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I'm about to start getting into cave and tech (deco) diving and need a new computer. What's a fairly basic, moderately priced wrist mount computer suitable for this?
It's worked great for me. It gives you 3 programmable nitrox mixes, so it's more than enough for Tech/Extended Range diving. And if you venture into trimix it has a Gauge/Timer mode.
Unless you have to have a new computer right now, I'd wait and discuss it with your instructor(s)--they might want you on tables and bottom timer to start with. The other thing you'll want to decide is which algorithm you're going to use, then choose a computer which runs it. At this point, I wouldn't consider anything which doesn't have an OLED display--they blow everything else away in terms of readibility.
Last edited by rongoodman; February 11th, 2011 at 08:39 AM.
I wouldn't decide on my preferences until I had a clear understanding of what requirements I had.
Tech diving is a complex world - and most divers have different requirements.
To understand more about algorythms, try reading Mark Powell's 'Deco for Divers' and then further google some of the concepts and terms used in that book.
Definitely talk to your potential instructors and potential tech dive buddies (if you know who they will be yet). They may well have specific concepts or principles that they apply to their specific tech dives.
I am not sure what your definition of moderately priced is. Things to consider would be amount of gas switches and gas types like helium. You would also at least need a gauge/bottom timer as backup and slates. DC’s to consider would be Suunto Helo2, VR3/x, Liquivision X1, Shearwater Predator to name a few. I would also suggest investing in dive planning software (V Planne,r GAP etc).
Is the Suunto Helo2 an "accepted" computer in the Tech. Diving realm? I understand that there are different computers for different people depending on their needs, but I just needed to know if it is a Legitimate tech. computer as any of the other established tech. computers.
I am amazed that any tech diver would actually recommend a Suunto computer. They must like having no control over the computer and love lots of deco.
I would recommend a Shearwater predator.
They are amazing computers that can be bought for a reasonable price and upgraded to trimix and/or CCR later if desired.
Check out Shearwater Research - Home
I am amazed that any tech diver would actually recommend a Suunto computer. They must like having no control over the computer and love lots of deco.
That's not strictly accurate. You not taking into account which dive program the diver is using. I use Decoplanner on the Buhlmann tables, my Suunto is always clear before I come up. If on the other hand you are using VPM then yes the Suunto keeps you in for longer. But who cares? If you're on Open Circuit and have paid for the Gas, use it! Nobody ever died from having too much gas.
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Originally Posted by Michael Kazma
