I would prefer wireless with AI, but cant afford it. Help me decide on wired.

[johnnyscience]

I'm a techie and love gadgets and would love to get a wireless computer with AI, but the budget just isnt there for it this time around. Maybe next year.

So I still need to get a dive computer for now.

Things that I would prefer:

Digital
Indiglo light or LED for illumination or something to the sort
Possibly one that can move/be upgraded from wired case to a wireless setup in the future? (although this isnt a solid requirement)

I would like a single computer to do air & water pressure and anything else all in one.

Suggestions? I realize Oceanic & Suunto are both regarded as high quality, so which ever one has the features I'm looking for & is priced reasonably.

suggestions?

Thanks.

[fnfalman]

First of all, all dive computers are "digital";) An analog dive computer would be your set of gauges and your brain...though nobody knows the nature of the brain's modus operandi (digital, quantum?).

And yes, they all have lighted screens for night diving.

Secondly, you want a hosed AI computer. I like the Sherwood Wisdom 2. Very easy to use. Unless you prefer something that's more complex to use then I'd recommend the Suunto Cobra 3. It even has digital compass built into the dive computer AND monitors up to three different gases in one dive (though when you do that as a rec diver, I have no idea).

[johnnyscience]

First of all, all dive computers are "digital";) An analog dive computer would be your set of gauges and your brain...though nobody knows the nature of the brain's modus operandi (digital, quantum?).

And yes, they all have lighted screens for night diving.

Secondly, you want a hosed AI computer. I like the Sherwood Wisdom 2. Very easy to use. Unless you prefer something that's more complex to use then I'd recommend the Suunto Cobra 3. It even has digital compass built into the dive computer AND monitors up to three different gases in one dive (though when you do that as a rec diver, I have no idea).

Haha yeah I guess all computers are digital now arent they? Lol

Ok I'll check into the Cobra 3

And yes I like the fact that it has a compass & also will do Nitrox I assume. Whats the best price you've seen floating around on the Cobra 3's?

[johnnyscience]

Taking a look at the Cobra & Cobra 3 comparison charts, other than the compass, the only real difference I can see is that the Cobra doesnt allow you to switch gases during dive.

Now I plan on eventually diving with Nitrox, but you dont "switch" to this while youre diving do you? You just start out on the surface with the nitrox tank correct?

So this whole switching gases on the fly with the Cobra 3 is almost something that isnt needed? Or is it?

I'm trying to get a nice computer as cost effective as I can & I'll watch ebay for deals, but if the Cobra is a couple hundred dollars cheaper than the Cobra 3 because of the compass & this on the fly gas switching, I'd opt to save the money and go with the Cobra.

I should also note that I only plan on warm water reef diving a few times a year for recreation.

Thoughts?

[diversteve]

If you're switching gases, you're also switching tanks/regs. Like in a deco situation. You'll never do that rec diving.
The only switch you'll make is to set it for air or nitrox at the surface b4 you splash.

[johnnyscience]

If you're switching gases, you're also switching tanks/regs. Like in a deco situation. You'll never do that rec diving.
The only switch you'll make is to set it for air or nitrox at the surface b4 you splash.

So unless I'm super pumped to pay an extra $250 for a digital compass, I think maybe the Suunto Cobra is a good choice.

Isnt there a Cobra 2?

I'm going to take a look at Oceanic now too

What model of theirs would compare to the Cobra line still having all of the same similar features?

Are these the two companies to really consider?

[diversteve]

Some digital compasses don't work as well u/w as their analog counterparts. They're fussier about orientation.

Oceanic/Aeris (same company - different models) - some are identical.
ScubaPro/Uwatec
Tusa
Sherwood
Mares
Zeagle

all make well respected computers.

I own a Suunto. When it breaks I'll probably get another one. One thing I like about it is that the menu system is so intuitive that I can figure out any changes I need to make on the boat ride out to the divesite - without the manual. Before that I owned a Uwatec and never travelled without the manual.

