Portable hydrocarbon detectors

[Jamie Novak]

I am currently searching for a decent hydrocarbon detector for our Fire Investigation unit. And will be trying to get demos to try out. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance. please don't tell me a dog I know that would be the best but impossible at this time.

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Jamie Novak Fire Investigator St.Paul FD 651-228-6258

[Icerader]

I used the Pragmatic for approximately 10 years. Easy to use....remarkably sensitive and accurate. I swear BY it and not at it!!!!!

Capt B

[George Wendt, CFI]

My unit tried the Pragmatic unit for about a week. We actually had three different units. None of which worked properly. We found them to be of poor quality and the support from the company was terrible. WE sent the unit back and demanded and received a full refund.

Jamie, if a dog is not possible, do you like to play with a tennis ball? There is always the possibility to train yourself as a hydrocarbon detector and let one of the other investigators throw you a ball when you find it. Let me know.

[George Wendt, CFI]

Relax. The dog thing was a joke. jamie and I have known each other for years.

[Icerader]

Jamie...while I respect George Wendt,CFI's opinion and humorous banter......I must tell you, thru the hundreds of fires I investigated, my Pragmatic did not give me a minute of trouble. It was reliable and I believe of high quality. I used other brands as well, but none provided the degree of reliability and confidence that the Prag did. I got called out many times to assist other agencies because I had the Pragmatic. Two other nearby departments used the Pragmatic as well and I can't say I ever heard them complain about it.

As with any piece hi-tec equipment, you still need to have your samples tested in a certified lab, but my Pragmatic never let me down! Best of luck to you.

Captain B

[This message has been edited by Icerader (edited 06-04-2001).]

[reyford]

The web address for Pragmatics, if you want to check it out is www.pragmatics-arson.com (http://www.pragmatics-arson.com)
They appear from my research to have the best technology.

[firecop210]

Jamie:

I have to agree with George on this one. A total waste of time and money. Completely worthless Machines.

Dave

[CJBFireConsultant]

Regardless of Dog or Pragmatic, each is a tool that is only as good as the investigator using it. I use the Pragmatic and another detector only to confirm or negate areas of interest. The real test will be the SAMPLES that you remove and have tested.

Just my thoughts.

Chris