Tech Computer advice.

[SailNaked]

I am getting ready to take my Adv-N/Deco course and the instructor is requiring a 3 gas computer. I was willing to get one anyway at some point but I assumed it would be when I took Trimix. I was not really wanting to spend 2k right now on a watch so the VR3 etc was not on my list. Is this a cost of doing business and I should bite the bullet now and get a trimix capable puter or would a standard 3 gas puter like the Aeris Epic (or similar) be fine and then sell it later or use the tables for trimix. I have a single gas guage mode watch for BT later but do not want to end up with 3 computers unless that is the norm.

 

[Blackwood]

Boy, that really puts a premium on the class.

Do you have a connection with this instructor or is it just someone who you have easy access too?

 

[anytime]

I would just go ahead and buy a used Vr3, you should be able to get one in the $650 range, or get a Shearwater for $1000. No need to get a computer that you will need to upgrade for the next step.

Edit to add: But you should be able to take the class with just tables.

 

[StreetDoctor]

Find a new instructor that allows use of a bottom timer and the computer between your ears

 

[SailNaked]

I'll confirm the "requirement" but it is a highly respected instructor, not sure why the computer is on the required list unless I am misreading it.

 

[DevonDiver]

Wow... I don't know many tech instructors who 'require' a computer for tech. Most prefer students to cut the appropriate tables and run their dives with depth/timers.

However, If you want to get a tech computer, then first and foremost - investigate the Liquidvision X1. IMHO, far better than the VR3.

 

[gumbo717]

My buddies and I are also getting ready to take the Adv Nitrox/Deco Procedures we have spoken to many different instructors and we were all told not to bring a computer unless you can switch it to guage mode. We are using tables to plan our dives and not using a computer. It is not a requirement for any of the instructors I have talked to.

 

[fire_diver]

Ditto what the others have said. I can't imagine being required to have a 3-gas computer for any deco class. The whole point of the class is to teach you how to properly plan and execute a staged deco dive. Nothing about that needs a computer.

I suggest confirming the class requirements with your instructor. If he does require that, find a new instructor!

 

[Blackwood]

it is a highly respected instructor

I'll take that as an answer to my question.

Philosophically, how do you plan to dive? Instructor aside, if you plan to dive without a computer in the future, I imagine it's best to learn from someone who will teach you to dive without realtime decompression computations. If you intend to dive WITH a computer, by all means future-proof yourself with a X1 or VR3.

 

[wedivebc]

I am getting ready to take my Adv-N/Deco course and the instructor is requiring a 3 gas computer. .

Get a new instructor!