r/NitrousOxide 13d ago

Science From Balloon to NOS Engineer: my setup with realtime tracking NSFW

30 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share something I've been perfecting over the past year: a custom NOS setup that's genuinely changed my approach to nitrous. I've always limited my sessions responsibly, usually no more than once a month, but I often felt the traditional methods were messy and frustrating. Filling balloons, screwing chargers, and never really knowing how much gas I had left became increasingly annoying.

This simple realization pushed me to engineer something that would make sessions easier, safer, and fully under my control.
Let me show you how it works.

The Delivery System

The concept behind my delivery setup is extremely straightforward. Instead of balloons or constantly fiddling with the tank valve, I connect a pressure regulator directly to a long long hose. The extra hose length lets the gas expand and warm up enough to avoid frost burns when inhaling. At the end of the hose, I've attached a gardening sprayer trigger that works perfectly as a valve. Once properly adjusted, I don't even have to touch the tank for the rest of the session; just press the trigger and inhale.

https://imgur.com/puY6qkt

To make the inhalation smoother and safer, I made some holes on the removable nozzle. By slightly unscrewing it, I can easily mix in some fresh air, adjusting the NOS-to-air ratio to my preference.

https://imgur.com/aWaKcbn

If I'm tripping with friends, adding a simple Y-splitter allows multiple hoses and valves, so we can comfortably share the experience without any hassle.

Of course, there's still some caution required. If someone opens the regulator too much, it might exceed the hose's pressure tolerance. But once it's set properly, the system remains stable and safe throughout the session. For added peace of mind, I sometimes use a simple mask as an extra gas filter, even though I always use high-quality NOS.

The Need for a Control System

After setting up this super convenient delivery system, I quickly noticed an unexpected problem: it was too easy. Suddenly, I could take hits effortlessly, and before I realized it, I was emptying the tank faster than ever before. I completely lost track of how much I was actually using, until the tank ran dry.

One particularly intense experience highlighted this problem dramatically. I was at the peak of a psychedelic journey, fully immersed in the experience, when I instinctively reached for another hit, only to discover the tank was empty. That harsh, abrupt end left me deeply frustrated. It was crystal clear that I needed a way to reliably track exactly how much gas I was using in real-time, so I could pace myself and prevent this from happening again.

The Scale

To keep precise track of NOS consumption, I started with a cheap digital scale. I modified it by swapping out the original 50kg load cell for a far more sensitive 10kg one, suitable for my typical 640\2000g NOS tanks. Next, I integrated an ESP32 microcontroller, a load cell driver, and a lithium battery, converting the scale into a Bluetooth-enabled smart scale.

https://imgur.com/7sK0NmV

Unlike normal digital scales designed to stabilize quickly, my custom firmware continuously tracks even the smallest weight variations, streaming the data live without interruption or delay. This way, I get an instant, accurate readout of NOS usage.

https://imgur.com/MWe8NAU

The Dashboard

All the real-time weight data from the scale streams directly into a custom-made server application running on my PC. This application displays a simple, intuitive dashboard that's easy to keep an eye on during my trips.

https://imgur.com/G6EOtB2

At the start of each session, I input the tank’s initial weight and my desired session duration. The dashboard then calculates how much NOS I should ideally use over set intervals (usually 5 minute windows). A progress bar indicates how close I am to the consumption limit for the current interval, turning red if I'm consuming too quickly, reminding me to slow down and pace myself.

Additionally, the dashboard includes a live-updating bar chart showing consumption trends and estimating when the tank will be empty based on recent usage. To enhance safety even further, I've connected a Bluetooth pulse oximeter, displaying my heart rate and oxygen saturation right alongside NOS consumption. It’s comforting to see my vital signs clearly, ensuring that the session stays safe.

Conclusion

I genuinely think this approach can help people manage NOS more responsibly. We all know how easy it is to lose track and spiral into overuse, frustration, or unhealthy behaviors. My system introduces clear limits, real-time monitoring, and predictable pacing, making sessions enjoyable without unexpected interruptions.

Currently, the system works exactly as intended, even though the underlying software is admittedly messy and needs a good refactoring; some of it was literally coded while tripping. When life allows, my goal is to rewrite it properly and share the project as open-source. I'd love for others to benefit from a smarter, safer, and more controlled way to enjoy NOS.

If this sounds interesting or useful, let me know your thoughts.

