Computers - No decompression only??!!!

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selytch

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Messages
104
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Location
Wailuku, HI
# of dives
200 - 499
I came from a foreign country where I didn't have access to dive computers. We used tables and computer software only. And now I have a revelation...
I got one dive computer to play with - Aeris 750GT. Based on reviews - kinda old, but one of the good ones.
And all it offers is NO DECOMPRESSION DIVING ONLY????
Is this true for all recreational computers?
 
No, many offer decompression capabilities using different models. I suggest you search through the computers subsection in the equipment section.
 
no, many rec computers will do deco. i know the Atmos 2 does.
 
Computers have been offering decompression diving since before I was diving. I just finished reading Bernie Chowdhury's The Last Dive, and he talks about the deco requirements on computers 15 years ago.
 
selytch:
I came from a foreign country where I didn't have access to dive computers. We used tables and computer software only. And now I have a revelation...
I got one dive computer to play with - Aeris 750GT. Based on reviews - kinda old, but one of the good ones.
And all it offers is NO DECOMPRESSION DIVING ONLY????
Is this true for all recreational computers?

The Uwatec SmartCom will do tell you about necessary deco stops, however there's no guarantee that you'll have enough gas to complete the deco obligation.

Also, since it's not designed as a deco computer, you have no control over where/how long the stops are, or with what mix is used, it's more like "Air Bags" than "Accident Avoidance".

I beleive there are at least a couple of computers specifically designed for deco diving.

Terry
 
Well, I gues my first statemest is too harsh. Anyway, there's a BIG LETTER print on the cover page of this computer instructions that it is NOT FOR INTENTIONAL DECOMPRESSION DIVING.
Why would somebody spend $400 for this type of computer if he can get a regular console with gauges and decompression tables for much cheaper and less maintanence???
 
My Mares M1 does DECO diving and it works pretty well (it's clear and obvious when and for how long you should stop). Now it is worth noting that with the Mares M1, if you miss a DECO stop then the watch goes into a locked mode and cannot be used for 24 hours (basically letting you know, your diving is done for 24 hours since you missed DECO).

Not that I regularly do DECO diving, but I wouldn't buy a computer today that didn't do DECO.

There are times, especially when wreck diving at 100+' that DECO comes into play. I was told by an instructor who I think very highly of to always try and double whatever the DECO times say as an added blanket of protection, so I base my diving on what my computer tells me in DECO and how much air I have left. PS - this is all for single tank, non-planned/staged deco.
 
I did.

This is merely the manufacturer's attempt to cover their butts! Decompression diving has it's own set of protocols. Too often many divers feel that their computer gives them permission to enter into a deco obligation when NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!

Decompression diving requires specialised equipment, training and techniques. Trying to accomplish this without ALL THREE is merely an exercise in trying to cheat death. He doesn't trifle with cheats.
 
I'm sure a lot of dive computers have a similar disclaimer that it's not intended for DECO diving. That just protects them from some level of liability because like previously stated, the computer doesn't know how much air you have left.

However at the same time, the computer manufacturer knows people are going to want DECO level functionality. I've only DECO dive'd twice, the deeper of the dives (110'), I entered DECO at around 77' (since I started at the bottom of the wreck and slowly worked towards the top) and after a few minutes began slowly ascending and arrived at 55' to do a 5 min DECO stop, at this point I still had 1,500 PSI left. Before the dive, I had not planned on going out of NDL, but since it was a wreck I told myself I might. I pre-determined with my buddy that regardless what the computer said, we were going to begin our slow ascent with no less than 1,300 PSI. We both felt that it gave us sufficient air to complete 10-15 minutes of DECO/safety stops. Regardless of what the computer told us, we had also pre-determined regardless of NDL or DECO that we were going to stop at 55' for 5 minutes (roughly half the max depth). After that my computer instructed on a 2 minute deco at 25', we did that, then we did a 5 min safety stop at 15', and surfaced. We still had around 900 PSI left when we surfaced (both my g/f and I are above average when it comes to air consumption; meaning we use less than others, especially when not moving or at safety stops).

That said, air time is a critical factor for when doing deep and/or DECO dives. If I'm diving past 90' then my buddy and I will always have a pre-determined plan regarding predetermined safety stops and air time limits with a high level of conservatism built-in.

I'm sure some people will feel my system is flawed so if someone has any constructive input feel free, but I verified my system with a very experienced technical diver and he thinks it is plenty conservative.
 
selytch:
....And all it offers is NO DECOMPRESSION DIVING ONLY????
Is this true for all recreational computers?

Yes, it's true....recreational computers should never be used as anything other than a depth gauge and timing device on deco dives. If you were to compare the deco information provided by a recreational computer and that of a known deco software program like V-Planner you would be shocked at the differences.

--Matt
 

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