Trouble with O2 sensors

dreamdive · 28th June 2008, 00:03

Hello Everybody!

I have been diving the Optima less than 1 year and already had to change the sensors twice! Two weeks ago I changed one cell due to low MV read with a new one and today I had another fail read on the same sensor! In order to avoiding blaming the cell, I even changed the wires but still.....both this and last cell read < 8 MV on 21% and failed on 100% O2. Dive Rite Express had checked those cell 6 months ago and they passed. I am wondering is I should just switch to the Teledyne R-22D cells, at least they did NOT fail me in Bonaire in October when the Dive Rite units cells passed out on me then, too.

I heard that you cannot use the Teledyne R-22D in the Optima because they "overpower" the electronics in the Optima. Any truth to that????

Thanks ahead of time for your time and feedback.

Claudia

zmcave · 28th June 2008, 00:24

Hi Claudia,

pretty frustrating the whole cell stuff. I had cells from both major manufacturers fail on me, a couple of months later, some weeks later and some just bad from day 1.
Not sure what "overpower" means, but I actually have 2 R22D in my unit right, along with a AI, never had a problem, besides some just didn't last as long as I wish they did.
The HammerHead manual says specifically that R22D are suitable cells.
I always have 4 working open cells in my unit, cables pluged into the first 3, the 4th is just hanging there in case I have a cell problem during my unit set-up.

Best,

Zé.

vincnt moore · 28th June 2008, 02:09

Ha Guys,
I have had 3 bad cells in 3 months. One bad right outta the package..?? Quality controle? Have no answers..

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 28th June 2008, 02:37

You can use both AI and Teledyne sensors in the Optima (so long as the correct type).

**sfldiver** · 28th June 2008, 11:48

I too had some sensor problems at first, but they've been working great for many months now. I too get my cells from Dive Rite Express. What I've done is to write the date of purchase directly on the sensor with a sharpie, because if the sensor doesn't last as long as it should, Dive Rite Express has typically been pretty good about working with me to replace the cell for me.

Talk to Dive Rite Express and find out exactly what their current policy regarding cell life/replacement is.

But I do agree that it can be frustrating, but just bear with it, because it's the only technology available to us at the moment.

FergusButler · 28th June 2008, 19:10

Have you tried cleaning the connectors ?, I had a couple of low mv's that cme back after I cleaned the copper connections on the wiring harness.

dreamdive · 28th June 2008, 22:02

Thanks guys for your response!
Fergus: I will try cleaning the connectors. Who knows, I might just be pleasantly surprised:

)

Claudia

Joe · 29th June 2008, 00:24

What do you use to clean the Molex? Since they are gold plated (at least on the Meg) you wouldn't want to scrape them.

Quote: (Originally Posted by FergusButler)

Have you tried cleaning the connectors ?, I had a couple of low mv's that cme back after I cleaned the copper connections on the wiring harness.

jiseson · 29th June 2008, 16:30

u should be cleaning all the connectors as part of your standard maintinence with DeoxiT Gold G5 spray! were u not taught this in your training?
DeoxITÂ® GOLD, #GN5S-6N

Joe · 29th June 2008, 18:50

Quote: (Originally Posted by jiseson)

u should be cleaning all the connectors as part of your standard maintinence with DeoxiT Gold G5 spray! were u not taught this in your training?
DeoxITÂ® GOLD, #GN5S-6N

Thanks for the link.

Fortunately, it has not been an issue for me. I check the Molex and they are clean, in good condition and the MV readings have been consistent so IMO, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

So yes, I was taught that they require inspection and maintenence if they appear dirty or oxidized, and any erratic cell readings require you check the Molex connectors, I have not had had any issues to date and have not had to do it.

I may or may not have been told the name of a cleaner. I really don't recall. The only cleaner I have ever used on the head is Isopropyl alcohol.

Looking at the MSDS which lists it as a slight health hazard I'd be leary of using it in the loop.

Per MSDS sheet - link is mid page here:

Search Results

Effects of Exposure: EYES: Mild to moderate irritation. SKIN: Irritant and potential skin sensitizer. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause contact dermatitis (localized redness or rash). INGESTION: Gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. INHALATION: Central nervous system depressant. Irritating to the upper respiratory tract.
3.4
Symptoms

