Computers With Timer Mode

[Lost Yooper]

Greetings,

It's time for me to ask all you guys an equipment question. I have never really done any research on computers, as I won't use them for determining deco for the diving I do. So, I'm deferring to you experts on the subject.

For most of my diving -- deep multigas decompression diving -- I use computer generated tables, a simple watch timer, and an ancient Aladin Pro as a backup timer. I'm tiring of bending the computer all the time and having to put it back into the water until it clears. I was very close to finally (after years of putting it off) buying a Uwatec bottom timer. Then I heard that a Suunto computer has a timer mode. This interested me, and thought I'd look into it, as well as any other computers that may have a timer mode.

I'd be using this computer as a timer for most of my diving, and a computer for my recreational (i.e. not trimix or significant deco dives) diving trips. As an aside, when I go on trips I like to look at the fishies in the shallows (less that 150') for the most part, and I don't like hauling all my junk for tech stuff. So, tell me about the various Suunto computers (and any others with a timer mode). I'm looking for the following things in a computer:

Timer mode -- depth, time, ascent rate, water temp, surface interval, etc.

Programmable nitrox mixes -- user friendly to pre-program any mix wanted.

RGBM Model (or similar) -- this can be optional as I can do the stops in my head, but it would be nice.

NO air integration.


Which computers have these things?

What's a good price to expect? If someone knows a great place to buy, I'd appreciate that too.

Any other thoughts would be great.

Thanks.

Mike

 

[Warhammer]

Both the Stinger and Vyper would partially meet those needs. They both have gauge mode which would display present depth, max depth, dive time, current time, temp, and an ascent rate indicator. The Vyper is available in wrist mount, BC mount, or console. The stinger is about the same size as a watch and wrist mount. However none of the Suunto computers will allow for any mix. They are limited to a nitrox mix between 21% to 50%. The only drawback to using them in gauge mode is that you can't switch it out of gauge mode for 48 hours after diving it that way.

As far as price goes, the Vyper is going to be much cheaper and somewhere around $300 for the wrist mount. The Stinger is going to run you around $500 for the rubber watch band and around $750 for the titanium one. You can also get them in a kit that includes the software, hookup and carrying case for a little more. If you want full warranties from a state-side dealer, I'd reccommend my LDS. He'll be very competitive on the price if you'll bargin with him and his service is out of this world. Contact him at dive@divesports.com

 

[large_diver]

Mike,

I think Suunto computers would meet your needs. I have a wrist-mounted Vyper, but I believe the Stinger and Mosquito have the same basic functionality, only smaller. The Vyper is the largest of the three, physically (About the width of my wrist). The Stinger and Mosquito are the size of your basic wrist watch.

For pictures:
http://www.sea-quest.com/pages/cat_dc.html

All have "Gauge mode", which is the equivalent to your "timer mode". In gauge mode you see current depth, max depth attained, temp, and dive time. I believe you can also get time of day by pushing the menu button (I never use this). Ascent rate is shown via a bar graph on the right side. See page 23 of the manual for a more complete description of how the ascent rate graph works.

http://www.sea-quest.com/pages/SQ_comm_techlib/SQ_comm_files/suunto_manuals/Vyper_UK.pdf

RGBM -- YES

Nitrox programmable - I think so, but I don't use Nitrox, so I am not experienced in this area.

Also has auto-activation and user changeable battery.

Where to buy -- I bought mine from simplyscuba.com in the UK for about $280 delivered. I just checked the site and prices are still about the same -- $285 for UPS "express"; $260 for "standard" delivery.

Note that the initial price you see on the web site includes 17.5% VAT tax (which is deducted for US orders) and does not include shipping.

http://www.simplyscuba.com/cgi-binq...ipping_country=United Kingdom Mainland and NI(Economy)

It took my Vyper about 4-5 days to arrive in Boston using UPS "express"

Of course there is the warranty issue -- supposedly only honored by Suunto Europe.

Hope this helps.

 

[Warhammer]

Just a note large diver, the Mosquito doesn't have gauge mode. It only has a freediving mode. What it displays it that mode I do not know, but it must be different since Suunto singles it out as such.

 

[Lost Yooper]

Cool. Thanks guys. That 48hr thing kinda sucks, but I can live with it. Nitrox up to 50% is fine, and I don't even want a trimix computer, so the Vyper is looking good and is reasonably priced too.

Thanks.

Mike

 

[large_diver]

Thanks WH.

I guess I have been wondering why Suunto introduced the Mosquito (I thought it was bascially the same as the Stinger)...I guess this is the added "bonus".

I just took a look at the Freediving mode -- looks like (1) You can only use it for 5 minutes; (2) It has less info than Vyper/Stinger due to smaller screen. You can get all but the ascent rate, but you have to scroll between 2 screens.

 

[TexasMike]

Mike,

Several of the Tekkies I know around here are saying good things about the Dive-Rite Nitek3 computer. It might fit much of the criteria you mentioned, especially with the cabaility to be set to monitor 3 separate breathing gasses during the dive.

Here's a link to the Dive-Rite site: http://www.dive-rite.com/products/nitek/nitek3.htm

And if you want me to hook you up with the Tekkies I mentioned, PM me and I'll send you some email addresses.

 

[Lost Yooper]

Thanks Mike,

I don't think I want something that fancy. I'll pull out the laptop for those type of dives. What's a good price for Nitek3?

Overthere at Simply Scuba, you can get the Vyper for like $230 and the Uwatec BT for $80, after you subtract the 17.5% tax. Wow! I might buy both gizmos at those prices. I still have some other people to talk to who can get stuff at great prices too, so hopefully this will work out.

Mike

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by Lost Yooper
so the Vyper is looking good and is reasonably priced too.

Thanks.

Mike

Mike,
The Stinger has a stop watch function in the gauge mode ... you might find that very useful for timing deco stops ... Depth, Max Depth, Bottom time remain visible but the largest numbers in the middle reset to zero with the push of a button and then start counting up until the button is pushed again at which time they reset to zero and start up again....and again....ect.

 

[Lost Yooper]

Hey UP,

Looks kinda small. How about using those buttons with thick gloves?

Thanks.

Mike