Suunto Gekko Computer or Apeks Quantum Dive Computer

[rakpix]

oh, and yes. i will be using a glass-and-brass spg, diligently monitoring it, and turning around at "half plus 300" psi. any off-hand recommendations on a good brass-and-glass SPG not sold through xs-scuba or oms (overpriced) would also be appreciated!

 

[Karl_H]

I can't comment on the Gekko but I've had a Quantum for a while now and it's been great.

The computer model is generally conservative compared to my Suunto D4 (which is also conservative!) but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The Quantum is ridiculously simple to operate, can be used with an additional deco gas (if required), and does pretty much all the basics it needs to. The down side with this computer is it hides the dive time when it enters Deco mode, not ideal if you're using it for Deco diving and need to know the bottom time, although it can be accessed by holding down a button.

My particular favorite feature on the Quantum is the handy reset button which allows a quick and easy reset of the computer without the hassle of removing the battery or deleting any of the logged dive data. Not something that should be used often but it comes in very useful sometimes

The one issue I've had (and now learned to avoid) is the first and second gases both reset at 21% O2 and no second gas at midnight each night. Just remember to set it up again each day if needed as finding you don't have a second gas logged in the computer when your underwater and switch with 20 minutes of deco time tends to result in the computer beeping a lot and generally not being happy - easily solved though with that handy reset button

For general non-deco recreational diving I'd highly recommend the Quantum, it's also got that little bit more to help out with basic deco diving and gas switching.

Karl

 

[inka]

The Gekko is being phased out and has a new name, just can't recall it. New model will be downloadable but still no back-light display. You mentioned expanding into tec, the Gekko or it's new predecessor is not tec 'compatible', no gauge mode or gas switching.
The Gekko is a great value but it will not be your last PDC.

new name for Gekko is: ZOOP

 

[keyshunter]

I suspected that the Gekko was due for replacement, since its more than 7 year lifespan has been much longer than most of its competitors. It does have a stellar track record and I hope that its replacement is as good. We have 2 Gekkos and a Vyper with a total of more than 2000 dives. Every one has been trouble free. For the infrequent battery changes I have used whatever CR2450 I happened to pick up with no problem. One dive resort I know of has had 24 Gekkos in rental for more than 5 years. As of last fall, when I asked about them, they have not had a single malfunction.

 

[Divernoob]

Even though Suunto software doesn't allow downloading profiles, DiveLog 4.0 does, so it's not an issue.

How does this work? I would love to able to download my profiles to my computer from my Gekko.

Edit: Never mind. Just read all 346 posts on 35 pages here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/co...lyzers/133089-suunto-gekko-dive-download.html

What a great bunch of info!

 

[rakpix]

but between the more advanced suunto's and the nitkk/quantum/hunter-clones ... which would be a better choice? also, any opinion on throwing the tec2g into the mix would be appreciated. i have to admit, i don't like the button layout, thougth.

 

[leabre]

How does this work? I would love to able to download my profiles to my computer from my Gekko.

Edit: Never mind. Just read all 346 posts on 35 pages here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/co...lyzers/133089-suunto-gekko-dive-download.html

What a great bunch of info!

Without the lengthy read, you plug thye SUUNTO cable into the Gekko, fire up DiveLog 4.0 (or greater) and it'll do the rest. The connectors have to be just-so, and not wet, and it'll work. I have an extra PC cable I bought last month (I thought I lost my previous, I found it after my new one arrived). If you get a Gekko, Vytek, or Vyper, I'll let the cable go to you for a very attractive price.

 

[Divernoob]

Without the lengthy read, you plug thye SUUNTO cable into the Gekko, fire up DiveLog 4.0 (or greater) and it'll do the rest. The connectors have to be just-so, and not wet, and it'll work. I have an extra PC cable I bought last month (I thought I lost my previous, I found it after my new one arrived). If you get a Gekko, Vytek, or Vyper, I'll let the cable go to you for a very attractive price.

I already ordered the OEM cable, but thanks for the offer. Perhaps another Gekko owner would be interested?

 

[scubaskipper]

Used the Gekko for rental. Never had a problem, easy to use, easy to read, pretty much bomb proof. Priced many times, as low as a good dive watch. A great starter computer.

 

[rakpix]

actually, forgetting for a second the gekko's inability to do gauge mode, is there anything else it can't do that the quantum/nitek/etc can? other than the compass, of course (which doesn't really work, anyway).