At the end of your dive you'll do a 3min. safety stop at 15'. One handy feature on mine is that it starts to count that down automatically once I break 19'. Most computers in the price range you're looking at do also. I also prefer bigger numbers since I have a wrist model and often have a video housing in that hand.

Cobras are good computers with solid reputations. I don't know their feature set offhand for comparison. fwiw, Suunto is sold/distributed in the U.S. by Aqualung.

[Scott]

I'm a techie and love gadgets and would love to get a wireless computer with AI, but the budget just isnt there for it this time around. Maybe next year.


Buy a wrist mount ie: Sunnto Vyper Air without the transmitter along with a SPG and hose. Then when you can afford it buy the transmitter.

[johnnyscience]

Some digital compasses don't work as well u/w as their analog counterparts. They're fussier about orientation.

Oceanic/Aeris (same company - different models) - some are identical.
ScubaPro/Uwatec
Tusa
Sherwood
Mares
Zeagle

all make well respected computers.

I own a Suunto. When it breaks I'll probably get another one. One thing I like about it is that the menu system is so intuitive that I can figure out any changes I need to make on the boat ride out to the divesite - without the manual. Before that I owned a Uwatec and never travelled without the manual.

At the end of your dive you'll do a 3min. safety stop at 15'. One handy feature on mine is that it starts to count that down automatically once I break 15'. Most computers in the price range you're looking at do also. I also prefer bigger numbers since I have a wrist model. It's less important with a console as you can put it on a retractor and move it closer as needed.

Cobras are good computers with solid reputations. I don't know their feature set offhand for comparison. fwiw, Suunto is sold/distributed in the U.S. by Aqualung.

I really like auto features like that. What model Suunto do you have?

Does the Vyper Air also do this feature?


Buy a wrist mount ie: Sunnto Vyper Air without the transmitter along with a SPG and hose. Then when you can afford it buy the transmitter.

Thats actually a good idea because I would prefer to go with the wireless AI. So it makes sense to buy part of it now.

How much would the Vyper Air wrist mount run me though?

And how much extra would the SPG be? (what does SPG stand for?)

[johnnyscience]

Buy a wrist mount ie: Sunnto Vyper Air without the transmitter along with a SPG and hose. Then when you can afford it buy the transmitter.

Seems these can be had off ebay for $500 brand new.

Hmm. If I could get that down a hundo or so that would be nice

I think these dive watches need a serious UI overhaul. Especially with the amount of money being spent... geez.

I mean this is 2011 almost, there is plenty of software out there...

[Scott]

SPG = Submersible Pressure Guage

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

Seems these can be had off ebay for $500 brand new.

Hmm. If I could get that down a hundo or so that would be nice

I think these dive watches need a serious UI overhaul. Especially with the amount of money being spent... geez.

I mean this is 2011 almost, there is plenty of software out there...

Be careful! Call or look at Suunto's Internet Policy. I'm not a Suunto Dealer but I think that they have strict Internet policies and you may not have a Warranty if bought on Ebay. I just had someone bring me in a New Uwatec Computer that the buttons were sticking and the person had bought it On-Line (ScubaPro asked for Proof of Purchase) and ScubaPro is NOT covering it under Warranty.

[johnnyscience]

Ok good advice wayne.

So if I am leaning towards the Vyper Air wrist model so I can upgrade in the near future for a wireless air transmitter, which SPG should I get that is reliable, yet cheap to find a good used one.

I'd probably get the SPG used to keep costs down since I'll already be spending a lot on the Vyper air and even more to get the transmitter.

[DiveNav]

How to Choose a Dive Computer (http://www.divecomputertraining.com/classes.php?page=genEd&class=31&module=1&section=1) ;)

[DiveMaven]

ScubaToys has a demo VT3 for sale for like $550, and it looks like it comes with a transmitter. If you're looking to go wireless, this is worth looking at. (I dive a VT3 and love it!)

