Which Dive Computer?

[Dominic]

You don't have to wait for 24 hours if you have a deco planner on a PDA either

[SteveC]

Quote[/b] ] For the sort of diving I'm doing (30m to 40m with not much deco) then I think that back-up computers are overkill. Of course I would like one, but I don't think they're by any means a neccesity.

Yep well thats what I think.  I've only got one computer (and a watch). But im trying to figure out why people have two if they don't use the other for carrying on.  Because if you've only got one and that goes tits up, your aborting and can work off your buddy's computer for safety stops and follow their lead if need be.

I suppose it arrises usually from the case of upgrading that you end up with two?! In any case getting another for deeper diving still means your going to dive in the 30 odd range

[Dominic]

Quote[/b] ]why people have two if they don't use the other for carrying on.

To tell them what deco they have to do, monitor ascent rate, and cover them for any unplanned mishaps that occur - self-sufficiency is a goal all divers should have. Never rely on your buddy being there, Murphy states that they won't be.

[daz]

Quote[/b] (SteveC @ Jan. 04 2004,23:39)]

Quote[/b] ] For the sort of diving I'm doing (30m to 40m with not much deco) then I think that back-up computers are overkill. Of course I would like one, but I don't think they're by any means a neccesity.

Yep well thats what I think.  I've only got one computer (and a watch). But im trying to figure out why people have two if they don't use the other for carrying on.  Because if you've only got one and that goes tits up, your aborting and can work off your buddy's computer for safety stops and follow their lead if need be.

I suppose it arrises usually from the case of upgrading that you end up with two?! In any case getting another for deeper diving still means your going to dive in the 30 odd range

Well I carry two mainly for multiday diving.  So in the event of a failure on my primary then I can use my other computer for the remaining dives.

I would abort the dive where the primary failed because it is AI and I don't carry a gauge.  But at least I could stick a gauge on and continue with the remaining dives.

I can't think of anything worse than having to skip a days diving on say a red sea liveaboard due to a computer failure.

Daz

[Mark Chase]

Quote[/b] (Rob Evans @ Jan. 02 2004,23:22)]The Vytec has merit, but as regards the Aladin (nice, but does it really give you THAT much more) and the VR2 (HOW FECKIN MUCH?) you'd be better off keeping it cheap until you've got more of an idea what you want from your diving.
A VR3's a ton of money and though it DOES rock  I'm starting to wonder if it was money all that well spent.
Hope WL isn't reading this. Hope Chasey isn't reading this. Or Rob M. Or Phil E.
Bollocks, I've just managed to alienate another half of YD.  <img src="C:\Documents and Settings\Rob\My Documents\My Pictures\Emoticons\Big grin.gif" border="0">

PS Hang on to the Stinger, makes a great backup bottom timer in Guage mode.

No, actually I almost agree with you

I have the VR3 the Vytec a Viper and a Mares Surveyor. The VR3 is big heavy very very expensive utterly brilliant and a total waste of money unless you are doing long bottom times and racking up deco big time or doing Trimix.

The Vytec is a brilliant bit of kit apart from the total lack of supporting dive planning soft where for multi gas deco diving. It is more conservative than the VR3 so expect to be in the water a bit longer than the VR3 boys but I found this to be about 10mins on a 50m dive with 45min bottom time. If you are worried about an extra 10mins deco you are perhaps too aggressive a diver to be using a computer.

If you are doing deep long bottom times with multiple deco gas profiles on nitrox then the VR3 is useful as it will cope with most things, give deep stops and reduce the 6m hang time but it is still a bit too clever for the job. I have just done a week in the red sea and I had to use the VR3 on every dive to keep it up to date on the residuals for the planned deeper dives. I can tell you it was total overkill and slightly embarrassing to take such an expensive bit of kit in on a 20m dive and I was terrified that it would be damaged or get stolen. Not only that but the strap on the VR3 is rubbish and the dammed thing is always sliding around on my arm so it also irritating to use.

The VR2 is a total waste of money if you can afford that then go straight to the VR3

So I would go for the Vytec until you get into Trimix and then use the excellent Gauge mode on the Vytec to back up your VR3 when you do.

ATB

Mark Chase

[Mark Chase]

Quote[/b] (Janos @ Jan. 04 2004,22:08)]

Quote[/b] ]For the sort of diving I'm doing (30m to 40m with not much deco) then I think that back-up computers are overkill. Of course I would like one, but I don't think they're by any means a neccesity.

I woud be happy to do a 15m to 20m no deco dive with one computer but only in the clear blue stuff where finding a buddy is no big deel. I have no other depth or time gauge so its a bit silly but to be honist I wouldent start a dive that way intentionaly. My Vytec went pair shaped last week and showed me at 39m when I was at 18m so I carried on the dive with my VR3 and had my buddy as second back up.

A 30-40m dive with any thing aproaching a 20min bottom time is a deco dive and I would never go to those depths without a redundent computer or a depth gauge and timing device with bail out tables.

Quote[/b] ]I think the big advantage of backup dive computers (for me) is when you're on a weeks holiday somewhere and one goes wrong and you don't want to wait 24 hours before diving again.

I agree but lets face it if your doing 18 -25m no deco stuff then skip the night dive and you will be OK for the first dive next day as long as you bung in a 6min safety stop.

The main reasion I prefer two computers is getting rid of the consol and keeping the kit minimal. I used to use a Mares Surveyour Air only computer as back up depth, ascent rate and bottom timer. I used to bend it on every deco dive but you just undid the batery with a 10p bit and poped the batery out and it was ready to rock for the next dive. You can pick up a second hand Surveyour for about £50.00 no problem. A lot cheeper than a depth gage and seporate botom timer.

ATB

Mark Chase

[Andy Phillips]

For my money the Vytec is about the best computer around, except that is for the VR3, but then it is 1/3 the price. The only bummer with the Vytec is if you dip slightly below the 6.1M mark it stops counting but that aside it works.

The VR3, lots of cash and only relevant if you are doing mixed gas (Trimix) and long bottom times. It has been worth it's weight in gold this week, and nothing would part me from it again.

To all you people running tables and the DIR'ers "in your brain" tecnique (which has now been carefully explained to me - no way I will ever dive like that) I say yah boo suckers, I already own one.

Andrew

[Rob Evans]

Oi you two - wot no trip report?

[Andy Phillips]

Mark first, he's more funny looking than me, suffice to say it was magical

Andrew

[Ian@1904]

I started with a Vytec without the integrated air unit. It has been great. Initially I was sceptical about the AI unit.
For my birthday my wife bought me the air integration unit-what a great lady. I can now easily see my remaining air time without trying to test my mental arithmetic whilst down under. It has meant longer bottom times and improved dive management.
I had to complete a genuine rescue in the summer with lengthy deco stops, it was very reassurring to see that I had sufficient air time (just) to complete the stops.