Dive Computers/Watches

[simonc]

I agree NetDoc. "Real data" is difficult, as it's all personal preferences. I'm referring to quotes taken from ScubaBoard where people have said the ATOM is very liberal on repeat dives an offers up way more NO DECO time on the 2nd, 3rd dives in a series compared to Suunto. Their explanation has always been the Suunto is a more up to date algorithm that includes deep stops, whereas the Oceanic does not.

I've looking to buy an ATOM, however I need some convincing that I'm going to be safe from DCI on repeat dives, my only experience is with Suunto.

 

[cartecs]

I use an Aqualand Hyper also. It's not my main computer as I also have an Oceanic Veo 100. The Hyper is what I use most of the time for logging dives and almost all other infromation. The only thing it doesn't give me is an alarm for nitrogen buildup. It certainly does when I ascend too fast as it's always singing.

By the way, I got his critter about two years ago from Leisure Pro, on sale, for $217. It just came back from the factory today from getting a new battery. I pick it up tomorrow just in time for my Cozumel trip next week.

I love my Citizen as well though I opted for one of the lower models because I thought eco drive was so cool and I had just had my regular dress watches battery die so I guess I was a bit annoyed with batteries in general. http://www.citizenwatch.com/COA/Eng...anguage=English&ModelNumber=BJ2000-09E&page=1

 

[simonc]

I agree with NetDoc. Here is one of the reports - http://www.divernet.com/equipment/0605divertests.shtml

Why do they bag the repeat dive profile?

In general, I'm referring to quotes taken from ScubaBoard where people have said the ATOM is very liberal on repeat dives an offers up way more NO DECO time on the 2nd, 3rd dives in a series compared to Suunto. Their explanation has always been the Suunto is a more up to date algorithm that includes deep stops, whereas the Oceanic does not.

 

[mfalco]

My dive buddy has the Atom and loves it. He is still having a hard time learning to use it.

I personally hate it. When I check his gear before we dive it is a PITA. It is easy to acidentally switch it to Nitrox (usually only 22% or 23%), and easy to not realize you've done it. Several time when he is looking at it after a dive he suddely exclaims "oh that's why"

 

[LSDeep]

i would agree with the oceanic over suunto idea. based on suunto's extreme conservatism. otherwise, you need to do a good research and read a lot of semi technical info to find the computer right for you (money might be a factor also).

i still use my breitling avenger seawolf as the everyday watch (and dive watch combined with tables - yeah yeah, while i love my computers i know how to use tables ) and a variety of computers in addition when diving from uwatec pro, air z nitrox over cochran and vr-3.
only thing i can suggest, dont limit yourself to a everyday watch / computer solution, find something that serves your needs and is within reason still useable for you in the medium term future as you might progress with your cert. levels and interests.

 

[ArcticDiver]

Hey Everyone! I am interested in getting a new dive computer that I can also wear as an everyday watch. I have seen the article in Sport Diver Magazine (May 2006 p.33) and I was wondering what everyone used. I would love to hear what you use and love, as well as some watches that I should stay away from. Thanks guys!

Like so much we do this boils down to personal preference. My personal preference is the Nitek Plus. It handles two gases and has all the nice planning and logging ability. PLUS: It has those all important Large Numerals. No problem seeing them day or night.

 

[RICoder]

The Suunto Stinger, Mosquito and D6 are fully functional watch-style dive computers, that do full deco, nitrox (two gas mixes in the case of the D6), backlight, ascent rate, etc, etc.

The D9 does all the above, but has three gas mixes and is air-integrated.

The Scubapro Extender that Stevead mentioned above is also a fully functional dive computer.

Mark

You're right, but not in relation to what I said . My point is more that you're not going to find an air-integrated watch that is a daily-wear type. The Suunto D9 is a great example, as it kicks butt...but its HUGE, so unless you have forearms like Popeye, you ain't wearing it all the time.

To be completely clear, I wouldn't expect a watch that I could wear all the time to be my primary dive computer, at least not with what is out there today. Hence my preference in watches and why I use my Cobra for dive logging and while on a dive, and why I only really use my watch as a backup and to track my surface interval.

 

[aHeavyD]

I seen the Sunnto D-9 first hand and it doesn't look much bigger than a regular wrist watch, http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/p...8673944399&FOLDER<>folder_id=9852723697223379
You sure your talking about this watch

 

[LSDeep]

also here, to make potential users aware of it (it doesnt make it an inferior computer)!!!!

June 15th, 2006

Suunto has identified a software bug in the D9 and D6 diving instruments. The software bug may cause the D9 and D6 to incorrectly track dive time on rare occasions, potentially causing a risk to the diver.

Therefore, Suunto is requesting that the D9 and D6 products with the serial numbers listed below shall be returned for a software update that eliminates this issue.

Suunto strongly recommends that D9 or D6 should not be used for diving before the unit has been updated with the latest software.

If the product is used before updating the software, backup instrumentation must also be used.

Suunto will provide a free software update to fix the bug.

Please bring your D9 and/or D6 to your nearest local authorized Suunto retailer for the software update as soon as possible.

For contact information please visit our web site www.suunto.com If that is not possible or if you require any further details, contact the Suunto Help Desk at SuuntoD9-D6@nordictelecenter.fi

To contact Suunto by phone, call toll free 1 800 543 9124 in the USA and Canada,

As a complimentary service Suunto will at the same time replace your battery and perform a pressure test free of charge.

Suunto apologizes for any inconvenience.


Source: Suunto.com

 

[simonc]

Yes......but why do reviews seem to crap on the Oceanic algorithim!!! Is it outdated compared to the Suunto with Deep Dive options?? I can't see where the ATOM handles deep stops.