Content

01.About firmware and hardware versions
01.1 Hardware limitations
02. Measuring principle
03. Description of the analyzer
04. Operating the analyzer
05. Measuring O2 and He concentration
06. Display modes
06.1 Calibration of the oxygen sensor
07. Other functions
07.1 Continuous analysis
07.2 Gas mixing solver
07.3 Gas mixing simulation
07.4 Gas purity 07.5 Ambient pressure
08. Special accessories
08.1 Flow regulator
09. Set-up
09.1 Preferences
09.2 Measurement units
09.3 Mixing of gases
09.4 Continual analysis
10. Charging and battery status
11. Maintenance
11.1 Battery replacement
11.2 Oxygen sensor replacement
11.3 Flow adjusting
11.4 Disassembly of the instrument
12. Connecting to a computer
13. Defects and removal thereof
13.1 Error messages
13.2 Instrument malfunctions
14. Technical data

Safety warning

This analyzer is designed for measuring the content of oxygen and helium in an air-oxygen–helium gas mixture. It cannot be used to analyze mixtures containing other gases than those mentioned above. For mixtures prepared using anything but pure gases, or mixtures in which air has been replaced with pure nitrogen (without atmospheric argon), use the setting in Menu/Preferences/Nitrogen source – Pure.

The physical and chemical principles of the sensors used do not guarantee that the sensors will be selectively sensitive to a specific gas (oxygen, helium); there are a number of gases to which the sensors respond. Therefore, the gas composition shown by the analyzer does not mean by itself that the real composition of the mix is equal to the displayed values. The displayed mix composition is invalid unless the mixing technology ensures that there are no other gases present in the mix except air/nitrogen, pure oxygen and pure helium.

The analyzer is not a certified measuring instrument. The results of measuring are only informative and it is not possible to use such results where a certified measuring instrument is required.

When analyzing mixes in situations where the incorrect composition of the mixes could cause material damage, injury to health or threaten human health or life, for example in the case of breathing mixes for diving, the results of the analysis may not be used as confirmation of the correct mix composition. In these cases, the analyzer can only be used as an aid for increasing the probability that such incorrect mix composition will be detected before its use. The correctness of the mix composition must be established by the technology used to prepare it.

The correct preparation of breathing mixes for diving (nitrox – oxygen-enriched air, trimix – a mixture of air, oxygen and helium, heliox – a mixture of oxygen and helium) requires special knowledge and experience which is possible to gain, for example, through an appropriate course. A failure to apply such knowledge can lead to an incorrect mix, even though the results of the analysis are seemingly correct. Such a situation can also be the result of a failure to take into account the influence of temperature and compressibility, an insufficient blending of the mix and other factors.

Please remember that the analyzer can be broken or damaged and that the oxygen sensor is by its nature subject to ageing and thus its properties deteriorate.

Therefore always verify the measured data in another way, such as by precise preparation of the mix, another analytical method, etc. In addition, the measured value must be subject to critical assessment using a common-sense approach and if it differs from the allowable variation of mixing accuracy, it must be considered invalid.

01. About firmware and hardware versions

The He/O2 analyzer is equipped with a microprocessor whose program (firmware) is continuously updated This manual is for firmware release 2 29, but the manual can be applied to any hardware or firmware version Manual is primarily written for hardware version 3 0.

Hardware limitations
3.0 Full functionality

02. Measuring principle

The described measuring principle is valid only for mixes of air, oxygen and helium.

An electrochemical sensor is used to determine the oxygen content. The voltage at the sensor’s output is proportional to the oxygen content in the analyzed mix. The sensor has a limited service life and the proportionality of the dependence of voltage on the oxygen content changes over time; therefore, it has to be regularly calibrated. It is possible to choose between single-point, two-point and three-point calibration. Single-point calibration is fast, especially if air is chosen as the calibrating mix. For greater accuracy of the measurement, two-point calibration is used with two different mixes, typically air and pure oxygen. For strongly hypoxic mixes, i.e. mixes containing less than approximately 15% oxygen, three-point calibration is recommended. In this case, the third calibration gas should be a gas with zero oxygen content, i.e. pure helium or argon.

