Do they make computers that can hook up to a PC?

[JessicaDodge]

I am new to diving (will start my course next weekend) and am interested in Dive computers. I spend a lot of time on the PC and wondered if there were any computers that would hook up to the pc through a USB port or something. I think it would be neat to be able to use the data on the pc to keep track of everything like depth, time, air consumption, things like that. Is this possible or pointless?

Jessica

 

[O-ring]

Lots of them do it...Suunto, Uwatec, Oceanic, etc. Most of the more popular ones will hook up to your pc, usually through an optional cable that is usually available at an additional charge.

 

[Fishkiller]

my personal Favorite AERIS 500AI


the serial cable and software are extra ($115) but the information is nice and includes all that you asked about..

 

[Zept]

Rodale's Scuba Diving did an article about interfaces. It's on their Web site, here. I didn't find it desperately helpful, but it'll give you some idea of what's available. Of course, you can only use the cable and software that go with your particular dive computer.

Expect to pay an an absurd amount of money for the cable, since it's a specialist item. I don't think there's anyone using standard USB cables -- maybe in the future.

Is there a point? It depends on your personality. I'm a logbook junkie and enjoy recording all the details of my dives. Given how much I've spent on dive gear, training and trips, I want to remember every minute of every dive! Other people just want to get out of the water, dry off and get on with something else.

Zept

 

[JessicaDodge]

Thanks everyone. Zept, I think I will be like you. I am that way with every other hobby I have. I want to keep track of my whole diving expierence. (I have even started a journal about what has happened so far) I know, a little silly but that's just the way I am. I like to have EVERYTHING recorded for postarity (sp?).

Jessica

 

[GP]

I have the Suunto Vyper computer with PC cable and I print out every dive and put them into a three-ring binder in clear plastic sheet protectors.

 

[jackdav]

I have spent many fruitless frustrating hairpulling hours trying to get my SmartTrak software to see my Uwatec SmartCom dive computer. I am supposed to be able to just plug in what's called a "dongle" (aka an infrared IRda interface) into my PC serial port and then point it at my Dive Computer and it's supposed to allow my PC and my dive computer to talk to each other. This, if it worked, would allow me to download dive information into my PC and change various settings on my dive computer, all without having to make actual electrical contact between the PC and DC. Unfortunately, I think that a LOT of bugs remain in the IRda-dive computer technology. I haven't been able to get mine to work at all, and so I am stuck with all of the default DC settings, and have no download capability whatsoever.... If I had it to do over, I think I would have gotten one that makes electrical contact.

Best of luck in your search,

Jack in Phoenix

 

[JessicaDodge]

Thanks for the advice everyone.. I will definantly take it into consideration when I am buying'.


Jessica