Came across one such LoB over 20 yrs ago in GBR.Just because you apparently learned to dive that way in the dark ages doesn’t mean that’s still the case. Plus, from what I read here, a lot of dive boats require divers to have a computer. So they might as well have one they know how to use rather than just renting when they need one.
First Dive Computer
- Thread starter Hondo
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Belzelbub
Contributor
Agree in parts. First DC should be the one inside your head.
You can do any number of dives without using a computer, provided you learned how to use tables. However, computers are a real good idea for new divers. I learned to dive back before computers were in common use among recreational divers, so did a bunch of dives (~75 or so) without using a computer.
One thing I noticed after getting my first computer was that my ascents should have been a bit slower. Not way too fast, but I did get a slow down notice a couple times at first.
Computers are very inexpensive, and by the time you have purchased (1) Tables, (2) timer, (3) depth gauge, (4) slate to have your NDL's for the dive, you probably have exceeded the cost of basic computers. They also truly represent the multi-level component of a dive.... I've seen various times where folks without computers are not being able to do dive #3 or #4 in a day due to tables...
YMMV
YMMV
Just because you apparently learned to dive that way in the dark ages doesn’t mean that’s still the case. Plus, from what I read here, a lot of dive boats require divers to have a computer. So they might as well have one they know how to use rather than just renting when they need one.
The original statement, that the best computer is the one in your noggin is valid.
You get in the water with a plan.
The plan includes a gas usage plan, and a turn pressure.
You have a maximum depth, a maximum dive time. If it is a decompression dive, then the required stops.
In addition you have a just deeper, just longer and a longer/deeper plan. All within the available gas calculations.
Based on the plan, you can validate the data the computer is giving you. If you have just spent 70 minutes at 40 meters, and the computer says go straight to the surface, you can be pretty sure there is something wrong with the data you are getting from the computer. Especially, if the plan included staged decompression stops.
If your AI computer (or mechanical contents gauge) says you still have a full cylinder after 20minutes at 40m, there is something wrong with the instrumentation.
On every dive, engage brain !
Your point about adapting to new techniques and equipment is also valid. But, just because something is new, doesn't mean it is a good idea! Similarly, just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should!
nolatom
Contributor
Gross generalization-- early in your diving life, you'll wolf down air and it will be your Pressure gauge that "tells" you to surface, you're down to say 900psi at 80 feet, yes it's time to start ascending so you'll have the "good citizen" 500psi on the surface. That 500 belongs to your buddy, just as his 500 belongs to you. So air remaining is is your limiting factor as a newbie, not the no-decompression limit.
After the first year, you'll breathe more efficiently, and be more relaxed throughout, so you air lasts a good bit longer than it did early on--which means that now your limiting factor is not air remaining, but rather nitrogen absorption, so it's green-yellow-red ticks on your computer that will tell you when to start ascending.
After the first year, you'll breathe more efficiently, and be more relaxed throughout, so you air lasts a good bit longer than it did early on--which means that now your limiting factor is not air remaining, but rather nitrogen absorption, so it's green-yellow-red ticks on your computer that will tell you when to start ascending.
Blackcrusader
Contributor
Just because you apparently learned to dive that way in the dark ages doesn’t mean that’s still the case. Plus, from what I read here, a lot of dive boats require divers to have a computer. So they might as well have one they know how to use rather than just renting when they need one.
Yes the dark ages. I guess that must apply to tech courses which still have a requirement divers do a dive plan using tables and bottom times and deco times. Any good dive plan is written out before the dive or do you just not do dive planning anymore?
After all you are not going to write a dive plan on a DC are you?
People claim others need to have redundancy for diving. If one never learns how to use dive tables they are missing an important part of dive planning. Do deco divers not write out dive plans on slates they bring with them? Do divers also not use tables ever? What do they do when they don't own a DC?
So yes mock me because I learned tables in the 1980's before dive computers and SPG's were common place, before PADI RDP tables were introduced. Just also ignore that I also wrote DC's are very useful.
I think if you have the money and it won't break you it's an awesome dive computer. Also one of the most functional ones out there besides diving. It will become your every day watch. It has a lot of bells and whistles that while you progress in your diving they will be more beneficial...
Blackcrusader
Contributor
Tables, free to download and can be printed out and laminated for a couple of dollars. Most people already own watches that are rated to 100m depth, spg's... most DC's do not have AI then an SPG still required. Slate, a cheap piece of white plastic. Second hand DC also cheap
You're highly entertaining today. Have you paid attention to how many people wear Apple Watches these days? Those things can go in a swimming pool for laps and that's about it. Pretty much everyone else uses their smartphone in place of a watch. Maybe Boomers have those deep rated watches.
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