Computers - do beginners need them?

[WreckWriter]

my opinion on this isn't likely to be popular.

I think new divers should use tables and timers for their first 100 dives. Then, after you REALLY know how to use tables, you can get a computer.

For a brand new diver it's a crutch that allows you to not know how to dive safely and get away with it.

Tom

 

[Soggy]

Pug:
I responded to your post in the other forum...

 

[jonnythan]

WreckWriter once bubbled...
my opinion on this isn't likely to be popular.

I think new divers should use tables and timers for their first 100 dives. Then, after you REALLY know how to use tables, you can get a computer.

For a brand new diver it's a crutch that allows you to not know how to dive safely and get away with it.

Tom

What exactly is "REALLY" using the tables? I've done plenty of dives on the tables, and plenty of dives using my computer. The tables are extremely straightforward.. what am I missing about the capabilities of my OW tables?

 

[Bob3]

Dive computers have their place, bad thing is that it's WAY too easy to abuse them.
Divers really need to know their tables; starting off with a dive computer can give the student a crutch or an "excuse" for not learning or practicing their tables.
A dive computer can actually become a safety hazard when used as intended.
They allow a person to max out on NDL bottom time, loading up on that good old nitrogen & becoming prime candidates for one of those so called "undeserved hits". This usually happens while on vacation when the diver is cramming in as many dives as possible. One of the most often heard comments from bent divers is "I can't understand it, my computer was still in the green".
That being said, I have a couple of Mosquitoes & like them, even though I restrict myself to NDL table diving because of some nerve damage that produces many of the same symptoms as a hit.

 

[WreckWriter]

jonnythan once bubbled...
What exactly is "REALLY" using the tables? I've done plenty of dives on the tables, and plenty of dives using my computer. The tables are extremely straightforward.. what am I missing about the capabilities of my OW tables?

You probably aren't missing anything but many do. Lots of folks have a very bare understanding tables and can only use them properly in specific situations (ie- can't work them backwards).

REALLY using the tables is being completely comfortable with them. Another thing would be being able to use various types of tables (what if you lose yours and the only guy that has any is NAUI?)

Comfort is acheived by different folks at different times. My 100 was an arbitrary number which I figured would be sufficient for most anyone.

I'm not anti-computer, I just think its important to know tables.

Tom

 

[Uncle Pug]

WreckWriter once bubbled...
(what if you lose yours and the only guy that has any is NAUI?)

What if I leave mine at home under my cup on the mahogany nightstand...

...oh.... wait...

I always leave it there... ut:

But I do take my brain.... most of the time.

 

[The Chairman]

During their first class, my students attach a golf pencil on surgical tubing and a brass clip to their tables. NAUI tables have space on the back to record the profiles. Then, they don't get wet unless they have ALL of their gear (including tables, watch, Depth gauge and SPG) with them. That goes for pool sessions too!

Train your children in the way they should go, and they will not depart from it... unless their name rhymes with "UG"... :tease:

 

[neil]

Uncle Pug once blurted...

The brain rotted computer sotted folks who have surrendered control of their dive plan to a device whose algorithm was ultimately tweaked to satisfy the legal department of the respective manufacturer...

Pugster,
I'm not going to weigh in on the tables/computer issue, but your proof to back up the above statement is... where? And I don't want a link to another thread, gimme real facts! If you could prove it, you'd be a millionaire.

Neil