So gr8fulr2,
Which one are you going to get?
Christian
Which one are you going to get?
Christian
Dive Computer or Underwater Camera???
- Thread starter gr8fulr2
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Mandy3206
Contributor
I don't see the point of calculting the tables profiles in a controlled recreational dive. By controlled, I mean diving with a dive operator who regulates the bottom time and depth of the dive. These operators run very conservative profiles due to the wide variety of customers they have.
So unless you've been diving for a few days many people can get away without calculating the profile or even using a computer with one of these operators (many divers in these boats carry the console 'cause it's there).
If you're diving on your own with a couple of buddys, you should make your plan and stick to it, no matter if you got a computer or not, do your plan.
Me, I calculate my profile in 2 min and memorize the Bottom Time, then I use the computer in the dive to keep track of things, most of the time the computer gives a few more minutes of Allowable Bottom Time than the tables. I don't do deco dives, don't have the training and am not intrested in wasting time in deco, I dive for fun and try to put in as many dives as posible.
If you're more technical and routinely do deco dives, then the computer should be progamable (usually more expensive) so the user can dictate the plan and the computer display the data acurately.
My guess is that gr8fulr2 is a newbe and want to know where to start, if gr8fulr2 was technical, he would have the money and experience to know his preferences allready.
I sugest, do your tables in every dive, takes a couple of minutes and wil keep you sharp, get the computer, a $200.00 hockey puck, buy a $200.00 Sea & Sea and use both to get experience, after a while, you'll know what you want to upgrade and why.
Would be sad to pay for a full blown programable nitrox deco machine and dive once a month in recreational enviroments without using it's whole potential.
Like wise would be sad to buy a full blown camera rig with custom housing and dive once a month without using it full potential.
So unless you've been diving for a few days many people can get away without calculating the profile or even using a computer with one of these operators (many divers in these boats carry the console 'cause it's there).
If you're diving on your own with a couple of buddys, you should make your plan and stick to it, no matter if you got a computer or not, do your plan.
Me, I calculate my profile in 2 min and memorize the Bottom Time, then I use the computer in the dive to keep track of things, most of the time the computer gives a few more minutes of Allowable Bottom Time than the tables. I don't do deco dives, don't have the training and am not intrested in wasting time in deco, I dive for fun and try to put in as many dives as posible.
If you're more technical and routinely do deco dives, then the computer should be progamable (usually more expensive) so the user can dictate the plan and the computer display the data acurately.
My guess is that gr8fulr2 is a newbe and want to know where to start, if gr8fulr2 was technical, he would have the money and experience to know his preferences allready.
I sugest, do your tables in every dive, takes a couple of minutes and wil keep you sharp, get the computer, a $200.00 hockey puck, buy a $200.00 Sea & Sea and use both to get experience, after a while, you'll know what you want to upgrade and why.
Would be sad to pay for a full blown programable nitrox deco machine and dive once a month in recreational enviroments without using it's whole potential.
Like wise would be sad to buy a full blown camera rig with custom housing and dive once a month without using it full potential.
Mandy3206:
There are only two ways to hit the water - -
Plan your dive with a table (or decompression model) OR
Be prepared to use a dive computer
There is no operator in the world that can control your depth and bottom time. Do they have you tethered with a rope to limit your depth and time? The next time you are ready to hop in the water, tell the DM/Captain you have no dive plan and no computer but you hope they will keep you safe, see what their reaction is.
Please, promise me - - NO MORE 'TRUST ME' DIVING.
Nice pics. To put them in reference, they were taken by someone who has and does spend a lot of time in the water. I'm not knocking you or what an inexpensive camera can do, but you aren't gonna take mag quality pics without spending some bucks. As the saying goes, if you are gonna do something do it right!
Thanks. That was my first real crack at U/W photography. What I really enjoy is being able to see stuff in detail later on the computer.
This is the head of the orange peel nudi shown in my earlier post.
This is the head of the orange peel nudi shown in my earlier post.
Back to the point of the thread, do you want to sit around and talk about diving and memorize tables and ..... or do you want to go diving, see cool things, and decide after you get some experience what YOU want to do. There are two sides to this fence, to compute or not to compute. The not compute side says learn the tables or you are brain dead, the other side says, "Buy a computer, have a good time!"
I'm a bit of both. As an OW instructor, I've noticed that newer divers enjoy the benefits of diving a computer. As experience builds, so will the diver's opinion of the compute/not compute argument.
Using a camera underwater creates a lot of added task loading. I recommend diving for a while, getting comfortable finding macro life (stuff the size of a silver dollar and smaller), and nailing your buoyancy and breathing rate until you are very comfortable. This may take some time. You will either stick with it, stop diving, or dive a few times per year.
I vote computer because it makes the dive easier and is a great way to double check. Some individuals always throw out their deco profiles and what they do when in caves (I've been guilty of this a few times also), but let's face it: You aren't going to need or WANT to do this any time soon. When and if you do, you will have the skills, experience, and frame of mind to understand at least part of what you need.
I vote computer based on practical experience of teaching and diving with new divers.
Jamie
P.S. I only use a computer when diving several times per day!
I'm a bit of both. As an OW instructor, I've noticed that newer divers enjoy the benefits of diving a computer. As experience builds, so will the diver's opinion of the compute/not compute argument.
Using a camera underwater creates a lot of added task loading. I recommend diving for a while, getting comfortable finding macro life (stuff the size of a silver dollar and smaller), and nailing your buoyancy and breathing rate until you are very comfortable. This may take some time. You will either stick with it, stop diving, or dive a few times per year.
I vote computer because it makes the dive easier and is a great way to double check. Some individuals always throw out their deco profiles and what they do when in caves (I've been guilty of this a few times also), but let's face it: You aren't going to need or WANT to do this any time soon. When and if you do, you will have the skills, experience, and frame of mind to understand at least part of what you need.
I vote computer based on practical experience of teaching and diving with new divers.
Jamie
P.S. I only use a computer when diving several times per day!
2Tours N Iraq`:
Hi 2TNI - Welcome to the board. Sometimes people in scuba can get a little passionate about it. Remember that diving can be a dangerous thing if done incorrectly. I don't think that people here are simply trying to put new divers down......rather than ensure that misperceptions don't become the order of the day and put lives at risk.
FWIW I don't believe that there are many people on the planet who actually understand diving a lot better than Uncle Pug. Even if you misunderstand how he is saying something, I can assure you that when it comes to diving he is very worth listening to!
Kim! Kim! Kim!
Lotsa folks understand diving better than me!
Lotsa folks understand diving better than me!
gr8fulr2 ~ stay shallow... that's where the best picture taking opportunities will be for your new point~n~shoot camera. 
Uncle Pug:
I suppose there must be a couple somewhere!
Now computers...........
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