Ding Dong our TLV is Dead!!

[MetalMedic]

After many years of admirable service, our TLV "sniffer" appears to be on its last leg. For some reason, it now "blows" instead of "sucks" which makes it hard for it to analyze samples. http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/eek.gif

So, my Asst. Chief has asked me to check into replacing the unit with something that is more "state-of-the-art". Knowing that there are thousands if experts in this forum, I am hoping some of you can give me some suggestions and input on what we should replace the TLV Sniffer with.

We would like something that is easy to operate and would require little training. We would want it to be somewhat rugged to use on the fire ground. The TLV gave us fits with batteries, so I am curious to know if someone has addressed that problem sufficiently. Of course, it needs to be dependable and accurate.

Any comments would be appreciated. I would especially like to hear referrals on brands that someone especially liked using.

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Richard Nester
Orrville (OH) Fire Dept.

[Capt. Zada]

Did you explain to your TLV that "it" is just a figure of speech?

[MetalMedic]

Capt. Zada...

We tried, but the TLV refused to talk to us anymore. Just like a woman huh? :-)

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Richard Nester
Orrville (OH) Fire Dept.




[This message has been edited by MetalMedic (edited August 15, 2000).]

[George Wendt, CFI]

If you are going to use it for fire investigation, I haven't seen or used one brand that I liked. They are all unreliable, and do not stand up well under actual use.

If it were me, I would check with whoever the local law enforcement uses for their canine services about getting an accelerant detection canine started. They are far more reliable and can be more readily interpreted by a good handler. Most of the investigators that I know have not used a mechanical instrument in years when they have a canine available.