Computer

[DudleyNMU]

Hello,

I am looking for a new computer but dont wanna spend an arm and a leg. Also i plan on making the jump into tech diving in the near future, What is a good computer to look for that is also affordable,lets say under 325$ i was looking at the Dacor Darwin Nitrox Computer Console. Do any of you use this one for DECO Diving? Anyways thanks for any help given.

 

[WPBdiver]

I suggest the Dive Rite Nitek 3. It came highly recommended when I geared up for my tech courses, and I have not been disappointed. It is a three gas computer that is made for repetitive decompresion dives. You are going to spend at leasr $600 though, unless you find some incredible deal. You should not go tech on the cheap. I spent close to $8K for my tech set up and courses. It also depends on how tech you are going to get. If you think you may eventually get into tri-mix you might want to spend a little more now and get the Nitek He. Good luck.

 

[aquaoren]

Get yourself a Suunto Vyper.
It will serve you well until you'll start with your Tech diving and then you can use it in Gauge mode.
For that matter, every Nitrox capable computer that has a Gauge mode will do.
Most more advanced Tech diver are using their computer as a bottom timer anyway once they start diving Trimix.

 

[AndyNZ]

Get yourself a Suunto Vyper.
It will serve you well until you'll start with your Tech diving and then you can use it in Gauge mode.

I'd say the Suunto Vytec - it can be used as gauge when you are calculating deco profiles like the Vyper, but can also be used as a multi-gas computer for deco dives.

A lot of the tech community are not keen on computer use, but then some are. If you have the capability you can choose to use or not use it as your experience and understanding grows.

If money wasn't so much of an issue, I'd say a VR3. *Sigh* Would I swap my Vytec for a VR3? Probably not, but that doesn't mean I can't lust after one....

 

[dive_lover88]

I agree with them...i'm using a Darcor Darwin and boy do i want to ditch it and get a suunto stinger...

 

[String]

Id say go for the Vyper or the vytec if only doing "a bit of deco" with 2 gases.

Both can be switched to gauge mode at later date if needed.

VR3 is most definately overkill for normal shallow no stop diving.

 

[Goose75]

Don't want to spend and arm and a leg? How about a few fingers and toes?

I have an Aladin Tec. They are in the $400s and you can turn it to gauge mode as well.

 

[djsmokyc]

I've got a Darwin Air console, and I also want to get rid of it.

What is most annoying to me is how it seems to do everything in metric in the background, and then converts to U.S. units for display.

For example, the safety stop countdown starts when you are above 5 m. That converts to 16.4 ft. So, while I'm holding my stop at around 16 ft, the countdown can be on or off depending on what side of 16.4 ft I'm at.

It also has a flashing light warning when I get low on air. However, the settings are based in bar, so my choices are weird amounts like 725 psi, or 1190 psi.

The air-integrated part tracks my SAC, but only displays it in liters / min. I'd rather have it in psi / min for the tank I'm using, or even better in cubic ft / min, but you can't change it.

The buttons are rather stiff, so it takes some effort to activate the backlight when underwater.

I also get fast ascent warnings when I pull it up to look at it.

I've never taken it into or close to deco, so I can't comment on that.

If I were buying again, I'd get a wrist mounted Vyper or if I wanted to stay in your price range ($325), I'd go for an Oceanic Versa Pro.

 

[oceancrest67]

I understand that we all have a budget to contend with. I am in the process of finishing up my TDI extended range and it is a given that one's spending on more gear is an inevitability. Going on the cheap is no way to learn and practice technical diving...the more you do, the more you will spend. I am in the same boat when it comes down to budgeting a new computer...a technically oriented dive computer ought to fit in all environments...recreational or technical. I see spending the money now as a long term benefit.

 

[AndyNZ]

VR3 is most definately overkill for normal shallow no stop diving.

I know. But the engineer in me likes them... make anything out of anodised alloy and I'm sold.