Dive Rite Computers

[Simon-]

I am after some advice.

I am about to start getting into Trimix and am wanting to buy a computer fit for this.

I have always liked Suunto, so have been looking at the Helo 2, a couple of friends are also suggesting the VR3, but a friend of mine is a distributor for Dive Rite and is able to offer me (at dealer price not retail), either the Nitek Q or soon, the Nitek Q4. I realise with the Q, I will have to pay for upgrades etc, whilst the Q4 will be all inclusive.

What I am after is if anyone has experience of Dive Rite's computers. Good or bad.

Thanks

 

[Dive-aholic]

I dive a Dive Rite He. It's on the conservative side and since it uses the Buhlman model penalizes you for deep stops. It's not a bad computer, but I prefer using VPM.

Personally, for trimix dives I run my computer on gauge mode and require my students to do the same.

 

[tstormdiver]

I am not yet trained in Trimix, but will be working on it very soon. I dive a HelO2 & a Shearwater Predator. I already know my instructor allows computers, but we must also have a timer & tables as a back- up.

 

[ianr33]

Get a Shearwater,or maybe a Liquivision.

VR3 is old technology. Non intuitive. Do a search and see how many divers are getting rid of them.There is a reason for that.

The new Nitek might be great,but why chance it? Diverite has not exactly shone recently with computers.

I have a Shearwater. Researched it very carefully before buying. Very happy with it. Most of my buddies seem to dive them these days as well.

 

[cbrich]

I thought I would post with;

Do I really need to reply with the computer I dive with <------. That is the one I will recommend.

But that is not to say, I don't plan my dives. I always plan my dives, and usually carry dive plans with 5 & 10 minutes more of bottom time than I actually planned for.

 

[sea_ledford]

I dive with a VR3. I wouldn't recommend it.

Standards (if there are such a thing) seem to be Liqivision and Shearwater computers or tables. For OC, I don't really see much use in plopping down $1200-$2000 on a trimix computer. You're going to be following your dive plan anyway, right? RIGHT?!

I too am egerly awating the new DR comp (I'm a dealer, so low cost), but after what I have heard from previous DR trimix computer users, I certainly won't be an early adopter, even at cost.

OTOH, if you are doing a NAUI tech class, they use RGBM tables, so the Suunto might be good for that to match up your plans with your computer. Assuming that Suunto RGBM isn't a modified version of RGBM.

Chris

 

[gkndivebum]

[...]OTOH, if you are doing a NAUI tech class, they use RGBM tables, so the Suunto might be good for that to match up your plans with your computer. Assuming that Suunto RGBM isn't a modified version of RGBM. [...]

The published NAUI RGBM tables are based on the full iterative version of RGBM; the Suunto RGBM model is, as far as I am aware, not the full iterative model but more of a "folded" model applying some of Dr. Wienke's free-phase gas physics on top of a more traditionally Haldane-style disolved gas model. You'll find that the Suunto RGBM is probably considerably more conservative than the published NAUI tables.

 

[sea_ledford]

The published NAUI RGBM tables are based on the full iterative version of RGBM; the Suunto RGBM model is, as far as I am aware, not the full iterative model but more of a "folded" model applying some of Dr. Wienke's free-phase gas physics on top of a more traditionally Haldane-style disolved gas model. You'll find that the Suunto RGBM is probably considerably more conservative than the published NAUI tables.

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. I know the non-deco Suuntos are very conservative, but I didn't know how that translates into the deco computers.

 

[Doppler]

On open-circuit experience informs that tables and a basic understanding of the shape of the deco curve is way more useful and cost effective. And, like Rob, I do not allow students to use (follow) computers during class. The reasons should be obvious... three students, instructor, instructor's aide (Tech DM of instructor candidate) all with different models and settings on their magic box equals anarchy during ascent.

 

[Simon-]

Thanks for the input guys.

Food for thought