Do I really need a computer?

[delray.piper]

When I was an engineering student, many, many years ago, we used slide rules and log tables to do mathematical calculations. Were our calculations correct? Sure they were, the guys went to the moon using these tools. Now we use computors and calculators. Are they better. Damn right they are! I ain't about to go back to the slide rule or the log tables. (I'll bet a lot of you folks out there don't even know what log tables are.)

So, yes the tables work. But, the computer is better. Although I confess to using the tables to sort of make sure my computer isn't lying to me. And I also confess to using two computers. One air integrated and one a wrist job. Like them both.

(Let the flames begin)

 

[Dtaine]

When I was an engineering student, many, many years ago, we used slide rules and log tables to do mathematical calculations. Were our calculations correct? Sure they were, the guys went to the moon using these tools. Now we use computors and calculators. Are they better. Damn right they are! I ain't about to go back to the slide rule or the log tables. (I'll bet a lot of you folks out there don't even know what log tables are.)

yea - but that's dealing with known calculations, not something as ambiguous as DCS.

So, yes the tables work. But, the computer is better. Although I confess to using the tables to sort of make sure my computer isn't lying to me. And I also confess to using two computers. One air integrated and one a wrist job. Like them both.

(Let the flames begin)

no flames, at least not from me

 

[Rhone Man]

When I was an engineering student, many, many years ago, we used slide rules and log tables to do mathematical calculations. Were our calculations correct? Sure they were, the guys went to the moon using these tools. Now we use computors and calculators.

Not to hijack the thread, but when I did my A-Levels (UK exams - kind of like graduating from high school), you get free bonus marks if you did the exam without a calculator and using log tables. Easiest bonus marks on the whole paper...

Back on topic: yes, we can all work out our NDL (or deco obligations) by using tables or by on the spot algorithms (yes, I mean ratio deco). But honestly, with computers so cheap and so accurate and reliable (at least in recording depth and time), why would you?

 

[Dtaine]

Back on topic: yes, we can all work out our NDL (or deco obligations) by using tables or by on the spot algorithms (yes, I mean ratio deco). But honestly, with computers so cheap and so accurate and reliable (at least in recording depth and time), why would you?

To turn the question around, Ratio Deco is really cheap and reliable, so why would I use a computer?

It's a matter of personal preference really, at least that's how I see the whole computer issue.

 

[Stu S.]

As a "tables" diver, I use them to plan for bottom time and safety. Computers contain the tables, and give the same info before the dive, so that's not too different. Once in water, computers continue the planning process.

The computer divides total dive into thousands of (ever shorter) smaller dives, and displays what the tables would if they knew where you've already been. A higher quality of information is displayed, as it is based upon the actual instead of the anticipated dive.

I take the computer along for most dives. The table or algorythm used in the computer is based upon research that started with Haldane, just like our tables. Maybe the dive computer should have been named a "continuous re-planner".

 

[Rhone Man]

To turn the question around, Ratio Deco is really cheap and reliable, so why would I use a computer?

It's a matter of personal preference really, at least that's how I see the whole computer issue.

These discussions never tend to go well on SB, but I agree it is a matter of personal choice. Personally I find a $240 investment to just enjoy my dive and avoid having to calculate and record my average depth for each 5 minute increment worthwhile given the overall cost of the sport. But everyone can make their own choices.

 

[The Kraken]

1: "Do I really NEED a computer?"

2: "For myself, I really don't miss it, but it was one of the things they told us we absolutely had to have."

1: No

2: I would have to surmise that "they" is the dive shop from which you received your instruction and purchased your gear.

the K

2:

 

[oly5050user]

I don't use a computer, and I'm surprised you were told it was absolutely needed.

if he was certified by an agency that does not teach tables he is only "certified" to dive with a computer.

 

[Nemrod]

When I was an engineering student, many, many years ago, we used slide rules and log tables to do mathematical calculations. Were our calculations correct? Sure they were, the guys went to the moon using these tools. Now we use computors and calculators. Are they better. Damn right they are! I ain't about to go back to the slide rule or the log tables. (I'll bet a lot of you folks out there don't even know what log tables are.)

So, yes the tables work. But, the computer is better. Although I confess to using the tables to sort of make sure my computer isn't lying to me. And I also confess to using two computers. One air integrated and one a wrist job. Like them both.

(Let the flames begin)

But, just to be precise, we have not been back to the moon so you cannot technically say the computer is better in that regard than the slide rules and the people who manipulated them that landed mankind on the moon's surface.

N

 

[Stu S.]

The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) was the first recognizably modern embedded system, used in real-time by astronaut pilots to collect and provide flight information, and to automatically control all of the navigational functions of the Apollo spacecraft. The mission had two computers, one in the lunar lander and one in the command module.

Ground tracking stations used the Univac 642 mainframe computer; first developed for Navy use. That computer contains most aspects of a mainframe that would still be available today.