Necessity of a back up computer/watch for NDL diving

[MaxBottomtime]

Since when is an average as accurate as the actual numbers.

Dive tables are not an exact science. Depth averaging, or Ration Deco has a good safety record. It's not for everyone, but can certainly be used instead of a computer.

 

[caruso]

Dive tables are not an exact science. Depth averaging, or Ration Deco has a good safety record. It's not for everyone, but can certainly be used instead of a computer.

That wasn't my point, which was that a human cannot calculate their Nitrogen exposure as accurately as a computer can.

 

[markmud]

Isn't this the most annoying useless feature you've ever seen in a dive computer? I always turn it off when choosing initial setting along with audible alarms that are the second most annoying feature on dive computers.

Totally agree caruso.

Hi Scubadada,

I stand corrected. It has been so long since I turned that feature off on all of our Oceanic computers, I quite frankly, forgot exactly what that stupid and annoying feature did.

I wished you hadn't reminded me! What a nightmare.


mm

 

[caruso]

The best analogy I have to offer, for keeping analog gauges and tables as a back up, is the current generation's large inability to determine direction (just suggest that a particular location is due West, and watch eyes glaze over);.

Sometimes technology is just easier. Many schools don't even teach handwriting anymore. Sure, people are lazy, they don't want to learn new things. So what. Do you heat your leftovers in a firepit or in a microwave? Speaking for myself I don't care if I never look at another dive table or bottom timer for the rest of my scuba life. I'll gladly watch the red dots go up and down on my dive computers screen which tells me how much time I have left.

 

[markmud]

That wasn't my point, which was that a human cannot calculate their Nitrogen exposure as accurately as a computer can.

Sorry Max, I have to go with caruso on this one.

mm

 

[caruso]

Sorry Max, I have to go with caruso on this one.

mm

He's not going to let you on his boat

 

[markmud]

He's not going to let you on his boat

Yeah, nice boat to. However, he banned my pony bottles and I have an emotional attachment to them.


m

 

[caruso]

Yeah, nice boat to. However, he banned my pony bottles and I have an emotional attachment to them.


m

I wish there was a SUPERLIKE button.

 

[Bigbella]

Sometimes technology is just easier. Sure, people are lazy, they don't want to learn new things. So what. Do you heat your leftovers in a firepit or in a microwave? Speaking for myself I don't care if I never look at another dive table or bottom timer for the rest of my scuba life. I'll gladly watch the red dots go up and down on my dive computers screen which tells me how much time I have left.

Why embrace or encourage laziness? You do no one any favors. I carry both digital and analog equipment, and never had a failure with the latter since the late 1970s; but while working overseas, years ago, for a dive charter, I had seen more electronics go tits-up, on the third day of a ten day trip, with no real alternatives on board. No equipment 125 nautical miles out to sea, is a hell of a lot more expensive and disappointing than an aborted shore dive off Cannery Row.

"Firepit?" Everyone likes barbeque . . .

 

[Chavodel8en]

Why embrace or encourage laziness? You do no one any favors. I carry both digital and analog equipment, and never had a failure with the latter since the late 1970s; but while working overseas, years ago, for a dive charter, I had seen more electronics go tits-up, on the third day of a ten day trip, with no real alternatives on board. No equipment 125 nautical miles out to sea, is a hell of a lot more expensive and disappointing than an aborted shore dive off Cannery Row.

"Firepit?" Everyone likes barbeque . . .

The scenario you describe is why practically everyone here recommends having a backup computer if you go on a liveaboard. Having to rely on tables on a liveaboard, where Im assuming you want to maximize your diving -- that would suck. I'd invest $150 on a Puck Pro.

I dont agree with describing reliance on computers as "lazy"; or if it is lazy, then sign me up. I used tables for the first several years of my diving and I am fine w/ never doing so again. I've been relying on a computer for several years now. I cant see any reason why my prior self was any better off. So I calculated my own nitrogen loading, whereas now my computer tells me. It didnt make me a better diver that I can see. It doesn't force you to be more aware. Either way, its on the recreational diver to avoid the NDL, using the tools they have on hand,