Why doesn Altalab Instrument use an O2 sensor?
Altalab Instrument pioneered the use of the O2 sensor when we released the 02 ALTA in the Fall of 1994, but gave it up after 1 year because it had more problems than could be justified by the value of information gained. The four main reasons for our decision are listed here. 1) Current technology 02 sensors function like a battery, and slowly drain down over their lifespan. They need annual calibration in order to remain accurate, particularly if the racer wants to build upon previous performance. Also, they have non-linear output, so to compensate we calibrated each sensor individually and generated from 6 to 10 calibration points per sensor. Most racers do not want to be bothered with an annual calibration, and their ability to relate current information to past references thus degrades over time. 2) The current technology O2 sensor contains an electrolye, and poor temperature compensation. When overheated heated, such as would happen on the dashboard of a car, the readings could go
