The GasAlert Extreme (GAXT) single-gas detectors have been a great line of portable gas sensors for several years. However, due to changing consumer needs they are being replaced by a new line of portable detectors called the BW Solos. These detectors are a serious upgrade from the old sensors with better speed and reliability as well as some new features.
The new BW Solos are equipped with a very small sensor (the 1-Series) which is almost a third of the size of the GAXT sensors. Because of this compact design, gas is able to diffuse into it more quickly granting the device a faster response time to changing conditions and more accurate readings. This also allows the detector itself is lighter and slimmer making it easy to handle and keeping it out of your way.
These sensors are also very easy to replace. The BW Solos are designed specifically to make sensor, filter, and battery replacement easy and with a lower risk of damaging internal components. The sensor and filter can both be accessed through a front panel that pops open. Once inside, the sensor and filter are separated from the other internal components by a cover meaning that the circuit board is never exposed during replacement. That being said, frequent sensor replacement should not be necessary as 1-Series sensors are designed to have a 5-year life expectancy and come with a 3-year warranty.
The battery is also easy to replace. You can remove the back to the device with a Phillips head screwdriver and the battery will come out with it where it can be replaced with no risk to the internal components.
The BW Solos use a single button operation system which makes them easier to use while wearing gloves. They also come equipped with an alligator clip on the back, allowing them to be attached to a belt or pocket. They have a higher operating temperature range, from -40 to 60 C or (-40 to 140 F) and many of them have a higher sensor range compared to their GAXT counterparts. (see chart below for details)
| Gas Type | Product Name | Measuring Range | Price (nonwireless) | Price(wireless) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia (NH3) | BW NH3 | 0-100 ppm | $570 | $620 |
| Ammonia (NH3) extended range | BW NH3 extended | 0-1000 ppm | $596 | $646 |
| Carbon monoxide | BW CO | 0-2000 | $385 | $435 |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) H2 resistant | BW CO H2 resistant | 0-2000 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Chlorine (Cl2) | BW Cl2 | 0-50 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) | BW ClO2 | 0-1ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Ethylene Oxide (ETO)(C2H4) | BE C2H4 | 0-100 ppm | $645 | $685 |
| Hydrogen H2 | BW H2 | 0-1000 ppm | $650 | $700 |
| Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) | BW HCN | 0-100 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) | BW H2S | 0-200 ppm | $385 | $435 |
| Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) extended range | BW H2S extended | 0-500 ppm | $370 | $420 |
| Nitric oxide (NO) | BW NO | 0-250 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Nitric dioxide (NO2) | BW NO2 | 0-100 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Oxygen (O2) | BW O2 | 0-30% v/v | $385 | $435 |
| Oxone (O3) | BW O3 | 0-1 ppm | $795 | $845 |
| Phosphine (PH3) | BW PH3 | 0-5 ppm | $470 | $520 |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO2) | BW SO2 | 0-100 ppm | $470 | $520 |
Another cool new feature of the BW Solos is the option for wireless compatibility. The wireless detectors allow you to share data with desktop software via without using a dock. You can even pair your BW Solo with a smartphone using Honeywell’s Safety Communicator App from which you can set up the detector and choose alarm set points from up to six meters away. The app can also be used to see detailed information on recorded readings such as who performed the reading, when, and on what gas all in real time. This data can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Honeywell is offering some great Windows-based and cloud-based software to make it easier to view and organize sensor data. The Windows-based Device Configurator allows you to view and export data, configure alarm set points and deploy firmware updates. Meanwhile, the cloud-based SafetySuite Device Manager features at-a-glance dashboards that show you the alarms and compliance status of connected monitors. With this software, you can also receive email and text notifications of alarms and know that all reports are stored in one place.
Some features the Solos share with the GAXTs are:
- Vibrating, audible, and visual alarms
- Internal data logging
- Multiple built-in languages
- Concussion-proof housing
- Real-time readings
Overall the Honeywell Solos are a significant upgrade from the GAXT model and we’re excited to be offering them. The new BW Solos can be found on our website here:
https://www.gas-sensing.com/portable-monitors.html?manufacturer=125 These detectors are faster and more reliable than their predecessors making them safer and more effective in the workplace.
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