Helium content is determined on the basis of measuring the speed of sound in the analyzed mix. The speed of sound depends on the content of helium and oxygen, and the temperature of the mix. The dependence of the speed of sound on pressure is small and can be disregarded under normal atmospheric pressure.

At 0º C the speed of sound is approximately 970 m/s in pure helium, 330 m/s in air and 315 m/s in pure oxygen. Raising the temperature by one degree increases the speed of sound by 0.175 %. The speed of sound in the mix is described by a non-linear function of temperature, oxygen content and helium content.

The content of helium is determined by measuring the speed of sound, temperature of the mix and the content of oxygen. When measuring the concentration of helium, it is therefore necessary to have the oxygen sensor correctly calibrated or to know the oxygen content and enter it into the instrument.

The speed of sound is measured directly as the time it takes for an acoustic impulse to travel between two microphones. This measurement is performed alternately in both directions to make it possible to eliminate the influence of the gas flow-rate in the probe on the calculation. The acoustic impulses are heard as weak “clicks” from the probe in the helium-measuring mode.

Gas is delivered to the analyzer from a sampler connected to the compressed-gas tank and the gas flow is controlled using a nozzle to provide the volume needed for the analysis.

03. Description of the analyzer

The lightweight and robust body is made from ABS-PC.

On the front side, the analyzer features a membrane keypad and an OLED display on which the measured values are shown.

Measured gas is fed into the analyzed-mix inlet on the back of the analyzer and passes through the helium-concentration sensor From there, it enters the oxygen-sensor block and is expelled into the air by the mix exhaust. The rated flow of the analyzed mix is 0,2 - 0,4 L/min.

The analyzer is powered by a built-in battery, charging is possible through USB-C connector on the side of the analyzer.

04. Operating the analyzer

The analyzer is operated using the keys on its front panel.

It is activated by pressing the ON/OFF key for approximately one second. Upon activation, an automatic check of the instrument is performed and the analyzer automatically switches to the measuring mode.

When this key is pressed, the firmware version code and serial number of the analyzer are displayed. If you need to read this information, just hold the key down longer when activating the unit.

The analyzer is deactivated by pressing the | ON OFF | key for about one second again.

The | MENU | key displays the available options. The menu changes in individual measuring modes, depending on the functions relevant to the applicable mode.

The | OK | key is used to enter the selected menu item, confirm a changed value or perform the prepared action. The selected menu item can also be called up by repeatedly pressing the | MENU | key.

The | ESC | key is used to exit the menu or return from the value editing mode without saving the changed value.

The | ˄ | and | ˅ | keys are used to browse the menu or change the value of a number above the cursor.

The MODE key is used to change the display mode or to change the cursor position in the number editing mode.

Other functions of the keys are described in the relevant chapters.

05. Measuring O2 and He concentration

The flow limiter with nozzle is used in the basic configuration (see illustration).

Attach the sampler to the compressed gas bottle and use the hose to connect it to the analyzer. The hose is slightly inserted into both components.

The analyzer switches into the helium and oxygen measuring mode upon activation, so there is no need for you to set up anything. Open the valve on the bottle to let the gas flow in. The gas composition is displayed after approximately 5 – 10 seconds. If the pressure inside the bottle is distinctly lower than 200 bars, the gas flow through the sampler will be slower and the measuring result will take somewhat longer to determine.

With the | OK | key, you can suspend and, by pressing it again, resume measuring. When measuring is suspended, the last measured values remain displayed. During measuring, the | ˄ | key can be used for temporarily increasing the brightness of the display to maximum (e.g. if the display is exposed to sunlight).

When the measuring is completed, close the valve on the tank and by loosening the discharge valve (generally 1/2 turn suffices) discharge the excess pressure of the gas so that the flow limiter can be unscrewed from the tank valve.

Warning: Do not unscrew the discharge-valve spindle completely; a steal ball is contained inside which upon opening could be expelled and cause injury or be lost.

06. Display models

Upon activation, the analyzer is normally in the O2/He measuring mode, in one of the two display formats.

The basic format shows the oxygen and helium content in the mixture in percent in separate lines and, for information, also the temperature at which the gas was measured.

