Do I really need a computer?

[Sordello]

Thank you every one for your opinions and I think that the Sensus Pro option is a great idea. I had not heard of them before and they seem a inexpensive but, a useful and practical option for logging.

 

[Sordello]

I recieved my field manual for the expedition a couple days ago and their policies about dive computers are made very clear

"Dive computer - Not an essential item. All dives are planned using the RDP"

"Divers are not allowed to use a computer as a primary guage unless both divers carry a computer"

"Every dive, regardless of depth, will adopt a safty stop for at least three minutes at five metres.

They get strick about planning a dive and if anyone exceeds the depth that was planned in the predive planning session - The dive is terminated and a 5 metre stop before surfacing is immediatly initiated.

I guess I won't be buying a computer this time.

 

[Randy43068]

I have been looking at computers recently and am considering buying one. I never have used one as I have always used the depth gauge, watch, and the PADI dive table. Mostly my diving has been of the non-decompression type. Diving less than 33 feet or using the table to make sure to make sure I won't have to make a stop. Computers are somewhat expensive and I am not sure if they are worth the cost.
I like the idea they have a memory to make it easier to log the dives later. This is why I'd consider them useful.
How much should one spend on one of these. If I did get one I'd like it to fit on my Aqualung Pivot console - same as US Diver. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I just sold mine on Ebay.
I'd suggest getting a reliable bottom timer (OMS, comes to mind) and a good watch for backup.

 

[Sordello]

If all you want is a dive logger, I highly suggest one of these:
http://reefnet.on.ca/products/sensus/index.asp
Especially if you have a laptop or PDA with serial connection, they are awesome, cheap, reliable, and functional.

Otherwise, if all you want is logging, to ahead and get a computer with logging.. I don't personally use a computer, but I'd be severely limited in my diving if I didn't supplement tables with depth averaging and computer software.

If you find yourself limited by table NDL's, by all means get a computer.. if not, don't bother, cause they're not necessary.

I ended up buying one of these little recorders. It was a very good suggestion and even if I buy a computer it seem that the sensus is one of the most practical devices I've seen. All the dives in my expedition are preplanned and no one would would need a computer to maximize their bottom time. Thank you

 

[rakay]

The Uwatec aladin prime capsule will fit in your console. That is what I put into my pivot.

A computer sure helps with your ascent rate. It will let you know if you are surfacing too quickly. You would be suprised how many people ascend too quickly.

I paid $380 at the dive shop. I just buy from them. It is more $$ but they stand behind it and will replace it if it dies before the warrantee.

I have had 3 computers die in the last 10 years. I dive alot! Thankfully the last one was under warrantee and the dive shop replaced it no charge.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

Why would you dive tables, it makes no sense. If you like diving, you will get much more bottom time with a computer then diving a square dive that does not take into account different levels. Also, if you do something stupid like ascend to quick, it will set off the alarm, giving you some warning (before you get bent).

Makes no sense? Is that an opinion based on your long history of diving?

I guess in a perfect world, everything will function smoothly and relying solely on a computer makes sense. However, if you read any posts in the accident and incident pages, most equipment are prone to fail at some point. If you're not prepared with a backup, then that would tempting fate. Given that, relying on solely on a computer doesn't make sense. Having both a computer and tables (as well as depth/spg) does.

What has a higher probability of not functioning, your computer or a properly planned dive using tables?

 

[Web Monkey]

This may be related to how reliable any particular computer is, for non-deco dives, I see no reason not to use one.

If my computer craps out, the dive is over and I surface. No big deal.

What's the problem?

Terry

Makes no sense? Is that an opinion based on your long history of diving?

I guess in a perfect world, everything will function smoothly and relying solely on a computer makes sense. However, if you read any posts in the accident and incident pages, most equipment are prone to fail at some point. If you're not prepared with a backup, then that would tempting fate. Given that, relying on solely on a computer doesn't make sense. Having both a computer and tables (as well as depth/spg) does.

What has a higher probability of not functioning, your computer or a properly planned dive using tables?

 

[DiveGolfSki]

This may be related to how reliable any particular computer is, for non-deco dives, I see no reason not to use one.

If my computer craps out, the dive is over and I surface. No big deal.

What's the problem?

Terry

No problem. I read DCROOK's comments that it doesn't make sense to dive tables. Do you need a computer to dive? I don't think so but there's nothing wrong with having one. For the longest time, I never saw a need for a computer and made a ton on non-deco dives using tables, my depth guage and dive watch. I'm still here and never had any problems (DCI or fast ascent). I use a computer now cuz I'm a gadget freak but if the computer "craps out" at the beginning of the dive, the dive is not over for me since my backup (my dive plan, tables and brain) tells me otherwise.

 

[Charlie99]

I use a computer now cuz I'm a gadget freak but if the computer "craps out" at the beginning of the dive, the dive is not over for me since my backup (my dive plan, tables and brain) tells me otherwise.

Are your dives within square profile table limits, or are you calculating and tracking multilevel dives along with using your computer?

Most of my dives are waaaaaaaay off the tables, even though they are reasonably conservative, safe profiles.

 

[veggiedog]

I now use a dive computer (9 months) after many years without (15). I do not use it for my bottom times though, mostly I use it for logging. I also use it to monitor my air consumption rate (it is air integrated). I like my dive computer very much (Darwin Air).

All that said, I am still used to the old way and the dive computer is mostly an extra thing. But I can't say emphatically enough how much I enjoy downloading my dives and looking through the profile. Just for geek points. I think its benefits are much greater after the dive.

Thing I noticed after adding computer: I ascend manually right on the edge of too fast (bubble watcher). I have since spent a little more time slowing down, no need to hurry...

The sensus pro jonnythan-without-an-h pointed out is way cool though: open platform and non-proprietary interface has me sold.