So you want to purchase a Decompression Computer...

[Lorenzoid]

Yet, we constantly see complaints about computers being too conservative....

That thought occurred to me, but then I remembered that those complaints come from people doing no-deco dives with rec-oriented computers (like my Suunto), which build in a lot of conservatism. As I understand it, this thread is about deco computers. Eh?

 

[DCBC]

That thought occurred to me, but then I remembered that those complaints come from people doing no-deco dives with rec-oriented computers (like my Suunto), which build in a lot of conservatism. As I understand it, this thread is about deco computers. Eh?

Decompression happens on every dive, regardless of it's a decompression or no-decompression dive (these terms can be confusing in this regard). In either case, decompression can be controlled (acceptable) or not. If you question this, see what happens if you do a dive to the maximum depth and time allowed by no-decompression rules and ascend as fast as possible (NOT recommended). Although you are technically be doing a ND dive, your body will decompress on ascent. As this is at an uncontrolled rate, DCS may result. I point this out only to substantiate my use of the term "Decompression Computer."

---------- Post added June 21st, 2013 at 02:23 PM ----------

I wonder how many people don't understand that they really are adding conservatism by virtue of the default settings on their device. Many computers are inherently conservative as their algorithm is configured in that manner.

Some algorithms are more conservative than others, but if you follow any of them to the letter, you will eventually get DCS. The conservation in the algorithm isn't enough to ensure safe decompression i.e. every person in every environment (at least no one has been able to prove them to be).

 

[Lorenzoid]

Decompression happens on every dive, regardless of it's a decompression or no-decompression dive (these terms can be confusing in this regard). In either case, decompression can be controlled (acceptable) or not. If you question this, see what happens if you do a dive to the maximum depth and time allowed by no-decompression rules and ascend as fast as possible (NOT recommended). Although you are technically be doing a ND dive, your body will decompress on ascent. This will likely be an uncontrolled decompression and DCS may result. I point this out only to substantiate my use of the term "Decompression Computer."

So your poll is intended to apply to any "dive computer"? I did not respond to the poll because it's my understanding that the most commonly used term for the device that computes my no-deco time is "dive computer," not "decompression computer," even though it undeniably executes a decompression algorithm. I don't often hear people refer to their dive computers as "decompression computers." I think use of that term, though certainly technically correct, has the potential to confuse people--as it did me.

As to the poll, I don't add any extra conservatism because it's my understanding that my computer, which is intended for no-deco diving (okay, I get it--"all dives are deco dives"--but let's use the common terminology) is already very conservative.

 

[DCBC]

I don't often hear people refer to their dive computers as "decompression computers." I think use of that term, though certainly technically correct, has the potential to confuse people--as it did me.

Yes it is confusing. Computers integrate a rate of ascent alarm, as DCS can occur when the time/depth is not exceeded and falls within the ND recommended limits. As all computers do not require validation, who knows if the computer you buy conforms to the tables it's based upon.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Yes it is confusing. Computers integrate a rate of ascent alarm, as DCS can occur when the time/depth is not exceeded and falls within the ND recommended limits. As all computers do not require validation, who knows if the computer you buy conforms to the tables it's based upon.

That's not what's confusing. It's your terminology that's confusing to all but the pedants among us. Ask every diver on a recreational dive boat what that instrument is that he's got, and I suspect few to none will call it a "decompression" computer. Your technical knowledge is no doubt unsurpassed, but keep in mind that users like me are just trying to follow along and hopefully learn a few things from these more advanced discussions.

 

[mathauck0814]

"dive computer" ... "decompression computer"

See also: Synonym - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Moving along...

 

[Lorenzoid]

Thanks, the PADI Encyclopedia notes synonyms for "dive computer," too. But it's a easier for some of us to understand if you use the most common terminology instead of the one that's so technically correct as to be confusing to non-technical divers. "Decompression." You guys enjoy the conversation. I thought I could learn something here. What I learned was that some of you can be jerks.

 

[Ste Wart]

I have a Suunto Vytec DS which can run RGBM 100 & 50, add deep stops, plus it can handle three different nitrox mixes.

All of which is useless as I run it gauge mode all the time.

 

[DCBC]

That's not what's confusing. It's your terminology that's confusing to all but the pedants among us. Ask every diver on a recreational dive boat what that instrument is that he's got, and I suspect few to none will call it a "decompression" computer. Your technical knowledge is no doubt unsurpassed, but keep in mind that users like me are just trying to follow along and hopefully learn a few things from these more advanced discussions.

Point well taken. Perhaps this should have been in "Technical" and not in the Advanced SCUBA Discussion area. My apologies for any confusion. I also have a bit of a communication breakdown with today's typical "recreational diver," as I come from a different era where the training standards were different...

 

[scubadada]

Point well taken. Perhaps this should have been in "Technical" and not in the Advanced SCUBA Discussion area. My apologies for any confusion. I also have a bit of a communication breakdown with today's typical "recreational diver," as I come from a different era where the training standards were different...

I too, am disappointed at the level of knowledge of the current diver. I'm perhaps even more disappointed in most divers lack of interest in continuing education and a better understanding of dive physiology. To each their own.