gj62:
Jambi - you can press your luck every bit as much with tables as with computers - neither one is inherently safer. Frankly, I'd trust a computer to do its calculations better than your average diver on the tables - how many times have you made a table error? If a computer malfunctions, you usually know it.
Agreed. You can press your luck with any device. That all comes down to a judgement call on the diver. I also agree that the computer is probably not going to make a mistake it's calculations, I mean it is a computer after all. I was mearly suggesting that there might be some inconsistencies in they way a computer my recieve enviromental information. That is all. I have indeed made mistakes with my tables. That is why I always recheck them, Then I give it to my buddy for them to check my work. So far I have caught every mistake I have have made before it became a problem. I also like to think the my buddy and I are smarter than average
.
One of my points was that if your computer does fail, because you were using it merely as a tool and not relying on it and still did your tables you can still dive and not have to scrap the rest of the day. I just like to rely on my ability to problem solve and think. I can't do that with out the required information, which I would not have if I soley relied on my computer and never picked up a table.
gj62:
Most computers give you the information you need to be as conservative as you want - and some computers are more conservative than others - if that is what you are looking for, you can easily find it. Nor do the tables calculate residual nitrogen better than a computer, as your post seems to indicate.
Also agreed. Many of not most computers will allow you to adjust the settings. Making it more conservative if desired. A feature easily found as you have stated.
As for the tables calculating residual nitrogen, that was not intended. Tables are after all a type of one size fits all device. A computer just calculates it in a more dynamic way instead if a consistent flat bottom profile.
gj62:
All that said - DAN estimates 1 in 28,000 divers experience DCS when diving within the tables (or computer).
And my life insuance still rates me for diving :frown2:.
Reguardless of how you look at it. I am of the opinion to spend less money on the "lower tech" option. Learn to rely on myself first. Use the saved money on more training then use the tools that are best for each diving situation. Hopefully never becoming reliant on a piece of equipment than can fail with out having an acceptable back up. Do I use a computer? yes. Do I have a backup? Yes, it's my brain and the tables that I used before jumping in the water. This way I can compare them to the computer.
Jambi