How penalizing are cheaper computers at "deeper" dives

[Poseidon_Man]

When I decided to upgrade my Tusa IQ750, like you, I didn’t have a big budget so I decided to look into the secondary market to get the biggest bang for my buck. Eventually I upgraded to an air integrated Galileo Sol with heart rate monitor and I couldn’t be more happy with my decision. So I encourage you to consider the used computer market.

The issue with the lower range computers, like my Tusa, is that they are really geared towards NDL diving. Even the Tusa manual discourages you from making decompression dives. The dive planner on the computer is rudimentary and only lists NDL times for each depth unlike my Galileo which allows you to plan deco dives. The Tusa dive log software also does not have any deco planning function unlike Suunto and its DM5 as mentioned by @KenGordon. If you are considering a Suunto, download DM5 and have a play. It certainly helped me gain a better understanding of the Suunto computers and the different varieties of the RGBM algorithms developed by the company. As @KenGordon mentioned you can buy the cheapest Suunto on offer – the Zoop and still be able to plan deco dives for it on DM5.

For me, the only way to work out deco profiles on my Tusa was to build a pressure chamber. I was then able to put the computer into deco without actually going into deco myself. This is the only way I was able to determine what deco profile would be generated by the computer. And a chamber will answer your question above.
Building a Transparent Pressurize cylinder

Finally, for any computer you are considering, download the manual and read it. This will help you determine if the computer meets your needs. For you, deco planning would be a requirement either on the computer itself or via desktop software. Off the top of my head, another brand to consider is Mares; specifically the non-air integrated Quad (It’s cheaper than the air integrated one). It does have deco planning on the computer itself and may be within your price range.

If you are interested in my personal journey of upgrading my dive computer, you can find it here. Good luck.
Algorithms, Conservative Factors, Altitude, Planned Deco - Questions

Hi, Have you planned and or executed a deco dive using Mares Quad?
Seems to be a good basic entry level tech computer for deco dives considering the price range and it has the deco planner. A did a quick browse on the manual and seems it can handle deco also. I assume this is RGBM based to, isn't it?

 

[Rich Keller]

I am looking for information on how "agressive/penalizing" the entry level computers are when you dive deeper.

If you do find an answer to your question go with what you call the most “penalizing” computer. That type is also more conservative and safer.

 

[Thrutch]

Hi, Have you planned and or executed a deco dive using Mares Quad?
Seems to be a good basic entry level tech computer for deco dives considering the price range and it has the deco planner. A did a quick browse on the manual and seems it can handle deco also. I assume this is RGBM based to, isn't it?

I've done air deco dives with the Quad, and I've been loving it (especially at a third the price of a Shearwater, which I will graduate to eventually). The runaway deco and Asc+5 features are really nice. It is RGBM with proprietary tweaks. From what I've read, it's nearly as conservative as a Suunto.

 

[scubadada]

Sorry, this is a ridiculous thread. The OP should pursue appropriate training, dive appropriate gases, and dive an appropriate computer. Come on, 60 m is below the MOD for air

 

[Boston Breakwater]

Suunto's recreational dive computers penalize the diver by cutting the NDL substantially in repetitive dives following a deco dive in my experience. They will also lockout when you miss a required deco or safety stop.

Hello. Whaaaaat?
A computer that will lock you out?
Cheers.

 

[Boston Breakwater]

Hi Guys/Girls,

Sorry if already responded somewhere (I've already spent 2 hours chechinkg through threads but did not find the answer). I am looking for information on how "agressive/penalizing" the entry level computers are when you dive deeper. Or which model would you recommend for the below dive profile and needs.

I am about to buy a new computer. I do not dive frequently (usually one safari - ca. 20 dives - per year), so I would go for a cheaps computer. Most of these dives are shallow (max. 30 meters) and in warmer seas, but there are always few with longer bottom times, or deeper dives (50-60 meters), so deco (and pO2 warning - if not counting with 1.6) comes in. As far as I could figure out so far, all these cheaper computers are fine with that, I just don't find the info about how "agressive/penalizing" they are when you dive deeper. What I expect is only a "one beep" warning and correct calculation. I would not want "continuous/unstoppable beeps" as that woul ruin that part of the dive. And no penalty should come for the next dive (of course residual nitrogen should be counted for next dive). Do these entry level computers behave like this (e.g. Mares Puck Pro)?

I do not need "extra features" like downloading dive profile or tweaking the algorithms. I do not mind if the default algorithm is on the conservative side - there is always something to see during the deco stops. My ca. 20 years old Suunto Favor-S (which was the cheapest the time I bought it) did the thing very well, but each time it is more and more risky that it will not survive (i.e. sink in after) the replacement of the battery, which is needed now. Its only limitation is that when deco starts at 12 meters, then it gives a 48 hours "no dive" penalty, but that's OK, you need repeated deeper dives for that which I do not plan to do anymore. I am looking for something similar in behavior.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hello. I'm having a little trouble understanding what your looking for?
You want a very cheap computer that will allow you to dive to a depth of 196 ft.
yet won't irritate you with incessant beeping, and also will continue to let you repetitively dive as you wish, but your not doing repeated deeper dives.
Could someone P.M. a translation to me?
Thanks.
Cheers.