After the measuring begins, the helium concentration may appear in square brackets for several seconds in the basic format. This means that the result is interim, with lower accuracy. When the brackets disappear, the accuracy of the result is final.

In case of a measuring error, for instance at a pneumatic shock in the inlet hose, the value of the measured helium concentration disappears for the time of duration of the error state.

The well-arranged format shows the composition in a way used by divers to call the mixtures:
— Air: air with the oxygen content between 20.5 % and 21.5 %.
— EAN, for instance EAN 36, is air enriched with oxygen, in this case up to 36 % oxygen.
— TMX, for instance TMX 18/45, is trimix or the mixture of air, oxygen and helium, in this particular case containing 18 % oxygen and 45 % helium.
— Heliox, for instance Heliox 16 % O2, is a mixture of oxygen and helium.
— Foul Air, for instance Foul Air (10 % O2), is foul or vitiated air with a reduced oxygen content. It cannot be mixed with gases designed for preparation of breathing mixes commonly available to the diver (air, oxygen, helium); therefore, its presence indicates a problem. This may include ongoing corrosion inside the bottle or contamination of the mix with argon, carbon dioxide or another gas. Such air cannot be used for breathing under any circumstances.

In addition to the mix composition, this well-arranged format shows approximate values of the maximum operating depth (MOD) and an equivalent narcotic depth (END).

MOD indicates the depth to which the diver can dive for a short time under otherwise ideal conditions. The limit of partial oxygen pressure equal to 1.6 kPa is used in the calculation, and seawater and the static pressure at sea level are taken into account. This reading is for orientation only, and for an actual dive it must be calculated using the data of the specific dive.

The following formula is used for the calculation:
where

Pmax	is the maximum allowable partial oxygen pressure, chosen as 160,000 Pa  
P0	is the static pressure at sea level, 101,325 Pa  
RO2	relative molar concentration of oxygen in the interval 0 to 1  
ρ	is the seawater density, 1028 kg m−3  
g	is the standard acceleration of gravity, 9.80665 m s−2  

Warning: The maximum operating depth (MOD) calculated for an actual dive is usually lower than the depth indicated by the analyzer.

END is the depth at which the narcotic effect of the mix on the diver is identical to that of air. It is specified in the percentage of a dive depth with air, i.e. for instance the END of 45 % means that at a depth of 100 m with an analyzed mix, the diver will perceive the same narcotic effects as if diving to 45 m with air. There are a number of various formulas for the calculation of END, each giving different results. The value displayed by the analyzer uses only one of them and is used for orientation purposes only. For an actual dive, it is necessary to calculate the END using the data of the specific dive and the tested formulas of your preference.

The following formula is used for calculation:
END = 100 − 77 RHe

where

RHe	is the relative molar concentration of helium in the ration 0 to 1

The formula is based on the following conditions:
— relative narcotic potential of nitrogen = 1
— relative narcotic potential of oxygen = 1
— relative narcotic potential of helium = 0.23

Warning: The equivalent narcotic depth (END) indicated by the calculation is for orientation purposes only and may differ from the END values calculated using other methodologies.

Warning: To determine the END and MOD values, always use the procedures and formulas that you learned in specialized courses of diving with mixes. The values indicated by the analyzer are for orientation purposes only and are not sufficient for correct dive planning.

06.1. Calibration of the oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor’s properties change over time and it is therefore necessary to recalibrate it We recommend that such calibration be performed at least once a month The analyzer is equipped with built-in barometer sensor, which compensates for changes in altitude while traveling to dive sites.

Calibration of the sensor is performed as either single-point or two-point or three-point. During single-point calibration, the content of oxygen in air, which is known and constant (20.95 %), is measured by the sensor. The calibration constant of the sensor is set so that the instrument displays 21.0 % (after rounding).

Two-point calibration proceeds in the same manner as single-point calibration, but uses two calibration gases – pure oxygen and air. Two-point calibration is more arduous as it requires the use of oxygen. However, it provides more precise results during measuring.

