Good Multi Gas Computer?

[PvilleStang]

So I'm looking for a good multigas computer with Trimix capabilities. I also want one with a conservative algorithm. I had two aquaintances diving the DR Nitec He and ended up with a nice case of the skin bends after following the profile perfectly. I'm personally looking for something with a little bit more forgiveness in its algorithm. Three gasses should be sufficient, anything over wouldn't hurt.

 

[texinutila]

Well, for trimix, there's really only two. The one you mentioned and the Delta Technologies VR3. Cochran probably makes one as well, (and there may be some esoteric models I'm not thinking of.)
The suunto vytec is a conservative three gas computer, but does not calculate helium/hypoxic mixes.
But your friend who got a skin hit should really be looking at his pre-dive planning on his PC, not to his nitek, which should be viewed as a validation of his original plan.
BTW I'm a UT alumn. Class of '90

 

[brianstclair]

After doing A LOT of research, I just picked up a Cochran EMC-20H. The HS Explorer also does trimix. I believe the Nitek is considered fairly conservative. Mind if I ask what the dive and ascent profile was like for that dive? And I can't remember - anyone know if the Nitek includes deep stops?

I believe the Cochrans and Explorers suffered from some technical issues early on that gained them a little bit of a bad rep, but they're both worth looking at IMHO.

Brian

 

[boydski]

I have to agree with Brian. I use a Cochran EMC-20H as a backup computer (3 gas, trimix) when diving V-Planner generated tables. You can set your conservatism level on both the computer and V-Planner. It is nice to have when dives get thumbed early or as a sanity check when hanging at your shallower stops.

For a super conservative trimix computer, I understand that the VR-3 with the new VPM-B algorithim is probably the most conservative.

 

[H2Andy]

the Nitek He does 7 gases, including helium, and is priced competitevely

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

I use the gray matter God gived me, as I can't afford fills and a fancy computer gizmo. But V-planner lets me pick my own conservatism, and I try to carry a thumb plan for little time on bottom too.

I just read all this Texas reunioning and had to say

Go Sooners!

 

[H2Andy]

VPlanner is nice. i'm just learning how to use it.

i like the idea of having a computer with me to back up the plan in case ...

just in case...

 

[in_cavediver]

I use the gray matter God gived me, as I can't afford fills and a fancy computer gizmo. But V-planner lets me pick my own conservatism, and I try to carry a thumb plan for little time on bottom too.

I just read all this Texas reunioning and had to say

Go Sooners!

I predominatly use my head but its nice to have the computer along especially if I mix tec and rec dives on a multiday trip (use VR3). If the puter understands what I did previously, it knows how to handle the rec dives now. (seems a bit of a pain to cut tables for a 45 minute 50 foot dive just because less than 24 hours ago I did a mix dive to 180).

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Don't get me wrong the VR-3 is a nice piece of equipment and I'd really dig one, but I can't justify spending the money in that manner at this point. I'm still a tadpole tec diver, I got time to save up. After the needs (Scooter, camera rig, etc ) I'll investigate upgrading to a tec computer.

 

[LVX]

So I'm looking for a good multigas computer with Trimix capabilities. I also want one with a conservative algorithm. I had two aquaintances diving the DR Nitec He and ended up with a nice case of the skin bends after following the profile perfectly. I'm personally looking for something with a little bit more forgiveness in its algorithm. Three gasses should be sufficient, anything over wouldn't hurt.

Finally going to get rid of that console you are using. Good for you. Keep in mind, as indicated above, you can get a bottom timer and then cut your own tables. That is the least expensive and most conservative (you are in control) way to do it.

L