Genesis ReAct Computer

[Arnyboomerali]

Is the Genesis ReAct a decenct first computer for a newer diver who does not have a tremendous amount of money to invest. Anyone out there who uses one?

 

[raxafarian]

I have, and use one. Works fine. My only complaint is that it does not automatically turn on.... you have to remember to press a button before getting in the water (within 2 hrs).

Seems to be slightly less conservative than a suunto.

It does everything you probably need...even does nitrox. Very easy to use and read u/w.

 

[Stone]

The short answer is:

I think it is a good and relatively inexpensive computer.

The longer answer is:

I have used the Nitrox Resource (React's less user-friendly predecessor) for three years. I agree with magazine reviews (such as Rodale's) that it is "intuitive" and "easy to use" with the caveat that a new user should thoroughly read the manual, completely understand the displays, and read the manual some more.

I agree with Raxafarian's comments.

1) The React is definitely less conservative than Suunto (although one can change the conservatism on some (all?) Suuntos).

2) It would be nice if the React turned on when you got in the water, but I dive Nitrox 95% of the time, so I have to set the computer anyway (and turning on your computer should be as ingrained as turning on your gas during pre-dive set-up)

In addition

1) if you set the React to any Nitrox setting, it defaults to 50% at the end of the dive so you have to remember to reset it to the mix you are using before each dive.

2) Genesis doesn't make the computer, so you might find the same computer under a different name (like Sherwood) for a better price.

 

[pescador775]

1) if you set the React to any Nitrox setting, it defaults to 50% at the end of the dive
so you have to remember to reset it to the mix you are using before each dive.

Actually, the default setting can be overridden so that your computer will remember the original Nitrox setting. (Press both buttons, press right button). When message says 'off', the default is disabled and the computer will remember the oxygen percentage between dives. However, when the computer shuts off, it reverts to 'air' mode when restarted. The default setting remains disabled permanently or until you change it using the above procedure.

My new React appears to have a bug. The computer has two dive planning modes, air and Nitrox. However, when Nitrox planning is called up, although the computer gives the correct Nitrox NDL's (ie for 32% O2), the message reads 'air'. Obviously, it should read 'Nitrox'. Haven't found any other problems sofar.

Anybody else see this or other problems with React?

 

[jamiei]

stone, I did a paper comparing the ndl's of several dive computer, the react and the cobra included. One graph showed that all computers and dive tables have the almost the exact same curvature. The least conservative, the navy dive tables and the most conservative, the cobra. Most other computers were clumped in the middle along with Padi's RDP. The cobra can only be adjusted to be more conservative also, not less. The cobra is more conservative in the shallower depths, but as you go deeper, although still more conservative, the ndl's of all the dive coputers are much closer.

 

[pescador775]

I don't see how a D meter can be more conservative than the React. I mean, this thing only allows 19 minutes at 100 feet (air). The Navy table allows 25 minutes. Anybody have any concrete examples of conservatism beyond that?

Anyway, the React is really neat. I don't see how a rec diver could want anything more, especially for the price. The graph display is explicit like a dial gauge and the calculations and numerical displays throw out a lot of info. The computer is about the size of an SPG, wonderfully compact. Many of the features are very forgiving, even the emergency shut out does not kick in unless decompression is grossly violated. It lets you make up for small errors with a small penalty. The battery is user replaceable. The buttons are surprisingly intuitive and idiot proof. The only drawback is that some of the messages are in small font and may be difficult for some to read.

Pesky

 

[jamiei]

Cobra is more conservative... only 17 minutes at 100' (air). Thats the default settings. The cobra is also the smallest console computer available.

 

[Genesis]

with the React.

My "primary" dive buddy has one. She now wishes she bought the Vyper and spent the extra money.

Why? Primarily the "switch screen" requirements; it does not display time at depth or time at all on the front page. It DOES have a nice graph, but..

She wishes it was there, particularly when doing ascents and safety stops.

In her assessment the user interface "needs work"

(I've never dove one, but I've done a lot of dives with her, and she's commented on it more than once!)

 

[pescador775]

That's interesting. 'Doesn't display time at depth'. Actually, the main screen gives continuous diver depth and time remaining plus nitrogen loading graph. A read of bottom time requires one punch of the left button. Most divers would not know how to relate bottom time to anything specific because of the dive profile. That's the job of the computer. Hardhat divers, and DIR divers, are 'timers' from what I understand.

The manufacturer recommends that the diver carry a backup in case of problems with the deco meter itself. To me, this means a watch, SPG and depth gauge. The SPG is the second component of a console with the deco meter. I secure the SP precision logarithmic depth gauge to the hose end next to the console. I wear a watch on the wrist. At depth, I rely on air pressure and the deco graph more than anything else. Constant checking of time is foreign to me but I do check if something seems unusual; for example, if air consumption and deco status are obviously not tracking each other. Also, I normally check time once before surfacing.

Edit: Something I should mention about consoles. Most of these are too bulky. I will only use old USD compact consoles which accept a small, lightweight, plastic pressure gauge with no color bars or gimmicky demarcations; ( These are 4,000 psi, not ridiculous 5,000), and which accept insertion of the Genesis deco meter without the usual plastic sleeve or insert.

 

[Genesis]

she has is that during ascents it is somewhat of a PITA for her to time stops and such. We typically do deep stops during our ascent and of course safety stops.

If the total "run time" was present on the top screen it would be easy. NDL remaining doesn't do it for obvious reasons.

The problem with the "one button press" is that it won't stay there - if you switch the screen to get runtime it apparently reverts to its usual top-level screen in a few seconds.

(She's got it in a 3-gauge console with a SPG and compass)