Dive Computer or Underwater Camera???

[H2Andy]

I think the point is, by using your tables constantly or more frequently, you'll be able to do them as easily as the computer.

dude, i did tables exclusively for over a year after getting my OW. i can do
tables in my sleep. there is no point in wasting the time when the computer
can do it faster.

and besides, you're relying on the tables. it's not like you're empiricaly figuring
out actual profiles or killing goats in a pressure chamber.

i mean, if what we want is real understanding of the issues involved, shouldn't
we all jus start from scratch?

 

[RTodd]

ah, ok... so you don't rely on a dive computer DURING the dive, just on
a desktop (or laptop) BEFORE the dive, huh?

so... how are you not relying on a computer again?

Uhm, no. Read more slowly. Once you cut tables, you never have to do it again. I have done entire weeks of cave diving, 2 dives a day, 2-4 hour bottom time per dive, without everlooking at a set of tables/ computer (laptop or "dive" computer). I have dive tables with me and so does my buddy. Either set will work if they are actually needed. What exactly, am I "relying" on again?

 

[RTodd]

and besides, you're relying on the tables. it's not like you're empiricaly figuring
out actual profiles or killing goats in a pressure chamber.

i mean, if what we want is real understanding of the issues involved, shouldn't
we all jus start from scratch?

Fair enough. You pick the depths and times, no dive computer or tables. I promise you that I will get out of the water first with a clean deco unless you really screw up and get badly wacked.

 

[tkrock]

dude, i did tables exclusively for over a year after getting my OW. i can do
tables in my sleep. there is no point in wasting the time when the computer
can do it faster.

and besides, you're relying on the tables. it's not like you're empiricaly figuring
out actual profiles or killing goats in a pressure chamber.

i mean, if what we want is real understanding of the issues involved, shouldn't
we all jus start from scratch?

I think that the non computer people are saying (tell me if I'm wrong) You can do the calculations on paper or in your head and it doesn't cost you anything. You can take a picture in your head yes, but you can't share it with anyone else. So spend the money on the camera so you can share. We seem to be getting a bit off topic with the computer issues rather why we should buy one or not!

BTW, I have a computer Science Degree and am a Tech Manager. So you would think I would push the computer side using them over 40hrs a week. So I understand the value and speed and blah blah. But, you can always doing things the hardway to save some money for other things like Cameras!

 

[H2Andy]

Uhm, no. Read more slowly. Once you cut tables, you never have to do it again

yeah... so you are relying on that one use even more. you use the computer
to cut the tables and rely on those tables, cut by the computer, for the rest
of your life.

sounds like turning your brain off to me

 

[H2Andy]

Fair enough. You pick the depths and times, no dive computer or
tables. I promise you that I will get out of the water first with a clean deco unless
you really screw up and get badly wacked.

ok, so where do you get your NDL's from?

 

[RTodd]

ok, so where do you get your NDL's from?

Do you wear a helmet when you leave the house? By using my brain. By actually preparing tables and studying this stuff when you do it, you learn what the NDL's are and how they are affected by prior dives and suface intervals. I don't have any use for recreation dive "tables" in the sense that you think of them. But, that is because I put in the time early in my diving carerr to actually understand what the models were doing. If for some reason I ever used a recreational dive table again, I would modify it on the fly to suit me anyway. Most people will never dive enough to be comfortable doing this. But, if they don't rely on computers, in a pinch they could get easily them selves out of trouble.

 

[RTodd]

I think that the non computer people are saying (tell me if I'm wrong) You can do the calculations on paper or in your head and it doesn't cost you anything. You can take a picture in your head yes, but you can't share it with anyone else. So spend the money on the camera so you can share. We seem to be getting a bit off topic with the computer issues rather why we should buy one or not!

BTW, I have a computer Science Degree and am a Tech Manager. So you would think I would push the computer side using them over 40hrs a week. So I understand the value and speed and blah blah. But, you can always doing things the hardway to save some money for other things like Cameras!

Basically. The real answer is that it is a totally unnecessary piece of equipment. As I have said, I actually have a "dive" computer. (And have owned maybe a dozen at one point or another.) In terms of enjoyment of their diving vacations, most people would get much more use out of their diving dollars by buying a camera. As an added bonus, their dives would be safer if they understood the models calculating their no-decompression limits. Computers do not teach you this very well. However, given how cheap dive computers are, I think the initial question was a bit silly. If you can aford a camera, a basic computer is not much of a stretch. However, if it is between wasting money on something like a hyper-expensive VR3 and a basic camera and strobe package, it is a no-brainer in my opinion.

 

[Charlie99]

The real answer is that it is a totally unnecessary piece of equipment. .

You don't believe in redundancy? I believe in calculating my profile both in my brain and tracking it with the computer. Redundant.

If either one goes haywire or has a lapse of attention the discrepancy between what my brain and the computer says tells me there's a problem.

Similarly, I'm surprised at how many people, including you, will turn off the deco calculations of a Suunto when doing NDL or mild deco dives. Are you so easily confused that displaying the calculated NDL time confuses you?

 

[freediver]

Man, I can't wait for the thread sequel:

Computer vs Camera Part 2 : This time it's personal!