Reviewers/testers needed for talking dive computer

[Meng_Tze]

What deco model/algorithm is used in this computer?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

What manner of talking is involved? I don't mind people using audible signals as "reminders", but it's annoying when someone else's computer is always beeping. I find it distracting, since I don't really need to "share" their reminders.

If the sound carries to the diver through an earpiece, I'd say it's a worthwhile idea for those who choose to use it. If the sound carries through the water, I think it's not going to be popular with other divers in the vicinity.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[qrpc]

If the sound carries through the water, I think it's not going to be popular with other divers in the vicinity.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I agree that constant chatter would be anoying, but the idea has potential. The thing about beeping computers that I don't like is that I always have to look to see if I'm the one beeping. Even when it's someone else, I don't know if it means he just swam up a little fast or if there is a potentially serious problem.

Certainly a voice saying "low air" is something everyone in the vicinity might like to know. An audible depth floor warning, whether mod or a personal limit, might also be handy. Even a "depth hold" mode that warns you if you drift up or down might be useful for mid-water hangs or navigation.

 

[Mike_Mayfield]

What deco model/algorithm is used in this computer?

You can choose between Haldane, Buhlmann ZH-L12, ZH-L16B, ZH-L16C, and in the future, VPM.

 

[Mike_Mayfield]

What manner of talking is involved? I don't mind people using audible signals as "reminders", but it's annoying when someone else's computer is always beeping. I find it distracting, since I don't really need to "share" their reminders.

If the sound carries to the diver through an earpiece, I'd say it's a worthwhile idea for those who choose to use it. If the sound carries through the water, I think it's not going to be popular with other divers in the vicinity.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

The talking is through a speaker into the water, but you can customize the volume. When I dived it a couple of weeks ago, I had the volume very low and could still hear it fine, but my dive buddy couldn't hear anything right next to me.

Unless you have an alert that you need to know about, there isn't much talking. Here is a section of the manual that talks about the talking experience:

If the dive is progressing normally, Digital Dive Buddy does not say much. It periodically tells you your depth and possibly your remaining dive time. It will then tell you when you reach your safety stop and count it down each minute until complete. Digital Dive Buddy only gives you additional warnings if an issue is detected.

 

[Meng_Tze]

You can choose between Haldane, Buhlmann ZH-L12, ZH-L16B, ZH-L16C, and in the future, VPM.

Curious to see Haldane and older Buhlman (12). I was led to believe that ZH-L16B and C are the same, just that C was specifically optimized for computer use?

Interested to see this hit the market.

 

[Mike_Mayfield]

We support Haldane and Buhlmann ZH-L12 because there are still several computers out there that use those tables. We attempt to match your wrist/console computer's algorithm and settings so that information and warnings from Digital Dive Buddy correspond as closely as possible to your primary dive computer.

ZH-L116B and C are almost identical. C changes one or two values in the faster compartments to better reflect the finer accuracy of computers.

 

[halocline]

As long as it doesn't start advertising during the alarms. You know, like "this ascent rate alarm is brought to you by..." BTW, do you think you could program the computer to play some music while your diving? It does have a speaker. Even better, let's get a computer that can provide helpful reminders like "You are approaching your maximum depth for this O2 percentage, and don't forget your girlfriend's birthday next week."

Sorry, I couldn't help it. I'm sure you mean well by developing this product, but to me it seems like just another solution in search of a problem. Still, I hope it's a success, and maybe someday I'll get one, as long as the voice for the warnings can be recorded by the same female voice that did the star trek computer.

 

[Couv]

snip here and there...BTW, do you think you could program the computer to play some music while your diving? ....

Theme from "Jaws" while underwater, "The Edmund Fitzgerald" during the surface interval.

 

[mikemill]

The talking is through a speaker into the water, but you can customize the volume. When I dived it a couple of weeks ago, I had the volume very low and could still hear it fine, but my dive buddy couldn't hear anything right next to me.

Would you mind saying what gear you were diving in? I keep my computer fairly near my head and with a hood on I can't hear it.

I like the idea in general for those who get engrossed and can use a gentle prod.