Mares M1 RGBM

[cableman]

I've got a M1 wrist model. It is new and today was the second dive with it. It did not profile the dive at all. The second dive was the same. Am I doing something wrong? The first time I used it, the thing worked perfectly. All other data is coming up fine. It does it's job, except for the profiling problem. Can someone please help with the problem?

 

[pdoege]

On mine the "profile data" is accessed via the logbook.

You enter the log and then you can scroll through the profile. I personally find the profile to be pretty useless. I suppose it might have been nicer when I was a "newer" diver.

What are you trying to learn from the dive profile data? For anything complex you will probably need to download the data to a computer.

Peter

 

[will_tekkie]

Hi Guys..

I just visited the mares´ web site looking for info about computers..and i found out that the new M1 performing a bi phase model with deep stops ( Mares claims as a wienke-RGBM but i think these are RGBM factors applied on a Buhlmann model with deep stops included like gradient factors..well i dont sure anyway) seems like a good value....AAA batteries very easy to find everywhere....the standard nitrox usage for rec ( up to 50% without in water changes ), gauge mode, and very important.. a price lower than for example a suunto or uwatec with the same features...i´ve never used computers of this brand so feedbacks would be very interesting for me...this model just appears a little bulky on the wrist...what will be a better choice?....a vyper or a new M1 ?..or go to a vytec directly (i´m already owned a nitek with the same features BUT BIGGER) so something smaller would be well received.

The Nitek 3 is a good computer but i´m looking for something smaller with a newer deco algorithm ( Better fitted for multi day..repetitive diving) and cheaper...( mostly for be used in rec diving) suunto models are very goodbut i think are too expensive being just the vytec model the real value for me ( or mosquito which is great but very expensive and looks like a cheap piece of plastic)....

 

[pdoege]

They are bulky on the wrist. Quite large. The gauge mode works well.

The only gas switch RGBM/VPM models that I know of are the HS Explorer and the VR3.

The bubble models are not that big of a win for NDL dives. I just insert deep stops myself. For multiday stuff I insert deep stops and keep my ascent rates low and my safety stops long. I don't really depend on the computer too much.

For deco stuff you will probably want to dive tables unless you have one of the Explorer/VR3 units.

I would be tempted to pick up a cheap used BT/computer and pick up a bubble model gas switching computer when/if they come down in price. That is my current plan.

Peter

 

[Boogie711]

I have one of the old M1's. They are bulky, and let me assure anyone reading this - the Interface for them absolutely sucks donkey balls. I hated it. I took it back and took a 25% restocking fee "hit" just to get it out of my sight.

That being said, it does what it's supposed to do. Other downsides - the buttons are hard to manipulate underwater, and the batteries die quickly... if you're going on a liveaboard, take a few extra sets. And you can't replace the strap with bungee (that I've figured out, anyway.)

 

[BIGSAGE136]

I have a mosquito and I love it. If you are going to do anything more than rec however I would recommend the Vyper. IMHO its more suited to deco and has an true gauge mode.

 

[will_tekkie]

i´m surprised for the bad opinions and experiences on this model....this seems bulky but not so bad..well as i said i have never used this brand before...my idea is used it as computer for rec only..for extended deco dives i´m more willing to use my nitek ( which i intend to keep..i like it a lot).as backup planning and custom tables as guide for deco( including bailout, deep stops, etc). So for 200 dolars a RGBM computer looked a good idea for repetitive diving were a new multiphase model based computer is pretty interesting...well more comments are welcome ( specially those related to the new model). Everyday we learn more....

 

[pdoege]

The interface is really bad, the buttons do suck, and good lord, what were they thinking with that band?

I had forgotten. I normally just leave it in BT or 32%.....

Peter

 

[JoelW]

I am content with mine. I went with it due to experiences with other computers that I have had. I have a Suunto Spyder somewhere around the house that I pretty much loathe. It eats batteries and the display is too small to be of much use in murky water like we have in Minnesota. So, an urge for user replaceable batteries and a larger display came from that one. I had a Nitek that I was actually pretty happy with. The downside there was no backlight .

So, I decided to pick one that would remedy some of those problems. I looked at the Vytec and skipped due to the price. I picked up the same features in the M1 RGBM for half the price. The user interface ain't the great, but it isn't that bad. Other than changing the O2 value, computer or bottom timer and looking at the log how often do you really get into the guts of the options on any computer. '

At some point I am going get an urge to replace the band with a bungie setup of some kind, but that can wait for now.

JoelW

 

[Yerba Mate]

I know quite a few who use it, and it's not bad at all for the price. For the price, those you use it generally love it. I've seen it in use and I personally was between the M1 and the Vyper. I ended up choosing the vyper because I liked the look of it better and the features in general...I think it's just a better computer.

About the battery...AAA sounds tempting, and it is good, but the battery for the Vyper is not very expensive and lasts longer than those AAA's anyways. It's basically a tradeoff, easier to find batteries, but need to change them more often.