OP
SHARKBAIT94
Guest
I'm sorry if i confused any one by calling the dive computer a pc
dive pc or dive table
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:11:DandyDon:
good to know Im not the only one who likes to make sweeping statements!
Personally, I'd say plan your dive, be that with tables / wheel and then use the computer itself on the dive.
emtdan
Contributor
I agree with most everybody here....
I think you should each dive with a computer, as well as each carry a dive table with you in your BC pocket. Then, you have a non mechanical back-up, and if you want to check to see if you can stay longer, while you are underwater, you have the ability. I think it's worth it to keep a backup.
just my $$.02
I think you should each dive with a computer, as well as each carry a dive table with you in your BC pocket. Then, you have a non mechanical back-up, and if you want to check to see if you can stay longer, while you are underwater, you have the ability. I think it's worth it to keep a backup.
just my $$.02
Don Burke
Contributor
Probably your best bet would be to dive the tables until you get your gas consumption to where you are ending dives based on time rather than remaining gas. That gives you a chance to computer shop and get familiar with the algorithms. The NDL for 40 feet on the Navy tables is 200 minutes and I did not have to go look that up. I get uneasy when someone is unable to tell when his dive computer is out to lunch.SHARKBAIT94:
Off topic, but toward the same goal, somewhere along the way a Nitrox certification would be a good thing to get if you are going to spend much time deeper than about 40 feet.
JRScuba
Contributor
The dive tables are good to learn and should be used to fill out your dive log book. This way you won't for get how to use them.
I have an Oceanic Versa Pro which can be used for nitrox dives, as Dandy Don pointed out earlier. If you are not nitrox trained, chances are you will later on and this way you will not have to buy an new computer.
Dive Safely
Joe
I have an Oceanic Versa Pro which can be used for nitrox dives, as Dandy Don pointed out earlier. If you are not nitrox trained, chances are you will later on and this way you will not have to buy an new computer.
Dive Safely
Joe
Don I'm with you!
I dive my computer on every dive, but I plan my dives using the NDLs from the tables. This way I always have a little bit of a contingency plan built into my dive. So if I want to exceed what the tables say and just dive my computer, or it just happens for some odd reason, it's either my choice, or what might just save my neck.
My computer is a liberal computer (Aeris Atmos 2), but even using the computer as a back up to my tables (not the other way around), I got a DCS hit on my last dive (see http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=78235). It didn't require treatment, but it just goes to show that knowing the tables, and to an extent memorizing the NDLs is a good practice, even when diving computers. Maybe it is because I'm old school, or due to my pilot training, but I hate to be without a back up plan; not knowing the tables and strictly diving your computer...is much the same as the kids from my local grocery store, who would be up the creek without a paddle if they had to count change back without the benefit of their electronic cash registers....
I dive my computer on every dive, but I plan my dives using the NDLs from the tables. This way I always have a little bit of a contingency plan built into my dive. So if I want to exceed what the tables say and just dive my computer, or it just happens for some odd reason, it's either my choice, or what might just save my neck.
My computer is a liberal computer (Aeris Atmos 2), but even using the computer as a back up to my tables (not the other way around), I got a DCS hit on my last dive (see http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=78235). It didn't require treatment, but it just goes to show that knowing the tables, and to an extent memorizing the NDLs is a good practice, even when diving computers. Maybe it is because I'm old school, or due to my pilot training, but I hate to be without a back up plan; not knowing the tables and strictly diving your computer...is much the same as the kids from my local grocery store, who would be up the creek without a paddle if they had to count change back without the benefit of their electronic cash registers....
I agree with most people here.
Computers are good tools. However, you already have tables, and at the start (New Jersy is cold diving no?) you will finish your air supply long before you get to the NDL. So, If I were you, I would stick with the tables for the moment. When you start getting more proficient underwater, and you start aproaching the NDLs on your dives then think about getting a computer.
Please remember, that a dive computer, like a normal computer is only as good as the person that is operating it. They can, and do fail. You ought to have enough experience on tables so that you have a feel for what the computer is telling you. Learn not to rely 100% on your computer - plan your dive and dive your plan - take your tables underwater with you (and obviously an SPG and diver timer) so that if anything happens you can continue your dive on the tables.
HTH
JonT
Computers are good tools. However, you already have tables, and at the start (New Jersy is cold diving no?) you will finish your air supply long before you get to the NDL. So, If I were you, I would stick with the tables for the moment. When you start getting more proficient underwater, and you start aproaching the NDLs on your dives then think about getting a computer.
Please remember, that a dive computer, like a normal computer is only as good as the person that is operating it. They can, and do fail. You ought to have enough experience on tables so that you have a feel for what the computer is telling you. Learn not to rely 100% on your computer - plan your dive and dive your plan - take your tables underwater with you (and obviously an SPG and diver timer) so that if anything happens you can continue your dive on the tables.
HTH
JonT
I had a computer quit on me, the old SkinnyDipper. I use the tables, carry them clipped to me. I time my dive with my watch and a Princeton Bottom Timer for redundancy. I use a depth guage with a following needle for max depth but of course the max depth for the dive and time is planed from the get-go.
