Shearwater coming out with new DC?

[vixtor]

Is it though? I only heard it as a complaint about Suunto/Cressi RGBM implementations. Never heard it about the dual-algorithm Oceanics. And even then with my Cressi at least I'm reasonably sure it takes specific dive profiles and schedules to get there.

I have compared all my old suunto profiles with GF30/70(which is the default for petrel in tec mode and a save value from my point of view). I can do the same profile as I did in the past on suunto with this GF, with the same runtime, but on the petrel this would be a deco dive while on suunto it was just a safety stop. I never felt suunto to be conservative for my taste. It seems my new petrel will put me in deco more often for the same duration.

 

[KenGordon]

This is a problem with the standard SB recommendation that some non deco diver should buy a petrel. Unless they understand what the GF numbers mean it they are rolling dice as to how safe a profile they will be on.

I have not used the 'rec' mode, but understand it gives a choice several pairs of GF numbers. That is better as they are at least described as more or less conservative. Let's hope people use the appropriate mode, node the one that seems to give the longest NDL.

 

[uncfnp]

This is a problem with the standard SB recommendation that some non deco diver should buy a petrel. Unless they understand what the GF numbers mean it they are rolling dice as to how safe a profile they will be on.

I have not used the 'rec' mode, but understand it gives a choice several pairs of GF numbers. That is better as they are at least described as more or less conservative. Let's hope people use the appropriate mode, node the one that seems to give the longest NDL.

I see this warning over and over again on SB, uninformed divers killing themselves with a Petrel or coming to harm in some vague way. Agreed, all divers should be knowledgeable about their gear including the DC but could you give me a specific scenario in which a diver will be harmed by using a Petrel.

 

[sea_ledford]

*sigh*

I will restate my "wish".

I am talking about basic computers. There is a well-defined set of options for a generic basic computer. Then there is the algorithm that gets you back to the surface. The overwhelming complaint (at least on this board) is "this or that DC is too conservative and I'm penalized by having to leave the bottom before everybody else".

Then there is how the basic DC is viewed and dived by the average recreational diver. The interface can be easy and intuitive or a confusing beast. Shearwater is exceptional in understanding their market and working with it.

I would love to watch them do the same with the recreational market. The entire exercise would be in picking from all the available "features", putting them into a recreational wrist package, and then wrapping it all up with an intuitive user interface at a recreational price.

Nothing more than that. I would be most interested to see what they come up with should they choose to target the recreational market. I won't go any further with this unless they put me on their payroll and that is most unlikely.

Ah, gotcha'. You want a revolutionary rec computer with super easy UI but still have GF or some other adjustable algorithm, but is nothing like the current SW lineup. I thought you were implying that the Perdix should be sold for $200, and be able to upgrade it to full spec at $800.

A tiny watch sized SW would be great as a backup, they could call it the Hummingbird!

-Chris

 

[KenGordon]

I see this warning over and over again on SB, uninformed divers killing themselves with a Petrel or coming to harm in some vague way. Agreed, all divers should be knowledgeable about their gear including the DC but could you give me a specific scenario in which a diver will be harmed by using a Petrel.

Choosing inappropriate GF values.

SB posters are often obsessed with computers being too conservative and claim brand X is better than brand Y as It gives longer NDL times. Believing that and having a complete choice of GF values may lead to some /100 value being used.

Very few people understand the ramifications of the choice of those numbers. Even the default 30/70 is no longer regarded as universally conservative.

Btw, I have a Petrel and have left it on 30/70.

 

[PhatD1ver]

I agree completely.

Their “I need this” appeal lies in totally understanding the root concept of a user interface, big bright displays, and a controlled amount of display customization. I also appreciate how they balance obsolescence with product improvement. Free software upgrades to get new features. Costs them next to nothing, retaining me as a loyal customer.

@Shearwater:

I just finished slogging through the logical morass of linking the wife’s fitbit to Windows 10 on her laptop. “Do you want to cancel?” Options: Continue and Cancel. Cancel cancelling was the correct choice. Landed on one screen that didn’t allow me to back out. NO! I don’t want to be forced to start a new account with one of three providers. Don’t get me started…

From Shearwater’s site:
“Armed with the belief that divers want a simple intuitive user interface previously unavailable in dive computers and rebreather control systems, the earliest focus was on the design of a menu structure that made sense to the user.”

Sent design views to SP years ago with exactly this approach, suggestions for an intuitive rec DC for PHOTOGRAPHERS. Waste of electrons talking to those guys.

Doing it right. Years ago, a company that had gone through many mergers and found themselves owning a horridly complex line of technical products. I used several of their products and attended a training courses at their HQ. On one trip, they invited me to go through website testing for a free meal at a local restaurant. (EMA Design Automation - Your Trusted Design Partner) Camera watched my eyes and cursor moves were recorded. “How would you find this?” OK, now find this… Endless. Last challenge was something that didn’t exist. Where and when did I give up? Brilliant, I learned much from them. Quizzed the team afterwards. They employed a full-time useability team because it was cost effective for them.

Couple of years later had to program a podium for one of my old company’s auditoriums. Piece of cake. But if I did it myself, then you would have to think like an engineer to find it easy while brain-locked with a couple hundred people staring at you. Remembered my useability lessons.

Grabbed people walking through the lobby and asked them to do a presentation. “What? I don’t know how to do that!” Yes, this is exactly why I need you. Just try your best and let me watch… Auditorium project was a massive success, the podium’s touch screen always offered a choice to keep you going. And that was the secret, the first time that you find yourself not knowing what to do next, your brain shuts down. Stop, Think, Act. You are now in recovery mode and everybody sees it. Contrast that with just knowing in your heart that something good will always be on the next screen.

Obviously, I spent all this time writing and recounting this for Shearwater. Free input. I'm just one happy user’s input, a datum, nothing more than that.

Yes, rec. Please add no whining recovery from light deco. An option for BIG alphanumerics.

It would be awesome.

All that said, I'm sold on the Shearwater for a Tec DC, but if they are reading this, the RC needs to come designed to support at least Tec50 as an upgrade (even if you have to pay for it as an add on), but where the option can only turned on or upgraded to using a software upgrade after proof of training/certification.

Would be a simple thing for a diver to go to a shop/school to train and then login to the Shearwater site, select their DC, and have a Tech Instructor enter their info, and then the student check a disclaimer that the Tec40/45/50 (whichever) feature is only unlocked for training purposes and only for a period of say 30 days; then the training is completed satisfactorily, the instructor logs in again to verify completion of the course, then a full upgrade can be done.

Always got to think of those fearless fools who would unlock their computer to take their buddies on a deep bounce dive. But for me, having a Rec computer to go with a Tec computer allows me to use it a simple backup to the limits of most agencies training. If you need a backup beyond 50m, then you purchase another Tech DC.

 

[KenGordon]

You understand that all (at least that I have met) dive computers are happy way beyond 40m and their no stop limits?

I use a Zoop as a backup past 50m.

 

[scubadada]

I'm surprised none of the SB experts let us know the Perdix was going to be released. Perhaps Shearwater will release their AI without sharing this with the SB experts either

 

[SillyQuestions]

Is Ferrari going to release a minivan?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AJ]

All that said, I'm sold on the Shearwater for a Tec DC, but if they are reading this, the RC needs to come designed to support at least Tec50 as an upgrade (even if you have to pay for it as an add on), but where the option can only turned on or upgraded to using a software upgrade after proof of training/certification.

Why would you want this option? Is'nt the diver ultimately responsible for his/her own actions?

For me, I like my Petrel because it does not belittle me in any way. It supports me whatever I decide. That to me is a big advantage.