving alone at the time wich i realize increases my risks, wich is why i say reliable PPO2 meter... Ray, Question is why are you doing this particularly alone? I am sure you are familiar with the golden triangle-fast, cheap, reliable just doesn't work you always end up giving one of the sides up...and we are not talking about a walk in the park. __________________ Cheers, Chris www.tech-blue.com The site dedicated to Rebreather and Technical diving "We only sell what we dive"
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10th July 2007, 14:54	#5 (permalink)
Corallaro IDA-71,IDA-76,NaubosAR90 Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Italia - Sicilia Posts: 248	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? You caun evaluate this very cheap possibility: http://www.rebreatherworld.com/home-...da-71-a-3.html The "3-1/2D LCD Digital Panel Meter PM 438" is approximately 5 Euro in italy Giovanni Last edited by Corallaro : 10th July 2007 at 17:06.
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10th July 2007, 14:58	#6 (permalink)
Skipbreather Reads the fine print Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet MK 15.X Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Posts: 584	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? If you only want to get testing numbers and then dive the rig clean, cheapest option might be to just borrow a PPO2 dive computer as mentioned above. A couple of years ago I heavily modified an RGUFM for Hawaii layovers while working and wanted, like you seem to, to get some reliable numbers for a carefully controlled and repeatable incomplete flush. I used a T in the inhale hose and PPO2 capable VR3. Worked a treat to gather data. Took them off after testing and replaced w/ plain inhale hose. I didn’t want to take a chance traveling w/ the VR3 while working- no time to engage in remedial education @ the magnetometers. Explaining why the Captain was carrying his personal 4 cf O2 bottle- empty yet- took all the time I had! __________________ "Entropy RULES! Enjoy the interim."
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10th July 2007, 16:48	#7 (permalink)
Captain Randy New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Ray Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 45	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? Try Martin @ Tauchen - Cave, Nitrox, Rebreather Ausbildung, Tec Ausrüstung, Reisen he has a premade version of the one at ppo2.com Randy Last edited by Captain Randy : 10th July 2007 at 16:51. Reason: bad link
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10th July 2007, 22:42	#8 (permalink)
undrh2o Chris Miller Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 206	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? The only way to make this cost effective is to do it yourself cheap and off the shelf don't really go together unless you pull off the shelf parts together like below. If I had to do it in a hurry here is what I'd do: PARTS ===== Buy and OMS 660' canister from leisure pro or LDS - $40 (link to another thread http://www.rebreatherworld.com/home-...y-housing.html) Get two 1/2 inch Barb to 1/4 NPT or 1/8 NPT fittings and some ear clamps or hose clamps at a hydraulics shop or from Mcmaster-carr - under 10 bucks 1/4" NPT is all over since it's used for shop air hoses A piece of LP reg hose - you can cut up an old one or get it from the LDS or a piece of shop air hose An el cheapo 200mv scale panel meter from electronics supplier like alliedelec.com - $10 - $40 or buy the el cheapo nitrox analyzer kit from oxycheq (which I think comes with an o2 cell) and use the instructions to build it with out the case A load resistor (10k or 100k), plus a trim pot for calibration - couple bucks at radio shack or alliedelec.com some thin gauge wire from radio shack - couple bucks ASSEMBLY ======== Don't just use a bunch of silicone to seal the the cell and wires into the PVC Tee use the 1/2" barb to NPT fittings and the hose. Cap the PVC Tee fitting and drill and tap it for the NPT to 1/2" hose barb you can add some expoy to the pvc cap if it's thin or glue an extra disk of PVC to give it some meat Drill and tap the cap of the OMS canister Run the wires through the LP hose thread them into the two hose fitting and use the ear clamps to clamp the hose. Add the trim pot and load resistor to the panel meter throw in a 9v battery or whatever required to power the meter. Solder or use a connector to connect the cell in the Tee Solder the other end to the trimmer and load resistor Calibrate, leak test and dive So now you have an ambient pressure single cell PPO2 meter for around $100 to $150 more if you have to buy the drill bits and an NPT tap. It won't be too pretty or too durable or ergonomic but should fit your stated purpose. Last edited by undrh2o : 10th July 2007 at 22:47.
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11th July 2007, 12:03	#9 (permalink)
Yankee Rebel Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California Posts: 147	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? would i need an additional trim pot besides whats on the back of the 200mv voltmeter? for a load resistor.. a 10k Ohms 1/2watt metal film resistor with extended leads.. is that ok? and if i need an additional trim pot.. would an audio pot work? 10k audio or 10k linear? trying to source everything from one source... so far the prices are as follows from a vintage style Amp manufacturer... $8.50 for a display, $1.80 for a pot, and $0.09 for a resistor... so under $10. i really havent gone TOO deep into looking for parts yet.. this is just what i found easily. am i on the wrong track? would the links to the pages help? i tried alliedelec.com but couldnt find a panel meter for under $40. ill have to find an O2 cell next (Oxycheq most likely)... R22D is what the HSE single PPO2 takes iirc... mine is AWOL at the moment wich is what requires the NEED for PPO2... im STILL pissed about it not being where i remember putting it!!! ahhh well.. back to looking.. and thankyou ALL for the help so far.. its REALLY made my life a bit nicer and easier with all this... hmm wonder if i can get everything put together in a small enough package to put into a Gerber babyfood jar and fill it with mineral oil to try and eliminate leak potential? or even just a small jelly jar? paying extra care not to break the glass of course.
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11th July 2007, 15:13	#10 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 720	Re: Who Makes The Cheapest Reliable Single Cell PPO2 Meter Out There? Hey there just thinking out loud. Have you looked at a Otter Box? Link- Otterbox at OtterBox.com: Otterbox, Waterproof Boxes, Waterproof Box, Waterproof Plastic Boxes, Waterproof iPod Cases We use Mouser for small purchases of electronics. Link- http://www.mouser.com/catalog/630/1748.pdf Just a thought. There is a search engine for electronic parts- Link- FindChips.com Search Great conversation- Andrew Quote: (Originally Posted by Yankee Rebel) hmm wonder if i can get everything put together in a small enough package to put into a Gerber babyfood jar and fill it with mineral oil to try and eliminate leak potential? or even just a small jelly jar? paying extra care not to break the glass of course. __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha. Last edited by Crazyduck : 11th July 2007 at 15:46.
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