Beyond the Dive Shop: Taking Control of Your Nitrox Gas
Why should divers own their own Nitrox analysers? After all, UK gas fill stations provide analysers and require divers to check and sign for their mix. The answer is simple: it’s about personal responsibility and safety. So, in this review, we’re making the case for owning your own Nitrox Analyser, listing the immediate reasons that come to mind.
Self-Reliance
Wherever you dive — in the UK or overseas — relying solely on a device owned and maintained by someone else means your safety depends entirely on third-party equipment. While reputable operators routinely calibrate and maintain their analysers, there is always a small possibility of miscalibration or measurement error.
Owning your own analyser allows you to independently confirm the oxygen content in your cylinder before every dive. This added verification strengthens your safety margin and is especially valuable when diving on holiday or in unfamiliar locations.
Blending Considerations
In the UK and many other regions, Nitrox is commonly produced using partial pressure blending. This method involves adding a measured amount of oxygen to the cylinder before topping it up with air to reach the desired mix.
However, the filling process is not immune to variation. Temperature changes during filling can affect final pressure readings. A cylinder that feels full when warm from the fill station will typically show a lower pressure once it has cooled.
A personal Nitrox analyser — whether used individually or shared within a buddy team — allows you to verify the gas once it has stabilised. Although variations are usually small, most experienced mixed-gas divers re-analyse their cylinders before each dive to confirm the final composition.
Cylinder Mix-Ups
When multiple cylinders are in use — whether belonging to one diver or a group — there is always a small risk of mislabelling or confusion.
Re-analysing each cylinder before use eliminates uncertainty and adds another layer of protection. It is a simple step that significantly increases safety.
Air Top-Ups
If a cylinder contains leftover Nitrox and you choose to top it up with air, the resulting mix will change. As you’ve asked for an air fill (hopefully having informed the operator that you have Nitrox in your tank to avoid cross-contamination), you may not be able to access the stores analyser. In some cases, especially at air-only fill stations, no analyser may be available on site. Owning your own ensures certainty every time.
For example, a cylinder filled with 36% Nitrox for a 28-metre dive and returned at 90 bar could be topped up with air to 232 bar, resulting in approximately 26.8% Nitrox.
But are you certain that is the actual final mix?
The most reliable way to confirm the oxygen percentage is to analyse the gas yourself.
Travel and Remote Diving
The advantages of a personal analyser become even clearer when travelling. In foreign locations, regulations may differ, language barriers may exist, and you may be unfamiliar with the fill station’s procedures.
In such environments, independent verification is not just best practice — it is due diligence.
Similarly, on liveaboards or remote dive trips, the onboard analyser may be in use, unavailable, or of unknown calibration status. Having your own device ensures you are never dependent on shared equipment and can maintain full control over your gas verification.
Avoiding Queues
At busy dive centres, particularly abroad or on a liveaboard, many divers may be waiting to have their cylinders analysed. Often, there is only one analyser available.
Owning your own saves time, reduces delays, and allows you to focus on diving rather than waiting. Convenience and safety go hand in hand – so long as the operator is happy with it.
Choosing the Right Divesoft Nitrox Analyser
So which analyser is right for you?
The Divesoft DNA Oxygen Analyser
If you want a compact, reliable, accurate, and affordable analyser for everyday use — and you regularly carry your smartphone with you — the Divesoft DNA Analyser is an excellent option.
It is a palm-sized, lightweight device designed for portability and ease of use. Powered by a CR2450 battery with a lifespan of approximately one to two years, it features a durable anodised aluminium body with protective TPU ends for field use.
The DNA displays MOD calculations for common partial pressures (1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 ppO₂), providing helpful dive planning information.
Its primary function operates through a smartphone app via Bluetooth (compatible with iOS and Android). While this means the device requires a phone to operate, the app works offline, so no internet connection is needed — making it suitable for remote environments.
The Divesoft SOLO O2 Analyser
If you prefer a standalone device with a built-in display and no reliance on a smartphone, the Divesoft SOLO O2 may be the better choice.
The SOLO functions immediately as a Nitrox analyser and can later be factory-upgraded to include helium analysis, making it suitable for divers who may transition toward deeper or technical diving in the future.
While larger than the DNA, it remains handheld and easy to use. It does not require a mobile app and provides direct on-screen readings.
At the time of writing, the price difference between the two models narrows when an oxygen sensor is included with each unit. Pricing may vary, but the SOLO represents a higher initial investment with expanded functionality.
Key features of the SOLO O2 include:
- Intuitive controls
- Dual onboard display screens
- Advanced internal software
- Automatic calibration
- Real-time gas calculations
- Integrated gas mixing tools
It is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charges via USB-C. The device can also be used for continuous gas analysis while connected.
For divers who anticipate using helium mixes in the future, the SOLO O2 can be upgraded to include Divesoft’s solid-state helium sensor. For those fully committed to technical diving, the dedicated SOLO Trimix Analyser may be a more suitable long-term solution.
DNA vs SOLO: Which Should You Choose?
Selecting the right oxygen analyser depends on your diving style and future goals — there is no single solution that fits everyone.
The DNA is ideal for recreational nitrox divers who prioritise portability, simplicity, and smartphone integration. It is compact, lightweight, and designed for easy travel. For divers comfortable using mobile apps, it offers a modern, streamlined experience.
The SOLO O2, by contrast, appeals to divers who prefer a fully self-contained instrument with its own display and controls. It is a forward-thinking investment for those who may progress toward mixed gases or technical diving.
Its expandability makes it particularly attractive to divers who want a device that can grow alongside their skills and ambitions. Rather than replacing equipment later, the SOLO offers an upgrade path.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and your long-term diving plans.
The DNA provides an elegant, portable solution for everyday recreational Nitrox diving. The SOLO O2 offers greater independence, expanded functionality, and future-proof potential for divers seeking additional capability.
Whichever model you choose, owning your own analyser is a significant step toward greater self-reliance and enhanced dive safety.
Safe diving.