Difference in algorithms

[Suarez]

I dont know if this is the right forum to post this, but I´ve been researching on diferent computers and I have a question: What is the differences between the different algorithms (Buhlmann, DSAT, VPM, RGBM)? thank you in advance for your answers

 

[scubadada]

I would suggest Deco for Divers, Mark Powell, Aquapress, 2008

Good reading, Craig

 

[TSandM]

Deco for Divers, or Lippmann & Mitchell's Deeper into Diving, which actually does a fair amount of head-to-head comparison of various models.

The short answer is that models vary in their underlying assumptions, the number of theoretical compartments they follow, the m-values they use, and whether or not they consider bubble mechanics. It's way too complicated for a quick answer on a bulletin board.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

@Suarez: Are you asking because you are curious about the esoteric details of the various deco algorithms or because you want to purchase the "safest" dive computer? (I'll steer clear of the definition of "safest" for the purposes of this discussion.)

As far as I know, all of the deco algorithms you listed have a very good safety record among recreational divers. DCS is pretty rare among the diving population in general.

I would consider other features (user-replaceable battery, backlight options, wrist vs. console mount, easy to read, easy to operate, PC/Mac downloadable, manufacturer warranty, air-integration) to be more important than the deco algorithm used. But that's just me...

 

[Mike Boswell]

I dont know if this is the right forum to post this, but I´ve been researching on diferent computers and I have a question: What is the differences between the different algorithms (Buhlmann, DSAT, VPM, RGBM)? thank you in advance for your answers

This is really a good question because it's hard to compare and make judgements about the information that different dive computers provide. How can a dive consumer make an informed decision without that information?

Even if you had one of every computer made, and you took them all for a dive, you would only be able to compare them for that one dive profile, and not for a different dive or a subsequent (repetitive) dive.

I don't know this for a fact, but it is my sense that at lease some of the different dive computer manufacturers use proprietary algorithms that are not available to the public.

Reports I have read here on SB indicate that buddies doing the same dive using different computers get significantly different results from their computers. I have often read that the Suunto models are the most conservative, and some feel the Suunto's are safer. Some have praised other computers because they allow them more bottom time.

I confess I am just as much in the dark as the OP. I have read Deco for Divers and I learned about the science and the theories, but IMO reading the book really won't answer the OP's question.

 

[Suarez]

Guys:
Thanks for your replays, I posted this question because I was reaserching the diferent computers that are out there, I got interested in the different algorithms, because some seem more conservative than others, I will get the book you recommend. From your replays I can see that mostly its the divers preference, I have read more posts on the subject and I can see now that the differences between algorithms is more on the way you dive than anything else. Thanks for your help.

 

[TSandM]

Well, Mike, the reason I recommended the Lippmann book is that it has a whole section comparing the output of various models on NDLs and deco time. I remember when I first read it, I was absolutely amazed at the differences. It's not specifically aimed at recreational dive computers, though, but more at tables.

 

[Mike Boswell]

Well, Mike, the reason I recommended the Lippmann book is that it has a whole section comparing the output of various models on NDLs and deco time. I remember when I first read it, I was absolutely amazed at the differences. It's not specifically aimed at recreational dive computers, though, but more at tables.

Thanks, Lynne, I will have to get that book and read it. As for the computers, I am interested in comparisons because I am looking into whether a wrist model might be the better way to go.

 

[Steve50]

Thanks, Lynne, I will have to get that book and read it. As for the computers, I am interested in comparisons because I am looking into whether a wrist model might be the better way to go.

Mike, I had the console type for years, now that I have the wrist mount, I would never go back....

 

[fnfalman]

Thanks, Lynne, I will have to get that book and read it. As for the computers, I am interested in comparisons because I am looking into whether a wrist model might be the better way to go.

The algorithsm have little to do with the type of computer (wrist or console), but more with the manufacturers.