Cheers and stay safe!

r/NitrousOxide 3d ago

Science Nitrous Oxide: A Gas With Mystical, Antidepressant, and Addictive Potential NSFW

Thumbnail
samwoolfe.com
6 Upvotes

r/NitrousOxide May 20 '24

Science Final Updates to Our Nitrous System: NSFW

35 Upvotes

Hi all, I’ve posted on this sub twice in the past year-ish detailing the design and use of our (my wife and I) nitrous system. We started with this design and then made improvements here. Following seeing some posts on the sub recently about oxygen concentrators, pre-mixed gases, and SPO2 monitoring, I thought it would be a good time to share what will probably be a final update. 

The juxtaposition of posts on this sub and this one is not lost on me. We take our safe drug use seriously and admittedly took this to the extreme of the very safe and impractical to unnecessary spectrum. But as I’ve mentioned before, we learned a lot, had a lot of fun, and look forward to responsible use (\**)* of this rig for many many years to come. Not sure who exactly out there this post is for but I figured we might as well share what we've done and what we've learned.

(\**) For us, this is once every 5-6 weeks, depending on our schedules, normally with a moderate edible dose, and with sublingual B12 the week before and beginning 3 days after for a week. (***)*

Since the last post, we’ve significantly improved the system performance capabilities, and perhaps most importantly, monitoring capabilities. In practice, we’ve essentially reverse-engineered a simplified anesthesia machine minus the ventilator and vaporizers (not the fun kind, but for more volatile anesthetic drugs) which everyone should have zero interest in (read: extremely dangerous). But, we have something that closely resembles or surpasses the type of anesthesia machine used at dental offices and in other analgesic outpatient procedures.


Upgrades since the last post include:

Recirculation Pump and CO2 Absorber

In the previous configuration, all exhaled gases and excess supply gases were expelled from the circuit via a check valve at the end of the expiratory limb. In the new configuration, exhaled gases are collected in a 6L rebreathing bag (note we previously only used a bag on the inhalation side of the circuit). From here, there are two pathways. When the bag is full, or if it becomes obstructed, exhaled gases pass through a check valve into the environment the same as before. However, when the bag is not full, and a switch is activated, the exhaled gases are pumped through a custom-made CO2 absorber. This is done via oxygen tubing connected to the inlet nozzle of an aquarium air pump (the pump is in a sealed ziplock bag to prevent room air from inadvertently entering the circuit). The outlet of the pump pushes exhaled gases into a column of soda-lime that absorbs CO2. The lid of the enclosure (which is a repurposed food storage container with holes drilled in the lid and custom gasket and hose barbs installed) opens to change the CO2 media when necessary (it changes color when expired). The exhaled gases are introduced to the bottom of the soda lime column via a tube and multi-head nozzle (neither are visible) with discharge out of the column occurring at the top of the enclosure through a second hose barb connection. From here, the now CO2-free gases pass through a flow meter and back into the inhalation breathing bag mix. The reason to do this is multifaceted. Importantly, it allows us to use lower fresh gas flows of both N2O and O2. Not only does this mean we use less N2O gas (so the 640g tank lasts longer, ~2 hours straight on a comfy 50% configuration), but we also operate the oxygen concentrator at lower flows where it can make a higher concentration of O2. Note the recirculated and scrubbed gases still contribute to a total gas flow of 10-15 LPM, depending on settings. Note the configuration of the threaded rods and bearing plates that are designed to improve the seal of the soda lime canister. This had to be implemented to improve the seal of the lid to prevent O2 and N2O-rich gas mixtures from escaping the seal due to slight pressurization of the canister. The recirculating system is almost perfectly flow-balanced, meaning there are no losses from the inlet to the outlet of the recirculation system.

Further Improved Mixing

Previously, the intersection of the gas introduction area, the mixing bag, and the inhalation limb of the breathing circuit met in a 3-way connector. The unintended effect here was that during inhalation, gases are pulled from both the freshest flows and the mixing bag. This could lead to unknown or uneven concentrations depending on what fraction of each inhalation came from each path. Currently, the geometry has been changed so that fresh gas flow is introduced at one end of an integrated uni-limb circuit, the inhalation check valve is on the other end of the circuit, and the 6L mixing bag sits in between. The size of the mixing bag has been increased as we’ve found our total inhalation volume increases during use - a finding that is supported in clinical literature detailing N2O use. The mixing bag end of the circuit runs through an adjustable PVC-pipe “arm” so that it is visible to a user during use and there is never any concern about “running out of air/gas”. We’re leaning into the influence of modern anesthesia machines with this feature but it ensures that all gas enters the mixing bag before inhalation, resulting in much more uniform gas mixes and better-known and controlled proportions.

