- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: Scuba Diving computer/watch question?
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:49 am to DownSouthDave
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:49 am to DownSouthDave
Ok I’m new with the computers. What does that mean if you don’t mind me asking?
2
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:53 am to LSUtiger89
I have a Suunto D4i Novo with transmitter and will never dive again without it.
Pros:
Gives you accurate Depth, Dive time, SI, PSI remaining, ETC
Activates based on enter/exit water automatically
Gives estimated time remaining based on Air Consumption (with Transmitter)
Tracks your full dive and provides logs
Cons:
Need to make sure you have a fresh battery
People tend to use the transmitter as a carry handle so always move your own gear.
This setup was around $800 or so when I bought it but they have wrist dive computers only much cheaper.
Pros:
Gives you accurate Depth, Dive time, SI, PSI remaining, ETC
Activates based on enter/exit water automatically
Gives estimated time remaining based on Air Consumption (with Transmitter)
Tracks your full dive and provides logs
Cons:
Need to make sure you have a fresh battery
People tend to use the transmitter as a carry handle so always move your own gear.
This setup was around $800 or so when I bought it but they have wrist dive computers only much cheaper.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:53 am to DownSouthDave
Thanks for that! I will definitely look in to those. Diving is one area I like to spend a little money on. I rather spend more on great gear that I can feel confident in when i am down under water. Not that more expensive means better necessarily, but you do get what you pay for a lot of times. So its one area I do extensive research and spend more to know its gonna work when i am 80’ under.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:54 am to LSUtiger89
Honestly how many of you need one of these? Only divers who make multiple dives in a day really need something like this.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 11:58 am to LSUtiger89
Basically, means that the algorithm they use to calculate your no deco limit is very conservative.
Not all manufacturers use the same algorithm. You can have the same dive profiles as the person next to you, but your computer is showing a lower ndl, possibly cutting your dive short for no reason.
If you ignore your ndl and go into deco and don't satisfy the required deco stops, your watch will alarm and lock you out, not letting you dive on it for a period of time, 24 hours is typical I think.
Sunnto is known to be very conservative. Not sure how much more, I don't dive one. I have seen people disregard deco requirements on basic boat dives and lock themselves out. I doubt they knew what they were doing or what they were supposed to do.
Not all manufacturers use the same algorithm. You can have the same dive profiles as the person next to you, but your computer is showing a lower ndl, possibly cutting your dive short for no reason.
If you ignore your ndl and go into deco and don't satisfy the required deco stops, your watch will alarm and lock you out, not letting you dive on it for a period of time, 24 hours is typical I think.
Sunnto is known to be very conservative. Not sure how much more, I don't dive one. I have seen people disregard deco requirements on basic boat dives and lock themselves out. I doubt they knew what they were doing or what they were supposed to do.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:01 pm to jnethe1
Why?
Because the watches and tables are not reliable while the computers more accurately calculate all of your time at varied depths rather than a simple theoretical version of deepest point.
Your computer also calculates your surface interval so that your tired and confused brain does not make an error which could be a serious problem for you if you go back under the water too soon.
I have seen people make errors with tables and watches. I helped them by showing them my computer and convincing them to correct their errors.
I suggest a computer if you are a serious diver.
From there, the question is who makes the best wrist or gauge mounted computer.
Sadly, my information is dated since my equipment is old, so I will avoid making a recommendation for current sources.
I actually had 2 computers and a good dive watch when I lived where I could shore dive any time that I liked.
Because the watches and tables are not reliable while the computers more accurately calculate all of your time at varied depths rather than a simple theoretical version of deepest point.
Your computer also calculates your surface interval so that your tired and confused brain does not make an error which could be a serious problem for you if you go back under the water too soon.
I have seen people make errors with tables and watches. I helped them by showing them my computer and convincing them to correct their errors.
I suggest a computer if you are a serious diver.
From there, the question is who makes the best wrist or gauge mounted computer.
Sadly, my information is dated since my equipment is old, so I will avoid making a recommendation for current sources.
I actually had 2 computers and a good dive watch when I lived where I could shore dive any time that I liked.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:05 pm to DownSouthDave
quote:
Suunto is known for having very a very conservative algorithm. I know people have been locked out after basic rec dives.
I agree that they can be conservative but you shouldn't have any issues unless you bounce up and down a lot.
For the OP,
Standard dive tables operate using your deepest depth as the basis for determining allowed bottom time and required surface intervals. The benefit to a computer is that you likely spend a good portion of your dive on ascent, decent, etc at much shallower depths so the computer accounts for this and adjusts your allowed bottom time accordingly.
Some dive computers have more conservative algorithms that will recommend you surface sooner or penalize you for not waiting the recommended time either between dives or on safety stops.
