SW Perdix Review.

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markmud

Self Reliant Diver--On All Dives.
Messages
1,514
Reaction score
1,860
Location
South Lebanon, Ohio
# of dives
200 - 499
Hello All,

I was able to dive my new SW Perdix. It is an AI but I don't have a sender.

I did 10 one hour recreational dives using the Nitrox mode (rec mode).

The Perdix AI was better and easier than I expected; even though I test dived one at the Surge.

I kept track of the battery consumption issue as some SB posters have claimed that battery changes would be a regular ordeal. I acquired extra O-rings and an extra battery hatch just in case. I bought four Energizer Lithium batteries. Before we left for Curacao, I switched out the SW supplied Copper Top and installed a new Energizer Lithium Battery. I followed the onscreen instructions and set the DC for the lithium battery.

The initial voltage for the lithium battery was 1.76 volts. During the SI, I would check the voltage. The lowest it got was 1.66 volts. Now, the battery voltage has stabilized at 1.72 volts. It is a 1.5 volt battery. The low battery warning comes on at 1.25 volts.

At this rate, I won't have to change the battery for the remainder of the year. I don't dive that much (I am landlocked in Ohio--not much opportunity).

As with tracking battery consumption using the SW built-in volt meter, all functions and information is easily accessible and cogent. It is truly user friendly and intuitive.

My main customizable screen (default) was set-up perfectly for the information I wanted displayed.

I could read the Perdix with my reading lens or without. It was always bright. I had my ProPlus 3 with me on the dives and it was not as functional (I always dive self-reliant even with my wife as buddy).

I had the SW set to GF 40/85. It was comparable to the ProPlus 3 set on DSAT with its default settings.

The compass is sweet.

The tissue bar graph was really interesting to track.

I set the Nitrox values to 30%, 32%, and 21%. I did not have to edit these values for the dives because I switched between the preset values to match the gas I was using. It was stupid easy; unlike my PP3. I wish the PP3 was as easy as the PP2, but it isn't.

It is really the easiest dive computer I have ever used!

I am very glad I spent a little extra money and got the best, IMHO, YMMV!

dive on,
markm
 
Markmud - I’m glad you like your Perdix AI. It is a great DC and, as you’ve found, battery life is good and battery changes are super easy when required.

One tip - as you set up multiple gasses, make sure that only the gas you are using for that dive is turned on.
 
@markmud glad to hear you liked the Perdix. I have to say I love mine (which is AI). So easy to configure and use and getting AI takes it to a whole new level.

The screen display was probably the biggest change for me after using a Cressi Giotto with an LCD. Never again do I have to look for and press the backlight button with my left hand while trying to ascend or descend and adjust my buoyancy with the same hand! Left hand now free to do its thing while I can monitor the depth and gas easily on my right wrist. I can even check my course at the same time!
 
"One tip - as you set up multiple gasses, make sure that only the gas you are using for that dive is turned on."

Hi Scubagaskets and Joneill,

I thought I was doing that...

I better go back and re-read the Nitrox manual to make sure I did it correctly.

muchas gracias,
m
 
@markmud glad to hear you liked the Perdix. I have to say I love mine (which is AI). So easy to configure and use and getting AI takes it to a whole new level.

The screen display was probably the biggest change for me after using a Cressi Giotto with an LCD. Never again do I have to look for and press the backlight button with my left hand while trying to ascend or descend and adjust my buoyancy with the same hand! Left hand now free to do its thing while I can monitor the depth and gas easily on my right wrist. I can even check my course at the same time!

Hi Neilwood,

I am definitely getting a sender. I love gadgets.

During safety stops I am horizontal, flippers up, and arms out. I hold both computers in my hands. The Perdix is definitely easier to follow. The PP3 isn't bad; however, it is in the minors compared to the SW's big league status.

thanks,
m
 
Hi Neilwood,

I am definitely getting a sender. I love gadgets.

