Cheizz
Contributor
This is a topic inspired by discussions about algorithm lock in dive computers. This thread started it: New diver, looking at Suunto D5
I have gone through a selection of dive computer manuals and looked for the infamous 'algorithm lock' (the dive computer locks the algorithm if you violate mandatory decompression stops for too long).
I had two basic questions:
1. Is the way the algorithm lock is described consistent over dive computers that run the same algorithms, but are manufactured by different brands (in other words: is it algorithm-related)?
2. If not, how do different manufacturers view and use this lock mechanism?
Exhibit A: Suunto EON Core (Fused RGBM2)
In short: algorithm lock engages mid-dive, rendering the computer useless for safe diving, stays locked for 48 hours after the dive
Exhibit B: Mares Puck Pro (RGBM)
In short: the dive computer will continue to be used to end the dive, but will only be able to be used in gauge mode for repetitive dives
Exhibit C: Cressi Leonardo (RGBM)
In short: the algorithm locks for 48 hours. Not sure if this already happens mid-dive (like the Suunto), or after the dive
Exhibit D: Seac Action (Bühlmann ZHL-16C Sport Version)
In short: during the dive, a violation message is shown, alternating with decompression information to complete the dive safely. Afterward, the scuba mode cannot be used for 18 hours. Note: Seac uses penalty points instead of a set violation duration.
Exhibit E: Aqualung i300C (Z+)
In short: after a violation, the algorithm keeps working during the dive, but will not count off-gassing time while violating. After the dive, the computer will be in gauge mode for 24 hours
Conclusion
Every brand has its own take on things, despite running the same algorithm in some cases. Suunto is the strictest, Cressi is a bit vague about the moment of actual locking. All other brands in this small sample opt to punish you mostly after the dive itself. Shearwater and Ratio say nothing at all about locking the algorithm.
PS: The Seac Action is a very nice entry-level dive computer, I must say! Being one of the cheapest as well, I would definitely recommend that model over some others in the same category.
I have gone through a selection of dive computer manuals and looked for the infamous 'algorithm lock' (the dive computer locks the algorithm if you violate mandatory decompression stops for too long).
I had two basic questions:
1. Is the way the algorithm lock is described consistent over dive computers that run the same algorithms, but are manufactured by different brands (in other words: is it algorithm-related)?
2. If not, how do different manufacturers view and use this lock mechanism?
Exhibit A: Suunto EON Core (Fused RGBM2)
In short: algorithm lock engages mid-dive, rendering the computer useless for safe diving, stays locked for 48 hours after the dive
Exhibit B: Mares Puck Pro (RGBM)
In short: the dive computer will continue to be used to end the dive, but will only be able to be used in gauge mode for repetitive dives
Exhibit C: Cressi Leonardo (RGBM)
In short: the algorithm locks for 48 hours. Not sure if this already happens mid-dive (like the Suunto), or after the dive
Exhibit D: Seac Action (Bühlmann ZHL-16C Sport Version)
In short: during the dive, a violation message is shown, alternating with decompression information to complete the dive safely. Afterward, the scuba mode cannot be used for 18 hours. Note: Seac uses penalty points instead of a set violation duration.
Exhibit E: Aqualung i300C (Z+)
In short: after a violation, the algorithm keeps working during the dive, but will not count off-gassing time while violating. After the dive, the computer will be in gauge mode for 24 hours
Conclusion
Every brand has its own take on things, despite running the same algorithm in some cases. Suunto is the strictest, Cressi is a bit vague about the moment of actual locking. All other brands in this small sample opt to punish you mostly after the dive itself. Shearwater and Ratio say nothing at all about locking the algorithm.
PS: The Seac Action is a very nice entry-level dive computer, I must say! Being one of the cheapest as well, I would definitely recommend that model over some others in the same category.