28th June 2008, 00:03	#1 (permalink)
dreamdive New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 6	Trouble with O2 sensors Hello Everybody! I have been diving the Optima less than 1 year and already had to change the sensors twice! Two weeks ago I changed one cell due to low MV read with a new one and today I had another fail read on the same sensor! In order to avoiding blaming the cell, I even changed the wires but still.....both this and last cell read < 8 MV on 21% and failed on 100% O2. Dive Rite Express had checked those cell 6 months ago and they passed. I am wondering is I should just switch to the Teledyne R-22D cells, at least they did NOT fail me in Bonaire in October when the Dive Rite units cells passed out on me then, too. I heard that you cannot use the Teledyne R-22D in the Optima because they "overpower" the electronics in the Optima. Any truth to that???? Thanks ahead of time for your time and feedback. Claudia
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28th June 2008, 00:24	#2 (permalink)
zmcave www.rebreather.com.br Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 184	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors Hi Claudia, pretty frustrating the whole cell stuff. I had cells from both major manufacturers fail on me, a couple of months later, some weeks later and some just bad from day 1. Not sure what "overpower" means, but I actually have 2 R22D in my unit right, along with a AI, never had a problem, besides some just didn't last as long as I wish they did. The HammerHead manual says specifically that R22D are suitable cells. I always have 4 working open cells in my unit, cables pluged into the first 3, the 4th is just hanging there in case I have a cell problem during my unit set-up. Best, Zé.
(Online)

28th June 2008, 02:09	#3 (permalink)
vincnt moore New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Philadelphia Pa. Posts: 41	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors Ha Guys, I have had 3 bad cells in 3 months. One bad right outta the package..?? Quality controle? Have no answers..
(Offline)

28th June 2008, 02:37	#4 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,068	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors You can use both AI and Teledyne sensors in the Optima (so long as the correct type). __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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28th June 2008, 11:48	#5 (permalink)
sfldiver Optima Army Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 744	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors I too had some sensor problems at first, but they've been working great for many months now. I too get my cells from Dive Rite Express. What I've done is to write the date of purchase directly on the sensor with a sharpie, because if the sensor doesn't last as long as it should, Dive Rite Express has typically been pretty good about working with me to replace the cell for me. Talk to Dive Rite Express and find out exactly what their current policy regarding cell life/replacement is. But I do agree that it can be frustrating, but just bear with it, because it's the only technology available to us at the moment. __________________ *Currently piloting & shooting...* Dive Rite O2ptima FX Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.* Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes. Last edited by sfldiver : 28th June 2008 at 11:51.*
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28th June 2008, 19:10	#6 (permalink)
FergusButler New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Richmond Virginia USA Posts: 32	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors Have you tried cleaning the connectors ?, I had a couple of low mv's that cme back after I cleaned the copper connections on the wiring harness.
(Offline)

28th June 2008, 22:02	#7 (permalink)
dreamdive New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 6	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors Thanks guys for your response! Fergus: I will try cleaning the connectors. Who knows, I might just be pleasantly surprised:) Claudia
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29th June 2008, 00:24	#8 (permalink)
Joe Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 247	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors What do you use to clean the Molex? Since they are gold plated (at least on the Meg) you wouldn't want to scrape them. Quote: (Originally Posted by FergusButler) Have you tried cleaning the connectors ?, I had a couple of low mv's that cme back after I cleaned the copper connections on the wiring harness.
(Offline)

29th June 2008, 16:30	#9 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 542	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors u should be cleaning all the connectors as part of your standard maintinence with DeoxiT Gold G5 spray! were u not taught this in your training? DeoxITÂ® GOLD, #GN5S-6N __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson* Last edited by jiseson : 29th June 2008 at 16:35.
(Online)

29th June 2008, 18:50	#10 (permalink)
Joe Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 247	Re: Trouble with O2 sensors Quote: (Originally Posted by jiseson) u should be cleaning all the connectors as part of your standard maintinence with DeoxiT Gold G5 spray! were u not taught this in your training? DeoxITÂ® GOLD, #GN5S-6N Thanks for the link. Fortunately, it has not been an issue for me. I check the Molex and they are clean, in good condition and the MV readings have been consistent so IMO, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So yes, I was taught that they require inspection and maintenence if they appear dirty or oxidized, and any erratic cell readings require you check the Molex connectors, I have not had had any issues to date and have not had to do it. I may or may not have been told the name of a cleaner. I really don't recall. The only cleaner I have ever used on the head is Isopropyl alcohol. Looking at the MSDS which lists it as a slight health hazard I'd be leary of using it in the loop. Per MSDS sheet - link is mid page here: Search Results Effects of Exposure: EYES: Mild to moderate irritation. SKIN: Irritant and potential skin sensitizer. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause contact dermatitis (localized redness or rash). INGESTION: Gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. INHALATION: Central nervous system depressant. Irritating to the upper respiratory tract. 3.4 Symptoms
(Offline)

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