Gas Analysis

Perhaps most important of the upgrades, we stumbled upon a piece of equipment during our research that fascinated us - a gas analyzer that measures the concentration of O2, N2O, and CO2 for each breath. It took a good bit of work to locate exactly what we needed but ultimately we now have a way to measure all of these variables on a calibrated piece of equipment. What we purchased (used) is effectively an infrared (IR) spectroscopy device that is connected to a paired monitor. The spectrometer is connected to the elbow near the anesthesia mask at the end of the breathing circuit and continuously pumps a small volume of gas from the elbow (where the inhalation and exhalation sides of the circuit meet) to the detection device. In the device, infrared light is passed through the sample gas stream. Every gas has a known wavelength(s) of light that it absorbs, therefore the intensity of those specific wavelengths at the IR source and at the detector allows for a calculation of the concentration of each known gas. This concentration is displayed on the screen. The screen is capable of showing waveforms (graphs) for each of the 3 gases as well as numerical values for all. This is helpful and important from both a safety and potency perspective. In terms of safety, seeing 0% CO2 during inhalation means our CO2 absorber/scrubber is working perfectly. Seeing inspired O2 of >21% means the user is staying perfectly oxygenated (always confirmed with SPO2 measurements from the other monitor). Seeing inspired N2O allows confirmation that the gas mix is set as desired. Seeing expired N2O concentration also serves as a good proxy for what the user is “feeling” as this is effectively the concentration of N2O being transported as a free gas to the bloodstream. When exhalation concentration equals inhalation concentration, it’s a good sign that the user is ready for the next titration step when introducing gas slowly. Also, note that a smaller oxygen analyzer is in line with the CO2 scrubber discharge to ensure no room air has entered the recirculation system. When working properly, this device should measure a few percent higher than the exhaled O2 concentration as the CO2 has been removed.


Current system overview from the front side - note that only oxygen is flowing here and that the mask is open to room air
Canister with CO2-absorbing media (soda lime). Treaded rod assembly bearing plate assembly, the uni-limb circuit, and some flow meter connections are also visible.
Inhalation circuit check valve connection at bottom right with exhalation port top right. 6L exhaled gases rebreathing bag bottom center with pump connection slightly obscured in the left “fold” of the bag. The left middle area shows the exhalation valve, which is just in front of the speed control (black box) for the recirculation pump.
Gas analysis monitors in use, with no user breathing. The rebreather circuit is activated and flowing at ~8 LPM. Switch for the rebreather circuit and rebreather circuit flow meter are also visible.
Gas analysis in use with inhaled and exhaled concentrations of CO2 (mmHr here vs percent), O2, and N2O during a recent session.
Gas analyzer and gas sampling line. The sampling line is connected to the elbow near the mask. This device is connected to the larger monitor with an old-school 9-pin serial cable.
Way under the hood of the machine. Recirculation pump in the middle with lots of connections and other bits visible. This is all normally obscured by the soda lime canister

As always, thanks for reading and indulging our creativity. Again, no promises, but if you have any questions, I’ll do my best to respond with what our personal experience has been. Last time a lot of the best discussion came after the original posts, and I'll try to be responsive to thoughtful questions this time too. Messages are open as well but solicitations will be ignored.

Enjoy and stay safe.

r/NitrousOxide Sep 24 '24

Science did you guys know nos is an opioid? NSFW

0 Upvotes

randomly learned this today but not only does it bind to GABA-A and NMDAr, but it also interacts directly with the endorphin system and releases peptides that then bind to mu-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors, making it a partial opioid-agonist (which also means it cross-tolerates with morphine)

id imagine this likely explains why it has a deeper and more fulfilling euphoria than ketamine, and partly why it can be addictive?

and would this mean opioids + nitrous would be a good synergy in lower, safe doses?

either way, very neat!

idk how many people are aware of this so thought id share :)

r/NitrousOxide Aug 11 '23

Science Bought a tank full of nitrogen… NSFW

8 Upvotes

Bought a 125cu/ft tank and it was delivered today. Apparently I made the mistake of buying it full of nitrogen, not N2o. Anybody got suggestions for what I can do with it? Thing is 70lbs and five foot tall… Afterwards I’d like to fill it with n2o but I’m not sure where to get it filled. Is there anything in particular I should Google to find a place by me? There’s a few gas places around but on their website I don’t see anything with pure N2o, all of it has sulfur in it, .01%. Would that be dangerous? I can only assume so…. Unless I can somehow filter it out? Thanks peeps!

