air z nitrox or atom

[mbear295]

I am looking to purchase a dive computer. I would like to go with something hoseless. I have been looking at the scubapro AIR Z Nitrox and the oceanic atom. any input on these or any other hoseless computers would be helpfull thanks.

 

[Vie]

They are not really that comaparable - the SmartTek would be the UWATEC model that is comparable with the Atom, as they can both use up to three wireless transmitters. I use the Atom (it is somewhat complicated at first, but Oceanic computers generally are quite intuitive to use) and have had some problems (there are a few Atom thread on this board). I only have a limited experience with UWATEC computers (Aladin and Pro Ultra), but they seem quite easy to use.

UWATEC computers utilize a more conservative Buhlmann algorithm than Oceanic's Haldanean.

 

[drtheo]

I have an atom and after one dive where I lost the link, I have not had any problems with it. Sometimes the software can be a little strange(oceanLog), but I am really happy with it. I found that my link to the transmitter was happening because of the electronics in the LED light that I was holding in the same hand. I switched hands, no more lost link or any other problems.

 

[Vie]

There shouldn’t be any problem with the Atom if it has the r2F (or later) firmware. My first Atom was an r2C and it went crazy and failed during a safety stop. My (also r2C) replacement had a battery drain problem which many people experienced (r2F Atoms are now shipped in “sleep” mode). Am now on my third Atom (an r2F).

I have never had any transmitter problem with any of my Atoms. I agree that OceanLog is “a little strange.”

 

[cmalinowski]

So far, I'm happy with my atom. I have not (knock on wood) had any problems with it. I did notice that on my first night dive recently, it's a PITA to get all of the info that I need while holding a light and flag and still trying to turn the backlight on. Other than that, was no problem.