Based on the Deco Computer thread (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-analyzers/281550-deco-computer.html) and other similar one, I am curious on how effective people's computer purchases have been in future proofing.
In particular, when you were a recreational diver and you bought a multi-gas computer, are you using it? And beyond it being in gauge mode?
Personally, I used a Cressi Archimedes for over 4 years (recreational and cave diving). Finally started using an Uwatec Bottom Timer for my baby tech dives.
Kern
April 21st, 2009, 01:47 AM
As a non stop diver I didn't have a multi gas computer until recently. When I started stage deco dives I set my cobra to gauge mode, added a BT & cut plans to follow. I sold my cobra & got a TMX computer last year.
The computer I use now has the algorithm that I like to use for deep, staged deco dives. Short of a change in deco modelling that alters the deco curve & times dramatically, it will continue to give me the info I require to do the dives I want to do. In fact, as it's done nothing but improve for the year I'v had it, I wouldn't be surprised if someone came out with an implementation of an algorithm for any new & improved future deco models.
I had my 1st computer for about 6 or 7 years. If this one lives that long I'll be happy with it, but if it goes for longer I'd be happy to stay with it.
scubafanatic
April 21st, 2009, 11:33 PM
Based on the Deco Computer thread (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-analyzers/281550-deco-computer.html) and other similar one, I am curious on how effective people's computer purchases have been in future proofing.
In particular, when you were a recreational diver and you bought a multi-gas computer, are you using it? And beyond it being in gauge mode?
Personally, I used a Cressi Archimedes for over 4 years (recreational and cave diving). Finally started using an Uwatec Bottom Timer for my baby tech dives.
...well, I'm using 4 Cochrans ( 1X EMC-20H / 3X 'AI' Gemini's ) with one of the Gemini's configured for 3FO2...all the others are configured for 2FO2. (Also have 3 Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus II's 'AI's that are strictly 'recreational' oriented that can handle 1 air or 1 nitrox mix at a time.) Mostly only need 1FO2...rarely 2FO2. Presently, I feel 2FO2
is sufficient for anything I'm likely to do in the short-intermediate term. The good thing is the Cochrans have a pretty good upgrade path.
Karl
Colliam7
April 22nd, 2009, 07:19 AM
I am curious on how effective people's computer purchases have been in future proofing. In particular, when you were a recreational diver and you bought a multi-gas computer, are you using it? And beyond it being in gauge mode?My first computer was a Suunto Vytec. I bought it for the wireless air integration and multi-gas capabilities, although I didn't buy a transmitter at first, was only diving air and had no awareness of, or intention to pursue, decompression diving. I later bought a transmitter. I still use it today, as a computer, for recreational dives, non-helium decompression dives (using 1 or 2 deco gases), and during helium-based deco dives (again with 1 or 2 deco gases) as a back-up first to a Nitek He and now a X1 (which is a back up to my tables). When I started diving doubles I left the transmitter on my singles reg for a year, but then switched it over to my right post doubles reg. Before technical training, I started practicing gas switching (from air to nitrox, as an example) on rec dives, and would dive the exact profile with only one gas, then with 2 gases, then with 3 (air, 30%, 40%) to compare NDLs (remaining dive time), and to get a subjective feel for the concept and practice of gas switching. I am finally ready to part with my Vytec, primarily because Suunto now has come out with the Helios - same physical platform, but helium-capable. Technology changes rapidly, and there is no guarantee that attempts at 'future-proofing' will work. But, it worked for me.
TSandM
April 22nd, 2009, 12:55 PM
Right now, I'm running the VPM Live software on the X1. On +3 conservativism, it seems to match up well with total deco time from RD, although it doesn't ask for the same deep stops. But it doesn't get unhappy with them, either. I don't plan the little bit of deco I do using the computer, but since the decompression-related information doesn't interfere at all with the display of depth and time, I let it run as a little bit of a sanity check. So far, it's only asked for more deco once, and going back and redoing my calculations for that dive, I had made a mistake and was short several minutes -- so maybe it was a good thing.
ppo2_diver
April 22nd, 2009, 01:05 PM
I started out with a Vytec. I still have it. I originally bought it for the multi-gas usage, then I learned I didn't even need the computer functionality. It has remained in gauge mode for years. I prefer to run RD for dives 200 feet and shallower.