Thee-point calibration is recommended for measuring hypoxic mixes, containing less than approximately 15 % oxygen. In this case, the third calibration gas should be a gas with zero oxygen content, i.e. pure helium or argon.

Calibration of the oxygen sensor is started by pressing the | CAL | key at any time during the measuring.

As the first step of calibration, we must choose between single-point, two-point or three-point calibration using the | ˄ | and | ˅ | keys and confirm the selection using the | OK | key.

It is then necessary to choose the oxygen content in the calibration mixture.

The oxygen content is adjusted by tenths of a percent by pressing the | ˄ | key (to increase the content) or the | ˅ | key (to decrease the content). Use the | MODE | key to choose whether to make adjustments by tenths, whole units, or units of ten percentage points. Upon setting the desired values, confirm the data using the | OK | key.

For quickly setting typical values when setting the oxygen content it is possible to use the CAL key, which sets the oxygen content at 21 % in the case of the first calibration point or 100 % at the second point and 0 % at the third point.

Upon setting and confirming the calibration of gases, calibration of the sensor begins. The current calibration point, sensor voltage in millivolts and the temperature of the gas appear on the display.

After the temperature and voltage have stabilized (however, at least after ten seconds), the STABLE prompt appears, which means that it is possible to confirm the performed calibration using the | OK | key. If the measured values change before the | OK | key is pressed, the STABLE sign disappears and calibration proceeds until further steady values are attained. If multi-point calibration is set up, then calibration according to the other gases proceeds similarly.

Correction of the oxygen content in the air

The oxygen content of the air is not constant, but varies with ambient conditions. The amount of oxygen is displaced by water vapour in the air. Therefore, the oxygen content decreases with increasing temperature and humidity. To accurately calibrate the oxygen sensor, use the correction tables below and set the correct value when calibrating to ambient air.

07. Other functions

07.1 Continuous analysis

The Menu/Continual Analysis option activates the function of continuous-filling monitoring. This mode makes it possible to set up the upper and lower limit of oxygen and helium content. The analyzer continuously measures the concentration of these components and if the preset limits are exceeded, it makes a beeping sound. This mode is applied when the analyzer is used as a safety component during continuous nitrox filling, where a defect of the mixing apparatus could cause increased oxygen concentration potentially resulting in a fire or an explosion of the compressor.

In the mode for continuous filling, the limit values can be changed after pressing the | MENU | button.

07.2 Gas mixing solver

When the Menu/Gas mix solver option is selected, the gas-mixing solver function is activated. The solver computes the procedure for mixing the required gas mix of up to three gases. It can even include the remaining mix in the bottle to be filled in the calculation. The gases are displayed in the following order: the remaining gas in the bottle, added mix 1–3, the required mix. For each mix, the composition, volume of the bottle (the actual, “water” volume of the bottle is specified) and gas pressure in the bottle are specified. If the volume of the gas is unlimited (for instance, if supplied by a compressor at a constant pressure), enter the bottle volume as zero. The mix composition may be entered either manually (after pressing the | CAL |, or the analyzer can be switched to the measuring mode by pressing the | OK | key and the relevant mix can be measured directly. After pressing the | CAL | is necessary to change the values press | OK |. Then you can enter values | ˄ | | ˄ | . Press | MENU | to move the cursor in the order. Confirm the selected value | OK |. After the data are entered, initiate the calculation using Menu/Solve (since it is first option, you can just press button | ˂ | twice). The calculation may take up to one minute. Upon completion, results are displayed in one of the three possible forms, which can be switched between using the | ˃ | key (see the example).

Example
There is remaining air with the pressure of 120 bars in the twin bottles with the volume of 2 × 12 liters (total volume of 24 liters). The required mix is trimix 18/40 with the required pressure of 200 bars. You have fifty-liter distribution bottles containing oxygen and helium and a compressor with the output of 330 bars. Enter:

A:	Air		24L	120
1:	He		50L	200
2:	O2		50L	200
3:	Air			300
D:	18.0/40.0	24L	200

and start the calculation. When the calculation is completed, the following data are displayed:

