Computer dive log - best way to learn from these data?

[ScubaJill]

I just purchased the software to be able to upload my dive profiles from my dive computer. What am I looking for? Ascent rates, NDL times during the dives, deco obligations if any, max depths, temperature, dive times? What's the best way to use these data, beyond seeing that I ascend too quickly sometimes?

 

[KeithG]

how well did you maintain your safety stop?
are you doing yo-yo dives?
how closely did your profile match your plan?

 

[scottz0369]

I've been comparing my air consumption rate. I know that no two dives are the same, but I can see a marked improvement when I compare dives at the same site.

 

[Storker]

Getting the full depth profile is IMO the best reason for downloading from my dive computer. It's still educational to look at the depth profile to see if it's good, and if I have any small fast ascents on the way (easy to have if you're not diligently monitoring your buoyancy in a DS. Tracking gas consumption is the second best reason.

I'm also using the profile to add depth info to my pictures.

 

[Neilwood]

I am using the info to try to check on ascent rate, SAC (most will calculate it given the tank details) & dive profile (did I sawtooth?)

@Storker never thought about using it for that. Thanks.

 

[tbone1004]

what computer do you have so we at least know what the logs look like?

 

[Storker]

Thanks.

You're welcome. Just be aware that some PDCs (at least mine) has a random deviation from the camera's time of up to two minutes. It's easily resolved, though. I just snap a pic of my PDC and push the bookmark button. That gives me a point to calibrate the PDC's timeline with the camera's.

 

[ScubaJill]

Thanks, all.

I have a Cressi Giotto. It's not air integrated, but I do have a fairly accurate dive log book where I recorded the beginning and ending PSI, so I can add that data to the digital dive log, among other information I recorded.

For "sawtooth" dives, are we looking for a specific change in depth, for example, more than 5 or 10 feet, or simply that jagged appearance on the screen?

 

[Storker]

I do have a fairly accurate dive log book where I recorded the beginning and ending PSI, so I can add that data to the digital dive log

And since your computer gives you the average depth of the dive, calculating your SAC/RMV for every dive will be a piece of cake. Win!

 

[tbone1004]

make sure you use avg depth and total gas used as that is a great indication of how you felt throughout the dive as a whole to keep tabs on. Other than that, I'd just look at your ascent rates and try to work on that. Once you get more experienced it will just be a good reference to look back for when you are conducting similar dives in that location