Get a computer if you want to but I suggest you at least keep some independent plan, watch and table, as a backup. That way if you planned your dive and you notice that the computer is totally out of agreement with the tables and your current bottom time you can figure there might be a problem.
"ut computers are better overall; some recreational dives require a computer for each diver."
Since when is that? Maybe it is true, do they specify a Padi Cert and the color of your fins as well? How do they know the computers are all set correctly, to the correct gas setting, how do they know they are set to the correct profile? What safety factor do they specify. If I had mine set to max ad yours to min are they going to confiscate it? How do they know which computer is correct? They seem to all have their own programs which are user adjustable. Oh well.
Nemrod
Get a computer if you want to but I suggest you at least keep some independent plan, watch and table, as a backup. That way if you planned your dive and you notice that the computer is totally out of agreement with the tables and your current bottom time you can figure there might be a problem.
"ut computers are better overall; some recreational dives require a computer for each diver."
Since when is that? Maybe it is true, do they specify a Padi Cert and the color of your fins as well? How do they know the computers are all set correctly, to the correct gas setting, how do they know they are set to the correct profile? What safety factor do they specify. If I had mine set to max ad yours to min are they going to confiscate it? How do they know which computer is correct? They seem to all have their own programs which are user adjustable. Oh well.
Nemrod
Trisha
Contributor
Gauges vs computer?
Cost -- similar for gauges setup (spg/ depth/ compass) and separate dive watch vs air computer (depth/ timer) with spg and compass. Add $100 for nitrox, it's worth it for multiple day/multiple dive profiles.
Convenience -- locating information on one computer screen (air-integrated computer with attached compass). Or some "paddle" consoles can have a computer where the depth gauge goes. This is better than separate items, which may be lost, forgotten, broken or prove confusing.
Safety -- passive gauge system which only works if you look vs. active computer system with bells and lights. Remember to use the computer between your ears!
Accuracy -- gauges and dive tables work on the theory of the square profile: a diver goes to 60 feet, welds pipe for 50 minutes and is back at his safety stop. Computers give a real-time profile of time and depth (sometimes air consumption) to figure no-decompression time at the current depth. Information is stored on past dives and can be used to figure multiple day/multiple dive profiles.
Murphy's Law -- computers have batteries and can flood. You will know this because they stop working. Gauges can get out of adjustment, but will still look like they work.
(I really hated it when this happened to me.)
Maintenance -- some computers have batteries which can be bought and replaced by the user. Both computers and gauges should be inspected periodically for adjustment (see Murphy's Law.)
I started with rented gauges and a cheap watch. After we got a feel for what we wanted, we went with the Sherwood Wisdom air-integrated nitrox computer, with compass and quick disconnect. The only thing I would change would be adding something scratch-resistant to the compass face.
My SSI tables are written in Sharpie pen on my dive slate (just the maximum no-decompression limits.) We plan our dives and sometimes use the computer simulation profiles.
Hope this helps!
Cost -- similar for gauges setup (spg/ depth/ compass) and separate dive watch vs air computer (depth/ timer) with spg and compass. Add $100 for nitrox, it's worth it for multiple day/multiple dive profiles.
Convenience -- locating information on one computer screen (air-integrated computer with attached compass). Or some "paddle" consoles can have a computer where the depth gauge goes. This is better than separate items, which may be lost, forgotten, broken or prove confusing.
Safety -- passive gauge system which only works if you look vs. active computer system with bells and lights. Remember to use the computer between your ears!
Accuracy -- gauges and dive tables work on the theory of the square profile: a diver goes to 60 feet, welds pipe for 50 minutes and is back at his safety stop. Computers give a real-time profile of time and depth (sometimes air consumption) to figure no-decompression time at the current depth. Information is stored on past dives and can be used to figure multiple day/multiple dive profiles.
Murphy's Law -- computers have batteries and can flood. You will know this because they stop working. Gauges can get out of adjustment, but will still look like they work.
(I really hated it when this happened to me.)
Maintenance -- some computers have batteries which can be bought and replaced by the user. Both computers and gauges should be inspected periodically for adjustment (see Murphy's Law.)
I started with rented gauges and a cheap watch. After we got a feel for what we wanted, we went with the Sherwood Wisdom air-integrated nitrox computer, with compass and quick disconnect. The only thing I would change would be adding something scratch-resistant to the compass face.
My SSI tables are written in Sharpie pen on my dive slate (just the maximum no-decompression limits.) We plan our dives and sometimes use the computer simulation profiles.
Hope this helps!
I just bought a dive computer, and have used it for three dives. I woould have used it for more, but with work and the weather in New England oh well you get my drift. Anyways even though I have a dive computer, and I take it every where I'm gonna dive even to places like cozumel. I still bring my dive guagee with me to consult it. That way
I know how long I can stay at certain depths without relying too much on the computer.
I know how long I can stay at certain depths without relying too much on the computer.
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