Entry level Tech Diving Computer

[ianr33]

The display looks good though, the colour seems useful and for the price seems a good deal. I guess it comes with the Shearwater software pre-installed - can it be used with V-Planner or similar to use the same software for the pre-dive planning and computer?

Just curious - If I suddenly come across a new stream of cash it's always nice to have two different computers running on any major dives. I'm not a big fan of the VR3 so the Predator sounds like a good option.

Predator comes with software (Buhlman with gradient factors) I use ideco on an ipod which uses the same software. Very convenient.

Really,there is NO comparison between a predator and a VR3. How many used VR3s do you see for sale? How many Predators? there is a reason for that! (And its not just because the VR3 has been around longer)

 

[davidctomlinson]

But.......... when doing 60+ meter trimix dives you will need 2 computers/bottom timers.

So.......Why not buy a Duo first. That will be fine for moderate deco dives. When you graduate to deep Trimix put it in gauge mode as a bottom timer and treat yourself to the Predator.

I've had this suggested to me. Or at least the same general strategy. Currently I'm spending a boatload of money on gear, courses, plane tickets and diving/boat fees, so maybe I should economize a bit, and this is a direction that might make sense. Especially, since I am now planning a Palau trip before the end of the year.

I appreciate the fine responses I've gotten from everyone here on the board.

David

 

[davidctomlinson]

It would be my guess that the majority of people who are doing technical diving are cutting tables and using a simple bottom timer, which can be had for around $300. (Uwatec makes the most prevalent one.)

But if you are just getting into technical diving, and trying to figure out where you can economize, not buying a fancy computer is one of the places.

This really makes sense at my stage in learning to be a good diver. Despite my courses, I really don't know much about dive planning and dive tables. Maybe I should get a good two gas computer (a DUO?) and concentrate on planning dives manually or using some sort of laptop software.

Since I've got a bunch more dough to spend on equipment and courses, this seems like a sensible approach. I mean, I've only done 25 dives so far, and recently got my deep diving specialty, with rescue diver next. I want to do at least 25-50 more before I start tech diving courses.

On another note, is there good software that can be found for a laptop for planning, logging dives?

 

[TSandM]

I have and will continue to recommend the Aladin Tech 2g. It's a Nitrox computer with a gauge mode, and a stopwatch, and resettable depth averaging. It's not horrendously expensive (somebody here recently got one new for $277) and you won't outgrow it.

Don't rush into tech diving. I'm absolutely sure that there is a lot of very interesting stuff you can see in your part of the world in recreational depths. A very fine instructor once told me, "Do all the dives you can do with the certification you have, and when you are absolutely bored, then go get more training." They were wise words.

 

[davidctomlinson]

Thanks everyone. I just bought a Dive Rite Nitek Duo on ebay pretty cheap. It'll do me fine until I need to buy a new computer.