Diving with the basics...

[jgeldin]

...because the fancy stuff is in the shop.

Until I get my dive computer back; I'll be diving with the PADI RPD charts, an spg/depth gauge, and a watch.

I'm I in the minority now, or the majority?

[stevewirl]

minority but the basics are where we learnt the skills to advance and develop us as divers to where we are today . i do at least 5 dives a year like this . just to keep intouch with the cave man diver .

[Red_5]

I dive a computer.
I also paper log via RDP so I can check my SI, RNT and ABT.

[amascuba]

I dive with an uwatec aladin tec computer in gauge mode 100% of the time. I have my tables memorized.

[spectrum]

I believe that the majority of divers are using basic instruments. The poll will be flawed because ScubaBoard represents a community of more active and enlightened divers than the population as a whole.

Speaking to your current dives how often were you ending your dives for your NDL? If you were not then the computer was just a trivia collector.

Pete

(see concession in post 7)

[Charlie99]

Speaking to your current dives -- how often were you ending your dives for your NDL? If you were not then the computer was just a trivia collector.

Actually, it is quite likely that one is ending dives due to gas limitations, yet at the same time the computer is a useful tool. The further away the dive is from a perfect square profile to a multiple of 10' max depth, the more likely it is that the computer is extending the dive, even if the diver is ending the dive due to gas limitations.

I have lots of dives using 80 cu ft single tank that always stay within NDL limits, but which have max depth >100' and dive time >1 hour.

Even an airhog will probably be limited by table NDL, but not computer NDL if he does a dive where he dips to 81' for a few minutes, and then spends most of the dive shallower.

[spectrum]

Actually, it is quite likely that one is ending dives due to gas limitations, yet at the same time the computer is a useful tool. The further away the dive is from a perfect square profile to a multiple of 10' max depth, the more likely it is that the computer is extending the dive, even if the diver is ending the dive due to gas limitations.

I have lots of dives using 80 cu ft single tank that always stay within NDL limits, but which have max depth >100' and dive time >1 hour.

I stand corrected, I was thinking in terms of a square profile plan. You are correct in calling me on the fact that he was able to ride his computer and was enjoying computer extended NDL values.

Pete

[do it easy]

I voted for majority because that's how I dive- I rarely use a computer since I'm either diving shallow (air limits the dive before NDL) or deep (deco diving on tables).

Every once in a while I will use the computer, but it rarely governs my dive plan.

[PerroneFord]

I did my first 30 dives or so with a watch and a depth gauge (and SPG). Occasionally, I still dive that way. Like two weekends ago when I did a cavern dive without even my depth gauge. I forgot it to be honest, but it was a familiar site and I knew the depths.

Don't worry about the fancy stuff. Stick to the basics and have fun.

[Geoff_H]

I believe that the majority of divers are using basic instruments. The poll will be flawed because ScubaBoard represents a community of more active and enlightened divers than the population as a whole.

I don't think I have ever seen an RDP or table outside of a class here, diving most weekends and every holiday I get is spent underwater.

Not rarely seen, never seen! Most dives are on computer or "trust me" basis of the DM/guide.

Not recommending either, just saying I don't agree that most divers are using tables.