What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why?

Icejon · 12th December 2007, 23:03

My instructor needs my Azimuth to have a PO2 monitoring device before we will take me on the open water dive portions of the certification course. I agree and understand completely. He mentioned a range of $500 to $1500 investment required from a simple single cell unit to a more complex three cell display. He also recommended that I invest in a combination diving computer and PO2 display which will monitor my loop content and generate deco and NDL information for me. A VR3 is out of my budget as well as the other dedicated computers. Because of this, I am getting a p-port put in my counterlung.

My question is what PO2 monitoring device you use for your SCR, and why did you choose this device?

I am open to all suggestions for PO2 monitoring within that budget range but I would like to go with something that I can keep for a while.

silentscuba · 12th December 2007, 23:13

You can purchase the new Shearwater Pursuit that will monitor one or three cells and gives you depth, time and a log for $900 USD. At anytime you can upgrade it to a fully integrated rebreather deco trimix computer right over the internet.

Captain Randy · 12th December 2007, 23:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by Icejon)

My question is what PO2 monitoring device you use for your SCR, and why did you choose this device?

I have 2 one I made using the plans Tom Rose was kind enough to post on his web site for us non electrical engineers to copy. Thanks Tom
and one I bought from Matin at Tauchen - Cave, Nitrox, Rebreather Ausbildung, Tec Ausrüstung, Reisen that came complete.

Randy

OceanOpportunity · 13th December 2007, 00:59

the rEvodream has been a nice setup for me. About $700.

kiwi_diver · 13th December 2007, 03:41

I started with a single cell "Mark Munro" job from Martin at TecMe and that is still used on a Dolphin to good effect. It was comparatively cheap and TecMe is very quick to ship. Once I got my Orca up and running, I bought a rEvodream 2 cell on Dave Suttons recommendation. It has no external buttons to leak or fail and comes standard with a HUD. Great value considering those features.

I can understand your instructors POV. IMO, no civilian should be flying a rebreather without a PPO2 monitor. Different for military, they just chuck more guys in the water...

Ray.

***caveseeker7*** · 13th December 2007, 09:11

Integration of an O2 sensor can be accomplished either by using a P-port connector from Dräger in the inhalation bag as you mention, or by using TecMe's Azimuth cell holder. If you cut into the breathing bag make sure you measure correctly, the bags are expensive and hard to find. The TecMe cell holder is an non-invasive, reversible installation. For the P-port you'll also need a cell holder, NarkedAt90 here on Rebreather World makes a nice one complete with a cover protecting the cell faces.

As for the monitor or cell-integrated deco computer, there are plenty of options.
Single cell monitors, like the Dräger Oxygauge, Shearwater, rEvodream, Sartek, Mark Munroe display, Jetsam ... multiple cell displays from Shearwater, DeltaP URM, rEvodream, Sartek, Mark Munroe/TecMe, SubSea Systems ... . Some offer a HUD display, either standard or optional.

Cell-integrated computers are the Hydrospace Explorer, DeltaP VR2, VR3 and URM, and the Shearwater Pursuit, either with single or tripple cells. The URM has a HUD, the Shearwater can be had with one.

Make sure you inquire that they actually work with SCR, how the pO2 will be displayed, and how the computer will calculate. SCR usually use fO2 calculation, but the mix isn't quite fixed, unlike OC ... nor is the pO2 as flexible as it is in a CCR. The pO2 should be on the display at all times, not available by pressing a button IMHO (more so considering the high prices for any of these).

Uwatec used to make the Aladin ZO2 that can be combined with a wireless pressure sensor for OC and an Oxy2 dual O2 cell sending unit for SCR. Designed for the Dolphin, it can be used with a TecMe adapter on the Azi. The computer displays both fO2 and pO2 of the loop, it was perfect for SCR application. Unfortunately Uwatec ceased production of them. They can found second hand though. Consider Scubapro/Uwatec's spotty battery replacement policies on old computers, and don't get the older XO2 for which batteries are no longer available.

paulraymaekers · 13th December 2007, 10:17

Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)

