Anyone Taken Padi/dsat Gasblender Course

[MikeFerrara]

I would say that the course is SLANTED towards the software, but Michal did show the underlying math in the course. As a matter of fact, the only thing I used the software for was verification that the math I was doing was correct. We went over the little tables that is in the back of the book, and I even went as far as deliberately screwing up a mix just to work the math and get my mix back to the correct mix I needed at the correct ending pressure.

Most of he math is there in most courses. I'm just not crazy about the way they arange the equations.

Once in a while being an engineer has been an advantage. LOL

 

[rollinssm]

I took the course and found it interesting. The math is High School level Algebra. You really don't need the computer program. Understanding algebra makes the class real simple.

Do you know what kind of equipment that you will working with to make those wonderful NITROX blends?

 

[Mako Mark]

I have to agree with mike regarding the way they do the math over at DSAT, why you would multiply by 1/x rather than divide by x is beyond me, I guess I was just brought up doing southern hemisphere math..

I do like the dsat mix calculator though, as long as you understand the matematical concept I see nothing wrong with using such a calculator, we do after all use even more complex software to custom cut our tables for us.. The important thing though is to know when the software is telling you to do something completely rediculous..

 

[opiniongirl]

I love it - the materials are great, current, and new.

the software is excellent - who wants to be farting around with calculations if you don't have to? I agree you need to know them...but honestly - how many of us skip using a calculator for the joys of long division?

 

[NUTTZ]

I took it and really enjoyed the class. I would recommend it to anyone that was or will be taking any nitrox courses. Just simple high school algebra. The instructor I had was really good with the book part and we also got into alot of hands one. I had just purchased a set of double 120's and he let me use those to do my fills with pretty cool.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I love it - the materials are great, current, and new.

the software is excellent - who wants to be farting around with calculations if you don't have to? I agree you need to know them...but honestly - how many of us skip using a calculator for the joys of long division?

There isn't anything wrong with using software but there are some very good reasons for learning the math fluently. First of all the understanding and ability to know when software is giving you the wrong answer. Second is the flexability you get from not being dependant on software.

I've done a lot of gas mixing out in the field where there wasn't a computer. Laptop batteries don't last long and my palm even has a habit of going blank at very inconvenient times.

I do carry a solar powered calculator in my mixing bag but I can get by without that too if I have to.

I can also do things in the way of topping off existing mixes that I've never seen a software package able to do...saving gas (and time) is something else that can be important in the field.

I've never seen a program that will guide you through the process of getting a whole pile of partially full tanks filled with various mixes when you're transfilling O2 and He without a booster and have a limited supply. The order you fill them in as well as the amount of gas you're able to keep can make all the difference...as in dive or no dive. Only those who work in and/or dive near a dive shop will be mixing in a dive shop. The rest of us mix in garages or out of the back of a truck and sometimes hours or days away from additional gas. The problems are different and none of the texts address them as far as I've seen.

The same arguements can be used for planning decompression. Have you ever been out on a boat or at a spring only to pull out the lap top and have it not boot up? I use software for lots of things but I don't like to be dependant on it especially out in the field.

 

[jbisjim]

I am taking a blending class now, not the padi one, and I enjoy it a lot. And yes it seems to be done towards software.

what formulas do you use Mike?

 

[nessum]

I took the course a month ago. It was very informative and will be beneficial to me in many ways (oddly enough I had to take it when I did, not for diving, but for my other job... long story).
It's well worth the time and money. As for the math vs. software... well, yes, it does seem oriented to software use, but I'm sure it depends on your instructor.

 

[skeet]

I have started the class now. Havn't used the math for any calculations yet but it doesn't look over my head. Even if you dont use the software you still have some good charts to use.