Multi gas computer

[Dive-aholic]

I'm preparing for tech diving (buying the gear) and I'm comparing dive computers and not sure what's best. I've talked to some instructors and gotten their opinions. I've done the thread search here on SB but haven't found the information I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for a computer that will be able to back up my plan and handle the gas changes during deco stops. I know three gas computers have appeared on the market, but I also heard of a 10 or 12 gas computer. Is this necessary? How often would more than 3 gasses be used on a deco dive? Also, what computer would you recommend and why? Please include advantages and disadvantages to the computers. Thanks for the help!

 

[ArcticDiver]

I'm preparing for tech diving (buying the gear) and I'm comparing dive computers and not sure what's best. I've talked to some instructors and gotten their opinions. I've done the thread search here on SB but haven't found the information I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for a computer that will be able to back up my plan and handle the gas changes during deco stops. I know three gas computers have appeared on the market, but I also heard of a 10 or 12 gas computer. Is this necessary? How often would more than 3 gasses be used on a deco dive? Also, what computer would you recommend and why? Please include advantages and disadvantages to the computers. Thanks for the help!

There really isn't a single answer to your question. But maybe a bit of more generalized information will help.

Which computer? Which algorithm? Whether to use the algorithm in printed tables or in a computer? Whether the computer is used on the surface to print out tables to take with you? Or, the computer goes with you under water? Or, whether you study the algorithm and have it memorized to the point you can do most profiles "on the fly"?

These are all questions that have been, and will continue to be, passionately argued on this and other boards and forums. A lot depends on the type of diving you do, your personal style and the style of the people you dive with. From your question it looks like you haven't figured those things out yet.

Basically, SCUBA is an art based on science and every diver is their own artist. So, my bias is to suggest you get more experience and settle on the style of diving that suits you. Along the way do the research into different ways of executing your favorite algorithm that matches your style. Which piece of gear to buy, or not to buy, will come naturally.

Or, another way to say it: Let the algorithm and style of diving you end up choosing drive your choice of dive planning and execution tool. Not the other way around.

 

[mattwave]

VR3 or Cochran would be good choices

 

[wedivebc]

Suunto Vytec is a 3 gas ntrox based computer. Mine has worked flawlessly for 3 years now and is pretty capable although a little conservative.
HS Explorer is a 10 gas helium based computer the O model also allows connection to an O2 sensor for rebreather use. Mine has given some trouble but support has been excellent.
Nitek HE is a helium based multi gas computer.
VR3 multi gas, helium based with rebreather PO2 monitoring

 

[kennethw]

My dive computer is Wetnotes with depths from 25 to 99 metres, 5 to 45 mintues, Deco tables with only Air, Air/50%, Air/100% and of course Air/50%/100%. But of course I carry my Laptop with DecoPlanner, ZPlanner, ...etc. to cut dive and contingency tables as necessary (so far never had to). Of course you can also do mental deco calculation using the various methods too.

But if I had the spare cash, a VR3C4 would be my choice.

 

[mike_lutz]

Suunto Vytec is a 3 gas ntrox based computer. Mine has worked flawlessly for 3 years now and is pretty capable although a little conservative.
HS Explorer is a 10 gas helium based computer the O model also allows connection to an O2 sensor for rebreather use. Mine has given some trouble but support has been excellent.
Nitek HE is a helium based multi gas computer.
VR3 multi gas, helium based with rebreather PO2 monitoring

Is the Vytec a full decompression computer like the VR3? Suunto seems to very conservative in answering questions about specific types of diving.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

A tech diving buddy has the VR3 now and says he wishes he had bought that computer first instead of wasting money on others then "trading up" (I think he has 3 different computers). He says the VR3 will do any kind of diving you might want to get into.
Ber

 

[kramynot2000]

Is the Vytec a full decompression computer like the VR3? Suunto seems to very conservative in answering questions about specific types of diving.

I had a Vytec and it used a modified RGBM algorithm and did compute deco however I seem to remember it was not sold as a deco computer for potential liability reasons I think. It was a great computer and I loved the ease of downloading the dives and analyzing your profile.

When I moved to trimix I had to sell the Vytec to purchase a trimix computer. I found a couple of good deals and ended up purchasing both a Nitek HE and an Explorer. I'm still in the comparison mode but what I found so far:

The Nitek is much easier to program and is more streamlined than the explorer. However it is also less flexible. Only one algorithm, no rebreather support, etc. There are comparisons on the web. But for the type of diving I do, it fits the bill most of the time. I'll probably use it for recreational and light deco diving.

My explorer is more complex and but that offers lots of flexibility. As was mentioned before, support is great. Mine is back getting upgraded right now. 10 gases and 10 deco algorighthms with a free simulator that will produce tables in many different ways. You can even produce a table that will show a profile under all 10 algorithms. It is bigger and bulkier but much easier to read.

 

[BigBoB]

I have a VR3 and love it. I was told before I bought it that it was a difficult computer to fly, but decided to go against what "everyone" said and go ahead and buy it. Before getting into deco diving I would highly suggest reading the users manual (otherwise you will never figure out how to get to the games, haha). All joking aside I am believer in knowing your equipment inside out and the only way to learn the VR3 is to READ THE MANUAL.

 

[BigJetDriver]

Using an RGBM program in your desk-top, and an H-S Explorer set to RGBM for your wet-computer (Note: it can do Buhlmann as well.), and the new NAUI RGBM tables for your back-up makes your planning easier. It is then seamless across the whole range.

For comparison puposes, you can run another model, such as Ross Hemingway's excellent V-Planner to help validate your dive plan, if you feel the need.

Rob Davie