rk288
Contributor
I am seriously considering the Atom 2.0 with transmitter as a back up computer for my Pro Plus 2 on a liveaboard vacation next April. Would appreciate any first hand experience, recommendations or opinions. Thanks in advance...
Atom 2.0. Looking for opinions
- Thread starter rk288
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Kilili
Contributor
I have one, it's nice, no problems. Another selection, which I like better because it's easier to read is the Oceanic VT3.
SeaHorse81
Contributor
Based on other very recent threads on this computer, expect to have great difficulty figuring out how to use it. The other threads will help tremendously with this. Keep an eye on the thread by SCUBASailor in which he is working up an operating diagram that will help. I also have a hand-drawn diagram and written notes for my GEO that Atom 2.0 owners have found helpful. Seems to be a good computer once deciphered.
drrich2
Contributor
Also based on recent threads, I think the Atom 3 is due out soon. Check into that before you plunk down money for a 2.0.
Richard.
Richard.
jimmy71
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i can help you a bit with this. I dive a proplus 2 and my GF dives the atom 2.0. I have also taken her computer a few times with me as a back up on deeper dives and also do trouble shooting/tech for her. If you are familiar with your proplus and how to change settings then you should not have any problem with the ATOM 2.0. Also if you are not planning on using gas switching or the buddy check system then you will be much better off. Those are a bit harder. I will say that when ever i travel or will be away from land for a while i always just take the manuels for both the computers. Oceanic has the PDFs to download. If you can not find them on the site ill be happy to share.
I will say that if i had to do it again i would have bought the VT3. It is the same computer as the atom 2.0 but without the watch feature. It is the hockey puck design and a little bigger. Does your dive computer need a stop watch? the extra buttons do complicate it and the atom is still to big (and expensive) to be a usable watch on land. With the 2 buttons of the VT3 the menus would be much more consistent with what you are used to.
I will also say that the atom 2 is currently on its second trip back to be fixed in a little over a year. My datamax proplus 2 has never had a problem. I would also tell you if you are using the atom as the backup, leave the transmitter off your regs unless the proplus dies on a dive. The transmitter can be damaged. If you are worried about not having a SPG during a dive, put a simple pony gauge on your second HP port so that if it does dies someone can check your air status. Then when you surface you can switch it out for the transmitter.
Blue Reef Pony Bottle Tank Small Pressure Gauge
If any of this does not make sense just ask and i will be happy to clarify
jimmy
I will say that if i had to do it again i would have bought the VT3. It is the same computer as the atom 2.0 but without the watch feature. It is the hockey puck design and a little bigger. Does your dive computer need a stop watch? the extra buttons do complicate it and the atom is still to big (and expensive) to be a usable watch on land. With the 2 buttons of the VT3 the menus would be much more consistent with what you are used to.
I will also say that the atom 2 is currently on its second trip back to be fixed in a little over a year. My datamax proplus 2 has never had a problem. I would also tell you if you are using the atom as the backup, leave the transmitter off your regs unless the proplus dies on a dive. The transmitter can be damaged. If you are worried about not having a SPG during a dive, put a simple pony gauge on your second HP port so that if it does dies someone can check your air status. Then when you surface you can switch it out for the transmitter.
Blue Reef Pony Bottle Tank Small Pressure Gauge
If any of this does not make sense just ask and i will be happy to clarify
jimmy
OP
rk288
Contributor
Thanks Jimmy. That gives us more perspective. One of my plans or choices being considered is to buy 2; one for me and one for my son depending on the LDS price, etc...
jimmy71
Contributor
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As far as the buddy check feature is concerned. It is pretty much worthless. It would require you to so close you could just read his gauge. You would need to be in the range of approx 2 ft of the transmitter in only certain directions. I had thought that was a feature i would use as well and it is just not realistic. Look at page 92 of the ATOM 2.0 manual. here http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/pdf/12-2698-r01.pdf
They claim you can get 6 ft of reception but i have not actually seen that.
JImmy
They claim you can get 6 ft of reception but i have not actually seen that.
JImmy
karastal
Registered
My husband and I both use the A2 and have for - him 2 yrs and me 1 year. We both quite like it. We are able read each others air and even I can change between gases with no problems :cheerleader: I've not taken the time he has to figure out all the functions. My only issue is the long press, short press and remembering which function requires which and I get frustrated with it. That being said, the features I use most often, I remember...it's just the ones I don't use as often.
karastal
Registered
You're right, you do have to be very close. I usually just ask but he checks mine and is normally right up next to me. I'm the photographer and he'll do a check on me if he doesn't want to disturb me to ask. It's not a feature we utilize often but occasionally.
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