Decompression Software Recommends

[bwade]

Greetings! Would you recommend a specific Decompression Software package, and WHY would you recommend a certain one.

I'm just starting the study process for Deco diving and would like the experts to weigh in on the Deco software.

Many thanks,

 

[PfcAJ]

I've used V-Planner, I-deco as well as DecoPlanner. I prefer Decoplanner.

Reasons:
I like being able to compare Buhlmann with VPM. I believe each algorithm is better suited to different dives.
I find v-planner to be very "busy", lots of info I don't really need or care about is presented.
I prefer the user interface of DecoPlanner.
I-Deco has given me some ridiculous results before. I cannot recall exactly what it put out, but the deco was absurdly long given the inputs.

 

[rongoodman]

Rather than just asking for recommendations, take a look at "Deco for Divers" by Mark Powell and start acquiring some background for yourself. I've been running V-Planner and comparing the profiles to iDeco, which is Buhlmann GF, but I can't say I know enough to have a preference yet. My dive computer, the X1, runs MultiDeco, which supports either.

 

[bwade]

Yes, I've ordered "Deco for Divers" and am looking forward to it's eventual arrival. From everything I've heard its a great book.

 

[deepstops]

V-planner and here's why:

Intuitive user interface
Excellent support directly from the author
User controlled output (detailed or simple)
Easier to use alternate depth and time functionality
1,000s of successful dives submitted to their repository
It's only $85, a bargain IMO

 

[fdog]

Another thumbs up for V-Planner.

I run it at +3, and it has me leaving the water feeling great, something that hasn't been the case with other programs.

And oddly, when having long conversations with folks who are pretty involved in modern decompression theory, statements like "...and when compared to V-Planner..." pops up rather often. Kind of in a positive way, like V-Planner is a "standard".

Regardless, the real value of whatever program you choose will not be in generating schedules to follow to the letter; it will be in exploring what are general patterns of schedules, so in the future, you'll have a feel for what is a good deco plan, and when one is wrong.


All the best, James

 

[bwade]

Many thanks everyone for your thoughtfull recommendations. I'm very much looking forward to my studies and training for these dives and from the thread results so far, Vplanner is a must have.

Cheers,
Bruce

 

[mikeb663]

+1 for V-Planner. It is very user friendly and easy to learn. The pricing is also very fair for what you get.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I have GAP for a few reasons. I like to be able to compare Buhlman B and C GFs with RGBM profiles at various conservatism settings. It also has report and printing features that work really well for laminating or printing directly onto waterproof paper if/when you want in water copies of the tables. It laso has a very good gas blending program.

It runs fine on a netbook but a net book is still required, and while that works for the uses James suggests (which are the real advantages of deco software) it is less than elegant on a boat.

Consequently I also use DPlan - a Palm based version of DecoPlanner. It is fairly inexpensive ($50) and runs on an inexpensive Palm device that is lightweight, portable and safely carried in a waterproof bag. The interface is very easy to use, the results are easily interpreted and it has good gas planning features.

iDeco is also very capable and again offers the same easily portable option you get with the older Palm device, so if you already have an iPhone it is well worth considering.

 

[ianr33]

I've used V-Planner for several years. Easy to use,great support.

More recently have started using ideco as it runs Buhlman with Gradient Factors,same as my Shearwater.

V-planner is on my laptop,ideco on an ipod which is much more convenient. For most of my dives the output from the 2 programs is pretty similar. If I was going to do something much deeper/longer than usual I would compare the 2 schedules closely. Ultimately I trust V-Planner more .