back-up timer/puter advice please?

[greekbird]

what it says above.
main puter is a vytec.
the D-timer (uwatek- spelling i know ) looked ok until i found out that you cannot replace the battery on it(?) Not keen on spending that much money on something 'disposable'. I was also told that the battery lasts a long time, but still, it doesn't feel right. Am i been too picky here?
i had a quick look on the tinternet and these cropped up
suunto D3, mosquito and gecco ( i like my suuntos dont i?)
the price for the D3 (148)seemed a bit much considering that the gecco (133)was cheaper and that's a full on nitrox capable puter, rather than a freediving watch that can also be used for scuba back up. And then there 's the mosquito, which is watch sized and for some bizzare reason that appeals to me now but at 179 tis a bit more than i wanted to spend.

what other options can you suggest please?

[Janos]

I'd go for the Uwatec. I got one last year and it is very good. Although the battery isn't replaceable, I think they last for quite a long time (7 years). I'm betting that I drop a tank on it or lose it before the battery runs out.

It was around £55 IIRC.

Janos

[The Purist]

Uwatec - the batteries last piggin ages - tho having said that I bet mine (late 90s vintage IIRC) go belly up on me this weekend

[turbanator]

Kirstie has a mosquito and it's dinky, but you're both young and have good eyes.

I have an Uwatec d-timer that I've had for years - got it at a show for 60quid, so cost of ownership is getting on for about 6-8UKP/year.

Contrast that with my first Suunto Solution that had a depth sensor fail after about 2 years and I was told it was uneconomically viable to repair, but they;de give me 100 quid off whatever the current model was then - the Solution cost me £300 quid. I told them to poke it and bought an Aladin.

I went back to Suunto, but I suppose after the waffle, what I'm saying is that If you just want a timer with minimal logging (9 dives, no real-time clock) then the d-timer is ok.

r
Paul

[Gareth J]

I understand teh new Uwatec Bottom Timers now have user changeable batterys!

Give Stoney a ring, they can confirm this.

[turbanator]

Originally Posted by The Purist

Uwatec - the batteries last piggin ages - tho having said that I bet mine (late 90s vintage IIRC) go belly up on me this weekend

I think we got them in the same 'deal'

[jptaylor9]

Originally Posted by greekbird

the D-timer (uwatek- spelling i know ) looked ok until i found out that you cannot replace the battery on it(?)

The unit is sealed (cannot change battery) to make it robust & bomb proof. Don't want it failing because sea water leaks in thru the battery port...

[nickb]

I use a Vyper in gauge mode as a backup for my VR3

[turbanator]

Originally Posted by nickb

I use a Vyper in gauge mode as a backup for my VR3

I must admit that's nearly what I do, but I set the Vyper to air or my buddy's nitrox; I often dive with OC buddies on air/nitrox.

Kirstie has the Mozzie and the D-timer when we dive together.

[Finless]

I had the same concerns about my Uwatec D Timer but I still bought one two LIDS ago for £55. I never needed it and hardly ever looked at it and indeed it doesn't quite agree with the sea on where sea level is but I am glad I bought one.

I suppose you could go to Liddls (sp) and ask them to get you something similar for abt £15 and that they would make a killing!