Computer or Not

[DandyDon]

Excerpting...

What I'm still really uncertain about is how this is safely done with repetitive diving. I've asked that question, and gotten some information, and a recommendation to start playing with decompression software.....

Yeah, then it becomes a choice of PC or PDC. I think the 2 PDCs I use have a better overall record than I do.

 

[nyprrthd]

I remember when the first electronic calculators came on the scene (circa 1970). I used to do calculations two or three times, because I didn't trust the new gizmo. Since the failure rate was extremely high, just about everyone who used one did the same thing.

I used to be able to add columns of three digit numbers in my head. Now I reach for the calculator to divide 100 by 10 (slight exaggeration, but you get my point). Grammar school kids now use calculators, and couldn't do some things in their head on a bet. Have you come across any teenagers who can count back change without referring to the computerized cash register readout?

Nitrox was once called "Devil Gas."

My point is, I'm willing to bet that the day will come when there are divers who have never seen a plastic RDP table, and a computer is considered as important as a regulator (and there is a section in the OW manual teaching basic computer diving skills). Personally, I think I'll always have my redundant analog gauges and a watch, but I really like my 'puter! It makes instant corrections for the real-time dive profile.

Time will tell. However, I also remember myself saying, "Phone in my car? Why would I want a phone in my car?" Now I panic if I leave home without my cell phone!

 

[rjack321]

well, bottom time * /2 isn't so much work I guess

Yeah but you have to remember the multiday limits. That's the hard part (for me)

 

[rjack321]

As with any thing else we do in Scuba, a computer is merely a tool -- and it is as good of a tool as our understanding of it. IF you actually have not spent the time and effort to understand deco (and I have certainly NOT) then relying on the computer to keep you safe is the ultimate in trust me diving..

I agree with you here.

However, DarkP -- as much as you (and yours) say you don't "rely" on computers, I really think you do -- they just happen to stay dry -- and then you rely on the one above your neck to remember and follow the plan the dry computer provided you!

Actually, no. I like many people diving gauge mode have laptop deco software available. This is for "what if" scenario playing. But decoplanner (the one I have) generates crummy profiles which I would never actually dive.

I have played with it, probably like Jason has, but its not very useful.

BTW, I have two primary reasons for continuing to use my Cobra:

a. I really like the close to real time "air time remaining" feature -- it saves me from doing Scuba Math and is a good cross check on how I think I'm doing; and

This seems like a big "trust me" situation here. Air time remaining until what? Does it consider your consumption may rise when you turn into the current, or share gas or multiple other situations?

The math really isn't hard to track at all. After awhile you find yourself just "knowing" when your consumption is off target. This also allows you to mentally set "pressure to time" check points other than the single one the Cobra tells you.

 

[wcl]

As with any thing else we do in Scuba, a computer is merely a tool -- and it is as good of a tool as our understanding of it.

A fundamental truth, indeed! Just a tool that can be used or misused.

Used correctly, it can only enhance the safety and convenience of diving. I always look at the tables before diving, and don't blindly trust the computer (devices fail, software has bugs). However, I also leverage the value of the many thousands of research and programming hours that went into the tool.



There is one key benefit to carrying a computer I didn't notice in the thread yet: It provides real-time information on the dive (and history leading up to it) for rescuers. Having that data at hand in an emergency could be crucial.



For my part, I used to dive with one computer (which I had from the outset of my diving), and backup depth gauge and bottom timer ... till the first computer failed.

Having bought a replacement and repaired the first, I now dive with two computers ;-).

Cheers,
Walter

 

[PerroneFord]

Well, I don't know about rescuers, but I carry a data recorder that would be of use to the *recoverers*. Or perhaps to DAN for accident data.

 

[rjack321]

There is one key benefit to carrying a computer I didn't notice in the thread yet: It provides real-time information on the dive (and history leading up to it) for rescuers. Having that data at hand in an emergency could be crucial.

I see this as having value only when trying to decide if you have plain old DCS or an embolism. Otherwise, treatments regimes aren't that specific.

 

[darkpup]

Used correctly, it can only enhance the safety and convenience of diving.

Cheers,
Walter

I see how it could enhance convenience, but how exactly does it enhance safety?

~ Jason

 

[nyprrthd]

Darkpup - As you can see from my profile, I am a newbie of the first order. Please take that into account:

Why computers add safety:

I use my computer in conjunction with standard dive planning tools, and employ the dive planning function in my computer. While I'm on a dive, I get real-time dive data that lets me know how well I'm following my plan, and if I need to make any adjustments. I think that sticking rigidly to a plan, without having said real-time data is equally as dangerous as relying on the computer without engaging ones brain. If I question my computer, I have a dive watch/bottom timer and analog gauges to use as a double check. If my computer indicators start to get into the yelllow-towards-red area, I simply ascend to a more shallow depth and stay there until I'm back in the green. Much safer, in my opinion, than guessing.

Since I dive Nitrox, there are added steps in planning and execution that require cross-referencing different tables. Much easier to use the computer, and double check against the tables.

As it has been stated in many posts, dive conditions can change rapidly, and blow your plan out of the water (pun intended). My computer helps me to access my current situation, and aids me in making what could be life saving decisions.

But... these are my opinions, and I could be wrong.

 

[DandyDon]

You're right on there...

As it has been stated in many posts, dive conditions can change rapidly, and blow your plan out of the water (pun intended). My computer helps me to access my current situation, and aids me in making what could be life saving decisions.

But... these are my opinions, and I could be wrong.