Disch.	to	79.5 bar
He	to	159.5 bar
O2	to	173.2 bar
Air	to	200.0 bar

meaning that the twin should be discharged to the pressure of 79.5 bars, then He added until the pressure of 159.5 bars is achieved, then oxygen added to 173.2 bars and, finally, air added to reach 200 bars. When the MODE key is pressed, the same result is displayed; however, it is expressed in pressure to add or to discharge:

Disch.	-40.5 bar
Add	80.0 bar He
Add	13.7 bar O2
Add	26.8 bar Air

or decrease the pressure by 40.5 bars, increase the pressure by 80 bars by adding helium, add 13.7 bars of oxygen and 26.8 bars of air. The last mode is similar, but as it is designed for gravimetric filling (using a chemical balance), the amount of gas is specified in kilograms:

Disch.	-1.2382 kg
Add	0.3392 kg He
Add	0.4669 kg O2
Add	0.8230 kg Air

Please note that the solver takes into account the pressure drop in the gas charging bottles; therefore it does not try to recommend adding oxygen to reach 200 bars (which would be impossible anyway, given the limited oxygen supply); rather, it allows air to be partly discharged and oxygen is only added to reach the realistic 173.2 bars, with the rest of the air to be added by the compressor. At the same time, however, the solver saves the mix already contained in the bottle to the maximum possible extent; therefore, it does not let it discharge completely. Instead, only the necessary part of the mix is discharged.

07.3 Gas mixing simulation

Option Menu/Gas mix simulator is for Gas mix simulator function. Simulator will compute mixture content mixed up to from four gases. At every mixture is displayed composition and quantity of added gas in pressure units. You can enter mix composition manually (by pressing | CAL |) or switch to measurement mode by pressing | OK | and directly measure concrete mixture. Calculation of final mixture proceed continuously and mixture constitution is displayed on last row. Input values ​​is the same as in the previous case.

0.7.4 Gas purity measurement

Usage

Select Menu / Gas Purity function Default configuration measure Argon / Air. Accuracy is 1% at both ends, aprox. 3% in the middle.

Configuration

When gas purity measurement is running, press CAL to open parameters configuration. Arrows to select item, Enter to edit. To obtain best results, it is possible to slightly tune Cp parameter to get 100% reading with pure component.

Params for common gases and mixtures

07.5 Ambient pressure

Analyzer is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor Thanks to this device can be calibrated for the atmospheric conditions and altitude The atmospheric pressure and altitude can be displayed in the menu ambient pressure Altitude is calculated from ambient pressure referenced to standard pressure at sea level (1013,25 hPa), depending on atmospheric conditions may differ from reality.

08. Special accessories

08.1 Flow regulator

For taking a gas sample for analysis, it is possible to use the flow regulator. It is used in a similar manner as the limiter. However, thanks to the use of a reduction valve, there is no decrease in flow and the measuring period is thus extended even with lower pressure in the tank. Its use is therefore suitable in filling stations and dive centers in which the content of half-empty tanks is checked.

The regulator is constructed from the Divesoft M12 modular system. The illustration shows only one of the possible configurations. Because the leads of the distribution block are equivalent, it is possible to freely reconfigure individual elements according to the user’s needs. Similarly, it is possible to replace the limiting nozzle with a reduction valve without the necessity of buying a full regulator assembly.

The regulator is connected similarly as the limiter. Besides the tank valve, it is possible to close off the gas output directly with the gas-output cut-off.

Warning: Over-tightening of the gas-output cut-off can damage or prematurely wear out the reduction-valve seat.

09. Set-up

09.1 Preferences

It is possible to change select properties of the analyzer in the basic mode (measuring of He/O2) in Menu/Preferences. Individual parameters have the following significance:

Brightness of the display in the scale of 1 to 127. The selection of low brightness (1) preserves the battery; the highest brightness (127) is suitable for use in strongly lit places. For temporarily increasing the display’s brightness, simply hold down the pressed | ˄ | key.

When activating the Heighten brightness option, the brightness is automatically increased to maximum if the analyzer is powered with an external power-supply adapter.

The option O2 cell used is activated as standard. When deactivating, the O2 value is ignored and replaced with the value shown in the following O2 substitute parameter. This option allows emergency use of the analyzer with a worn-out oxygen sensor for measuring the concentration of helium. In such a case, the correct setting of the oxygen concentration in the analyzed mix increases the precision of measuring the concentration of helium (on the order of tenths of a percent).

