Anyone have the Suunto D6 watch?

[JohnnyH]

I've been contemplating purchasing the Suunto D6 as my backup depth gauge for my VR3 - and to use as my computer on recreational dives.

One benefit for me is that I'd also use it as my compass.

Does anyone use/own the D6 - or even the D9? If so, I'd love to get some feedback on the device, especially the functionality / reliability of the compass.

Thanks,
John

 

[Geoff_H]

John, since yesterday I am the owner of a D6. I'll be diving with it in a few days and come back and let you know how I get on with it.

I'll check it against my wrist compass to see how the electronic compass performs underwater. From what I read, some see it as a gimmick and others think it's useful in some situations. My best guess is that it should be ok for very basic stuff (head out at bearing xyz for 10 minutes to find so and so) but for serious navigation an independent compass will be more useful.

From just playing with it in my lounge, it seems accurate enough and quite responsive - certainly no slower at adjusting to changes than a regular compass. Also it seems to tolerate being angled (not held parallel to the floor) pretty well. You can also program in a declination if magnetic north isn't true north where you dive.

You can also press the select key (when in compass mode) to lock in the current bearing. Then if you stray off this, you get an arrow pointing to the locked in bearing showing you which way you need to move to return to it.

 

[Geoff_H]

By the way, soon the Vyper 2 will be coming out and offer the same functionality as the D6 for a smaller cost. I couldn't wait for it to get into the retail stores as I'm diving before it will be out but maybe woith considering for you.

Suunto Vyper2 Features
Advanced Features of Suunto Vyper2:
# Electronic compass and tilt sensor
# Matrix display
# 2 gas switching
# Optional Deep Stop
# Dive profile displayed graphically on the screen


Other Main Features:
# 3 operating modes (Air, Nitrox, Gauge)
# Complete decompression stop data
# Suunto Deep Stop
# 80 h logbook and profile memory*
# Lifetime history memory
# Profile memory bookmark
# PC interface (optional)
# Multi step ascent rate indicator
# Personal adjustment
# Altitude adjustment 0-3000 m (0-10000 ft)
# Automatic safety stop countdown
# Extended decompression range (ceiling, floor)
# Built-in dive simulator
# Calendar clock
# Alarm clock
# Electroluminescent illumination (backlight)
# User-replaceable battery
# Depth display range 0-150 m (0-450 ft)
# Audible alarms
# Max. depth alarm
# Display shield and protective boot
# User-selectable metric or imperial units
# Suunto RGBM

 

[johnny_bravo]

I have a D9...the compass feature is nice but it's a big time hit or miss IMHO. I dive with a SK-7 as my main compass and they are usually off during a dive. Plus you have to recalibrate the compass on the D9 all the time.

Other than that it's a fantastic dive computer.

Hope this helps.

-J.-

 

[Meister481]

My D9 has 120+ dives and I can tell you that the compass feature isn't the greatest. It will just return to the dive screen in a short time. When you get into serious low vis navigation I wouldn't recommend it. It does just fine in good vis when you can use natural topography to aid you. One use it has is when you are driving, it comes in handy when you get turned around going to a new dive site. The D9 has been a good purchase for me. The wireless integration makes it so easy and quick to check my time and pressure with very little effort. The log software is a little tricky but it's a great resource for tracking your dives. The algorithm is a bit Conservative, but you can set it on 50% to get it more in line with other computers.