All these computer problems...

[Washy]

After having dived with the Aladin Nitrox (hired from the LDS) in Cayman, I was seriously won over on using a computer rather than a post-dive tussle with the tables.

I must admit after reading about the "bugs" in some of these computers I'm now worried about putting my hand in my pocket to the tune of $300 or so for something that may be to all intents and purposed - deadly...

I had narrowed my choice to the Aladin Pro Ultra or the Cressi Archimede - both for the nitrox functionality.

Has anyone heard anything bad about either of these choices?

 

[Diversauras]

Is probably the safe answer. I have a Nitrox Pro in addition to the SmartCom that is now awaiting relacement and the NP works wonderfully and has for 6 years now. I had relegated it to back up computer, but now it is once again the primary... may have to look fo another one since the new technology is still a bit dicey.

 

[jamiei]

If all these dive computers were so deadly, we would be reading a lot more about dead divers... but in fact, the bugs that most people report are either non-existant or very minor. If you'll notice, most of the bugs you hear about stem from people's complaints of a dive computer not being liberal enough for them. We know that some of the uwatec computers have caused some problems for a few divers, but does anyone have any info on any other models/brands of dive computers actually having a direct impact on a diver's injury? I think the term bug is misused quite often... when most should be referred to as nuances... (terrible speller)...

 

[Sebastian]

I think what this shows us is that we can't rely on computers 100%.

 

[Jonathan]

tables are man made too - there has been a recall of PADI tables as well recently.

Jonathan

 

[RICHinNC]

Take a look at and consider the React.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Just an FYI, I recently had trouble with my Orca Pilot, it was acting VERY strange--not keeping surface interval times correctly was the most noticeable problem. When we opened up the battery compartment we discovered the expiration date on the battery was Aug 2000! I bought the computer in 2000, so it had been on the shelf so long the battery had "expired." I can't complain too much, it didn't start acting up too bad until now but I would occasionally have trouble getting it to activate on land before a dive (it always came on underwater).

If you can access the battery compartment on whatever computer you decide to buy you might want to check the expiration date on the battery if there is one.

Just my .02
Ber

 

[Gilligan]

Like any other man made product, a percentage of dive computers will be defective. Perhaps some brands more than others. The bottom line is your own personal awareness when you are diving. The dive computer seems to have left a lot of divers totally dependent on them for accuracy. I went through 9 Oceanic Data Pro's and they all came down with the same problem in as little as 2 weeks up to 2 years. Parts of the display faded out making a 7 look like a 1, etc. The data was accurate , you just couldn't read it! Oceanic never admitted that product was defective but it obviuosly was as other divers here on Maui had the same problem over and over. I recently replaced it with a Suunto Cobra and that failed in 3 months. It gave me a depth reading that was 15 feet less than the true one and data to match. Now that can be dangerous. My own personal knowledge of the dive site indicated the error, as did my gf's computer on the same dive.
In hindsight I believe purchasing the more expensive computers is not a good choice. If I did it over again I would not buy the Cobra but instead to 2 non-air integrated computers and an SPG. The lower priced non air ones won't hit your wallet as much when they crap out but they still do the job. Having two of them gives you an immediate backup if you are a frequent diver. Better still, use both of them at the same time for safetys sake.:shades:

 

[Charlie99]

Gilligan once bubbled...
. I went through 9 Oceanic Data Pro's and they all came down with the same problem in as little as 2 weeks up to 2 years. ... I recently replaced it with a Suunto Cobra and that failed in 3 months.

If I go diving with you, I'm leaving my computer behind -- clearly you have sort of computer-destroying force field around you :wacko:

I agree totally with your comments about personal awareness and not relying blindly on computers. They are great accountants, keeping detailed track of depth and time and calculating N2 loading, but you should always keep rough track on your own as a sanity check on what your computer is telling you. As you also noted, your buddy's computer is another good redundant check.

 

[scubasean]

Gilligan once bubbled...
I went through 9 Oceanic Data Pro's and they all came down with the same problem in as little as 2 weeks up to 2 years.

You are far more loyal than I.

If computer #1 breaks, I'm hesitant to even trust the replacement (although I will, since one-time failures do occur), much less go all the way to having NINE of the same make/model.