Dive Computer or Underwater Camera???

[Damselfish]

ok... again, my issue with this is that it assumes that using a computer means you are not using your brain.

hear hear!

The anti-computer snobbery gets a bit old sometimes.

Different people's diving needs and wants are simply different, not necessarily better or worse.

 

[freediver]

All this talk about brain rot is scaring me. thankfully, i always carry my #2 pencil and my abacus on EVERY dive!

 

[Uncle Pug]

Not me... I carry a little digital camera clipped off to a d-ring.

 

[SeanQ]

I don't understand spending money on a computer to extend bottom time. It makes much more sense to me to spend the money on a bigger tank, or a set of doubles, and a Nitrox course. I don't know of any stores that will give you a Nitrox fill by presenting a Nitrox capable computer.

 

[STOGEY]

As long as you have dive tables with you, you really don't need a computer as long as you pay attention to the tables. You can always buy those cheap throw aways that they have at Walmart. I used four or five of them when I went to Playa del Carmen a few weeks ago. They go to a depth of about 50 feet, and I actually went as low as 70 feet and they worked fine.

 

[2 Bar]

Not enough info in that question. It's like asking if you should buy a car or a washing machine...

Obviously by the car!

 

[H2Andy]

Not me... I carry a little digital camera clipped off to a d-ring.

Pug, aren't you worried the camera will rot your brain? you shouldn't let it do
the thinking for you. instead, carry a slate and pencil and do your own
sketching!

sadly, watercolors are right out. but you could try oils, or perhaps acrylics!

 

[RTodd]

if someone can show me a way to dive without a computer that is as easy and
flexible as diving with a computer, i'd go for that.

first, i must know the site's max depth. i then plan for three dives:
the depth i am told, ten feet lower, and ten feet higher.

"plan" means knowing my NDL for those three depths (into my wet notes they go --
i don't trust my memory).

during the surface interval, i use the computer to find my new NDL's, and off we go
again.

I have already posted this, but will waste my time again. This is an important caveat, all the tables and discussion below assumes you are using nitrox 32. If you are still diving air your diving is too basic for any of this to matter.

Multi-Level Depths 100/70/50 spending 20 minutes at each depth. 45 minute surface interval, back to 100/70/50 but only spend 15 minutes at each depth. Decoplanner time, maybe three minutes to plan this. I generally spend most of the dive at or near the actual planned depths, but I have a far higher tolerance to DCS risk than most divers and use deco techniques for even "no-deco" dives that most divers do not utilize. So, adjust accordingly.

I have one laminated sheet for every multi-level profile I will ever do. About six options for each dive for up to five dives a day. It doesn't matter which of the 6 options I choose, all of the next 6 dives can be done, etc. Spending the time to do this may take you a few hours at first, but then you are done and will never have to do it again. Plus, you will learn a lot more about how the theoretical models actually work. I don't really "plan" the no-deco aspect of my dives any more. I just know what it will be and go over the pre-cut tables with my dive buddy to make sure she is on the same page. You will also learn things like, once I am above 40' (in general) on a recreational no-deco dive, it doesn't matter how much time I stay there.

For no-deco dives 10' plus or minus is generally overkill for custom derived tables. Simply follow your dive plan and if it strays a bit learn to use "average depths." Using a 110' profile on a dive that spends 1 minute at 108 and 20 minutes at 95' shows a lack of understanding of what the models do.

Yes, I do use a SUUNTO Vytec "computer" in gauge mode purely for depth and time. (I like it better than the Uwatec bottom timers, but my diving budget is enourmous and is way outside the realm of all but what a few divers spend on their hobby.) The Vytec is several years old and has never calculated a no-decompression limit in its life. However, I enjoy the pictures from my digital camera (relatively speaking a cheap one) a lot more than the silly graphs from the Suunto dive logging software. (Just in case the guy that asked the original question is still listening.)

 

[tkrock]

ok... again, my issue with this is that it assumes that using a computer means
you are not using your brain.

also... i must add that i DO rely on the computer to show me the NDL's for my
dive and then re-calculate them during the surface interval. It's a lot easier
than doing them myself, though i can (with the tables).

now, is relying on the tables to do that rotting my brain? is it different
just because the computer is faster?

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. For instance get your calculator out (a computer) turn it on and now push 5x5= on your keypad. What shows up 25... WOW now do it in your head.... What was faster and easier????? Your BRAIN (I hope for most of us)! It's all about how often you use the tables which makes them easier to use. Get the camera and take some shots of guys looking at their computers!!!

 

[H2Andy]

Decoplanner time, maybe three minutes to plan this

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?