Please read the following guidelines carefully before using the sensor.

High Resolution Measurement


The Oxygen in Air Sensor provides an excellent 0.01% oxygen resolution, allowing very small changes in oxygen concentration to be detected and displayed.

This high resolution is particularly important when investigating processes where changes in oxygen concentration may be relatively small, such as human respiration, exercise, photosynthesis, respiration in organisms, air quality and combustion.

The 0.01% resolution provides a much more detailed measurement than a lower-resolution sensor. It allows users to identify subtle changes and trends more precisely and can contribute to more accurate analysis and interpretation of experimental results.

Resolution and accuracy are technically different specifications: resolution describes the smallest change that can be displayed, while accuracy describes how close a measurement is to the true value. However, high resolution is valuable because it provides more detailed data, making it easier to observe and analyse small changes during an experiment.

For example, atmospheric oxygen is approximately 20.95%. With 0.01% resolution, changes such as 20.95% → 20.94% → 20.93% can be displayed, allowing small changes in oxygen concentration to be clearly observed.


Sensor Lifespan and Storage


  • The Oxygen in Air Sensor is an electrochemical sensor, effectively operating like a battery. It has an expected lifespan of approximately 5 years.
  • Actual lifespan depends on storage conditions, including temperature, storage position and oxygen availability.
  • The 5-year estimate is based on storage at an ambient temperature of 21–25°C, with the sensor stored vertically when not in use.
  • The sensor should always be stored vertically when not in use. Failure to do so may affect the sensor's performance and warranty conditions.


Protecting the Sensor

  • Liquid will permanently damage the Oxygen in Air Sensor. Do not allow liquid or condensation to come into contact with the sensing element.
  • This is particularly important when working in humid or enclosed environments, such as experiments involving plants in sealed containers. Position the sensor so that any condensation cannot reach the sensing element.
  • If required, clean the outer surface of the sensor housing using a damp cloth.
  • Do not immerse the sensor in any cleaning solution and do not use alcohol-based cleaners.


Setting up

  • After placing the sensor in a new environment, allow a few minutes for the reading to stabilise before recording data. This allows the gas being measured to diffuse into the sensor and allows the sensor to adjust to changes in air pressure and temperature.
  • The sensor's response time depends significantly on air circulation. It will respond more quickly in moving air than in still air.
  • For reliable comparisons, keep experimental conditions as consistent as possible and allow the readings to stabilise before collecting data.


Calibration

  • Atmospheric oxygen is approximately 20.95%.
  • If the sensor does not initially read approximately 20–21% oxygen, allow it a few moments to stabilise.
  • If the reading remains inaccurate, use the calibration function in the device settings.
  • Calibration can be performed using a known oxygen concentration or the accepted atmospheric value of 20.95%.


Temperature Compensation

The Oxygen in Air Sensor includes temperature compensation for slow changes in temperature. If the temperature changes rapidly, the compensation may take some time to respond and the oxygen reading may temporarily be affected.

Where possible, allow the sensor and the environment to stabilise before recording measurements.


Environmental Measures

The sensor also measures temperature, humidity and pressure, allowing these variables to be recorded alongside oxygen concentration.

This makes the sensor particularly useful for environmental investigations and simple physiology experiments. For example, when comparing inhaled and exhaled air, oxygen, temperature and humidity can be measured together, reducing the need for multiple separate sensors.

If an alternative temperature sensor is being used, turn off the Oxygen in Air Sensor's temperature channel to avoid collecting duplicate temperature measurements.


Experimental Containers

The sensor can be used in a range of suitable experimental containers or chambers.

When using enclosed or humid environments, position the sensor carefully to prevent condensation or liquid from coming into contact with the sensing element.


Educational Use Only

The Oxygen in Air Sensor has been designed for educational purposes only. It should not be used to determine or demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations or other statutory requirements.


At A Glance

0.01% resolution — provides detailed visibility of small changes in oxygen concentration, supporting precise observation and more accurate interpretation of experimental data.

Approximately 5-year lifespan — expected lifespan under recommended storage conditions.

Temperature, humidity and pressure measurements — enables environmental conditions to be recorded alongside oxygen concentration.

Calibration function — allows the sensor to be calibrated against a known oxygen concentration or the accepted atmospheric value of 20.95%.

Important: Keep the sensor vertical when stored and protect the sensing element from liquid and condensation.