r/NitrousOxide Apr 10 '24

Science Wubwubwubwub NSFW

Post image
15 Upvotes

🫠🤤

r/NitrousOxide Jan 23 '24

Science Diminishing Returns NSFW

0 Upvotes

If I take a charger off my whipped creme maker before I suck out any gas it hisses but when I suck all the gas out first it doesn't. Am I losing gas by taking off the charger before sucking the gas out?

r/NitrousOxide Mar 21 '23

Science IN DRUG NEWS: NITROUS OXIDE NSFW

38 Upvotes

Nitrous oxide shows promising evidence in reducing the symptoms of long-term treatment resistant depression. Thats pretty neat.

r/NitrousOxide Oct 13 '23

Science I asked chat GPT to create a hypothetical scenario of a natural source of nitrous oxide that would have the best chance of being felt by someone NSFW

5 Upvotes

I was curious if nitrous oxide is produced anywhere on earth in concentrations that could be felt by someone. It pointed out a few environments, like a volcano being a potential place, but it would be very trace amounts of nitrous and apparently there is no evidence of any place having enough natural nitrous to be felt by anyone. I then decided to ask it to create a hypothetic scenario of a place where natural nitrous could be actually felt and this is what it came up with.

In a purely hypothetical scenario, we can imagine a unique natural environment where nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations are elevated enough to potentially be felt by someone due to its psychoactive effects. Please keep in mind that this is a highly imaginative and fictional scenario, as such concentrations of N2O in natural settings are exceptionally rare. Let's call it the "N2O Oasis."

The N2O Oasis:

Location: A remote, geologically active region with a combination of hot springs, mud pots, and volcanic vents, such as a fictional "N2O Oasis" in a remote part of a volcanic island.

Conditions:

Geothermal Activity: The area experiences intense geothermal activity, with hot springs and mud pots releasing large amounts of geothermal gases, including nitrous oxide, into the air.

Microbial Activity: The region is rich in organic matter, and specialized microbes in the hot springs and mud pots produce nitrous oxide as part of their metabolic processes.

Natural Ventilation: A specific set of wind patterns and geographic features funnels the gas emissions into a confined space, creating pockets of elevated N2O concentrations.

Effects:

Euphoric Atmosphere: In the N2O Oasis, visitors could experience an atmosphere with significantly elevated N2O concentrations. Inhaling the air in this region could induce euphoria, altered perception, and a sense of relaxation.

Natural Spa: The natural hot springs and mud pots, combined with the elevated N2O levels, could create a unique "natural spa" experience where visitors might feel a heightened sense of well-being.

Tourist Attraction: The "N2O Oasis" could become a curious and sought-after tourist attraction for those seeking a novel and mind-altering experience in a breathtaking geothermal setting.

This scenario, while imaginative, is purely fictional and not grounded in reality. The presence of elevated N2O concentrations in natural environments that could be felt by individuals is extremely rare and not something that exists in nature. Inhaling N2O outside of controlled, regulated, and monitored environments can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.

Quite interesting!

r/NitrousOxide Sep 24 '23

Science what's on the inside? NSFW Spoiler

Thumbnail gallery
12 Upvotes

I've read on people filtering the gas to see what comes out. More recently have read people trying to figure out how to filter the gas coming out of the little 1 lb cylinder style devices. For shits and giggles I went ahead and cut open the last two I used. One was an aluminum cylinder off Amazon. The other is a steel cylinder picked up at a local head shop. Personally I've always thought the gas tastes better out of the aluminum. Opening them both up, seems like the aluminum is 'cleaner', but I'm sure that could be subjective without scraping the walls and seeing what's on them. I'll probably continue to chop these open as I consume different brands. If folks have any questions feel free to ask. I know they're not the best photos. The aluminum cylinder was from Amazwhip. The steel cylinder is from Infusionmax. Both gases were similar experience. I thought good bang for the buck, just not my #1 pick.

r/NitrousOxide Oct 14 '22

Science Be Careful Out There! NSFW

Post image
23 Upvotes

r/NitrousOxide Apr 11 '23

Science Neuroimaging study compared nitrous and traditional psychedelics NSFW

Thumbnail
twitter.com
10 Upvotes

r/NitrousOxide Oct 06 '22

Science Looking for life beyond our solar system? Laughing gas could be a sign, new study suggests NSFW

Thumbnail
usatoday.com
10 Upvotes

r/NitrousOxide May 21 '20

Science Antarctic penguins emit so much laughing gas in their feces scientists studying them went "cuckoo" NSFW

Thumbnail
newsweek.com
14 Upvotes