Do you need computer at all?

[hongrace]

I am planning to learn tech diving in the coming future and I am now looking at the equipment that I will need for budget planning. Which dive computer do you guys mostly use? Someone says you need a bottom timer only and plan the dive ahead and then follow the plan. How many of you do not dive with a computer?

 

[Blackwood]

I dive without a computer.

You need a way to plan your dive (software, tables, dive computer, etc.) and a way to dive that profile (depth gauge + watch, bottom timer, dive computer).

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I use a computer, but the planning should get done with tables and in essence you then dive the tables and the computer is just along for the ride as a backup.

The concenr I have with using a comnputer, especially early on, is it can encourage you to get sloppy on the gas planning - and if you overstay your depth and/or time, all the deco information in the world won't help you if you run out of gas on the deco. Plan the dive, figure your run time and turn pressure and then ensure you stay within both. No exceptions. Ever.

 

[Code Monkey]

Fair warning: I am _not_ a tech diver.

That said, what happens if you dive your plan and then something goes awry down deep (for example, your buddy has a problem that draws your attention longer than it should)? How do you replan? How do you adjust your deco, assuming that you have the gas to do so? I wouldn't ever expect to need this but wouldn't you want something on which to fall back if it did?

 

[Blackwood]

That said, what happens if you dive your plan and then something goes awry down deep (for example, your buddy has a problem that draws your attention longer than it should)? How do you replan? How do you adjust your deco, assuming that you have the gas to do so? I wouldn't ever expect to need this but wouldn't you want something on which to fall back if it did?

Depends on the diver. Those who use tables or software often plan a nominal schedule in addition to some contingency profiles (and equip themselves for the worst-case contingency profile). Those who use computers hopefully do the same. Others use ratio deco to both plan and execute dives, and also have procedures in place for contingency.

 

[jtivat]

Fair warning: I am _not_ a tech diver.

That said, what happens if you dive your plan and then something goes awry down deep (for example, your buddy has a problem that draws your attention longer than it should)? How do you replan? How do you adjust your deco, assuming that you have the gas to do so? I wouldn't ever expect to need this but wouldn't you want something on which to fall back if it did?

Like Marc said we plan for things to go wrong. My wet notes will have five or six plans for one dive to CMA. Also once you play with a program like V-Planner for a while and run many different plans you will have a good idea how to change things on the fly.

To the OP I have always used a BT only for all deco dives. I see more people use a BT then I see computers for deco diving.

 

[deepstops]

Someone says you need a bottom timer only and plan the dive ahead and then follow the plan. How many of you do not dive with a computer?

I use a computer but it's in gauge mode. I cut tables on Vplanner and include +/- 5 minutes and +/- 10 minute contingency plans. Honestly, I do most of my tech dives between 150' and 220'n and have these tables committed to memory at this point.

To the OP I have always used a BT only for all deco dives. I see more people use a BT then I see computers for deco diving.

Me too, I've never owned a multigas deco capable computer. I just use my recreational computer in gauge mode.

 

[ianr33]

I use a computer. Works for me but I certainly don't NEED it.

Would strongly suggest doing training with bottom timer/gauge mode only and making a decision on a computer later.

 

[deepstops]

One thing I forgot to add, diving Vplanner tables with a bottom timer gets me out of the water faster than any computer I've seen. Decompression isn't a race but I think those computers pad their algorithms for liability reasons.

 

[ucfdiver]

Fair warning: I am _not_ a tech diver.

That said, what happens if you dive your plan and then something goes awry down deep (for example, your buddy has a problem that draws your attention longer than it should)? How do you replan? How do you adjust your deco, assuming that you have the gas to do so? I wouldn't ever expect to need this but wouldn't you want something on which to fall back if it did?

Ultimately you plan for situations so you have enough gas for them. Doing extra deco is easy with or without a computer....getting more gas is impossible with or without a computer.