Integration of an O2 sensor can be accomplished either by using a P-port connector from Dräger in the inhalation bag as you mention

hello
mounting cells inside a breathing bag, without proper fixation for the cells and no possibility to avoid moister on the cell faces, is always difficult, and never gives perfect results.
do not forget that a breathing bag collects water, and at some time water will always end up somewhere in the O2 sensor: imagine, each time you inhale deep, you 'vacuum', and 'wrap' the bag around anything inside that bad, and water inside that bag will be forced into objects into the bag!

for units with completely free moving breathing bags (azi, dolphin, subm, ida..) I always advise to use a 'cell housing' and not to let cells dangle around in the bag

regards
paul

Mark Chase · 13th December 2007, 10:42

I use a Shearwater Pursuit with HUD

The HUD displays real time PP02 on all three cells so if i lose the wrist unit i can stay on loop.

Its not cheep but it does Deco as well and it is a complete replacement head for the KISS so i can keep the original KISS as a last ditch spare.

The Pursuit has has a few bug fixes but apart from these simple on line updates I have no reason to doubt it will be as solid as my old Shearwater GF, and that was very reliable.

I believe price wise it compares well with the VR3 option when purchases with a new VR3.

HOWEVER I believe the new VR3s are coming out with a bailout option on deco????

What a clever idea

Are you listening Bruce

ATB

Mark Chase

**kevin stone** · 13th December 2007, 11:04

Don't forget the Hammer Head secondary
it has a hud "Diva" and now has deco as a option.
Have fun
Kevin

Bosh · 13th December 2007, 16:57

I dive a Dolphin with an Uwatec computer.

For SCR use a computer showing oxygen percentage aswell as partial pressure is good.

I wouldnt mind a HUD.
The rEVO dream has an SCR mode for the HUD, which must be good as the po2 varies a lot more on SCR as compared to CCR. So a CCR HUD might act funny on a SCR.

