Decisions on a Dive Computer

[Shane Te Ngaio]

Yes the G2 is supported by standard decompression algorithms.Thankyou for your reply.
Just wondering if you would have any recommendations of what path of training I could pursue in order to allow myself to dive some of the WW II wrecks at Chuck Lagoon Micronesia which would be around the 55-60 meter depth?
I have logged approximately 200 or so NDL dives.

 

[Wibble]

Excellent that you’ve a clear target and focus for your future training.

60m is well into the normoxic trimix range requiring two decompression cylinders with all the associated skills.

I believe helium is excruciatingly expensive in Chuuk. I doubt that it is even available for open circuit given that one open circuit dive would consume the same quantity of oxygen and helium as ten or more rebreather dives. (The gas cylinders need to be specially imported by ship; hence the difficulties in sourcing)


Thus for your future I see (in true gypsy palm reading fashion) you taking the Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures (ANDP) course which gets you the first step to 45m on a single decompression cylinder; planning and keeping stops. Do that as soon as you can on open circuit. Work on your core skills — a requirement for all competent diving.

Then there’s a fork in the road. Rebreathers are expensive to buy, think motorbike. They need a good year or more of extensive diving to hone your skills.

There’s either the normoxic/extended range for open circuit, or "MOD2" for rebreather.


Once you’ve there, the world’s your lobster.

 

[Shane Te Ngaio]

Wow thanks very much for the advice.I understand the concept of learning the core skills like trim and buoyancy control in order to maintain the required decompression depths.
i will do my homework in order to locate a reputable training company in Victoria.

 

[Wibble]

Diving is great as there’s so many opportunities for different kinds of objectives. A journey if you like.

Core skills (finning, trim, buoyancy) are a given. Moving in to ANDP is a straightforward decision. Further than that… very much up to circumstances.

Choose your “technical” instructor well as you should be having a long term relationship. S/he should be an accomplished diver of depth and quality with hundreds of hours at deco.

Its fun!

 

[scubadada]

H

Hi as a recreational diver I have been using Scubapros G2 Computer and has worked well for me.Just wondering if it would be suitable to use for Technical diving as I am keen to start some decompression training diving with a twin set up?

The main requirement is the computer must support "standard" decompression algorithms as you will be diving with other people, sharing common plans and working together.

The standard algorithm is Bulhmann with Gradient Factors. This is supported on planning tools such as MultiDeco.

Does your computer use Bulhmann?

Yes the G2 is supported by standard decompression algorithms.Thankyou for your reply.
Just wondering if you would have any recommendations of what path of training I could pursue in order to allow myself to dive some of the WW II wrecks at Chuck Lagoon Micronesia which would be around the 55-60 meter depth?
I have logged approximately 200 or so NDL dives.

The Scubapro G2 runs Buhlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB, a proprietary version of Buhlmann, not used by any other brand. Importantly, this is not Buhlmann ZH-L16C with gradient factors, the more widely implemented decompression algorithm.

 

[Shane Te Ngaio]

Thank-you scubadada I will checkout the Shearwater brand

 

[Catito]

So after reading around on the board, trying out some different gear, and setting aside a decent amount of money, I settled on getting the HOG Total BCD Scuba Gear system.

HOG Total BCD Scuba Gear System Package

The package comes with the Mares Puck Pro+ dive computer. I am debating selling this computer for around $200 and putting that money toward an air integrated computer. However, I do not know if an AI computer is needed at my skill level and any AI computer I get would probably need to be around $600-$700 w/ transmitter (before adding in the $200 sale of the Puck Pro+). At that price point w/ transmitter it is looking like the Mares Smart Air or the Suunto Vyper Novo ($600 and $700 w/ military discount). Do you think that computer's such as these in this price point are worth it? (I do not need a color screen or anything, I would just want mainly the AI. I do know that the algorithms used probably need to be factored in)

Also I am only recently open water certified and I am not doing any kind of advanced diving currently. Advanced open water maybe in my future at some point, but that maybe a while. The main things I am looking to do is spear fishing and lobstering where I live in FL. I think AI would be nice to help me track my air consumption and overall improve my diving. However, the AI feature is a decent chunk of change. I am set up with all the essentials for diving (wetsuit included), but still would like to get the spear fishing essentials (need to do more research on what all that is, I know a spear gun is one lol). I have the funds to get a speargun, but for the cost of the AI and nicer computer, I could do my advanced open water or get a nice light and other items for spear fishing. So my other option is to just keep the Puck Pro+ and maybe see if I grow into a fancier computer. I think the Puck Pro+ would be sufficient, yet the AI would be nice. What do you all think? I appreciate any input.

I really like the Mares Puck Pro+. It is hassle-free and easy to use.

 

[rhwestfall]

I really like the Mares Puck Pro+. It is hassle-free and easy to use.

And just not a good choice for the OP's path of technical diving. Proprietary algorithm is not good in a team system. Planning software commonly used does not run the same algorithm...

 

[Wibble]

Thank-you scubadada I will checkout the Shearwater brand

Shearwater computers are pretty much the best ones for technical diving. That most rebreather manufacturers use them on their rebreathers backs this up.

A Perdix is a great computer. Have had one for years with hundreds of dives on it and am very happy to recommend it. My rebreather also has a Petrel and a Nerd2; three Shearwaters on a dive...

But why... I like that it's easy to use: the user interface is intuitive and very simple -- nobody ever got more intelligent diving underwater. I like the simple case design and that it takes a single AA battery which is commonly available anywhere and you could probably find one on a dive boat or at the back end of the universe (although it's best to use a SAFT battery as these last much longer). I like the information display: easy to read and lots of info available about the dive for you to read at deco. I like the standard Buhllmann algorithms. I like the Shearwater cloud programs which sync across devices and the Bluetooth downloads.

But most of all I like that it just works and has never failed me. Unlike other dive computers.

AI (Air Integration -- wireless gas pressures) or not: don't care. I use the Nerd2's AI on my rebreather, I'd never bother with AI on open circuit.

They also work in a recreational mode where less information's displayed.

(Sorry this seems like an advertisment, I would never say any of that unless I truly believed it)

I really like the Mares Puck Pro+. It is hassle-free and easy to use.

Maybe for a backup which is better than no backup, but won't cut it for more complex technical diving.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Thank-you scubadada I will checkout the Shearwater brand

I would also take a look at Ratio iX3M computers. Ratio Dive Computers - Choose a model

You have some distributors in Australia that carry them. https://uwimages.com.au/pages/our-dealers