While the watch cant stop you from diving, it does "Lock out" or prevent you from beginning a new dive using its functions until the computer determines its safe to do so.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:07 pm to LSUtiger89
I've been rocking my Apple Watch Ultra with the Oceanic+ app. I got the watch from work so I figured why buy a computer. It tracks everything I need it to. I still have to have manually input my dives in the SSI app though.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:10 pm to jnethe1
quote:
I had no idea this was a thing. But sounds cool.
They’ve been around for over 23 years lol. Still have my Suunto circa 1998-ish.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:12 pm to sidewalkside
quote:
Honestly how many of you need one of these? Only divers who make multiple dives in a day really need something like this.
Strongly disagree.
If someone is considering a dive computer, they have likely spent a good bit on Certification, Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Wetsuit, Possibly flights, vacation, dive trip, BCD, regulator, Tanks etc.
Even for the occasional diver, the benefits of the added bottom time far outweigh the cost.
Many shops will also let you rent a computer if you're not sure or ready to invest.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:15 pm to sidewalkside
quote:
Honestly how many of you need one of these? Only divers who make multiple dives in a day really need something like this.
I’d imagine nearly most divers make multiple dives in a day.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:23 pm to DownSouthDave
Is it still the case that PADI tables are more conservative than NAUI?
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:29 pm to Havoc
No clue. I don't dive tables and I don't know anyone that does.
Tables are rigid and only accurate if you dive the table. Computers are dynamic and adjust in real time for the dive you are doing. There is no comparison, imo.
I'm sure there are people who dive tables, but I can't think of a reason anyone would.
Tables are rigid and only accurate if you dive the table. Computers are dynamic and adjust in real time for the dive you are doing. There is no comparison, imo.
I'm sure there are people who dive tables, but I can't think of a reason anyone would.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:38 pm to sidewalkside
I disagree. There's a lot more to it then just that one dive that day. You need to calculate bottom depth and time. This may affect your next dive or next day dive, not including safety of when to fly afterwards. There are a lot of variables that go in to this, and it helps with that. And, lets be honest, I am in Louisiana. When I am diving, it is usually I have traveled for it, so when I dive, I am doing multiple in a day and sometimes multiple days.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:41 pm to LSUtiger89
Dive watch: Freestyle Hammerhead is hard to beat. Inexpensive and good to 200m/660ft.
Dive computer? I have no idea what's on the market these days. I'm still using my old Oceanic from 1999. Calculates NOx mixes to 50% and has ascent rate alarm. Calculates remaining dive time, measures off-gassing time to figure into remaining dive time. Also has "hours to fly" function which will not allow the computer to turn off to a completely blank screen when you have completed a dive within the last 24 hours (as long as the battery doesn't go dead during tis period).Also - it's easy to enter values and read. Doesn't take too long to get familiar with it.
Word to the wise - before going out into open water with a new computer, play around with it in the pool a couple times (on different days) to make sure you can scroll through and find the information you need so you can avoid getting into a panicked rush at 3 or 4 ATM when you don't know what button does what.
ETA: I haven't compiled a list, but some of the newer computers allow you to tweak the NOx algorithm to be more liberal or more conservative for max depth based on a default PO2 of 1.4 ATA (absolute max allowable of 1.6 ATA).
Dive computer? I have no idea what's on the market these days. I'm still using my old Oceanic from 1999. Calculates NOx mixes to 50% and has ascent rate alarm. Calculates remaining dive time, measures off-gassing time to figure into remaining dive time. Also has "hours to fly" function which will not allow the computer to turn off to a completely blank screen when you have completed a dive within the last 24 hours (as long as the battery doesn't go dead during tis period).Also - it's easy to enter values and read. Doesn't take too long to get familiar with it.
Word to the wise - before going out into open water with a new computer, play around with it in the pool a couple times (on different days) to make sure you can scroll through and find the information you need so you can avoid getting into a panicked rush at 3 or 4 ATM when you don't know what button does what.
ETA: I haven't compiled a list, but some of the newer computers allow you to tweak the NOx algorithm to be more liberal or more conservative for max depth based on a default PO2 of 1.4 ATA (absolute max allowable of 1.6 ATA).
This post was edited on 7/26/23 at 12:57 pm
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:47 pm to LSUtiger89
I started with a cheap air integrated computer. I don't like it as its only one or two buttons and not super intuitive to use. A few years ago I got a garmin descent and I've logged 30 dives with it. I love the garmin, easy to use and keep track of your dives plus it has a gps for running, biking and other outdoor activities.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:48 pm to LSUtiger89
quote:
This may affect your next dive or next day dive, not including safety of when to fly afterwards.
I know some computers will give a no fly time. I would be weary of that. My concern is that once you're in a plane, you're stuck there for a while and if you get bent, it's not going to be good.
Personally I follow PADI or DAN on that. 12 hours after a single dive or 24 hours after multiple dives.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 12:50 pm to LSUtiger89
quote:
I always have a wetsuit on. Basically same thing right?
There are two types of divers:
1) Divers who pee in their wetsuits
2) Divers who lie
Page 2 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News