conservatism of computers?

[simbrooks]

When i have been looking into computers to buy, i was left wondering which manufacturers use which bubble models. I have no real idea of how conservative these models are compared to one another and therefore which computer would give me a more conservative readout (all other aspects of the dive being equal).

Any quick and dirty way of knowing which models are more/less conservative and which manufacturers use them? I really know nothing of these types of devices having only dove tables so far. I would not like to go out and buy x or y computer to find that it is going to cut my time short or leave me in the water so long that others are going into deco mode.

I am pretty much only talking of algorithms here, not other features. I would like one that is nitrox compatible, but that is secondary to the time allowed at depth by the model algorithm. I have been diving the PADI RDP so far and was told that it is one of the more liberal tables out there, which got me thinking along these lines.

Simon

 

[mempilot]

This won't answer your question, but a buddy of mine and I were comparing our respective computer's planning pages for the same dive.

He dives a Suunto Vytec, and I dive an Oceanic VT Pro. His computer is a little more conservative than mine. Planning EAN32 at 1.6 PO2, his computer gave him a max depth of 130 and mine gave me 132. At a planned max depth of 130, his computer gave him 12 minutes and mine gave me 14 minutes.

We both had our alarm limits set at DECO.

I had heard that the Suunto's use a more conservative model.

 

[leadweight]

The really big differences between computers will show up on repetitive dives, especially those with short surface intervals. By the way, the Oceanic will give a lot of no-stop time, but will run up very long mandatory stops if taken beyond the no-stop limits.

Some of the more liberal computers available which are also useful if going beyond the no stop limits would be:

Aladin Pro Ultra
Benemec (sold under many brands including Sea Elite, Polar, Buddy and Zeagle, can be had for as little as $200)
Cochran

If you are used to having long bottom times, Suunto computers will drive you nuts, unless you want to dive nitrox all the time.

 

[mempilot]

Oceanic will give a lot of no-stop time, but will run up very long mandatory stops if taken beyond the no-stop limits.

Yep. I ran into this on a search about a month ago. I never have enough gas if the Oceanic goes red! )

 

[cyklon_300]

in GAUGE mode...

 

[ScubaRon]

Most computer manufacturers put a description of the model they use and the 1st dive NDL's in the back of the user manuals. Check the manuals on the following websites:
- www.diveaeris.com (Oceanic, Sherwood, Genesis use the same)
- www.suunto.com
- www.uwatec.com

Aeris the most liberal.
ScubaRon