Best regards

Bo

12th December 2007, 23:03	#1 (permalink)
Icejon New Member Current Rebreather/s: Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Azimuth Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 24	What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? My instructor needs my Azimuth to have a PO2 monitoring device before we will take me on the open water dive portions of the certification course. I agree and understand completely. He mentioned a range of $500 to $1500 investment required from a simple single cell unit to a more complex three cell display. He also recommended that I invest in a combination diving computer and PO2 display which will monitor my loop content and generate deco and NDL information for me. A VR3 is out of my budget as well as the other dedicated computers. Because of this, I am getting a p-port put in my counterlung. My question is what PO2 monitoring device you use for your SCR, and why did you choose this device? I am open to all suggestions for PO2 monitoring within that budget range but I would like to go with something that I can keep for a while.
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12th December 2007, 23:13	#2 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 587	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? You can purchase the new Shearwater Pursuit that will monitor one or three cells and gives you depth, time and a log for $900 USD. At anytime you can upgrade it to a fully integrated rebreather deco trimix computer right over the internet. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com
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12th December 2007, 23:55	#3 (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: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? Quote: (Originally Posted by Icejon) My question is what PO2 monitoring device you use for your SCR, and why did you choose this device? I have 2 one I made using the plans Tom Rose was kind enough to post on his web site for us non electrical engineers to copy. Thanks Tom and one I bought from Matin at Tauchen - Cave, Nitrox, Rebreather Ausbildung, Tec Ausrüstung, Reisen that came complete. Randy
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13th December 2007, 00:59	#4 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 544	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? the rEvodream has been a nice setup for me. About $700. __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
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13th December 2007, 03:41	#5 (permalink)
kiwi_diver Alias - Ray Mansell Current Rebreather/s: Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Other SCR Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 157	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? I started with a single cell "Mark Munro" job from Martin at TecMe and that is still used on a Dolphin to good effect. It was comparatively cheap and TecMe is very quick to ship. Once I got my Orca up and running, I bought a rEvodream 2 cell on Dave Suttons recommendation. It has no external buttons to leak or fail and comes standard with a HUD. Great value considering those features. I can understand your instructors POV. IMO, no civilian should be flying a rebreather without a PPO2 monitor. Different for military, they just chuck more guys in the water... Ray. __________________ Ray. == Latitude 36 South, where the deeper you dive, the warmer it gets! ==
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13th December 2007, 09:11	#6 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,451	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? Integration of an O2 sensor can be accomplished either by using a P-port connector from Dräger in the inhalation bag as you mention, or by using TecMe's Azimuth cell holder. If you cut into the breathing bag make sure you measure correctly, the bags are expensive and hard to find. The TecMe cell holder is an non-invasive, reversible installation. For the P-port you'll also need a cell holder, NarkedAt90 here on Rebreather World makes a nice one complete with a cover protecting the cell faces. As for the monitor or cell-integrated deco computer, there are plenty of options. Single cell monitors, like the Dräger Oxygauge, Shearwater, rEvodream, Sartek, Mark Munroe display, Jetsam ... multiple cell displays from Shearwater, DeltaP URM, rEvodream, Sartek, Mark Munroe/TecMe, SubSea Systems ... . Some offer a HUD display, either standard or optional. Cell-integrated computers are the Hydrospace Explorer, DeltaP VR2, VR3 and URM, and the Shearwater Pursuit, either with single or tripple cells. The URM has a HUD, the Shearwater can be had with one. Make sure you inquire that they actually work with SCR, how the pO2 will be displayed, and how the computer will calculate. SCR usually use fO2 calculation, but the mix isn't quite fixed, unlike OC ... nor is the pO2 as flexible as it is in a CCR. The pO2 should be on the display at all times, not available by pressing a button IMHO (more so considering the high prices for any of these). Uwatec used to make the Aladin ZO2 that can be combined with a wireless pressure sensor for OC and an Oxy2 dual O2 cell sending unit for SCR. Designed for the Dolphin, it can be used with a TecMe adapter on the Azi. The computer displays both fO2 and pO2 of the loop, it was perfect for SCR application. Unfortunately Uwatec ceased production of them. They can found second hand though. Consider Scubapro/Uwatec's spotty battery replacement policies on old computers, and don't get the older XO2 for which batteries are no longer available. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
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13th December 2007, 10:17	#7 (permalink)
paulraymaekers rEvo's daddy Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: belgium Posts: 1,503	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7) Integration of an O2 sensor can be accomplished either by using a P-port connector from Dräger in the inhalation bag as you mention hello mounting cells inside a breathing bag, without proper fixation for the cells and no possibility to avoid moister on the cell faces, is always difficult, and never gives perfect results. do not forget that a breathing bag collects water, and at some time water will always end up somewhere in the O2 sensor: imagine, each time you inhale deep, you 'vacuum', and 'wrap' the bag around anything inside that bad, and water inside that bag will be forced into objects into the bag! for units with completely free moving breathing bags (azi, dolphin, subm, ida..) I always advise to use a 'cell housing' and not to let cells dangle around in the bag regards paul __________________ www.rEvo-rebreathers.com .... the earth is flat, Elvis is alive, and radial scrubbers give longer dwell time than axials...
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13th December 2007, 10:42	#8 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,700	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? I use a Shearwater Pursuit with HUD The HUD displays real time PP02 on all three cells so if i lose the wrist unit i can stay on loop. Its not cheep but it does Deco as well and it is a complete replacement head for the KISS so i can keep the original KISS as a last ditch spare. The Pursuit has has a few bug fixes but apart from these simple on line updates I have no reason to doubt it will be as solid as my old Shearwater GF, and that was very reliable. I believe price wise it compares well with the VR3 option when purchases with a new VR3. HOWEVER I believe the new VR3s are coming out with a bailout option on deco???? What a clever idea Are you listening Bruce ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
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13th December 2007, 11:04	#9 (permalink)
kevin stone Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: us ct. Posts: 215	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? Don't forget the Hammer Head secondary it has a hud "Diva" and now has deco as a option. Have fun Kevin
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13th December 2007, 16:57	#10 (permalink)
Bosh New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Dolphin Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 40	Re: What PO2 Monitoring Unit do You Use and Why? I dive a Dolphin with an Uwatec computer. For SCR use a computer showing oxygen percentage aswell as partial pressure is good. I wouldnt mind a HUD. The rEVO dream has an SCR mode for the HUD, which must be good as the po2 varies a lot more on SCR as compared to CCR. So a CCR HUD might act funny on a SCR. Best regards Bo
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