[johnnyscience]

That really is a good deal if it comes with transmitter.

What are the differences between the VT3 and the Vyper Air?

What other companies models are similar in features tothe Vyper air?

I'd probably go with Suunto over Oceanic, but I know there are a bunch of other companies out there that make wireless wrist computers. I'll need to look at a couple of other companies before I pull the trigger.

It sucks all of the UI are like an old DOS prompt. As much as these things are they should be better than the iPhone when it comes to UI.

I see the new Cobalt has a newer UI and is much more impressive, but they could still take it up a notch I think with technology the way it is. Plus the cobalt is going to be expensive because it's new.

Any ideas on if the UI of the new Atom 3.0 is really impressive?

Do you guys find yourselves using the compass a lot? Seems like a very expensive upgrade...

[scubafanatic]

Sunntos are famous for being excessively 'conservative' , so I wouldn't personally dive one even if it were given to me for free. I've had great luck diving Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus II's for some years now, that's what I'd recommend to you. The new Atomic COBALTS are substantially better than the Pro Plus II's in terms of features/display, but at a substantially higher price point. I've got (2) COBALTS on order which should arrive any day now, so it will be interesting to see how the COBALTS do for me in the real world...but at least the Oceanics are a mature, well proven design that's very easy to use.

[fnfalman]

A few people complain about Suunto and UWATEC computers keep losing transmissions underwater. Not too many people complain about Oceanic/Aeris computers losing transmissions.

Take that for what it is. It's not like there's a true set of statistics to go by.

[johnnyscience]

I was under the impression that Oceanics were more conservative than Suuntos were?

I was going to ask which company had the least amount of dropped wireless transmissions. So that company is Oceanic?

Do you think you hear more about Suunto dropping because they sell more?



That really is a good deal if it comes with transmitter.

What are the differences between the VT3 and the Vyper Air?

What other companies models are similar in features tothe Vyper air?

I'd probably go with Suunto over Oceanic, but I know there are a bunch of other companies out there that make wireless wrist computers. I'll need to look at a couple of other companies before I pull the trigger.

It sucks all of the UI are like an old DOS prompt. As much as these things are they should be better than the iPhone when it comes to UI.

I see the new Cobalt has a newer UI and is much more impressive, but they could still take it up a notch I think with technology the way it is. Plus the cobalt is going to be expensive because it's new.

Any ideas on if the UI of the new Atom 3.0 is really impressive?

Do you guys find yourselves using the compass a lot? Seems like a very expensive upgrade...

[scubafanatic]

nope...Sunntos are WAYYY more conservative than Oceanics !

[Jax]

A few people complain about Suunto and UWATEC computers keep losing transmissions underwater. Not too many people complain about Oceanic/Aeris computers losing transmissions.

Take that for what it is. It's not like there's a true set of statistics to go by.

I have two Uwatecs - a SmartTEC and a Galileo Sol. I also have a friend who's had his for a year.

Uwatec rarely actually loses the transmission . . . in fact, it hasn't happened to me at all . . . If "losing" is where the computer displays "---" instead of the psi.

What it does do is lose connectivity for a second or two . . . and it complains. I've only had that happen when the transmitter battery is nearing its end . . . the "replace trans battery" warning came on after that dive. The audible warning is annoying. However, easily fixed by replacing the transmitter battery.

[Jax]

Hey, Johnny, have you thought about going used? There's good deals on ebay, and you can get what you want with just a little wear and tear.

[Akimbo]

First of all, all dive computers are "digital";) An analog dive computer would be your set of gauges and your brain...though nobody knows the nature of the brain's modus operandi (digital, quantum?)...

