100 replies to this topic

[Diverbrian]

I'm sorry,

Why do you want to wear your diving computer all the time?

The advantages include being less likely to leave it somewhere upon suiting up/ de-kitting and less likely to forget it on a trip.

The disadvantages include that you would likely be getting a less capable computer and/or a smaller (more difficult to read) display.

Have you looked at the Dive Rite NiTek series?

BTW, I used to use a Mosquito for a back-up. I had several issues with depth sensors failing, but that just may have been my luck with that particular model. I also didn't like the lack of a gauge mode unless you choose to bend it and dive a profile from another source.

[tonyinasia]

There have been a lot of good posts on this subject, with good advice. Since you are a new diver, your best bet would be to keep things simple to start, then upgrade as you gain experience and learn about the features you would really want. For example, there are a lot of divers wearing computers that have the ability to download profiles to a computer, yet the majority never use this feature. If they are downloading anything to a computer it's the images from their digital cameras. It does not make sense to invest in a dive computer with features that you will never use. The only way to know what features you would or would not use is experience. A good basic dive computer will get you started in the right direction.

Also remember that the dive computer is a tool, not a fashion statement. Function is the key. For myself, I wanted a computer that relayed the information I wanted at a glance - hence display and character size was important. Remember that light and visibility vary for each dive. If you have trouble reading your computer display, then it's a waste.

For what it's worth, keep it simple, and chose function over fashion. You won't go wrong.

[PerroneFord]

For example, there are a lot of divers wearing computers that have the ability to download profiles to a computer, yet the majority never use this feature.

I find this fascinating. The only reason I wear a computer is for this feature. As a learning tool, it's incredible. A chance to see what your dive was actually like instead of you THINKING you know what it was like. I now know what a 10fpm ascent feels like versus a 20, 30, or 50fpm ascent. I now know that my general descent rate is about 42-45fpm and not the 50fpm that I calculate my dives with normally. I am going to work on that this weekend.

I would recommend to anyone to download their dive profiles are really try to get somethnig out of them.

Great post Tony.

[ev780]

My 2 cents worth. And trust me it is only 2 cents.

I wanted hoseless air integrated. Yes the electronics can fail. But so can any piece of mechanical equipment. My answer was to buy a $40 depth guage and SPG as a backup. After 7 or so years I have never used it but if my I can save the trip if I am unable to get mine repaired.

I still paper log every dive and run through the tables as practice. Most of the time I am WAY over what the tables would have allowed me to do. But knowing the tables may just same me a trip someday.

I bought nitrox capable. You never know when you may need it.

Finally there is the liberal vs conservative debate. Define your risk tolerance and go from there. My opinion was that even the most liberal computer algorithm was pretty safe. Read product liability lawsuit!!!

Here is a link to a review and the last few pages discuss the liberal vs conservative question.


http://www.scubadivi..._the_numbers/0/

My choice at the time......Oceanic DataTrans Plus. Not available any longer but the algorithm lives on in the VT3.

Good Luck.

[6Gill]

[I find this fascinating. The only reason I wear a computer is for this feature. As a learning tool, it's incredible. A chance to see what your dive was actually like instead of you THINKING you know what it was like. I now know what a 10fpm ascent feels like versus a 20, 30, or 50fpm ascent. I now know that my general descent rate is about 42-45fpm and not the 50fpm that I calculate my dives with normally. I am going to work on that this weekend.

I would recommend to anyone to download their dive profiles are really try to get somethnig out of them.

Great post Tony.

I do the same thing...the shape of the graph allows me to not only see my decent/assent rates but I can also see how well I maintain my stops(depth,arrive on time leave on time).When doing skills and task loading ect I can see if I'm maintaing my depth or moving around in the water coloum.Having a video camera following me around is not always an option.

[PerroneFord]

6Gill,

That is exactly right. And it's what led me to purchase the Cochran DDR in the first place. It has 1/4ft accuracy. If I'm moving around, it'll show up in great detal!

I have noticed a general trend in my last 5-10 dives to slow my ascent rate down to about 20fpm. My comfortability with ascents is increasing quickly.

But without an ability to go back and review what happened, I'd be shooting in the dark. As I prepare for technical diving, knowing my ascent and decent rates will be very important, as weill my ability to accurately hold stops. Even a video camera, unless it's in a fixed spot, cannot be as accurate.

[jextract]

Please pardon my ignorance on this, but how meaningful is 3" precision?

[PerroneFord]

3" can make all the difference my friend...


Seriously, the resolution of depth is not NEARLY as helpful as the 1 second sampling. Most computers only sample once every 10-30 seconds. Which is not enough to capture bouncing on a stop.

[jextract]

OK ... THAT I understand. Thanks!

[6Gill]

6Gill,

That is exactly right. And it's what led me to purchase the Cochran DDR in the first place. It has 1/4ft accuracy. If I'm moving around, it'll show up in great detal!

I have noticed a general trend in my last 5-10 dives to slow my ascent rate down to about 20fpm. My comfortability with ascents is increasing quickly.

But without an ability to go back and review what happened, I'd be shooting in the dark. As I prepare for technical diving, knowing my ascent and decent rates will be very important, as weill my ability to accurately hold stops. Even a video camera, unless it's in a fixed spot, cannot be as accurate.

There is nothing like having you dive profile on display while your video is being reviewed.Being able to overlay dive profiles to compare several dives where you've performed the same profile/excercise is also a good learning tool to gauge improvement.

[Hexkraut]

Ok, after long researching and inputs from you all, thanks by the way I went ahead and bought the Suunto Mosquito. Love it so far. Bought it at my LDS which I was able to negotiate 10% off, not too bad. Although it was still $80 more than at Leisurepro, I think it is wise for the computer to be able to walk in the store if there is a issue with it.
Thanks all for your great advice!