Averaging activates the calculation of the moving average from the set number of values of the He concentration. The number of averaged values is set with the Values to avg. parameter. When activating averaging, the He concentration is displayed in square brackets (e.g. 25.7) if the required number of values for calculating the average is not available.

Partial pressure O2 is the maximum allowed partial pressure of oxygen used for calculating MOD.

The Ref. temp. source option determines whether ambient temperature (Ambient) or defined temperature (Defined) entered in the following Ref. temperature parameter is used for calculating the estimated pressure in the tank (by using plug-in thermometer only).

Nitrogen source allows to switch gas constants for use of pure nitrogen instead of air in mixtures.
Mixtures prepared with pure nitrogen does not contain atmospheric argon, which affects the helium measurement. If nitrogen source is set incorrectly, maximal error is 0.2%.
Oxygen measurement is unaffected, since O2 is measured directly by the oxygen cell.

09.2 Measurement units

Other settings are available in Menu/Measurement units. Here the analyzer can be switched to metric mode (Metric units), imperial-units mode (U.S. units) or the display of individual units can be selected separately for individual values (temperature, depth, pressure, volume, mass). The unit settings do not affect the calculations (with the exception of final rounding), as the analyzer works in SI units internally.
Notice: Meters and feet are indicated as units of depth, though in reality this concerns hydrostatic pressure (pressure at the indicated depth in seawater).

09.3 Mixing of gases

The Menu/Gas properties setting is available in the gas-mixing calculation and simulation modes. Individual parameters have the following significance:

The State equation option is chosen if the mixing calculations will work with the ideal gas (the status equation PV=RT is used) or with the real gas (state equation according to Redlich and Kwong). The variant with the actual gas is more complicated in terms of calculation, and calculation can thus take a long time. The ideal gas is sufficient for ordinary use.

Ref. temperature is the temperature of the gas used for calculations.

09.4 Continual analysis

Here the boundary values are set When these values are exceeded, an alarm is triggered:
Alarm O2 low, Alarm O2 high, Alarm He low, Alarm He high.

10. Charging and battery status

At any time when the analyzer is turned on, you can check the battery status by pressing | ˅ | unless the key has other function at the particular screen. The value of the battery charge expresses double line at the bottom of display. Range is defined between 0 to 100% charging.

When the battery is close to discharged, connect the analyzer with provided cable to any USB charger or a computer USB port Full charge takes approximately three hours.

When the charger is connected, you can check the status of charge press | ˅ |. If the battery is not fully charged, the row of arrows is displayed on a scale from 0 to 100%. If it is already charged, a long double line is displayed.

All features of the analyzer are available during charging.

11. Maintenance

11.1 Battery replacement

The instrument uses a built-in rechargeable battery Battery replacement is possible only in the factory.

11.2 Oxygen sensor replacement

The oxygen sensor has a limited service life The analyzer automatically checks the sensor’s condition and, at the end of its life, the message “Oxygen sensor expired” is displayed upon activating the instrument In this case the sensor should be replaced as soon as possible, as the accuracy of measuring the concentration of oxygen can no longer be guaranteed.

If you are not sure whether you are able to replace the sensor correctly, ask your supplier, vendor or service technician to change it.

To replace the sensor, first loosen the screw and remove the oxygen sensor cover.

Then disconnect the molex connector from the sensor, do not to pull on the wiring coming out of the instrument.

Unscrew the old sensor and install the new one in such a way that the o-ring on the sensor closely adheres to the analyzer Do not use excessive strength to tight the sensor to avoid damaging the thread.

Reconnect the oxygen sensor connector, be sure to check the polarity Finally replace the sensor cover.

Let the new sensor warm up before first calibration for at least 30 minutes after taking it out from the sealed packaging.

A no 1 Philips screwdriver is needed to replace the sensor.

After each sensor replacement, the instrument has to be recalibrated.