During safety stops I am horizontal, flippers up, and arms out. I hold both computers in my hands. The Perdix is definitely easier to follow. The PP3 isn't bad; however, it is in the minors compared to the SW's big league status.

thanks,
m


Markmud hello I also have a Perdix A.I. and have a question for you. I set up two transmitters and it all works great. Second transmitter for a 19 pony or 40 pony depending where I dive. I know I know, not really needed but i did it and it beats trying to read the little button guages.

The question is and I read my entire online perdix manual and was unable to find an answer, HOW do I pull up the CENTER menu? I may have originally deleted it and now I only have two rows of info on my perdix. I want three rows now and going through setup it only shows BOTTOM ROW where vids etc say it should show CENTER ROW...

Im almost ready to reset the dang thing

also I set salinity to SALT its defaults to EN something which is midway between fresh and salt. I only dive ocean so im wondering how that will change things on my computer? You may not have the answer to that part I understand.
 
Hi @markmud

Is 40/85 really similar to DSAT? I find even 45/95 more conservative on first dive. If 1st dive is deep, I often run GF high of 100. Buhlmann becomes relatively more liberal on repetitive dives but I've not seen it match DSAT below a GF high of 90.
 
Hi @markmud

Is 40/85 really similar to DSAT? I find even 45/95 more conservative on first dive. If 1st dive is deep, I often run GF high of 100. Buhlmann becomes relatively more liberal on repetitive dives but I've not seen it match DSAT below a GF high of 90.

Hi scubadada,

The nitrogen time remaining was close on both computers; however, it was not exact. And it was different on repetitive dives. We were doing 1 hour dives that averaged about 50 fsw for the entire dive.

You are correct--I over simplified my comparison. Notwithstanding that, for the dives we were making it did not make a difference. That is the beauty of diving 32% in the range of 50 to 70 fsw for one hour. It is pretty dang hard to run out of nitrogen time remaining.

dive on,
markm
 
Markmud hello I also have a Perdix A.I. and have a question for you. I set up two transmitters and it all works great. Second transmitter for a 19 pony or 40 pony depending where I dive. I know I know, not really needed but i did it and it beats trying to read the little button guages.

The question is and I read my entire online perdix manual and was unable to find an answer, HOW do I pull up the CENTER menu? I may have originally deleted it and now I only have two rows of info on my perdix. I want three rows now and going through setup it only shows BOTTOM ROW where vids etc say it should show CENTER ROW...

Im almost ready to reset the dang thing

also I set salinity to SALT its defaults to EN something which is midway between fresh and salt. I only dive ocean so im wondering how that will change things on my computer? You may not have the answer to that part I understand.

Hi ScubadriverDale,

You have piqued my curiosity on that center row thing...dunn know.. I wonder if your second tank pressure input is using that space. I am going to get my Perdix out and open up the Nitrox manual.

I set my salinity to salt. I know the difference between the EU setting and the specific gravity of salt water isn't that much, but I am like you, I know when I am in salt water and when I am not. My PP3 did show a slight difference in depth compared to the Perdix and I "feel" it is set to the EU standard.

I made a mental note during a safety stop to investigate that after the dive while I was on my balcony enjoying a small glass of Ron Zacapa, but forgot (I did not forget the Ron Zacapa!). The PP3 needs to be pulled out and checked out.

Thanks for giving me something fun to do,
m
 
Hi scubadada,

The nitrogen time remaining was close on both computers; however, it was not exact. And it was different on repetitive dives. We were doing 1 hour dives that averaged about 50 fsw for the entire dive.

You are correct--I over simplified my comparison. Notwithstanding that, for the dives we were making it did not make a difference. That is the beauty of diving 32% in the range of 50 to 70 fsw for one hour. It is pretty dang hard to run out of nitrogen time remaining.

dive on,
markm
Buhlmann is also more liberal at shallower depths. You should continue your comparisons over a wider variety of dives, you will find it very interesting
 
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