Computer issues - would you still dive it?

[Cave Diver]

What do you do when your 'puter goes wonky?

Use depth averaging to make a quick assessment of where I'm at regarding NDL's then change batteries after the dive is done.

 

[lowviz]

Well, yes, I understand backup computers . . .

What I do not understand is . . . why would you continue using a life support gadget that has proven it has a glitch?..............

It's a perception thing, that is how I view them right out of the box.

................I am reading about the Xen that has a 'small firmware problem' where it loses time . . . but it 'will get fixed in the next firmware revision.'...............

It's the ones they they don't know about that concern me.

..............What I like about my Uwatecs, is that when there is a problem, they quit. Period. Display 'Err' or nothing at all. That is considered "fail-safe", meaning safe was defined as "not working" so if there is a failure, you do not have to wonder if you can trust your computer -- you know you can't, and you cannot use it..............

I like Uwatecs also, own one. But I also like to get home unbent. My VR3 just keeps on guessing...

...................While others are happily using their computer with delayed start-ups or erroneous depth readings or it goes diving by itself . . . . ................

One of mine is back at the manufacturer for a similar problem. No, I won't dive it.

..............For me, there is no way in the world I would use a computer that went 'wonky' without it going back to the manufacturer for a complete checkout..........................

Totally reasonable.

..................Aren't you - who continue use - concerned that there may be other issues; that maybe what the calculations are may not be accurate? .................

I am, even after they come back fixed.

................. how can you trust what the 'puter is saying?

Can someone help me with that?

That one is easy: Trust, but verify - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sorry, the era I grew up in...

 

[Jax]

I am, even after they come back fixed.

Someone who's more cynical than I am!

 

[Jax]

My VR3 just keeps on guessing...

:spit:


I don't know why, but that just tickles . . .

 

[PfcAJ]

Well, yes, I understand backup computers . . .

What I do not understand is . . . why would you continue using a life support gadget that has proven it has a glitch?

For those of you that do continue using them, I mean.

I am reading about the Xen that has a 'small firmware problem' where it loses time . . . but it 'will get fixed in the next firmware revision.'

Its the clock in the Xen that loses time. So instead of reading "4:15", it'll say "4:13" after a few days. The actually timer is fine. If the timer was goosed, I wouldn't dive it.

I think it all really depends on how its acting. If the backlight on a computer doesn't work, but the rest is fine, I'd probably dive it.

 

[rongoodman]

The problem with the early X1s is a known issue with the original pressure sensors.They have since been replaced with newer technology which Liquivision says has been problem free, but quite a few of the older units seem to be failing now, so it's a topic of discussion. Mine died about a month before my trip to Playa and was quickly dealt with by Liquivision.

 

[TMHeimer]

I too would continue on tables. Most of my dives take me to the bottom at a single depth, so I use my depth gauge and dive watch. Use the computer almost as a backup anyway. But if the majority of my dives were multi-level I think I'd get a 2nd computer.

 

[kanonfodr]

For myself, if the dive is big enough to worry about it I wear a second bottom timer. Timer A goes to hell on me? Flip them around and check Timer B. If Timer B goes to crap, I have a buddy. If all hell breaks loose I have an SMB/Spool and a stopwatch, I will get medieval to make it to the surface safely.

FWIW, I keep an Analog depth gage (only good to 150 or so, tho...) in my scuba bag for those times where everything electronic wants to keep dying on me. I have rocked dives with that depth gage and my stopwatch happily, because I trust physics and Casio a lot farther than I do Uwatec and Oceanic.

Peace,
Greg

 

[jffknapp]

I think there are two schools of thought from the tech minded and the rec minded. On a tec run we carry contingencies, backup computer & slates. On a recreational dive a backup computer isn't as popular for most divers and the taught procedure is to end the dive with a safety stop and off-gas completely before diving again either with a new computer or via tables.

As for trusting your dive computer...If you don't trust Oceanic, SP, Diverite, ect. what are you breathing off of?

 

[Cave Diver]

I will get medieval to make it to the surface safely.

I think you're taking things a bit too far...