11.3 Flow adjusting

In most cases is generally gas-flowing in the flow limiter suitable for wide range of the input pressure. When is often analyzed the gas under low pressure, can be flow too low and so is stabilizing of measured value slow. In this case is possible set the flow on higher value.

Connect sampler to the tank, open the valve and set the gas-flowing at the desired value with 2 mm socket-screw key. Setting range is relatively small, maximally 1/4 rev. Do not more loosen the setting screw, it can be released and blow out by the gas pressure.

Correct flow in the right adjusted sampler is 0.2 liter/min. Adjusting is possible verify approximately by connecting a hose to the sampler and second end immerse to a glass with water. For right adjust must from the hose end leakage continuous flow of little bubbles. After test dry the hose, else water may enter the analyzer.

If you are not sure about correct adjusting, contact with this act your dealer or service.

2 mm socket-screw key is needed for this adjusting.

11.4 Disassembly of the instrument

Do NOT disassemble the instrument. Analyzer contains no user serviceable parts except the oxygen sensor.

Warning: Do not remove the printed circuit board from the analyzer. Replacing the circuit board requires a special procedure and calibration instrument.

11.5 Storage when not in use for long periods

If the device is not used for a long period of time (months), it is essential to prevent degradation or damage to the device.
Remove the oxygen sensor from the analyzer. Oxygen sensors are subject to aging and degradation, and electrolyte may spill into the instrument compartment after extended periods of time. This would result in degradation of the analyzer.
Recharge the battery regularly to revive it. Keep the battery voltage between 60% and 80% of capacity.

12. Connecting to a computer

The analyzer can be connected to a computer using a USB cable.

Measured values are transferred to the PC via a virtual serial port. If you have not installed a suitable driver for the virtual serial port on the USB, use the free driver provided by the manufacturer of the USB chip used in the analyzer. This driver can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm. The specific driver can be selected from the VCP (virtual com port) category, depending on the PC and operating system used. Use the instructions attached with the driver to install it.

Data transfer must be activated in the analyzer by the option Menu/Preferences/Send Data to USB = On.

Any terminal emulation utility can be used for data reception; for instance HyperTerminal is sufficient for Microsoft Windows. This utility is included in the basic Windows installation.

The measured data are transferred in the text mode. Every second, the analyzer transmits data in the following format:

He xxx.x O2 yyy.y CR LF

where xxx.x is helium content in percent,
where yyy.y is oxygen content in percent,
CR is the ASCII carriage return symbol (decimal 13, hexadecimal 0D),
LF is the ASCII line feed symbol (decimal 10, hexadecimal 0A).

If there is an error in the measurement, the faulty entry is replaced with asterisks in the following form: **..

The output is in serial form in the format 8N1 (8 bits, no parity bit, one stopbit), speed 115200 bit/s, TTL level.

13. Defects and removal thereof

Upon activation, the analyzer is automatically tested to identify one of the following errors. All the error messages can be confirmed by the | OK | key and the instrument will continue to work; however in some circumstances in a limited operation mode. The overvoltage message (see below) is an exception, as it may be displayed at any time.

13.1 Error messages

Error 1 Helium sensor doesn‘t work correctly
• There is an error in the electronic or mechanical section of the helium sensor. The instrument can be used in an emergency mode for measuring the oxygen concentration. The analyzer must be repaired to be able to measure helium.

Error 2 Oxygen sensor damaged or missing
• The oxygen sensor is removed, disconnected or destroyed. The measuring of the oxygen concentration will be incorrect. The sensor can be temporarily deactivated (Menu/O2 cell used = Off), the oxygen concentration measured by another instrument and entered manually as a constant (Menu/O2 substitute = n). The method of displaying the measured values cannot be changed, nor can oxygen sensor calibration performed.

Warning Oxygen sensor switched off
• This message is displayed every time the O2 sensor is switched off.

Error 3 Oxygen sensor expired
• The oxygen sensor is old and its output voltage is too low. The measuring will be inaccurate (the “Incorrect” warning is displayed next to the value of the O2 concentration) and some measuring modes cannot be activated. The sensor must be immediately replaced with a new one of the recommended type.
• This error may also occur if the instrument is filled with a hypoxic mix (a mix with low oxygen content) upon activation, for example immediately after previous measurement or if the measured hypoxic mix is delivered before the analyzer is activated. In such a case, switch off the instrument for a while, or connect it to a source of air before its activation. Never use your mouth to blow air in the inlet or the outlet of the analyzer to avoid vapor condensation inside the instrument (careful aspiration of gas by mouth is possible).

