Air integrated computers

[zackalack8999]

I have been doing a lot of research on this forum among others, and have decided that I want an air integrated computer. I know that suunto dive computers are more conservative and seeing as I am a young (18), reasonably healthy diver, I want to get a computer with a more liberal algorithm. The top on my list are the Aeris AI and the Elite T3. I know Uwatec also makes some air integrated computers, but I don't know as much about these. I also understand that certain computers don't allow you to switch the gas composition within a 24 hour period, and was wondering if any of those I have mentioned have this problem. Also, I will probably eventually move to doubles/ tech diving, so is there anything I should take into consideration for that?

 

[gafftape42]

If you plan on moving into tech you will probably find a wrist computer is a better choice. You also have a choice of either getting a comp that is designed for deco or using a rec comp as a bottom timer. Many tech divers start with a BT and some use them exclusively.

My first tech computer was a Nitek Duo. This is a good comp that is two gas and deco compatible.

 

[H2Andy]

if you're moving to doubles and/or more technical diving, i'd say don't bother with an AI computer.

get a computer that can handle at least two gas mixes (such as the Nitek Duo or Pro); this will take you a long way into tech diving

at some point, you will likely end up with a computer which can handle Helium (for trimix uses). those get pretty expensive. get a NitekHe if you can find one, or the new NitekX. there's a couple of others, but their prices are just prohibitive for me

like gaff says, go with a wrist mount if you're looking to do any type of tech diving

 

[wunat]

if you're moving to doubles and/or more technical diving, i'd say don't bother with an AI computer.

I second this.

get a computer that can handle at least two gas mixes (such as the Nitek Duo or Pro)

Could also look into Uwatec Aladin Tec 2G

go with a wrist mount if you're looking to do any type of tech diving

Second this as well.

 

[aquaticmatt]

the Elite T3 Computer or the Oceanic version (VT3) would serve great as an advanced sport diver computer as well as an intro computer into tech diving. You have the ability to set up to 3 different gas mixtures with these computers. You can switch gasses during the dive and it will automatically recalculate your decompression data based on the gas mix that you are breathing. As far as the algorithm, Aeris and Oceanic computers both have very liberal algorithms that give more bottom time than the other computers that you mentioned.

 

[Colliam7]

if you're moving to doubles and/or more technical diving, i'd say don't bother with an AI computer.

I third this. Although I have a Vytec, I don't use the transmitter with my doubles rig.

get a computer that can handle at least two gas mixes (such as the Nitek Duo or Pro); this will take you a long way into tech diving

IMHO, I would look for a 3 gas unit (backgas and two deco mixes), although that is not critical. Definitely, at least two.

at some point, you will likely end up with a computer which can handle Helium (for trimix uses)... get a NitekHe if you can find one

Another third from me. The He is a good unit, the only problem I see with it (pardon the pun) is that the display has smaller digits and is a more challenging to quickly read at depth, in darker water.

like gaff says, go with a wrist mount if you're looking to do any type of tech diving

Again, I third the sentiment.

 

[TxHockeyGuy]

the Elite T3 Computer or the Oceanic version (VT3) would serve great as an advanced sport diver computer as well as an intro computer into tech diving. You have the ability to set up to 3 different gas mixtures with these computers. You can switch gasses during the dive and it will automatically recalculate your decompression data based on the gas mix that you are breathing. As far as the algorithm, Aeris and Oceanic computers both have very liberal algorithms that give more bottom time than the other computers that you mentioned.

The Aeris Elite T3 or the Oceanic VT3 would also be my picks. They allow you to switch gases in case you decide to go that route but in all honesty if you start going to deco gases you'll probably not be using the computer as anything other than a bottom timer and wrist mounted depth gauge. The one thing I really like about the Aeris and Oceanic computers is they hard code the serial number into the transmitter and then you enter that number into the computer itself. That means if you lose sync they can sync back up again without any additional procedures. I know there have been several threads on Suunto regarding problems with losing sync and being unable to get the computer to resync back up without having to turn off their gas and then turning it back on quickly. That's more trouble than I'm looking for.

 

[fire_diver]

I will agree to ignore th AI computers. MAKE SURE you get computer that has a guage mode, if you want to move into tech in the future. I will also recommend the Nitek DUO.

Sending you a PM about some thoughts too.

Comrade Stroke

 

[bperrybap]

One thing you will want to think about is if you intend to dive
multiple gases in different tanks on the same dive.
If so, that eliminates the Aeris AI.
The AI supports Nitrox gas blends but it only supports a single
mix for the entire dive.
The T3 supports using up to 3 different gases from 3 different
tanks on the same dive.

Many, if not all Nitrox computers support setting different oxygen
percentages (type of nitrox) but once nitrox mode is set, you
cannot set the computer back to "Air" mode for 24 hours.
This is because the computer is tracking oxygen toxicity.
You can always still run regular air by setting the oxygen percentage
to match that of regular air or 21%.

I dive with the Aeris AI. I really like it.
Since I don't ever intend to do tech diving or deco diving using
multiple gases, the multiple gas capability wasn't a factor for me.
Depending on your needs, multi-gas might be a requirement for you.
If so, you wouldn't be able to use the Aeris AI and would
need the T3.


--- bill