DA Aquamaster
April 22nd, 2009, 03:08 PM
A two gas nitrox computer will get you a long way.
The Nitek Duo / Tusa IQ700 (same computer, different brand) is a 2 gas tech/deco friendly computer that will get you all the way up to trimix (and then will function as a bottom timer) for around $390 retail.
As stated above the Cochran EMC-20H is very upgradeable and can start out as a 2 FO2 Nitrox computer and can over time be expanded to 3 FO2, 2 PO2, and trimix as your eventual needs dictate. It comes close to being a one computer for your whole career option but the entry level base price will be around $800 not including download software.
Buying more than you need now is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it is nice not to have to replace something that becomes obsolete, but on the other hand computers are improving rapidly in terms of features, firmware and software and at some point you may want to jump ship anyway.
My advice is get a Nitek Duo and use it until you need trimix and then use it as a bottom timer to back up what ever else you get - if anything as many trimix divers just dive custom cut tables (I use DPlan and Palm VPM as they are Palm compatible, fairly inexpensive and generate very good profiles.)
ae3753
April 22nd, 2009, 03:20 PM
A two gas nitrox computer will get you a long way.
The Nitek Duo / Tusa IQ700 (same computer, different brand) is a 2 gas tech/deco friendly computer that will get you all the way up to trimix (and then will function as a bottom timer) for around $390 retail.
...
My advice is get a Nitek Duo and use it until you need trimix and then use it as a bottom timer to back up what ever else you get - if anything as many trimix divers just dive custom cut tables (I use DPlan and Palm VPM as they are Palm compatible, fairly inexpensive and generate very good profiles.)
I do like the Seiko Computers (Dive Rite Nitek Duo, Cressi Archimedes 2, Tusa IQ-700, Apeks Quantum). One of the most intuitive computer interfaces out there and nice big numbers.
If I had an Archimedes 2 instead of the original Archimedes, I wouldn't have "upgraded" to a bottom timer. The original series of the Seiko computers was on Nitrox and had no gauge mode.
WarmWaterDiver
April 23rd, 2009, 07:24 PM
We use or NiTek3's and Tusa IQ-700's regulary, and have used them both for tech dives (we're not certified for helium, only O2/N2 mixes) as well as 'recreational' diving.
John Bantin had a nice write-up at one point in time diving independent doubles with one tank of air and one tank of EAN32 - which sounds like a great way to use the functionality to me!
ivobj
April 23rd, 2009, 08:31 PM
Very good thread!! I think many divers, specially those that have gone tech today use their computers in gauge mode... I am not exception, I have a Suunto Mosquito, used probably twice the nitrox mode and in tech dives with multi gas decompression it is just the backup of my Uwatec Botton timer
rjack321
April 24th, 2009, 12:16 AM
I prefer to run RD for dives 200 feet and shallower.
Duane do you dive below 200ft? What do you use for those?
Richard
WarmWaterDiver
April 25th, 2009, 03:55 AM
I found the John Bantin article - it was air and EAN36 (it's been a few years since I read it).
Diver Gear Tests - November 2004 - DIVERNET from Diver Magazine (http://www.divernetxtra.com/equipment/1104divertests.shtml#quantum)
One thing to keep in mind if you pre-invest in a well kept pre-owned dive computer, it'll lessen the sting when you go to upgrade. I didn't like the 9 dives maximum memory capacity of the NiTek3 (way less than 1 week of a dive trip), but I'm plenty happy with the memory capacity of our Tusa IQ-700's.
Of the Seiko computers, I'd look hardest at the Archimedes II two gas version. The ppO2 alarms are user-configurable between 1.0 and 1.6 ATA, while the other models (like our IQ-700's) these are fixed at 1.4 ATA on Mix1 and 1.6 ATA on Mix2 IIRC.
ppo2_diver
May 31st, 2009, 07:15 PM
Duane do you dive below 200ft? What do you use for those?