Error 4 Device is too cold
• The temperature of the analyzer is too low and the measuring may be inaccurate. Warm up the analyzer in a warm room to increase its temperature above the freezing point (32°F). Do not use a hot-air blower, air dryer, an oven or any other similar method to warm up the analyzer.

Error 5 Device is too warm
• The temperature of the analyzer is too high (for instance, if it was exposed to sunlight or stored in a car heated by sunlight); the measurement may be inaccurate. Cool down the analyzer below 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).

Warning Battery low
• The battery is almost empty, it has to be replaced or use the external power source.

13.2 Instrument malfunctions

Helium content not displayed
• The probe measures the speed of helium in both directions. If these data differ, measuring is deemed incorrect and the helium content is not displayed. This situation can be encountered if the measured gas flows through the probe too fast (lower flow speeds are compensated for by the calculation), or there is significant background noise (for example, in the vicinity of a running compressor or gas motor).
• Lower the gas flow speed (this applies to the analyzer not connected using the genuine sampler), move farther from the source of the noise.

The instrument shows less than 0 % or more than 100 % of helium in the mixture
• The displayed value arises directly from the measured and calculated value and has in no way been altered in the background. The possible measuring error is symmetrical and, for example, when measuring a mixture without any helium content, 0.2 % or −0.2 % helium can be displayed. Accordingly, when measuring pure helium, e.g. 99.8 % or 100.2 % can be displayed. If the deviation is within the measuring tolerance, this is not the result of a defect.

The instrument shows less than 0 % or more than 100 % of oxygen in the mixture
• The displayed value arises directly from the measured and calculated value and has in no way been altered in the background. The possible measuring error is symmetrical and, for example, when measuring a mixture without any oxygen content, 0.5 % or −0.5 % oxygen can be displayed. Accordingly, when measuring pure oxygen, e.g. 99.5 % or 100.5 % can be displayed. If the deviation is within the measuring tolerance, this is not the result of a defect. In the case of a greater deviation, recalibrate the oxygen sensor. If the problem persists, replace the sensor.

14. Technical data

Dimensions: 85 × 205 × 40 mm (31/4 × 77/8 × 11/2 inches)

Weight: 420 g (without packaging and accessories)

Oxygen concentration measurement range: 0 to 100%

Helium concentration measurement range: 0 to 100%

Measurement temperature: 0 to + 40 ° C (32–104 ° F)

Mixture Pressure: Corresponds to an ambient pressure in the range of 700–1100 millibars (20– 32 inches Hg), which corresponds to a standard atmosphere at 0 to 3000 m (0–10000 ft)

Nominal gas flow rate: 0.2 l / min

Sound speed measurement base: 800 mm

Measuring cycle: 200ms

The connection dimensions of the sampler: Standard for a DIN valve (EN 144-2) for 200/300 bars (G 5/8 thread) Samplers with a connection to any standardized or common valves are available on request or as optional equipment

Oxygen sensor: R22 S (Molex connector)

Easy to replace O2 sensor

Oxygen sensor life expectancy: 2 years

Replaceable battery: Through authorized service center

Battery: 120 measurements or 4 hours of continuous operation

Battery capacity: 3,7 Wh

Warranty: 24 months, 12 months on battery

Charging and programming: USB-C

Charging time: 3–4 h

Display: OLED

Body: ABS-PC

HW 3.0, FW 2.29
Authors: Adam Procháska, Jakub Šimánek, Aleš Procháska
Published by Divesoft s.r.o.

Becky is a 5 time Emmy award-winning underwater cameraman and photographer whose work appears on major networks including National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Red Bull. She specializes in capturing images in extreme underwater environments including caves, under ice and deep shipwrecks. Her projects have taken her all over the world from the Arctic to Antarctic and many exciting locations in between.