Benefits of Simulation Feature

[Fairfax22032]

While things can always change, I expect most of my diving over the next couple of years to be of the 'no deco' variety and people I trust have suggested that a computer would be nice to have, but not a necessity (I already own a BCD and regulator). However, I like to be prepared and figure that once I make the leap into different types and depths of diving that it would be helpful to know how to use a computer.

With that in mind I am leaning toward a console-mounted Gekko which seems to meet my needs quite well (including my budget), but I keep hearing people mention that it does not do simulation to which I reply "so what?" This sounds like a nice feature, but given what I describe above is this overkill? What say you?

[gcbryan]

I'd rather have a wrist mount but that wasn't the question so...no, I don't think simulation on most computers is very useful at all. Having something like V-planner where you really can plan a dive or do what if's is nice but most dive computer's with a simulation mode that I've seen don't really do much other than just demonstrate how your computer works. Many can't even do repetitive dives in simulation mode so what good is it?

[Fairfax22032]

I'd rather have a wrist mount but that wasn't the question

Since you brought it up, why do you say this? I am guessing that there are limitations with a console-mounted computer. I like the idea of having one less item to misplace since the computer is right there with my regulator. Manufacturers offer both options for a reason, so it seems like something that comes down to personal preference.

[Scared Silly]

The simulation feature is nice when planning deco dives. The dive plan mode is something that I have never used.

[rab1412000]

a dive console can bang itself on a reef if it gets loose.

also it could get banged up when being loaded/stored with other gear on a small boat. its happened to my spg a couple of times and most scratches i get on it are due to this.

[Hatul]

Hi,
I'm surprised that the Gekko has no simulation mode, because my Vyper, which is also Suunto has it. Since I discovered this I realized how useful it is.

Not just for planning, but for learning about the display underwater. It's a fast way of finding out what all the numbers mean in the comfort of your desk. And you can play with deco dives and dangerous dives and all kinds of violations and see what your computer does. Yes you can learn that from reading your manual, but it's better to see the real thing.

For example, it's interesting to see what your computer does on very deep dives, if you exceed the MOD of Nitrox, if you ascend too fast, if you miss a stop, etc, etc. It's a nice way of learning to use the computer.

I think it's a very nice feature and I'd definitely demand it.

Adam

[ptyx]

Consoles are evil - enough said ;)

You can download the full Gecko manual on Suunto web site - verify by yourself if it has the features you're looking for, and get a feel for the interface.

Simulation/dive plan are ok, but for dive planning if you own a PDA or an iPhone, there are applications out there with much better interfaces than any dive computer can hope to have (check iDeco and iScubaPlan on the iPhone). They won't match your computer algorithm perfectly, but they're good enough to plan a dive.

I agree with Adam that these are excellent features to learn how to use your computer.

Keep in mind that Suunto computers are extremely conservative (new Vyper Air with RGBM set to 50% excluded - maybe?). They will get to NDL faster that software, table and most other computers. I don't consider that a problem, as I don't mind my computer considering a 5 (or 10) minutes safety stop 'deco' rather than 'just a safety stop'. However, if you want to stay strictly within your computer NDL curve, Suunto algorithm might seriously limit your time at depth.

[reefduffer]

Hi,
I'm surprised that the Gekko has no simulation mode, because my Vyper, which is also Suunto has it. Since I discovered this I realized how useful it is.

Not just for planning, but for learning about the display underwater. It's a fast way of finding out what all the numbers mean in the comfort of your desk. And you can play with deco dives and dangerous dives and all kinds of violations and see what your computer does. Yes you can learn that from reading your manual, but it's better to see the real thing.

For example, it's interesting to see what your computer does on very deep dives, if you exceed the MOD of Nitrox, if you ascend too fast, if you miss a stop, etc, etc. It's a nice way of learning to use the computer.

I think it's a very nice feature and I'd definitely demand it.
Adam

I agree about 95% with this, and the other 5% isn't important.

The Gekko is targeted at the rental market; just enough disabled features such as no simulation mode, no computer upload (without hacking it), and no backlight that they can differentiate what amounts to the same device to optimize their market price segmentation.

IMO the biggest advantage of simulation mode is gaining familiarity with the computer while sitting at your desk, as Hatul phrased it, rather than during a real dive where it's life support equipment. Big payoff if you just bought it, or if you're a vacation diver that hasn't used it in a year about to go on your annual dive trip.

Less useful after you've dived it a dozen or two times, but I won't say the value becomes zero. I used mine (Cobra) and really appreciated it. I had my wife do some sims on mine, with explanations of what would look different, before a recent trip where she rented a Gekko, and she also thought it was a great idea.

Built-in self-education tool, limited use beyond that, but still useful.