Not quite accurate:
Vintage Scuba Diving Accessories Collection (http://www.vintagescubasupply.com/accsview.html)
http://www.vintagescubasupply.com/decometersm.jpg

I still have one of these in my gear pile and used it for recreational dives for about 25 years. It was basically a bourdon tube pressure gauge with an air bag attached. A porous material allowed gas to pass approximating European decompression tables of the time. I always had a pretty good idea from tables what decompression was reasonable, but it was the only option to credit for dives with a lot of depth variations.

Everybody called them Bend-o-Matics, but I never heard of anyone using one that actually required treatment. It's a big honker, about 5¼ x 3½ x 1½". I think ScubaPro imported and sold most of them.

[DiveMaven]

Suuntos are known to be one of the most conservative brands of computers, Cochrans are the least, Oceanic/Aeris are in between, which is why I choose to dive with Oceanic computers. They're all within the NDL limits and there is no evidence (real or anecdotal) that even hints that fewer divers are bent diving with more conservative computers.

Do your own homework and decide for yourself. IMO Oceanic/Aeris and Suunto are both great brands, so you won't go wrong with either.

[fnfalman]

Not quite accurate:
Vintage Scuba Diving Accessories Collection (http://www.vintagescubasupply.com/accsview.html)
http://www.vintagescubasupply.com/decometersm.jpg

I still have one of these in my gear pile and used it for recreational dives for about 25 years. It was basically a bourdon tube pressure gauge with an air bag attached. A porous material allowed gas to pass approximating European decompression tables of the time. I always had a pretty good idea from tables what decompression was reasonable, but it was the only option to credit for dives with a lot of depth variations.

Everybody called them Bend-o-Matics, but I never heard of anyone using one that actually required treatment. It's a big honker, about 5¼ x 3½ x 1½". I think ScubaPro imported and sold most of them.

Were those around when computers were IBM's vacuum tubed and hole cards fed?:shocked2:

[Akimbo]

Were those around when computers were IBM's vacuum tubed and hole cards fed?:shocked2:

I think they were introduced in the late 1950s in Italy. So that would be when vacuum tube computers were pretty well replaced by transistors, but long before integrated circuits.

Those damned great piles of punch cards were around well into the 1980s. The famous hanging chads used in the 2000 election were little more than the cards developed when the Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation was joined by Thomas Watson in 1914, later renamed International Business Machines. Watson wanted an all-around grander name than National Cash Register who fired him before joining the company. BTW, great book: Amazon.com: Father, Son & Co.: My Life at IBM and Beyond (http://www.amazon.com/Father-Son-Co-Life-Beyond/dp/0553380834/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289699240&sr=1-1)

[DevonDiver]

I'd recommend opting for a wrist mounted computer that you can upgrade to AI at a later stage. Suunto Vytec 2 is a good option. When you have the extra money, just buy the transmitter.

[johnnyscience]

Ok which Oceanic computers do wireless AI?

What other companies should I consider? I know there are other ones out there. Galileo? How do they compare?

Any idea if the Atom 3.0 is wrist mounted with a new UI?

[johnnyscience]

So I took a closer look at the Oceanics.

What are the differences between the VT3 and the Atom 2.0?

They seem almost identical except for the Atom being a bit more expensive.

Both of these computers seem to have all the functions I'm looking for as a recreational warm water reef diver.

Does the VT3 also act like a normal watch like the Atom 2.0 does? On their comparison chart the VT3 actually had N/A for date/time where as the Atom said Yes.

That would be a deal killer on the Vt3 and make the Atom the easy choice.

[johnnyscience]

So I took a closer look at the Oceanics.

What are the differences between the VT3 and the Atom 2.0?

They seem almost identical except for the Atom being a bit more expensive.

Both of these computers seem to have all the functions I'm looking for as a recreational warm water reef diver.

Does the VT3 also act like a normal watch like the Atom 2.0 does? On their comparison chart the VT3 actually had N/A for date/time where as the Atom said Yes.

That would be a deal killer on the Vt3 and make the Atom the easy choice.

The Mares Icon HD is what all dive computers should look like for the prices they are.

The Icon is an amazing DC, but well out of my budget i think. I do also like the look of the Nemo Excel. But does it support wireless AI? I couldn't find info if it did.

[Scott]

The Mares Icon HD is what all dive computers should look like for the prices they are.

The Icon is an amazing DC, but well out of my budget i think. I do also like the look of the Nemo Excel. But does it support wireless AI? I couldn't find info if it did.
IIRC, at this time the only AI that Mares has is the Nemo Air which is a console type system. The Icon AI is slated for 2011.

[johnnyscience]

IIRC, at this time the only AI that Mares has is the Nemo Air which is a console type system. The Icon AI is slated for 2011.

Yeah I see that AI isn't coming for the Icon HD until early 2011, which is worth the wait if I could afford the Icon which I can't.

So if the Nemo Excel doesn't offer wireless AI, it's pretty much down to the Atom 2.0 and VT3. Gotta figure out the differences between the two.

[stakanak]

Check Leisure pro. They have some great used deals right now and they include a LP 2 year warranty.
Get Wet!

[STR8SHOOTR]

Johny,

If you been following the board I had a problem with a purchase not to long ago. I thought I was buying a new model Sherwood Wisdom 2 But they sent me a original Wisdom 1. But this is besides the point. It turns out that I'm real happy with the computer they sent me and I only paid $199. You might not find it that cheap but there are some real good deals for the Wisdom 1.
Do some research to make your own decision. I only logged 5 dives on mine so far, but as of now no problems, knock on wood. Stay Stoked & Happy Diving!!

[johnnyscience]

Does Oceanic have another sister company that sells a twin of the Atom 2.0?

Is it called Aeres? What is the model name of the Atom 2.0 clone?

[fnfalman]

So I took a closer look at the Oceanics.

What are the differences between the VT3 and the Atom 2.0?

They seem almost identical except for the Atom being a bit more expensive.

Both of these computers seem to have all the functions I'm looking for as a recreational warm water reef diver.

Does the VT3 also act like a normal watch like the Atom 2.0 does? On their comparison chart the VT3 actually had N/A for date/time where as the Atom said Yes.

That would be a deal killer on the Vt3 and make the Atom the easy choice.

The Atom is a watch while the VT3 is a puck (as in hockey puck to approximate its size). The Atom can be worn as a watch and it's designed that way. The VT3 shuts itself down just like all other non-watch-type dive computers.


Does Oceanic have another sister company that sells a twin of the Atom 2.0?

Is it called Aeres? What is the model name of the Atom 2.0 clone?

It's called Aeris and the Atom's equivalence is called the Epic. The VT3's equivalence is called the Elite T3.

Though these computers are exactly the same, sometimes Aeris dive comps run about $50 cheaper than Oceanic. Don't know why, but that's the way it is sometimes. I went with the Elite T3 over the VT3 because it was $50 cheaper for the exact same thing.

And yes, you can buy the computer first and then a transmitter later if budget is an issue.

[johnnyscience]

The Atom is a watch while the VT3 is a puck (as in hockey puck to approximate its size). The Atom can be worn as a watch and it's designed that way. The VT3 shuts itself down just like all other non-watch-type dive computers.



It's called Aeris and the Atom's equivalence is called the Epic. The VT3's equivalence is called the Elite T3.

Though these computers are exactly the same, sometimes Aeris dive comps run about $50 cheaper than Oceanic. Don't know why, but that's the way it is sometimes. I went with the Elite T3 over the VT3 because it was $50 cheaper for the exact same thing.

And yes, you can buy the computer first and then a transmitter later if budget is an issue.

Yeah I dont care if its Oceanic or Aeris, as long as its high quality and obviously the lower price is preferred.

I'm going to wait until 3.0 is dropped on the market & scoop up a great deal on a 2.0 some where.