My First Dive Computer...

[scubadada]

• I started with Navy tables in the 1960s in college, had a cool Seiko dive watch with the first-dive Navy NDLs on the wrist strap.
• Got out of college and didn't dive for almost a decade, got serious as part of my job with a NAUI cert (my first cert) in 1082, used only Navy tables through 1986
• Got a new job in a new non-seaside city, with a new wife, and didn't dive again for a decade.
• Still on tables (PADI RDP and Wheel), until 1999; took a Nitrox class in May 1999, finally saw the advantages of a computer....
• Bought an Aeris Savant in Sept 1999, just before a dive trip to Bermuda. Whoa! No turning back after that!
• I don't know for sure how many/which computers I have owned since then but they include an Oceanic VersaPro, A DiveRite Nitek He, a DiveRite Plus, a DiverRite Duo, a Zeagle iN2itition (also a Seiko, like the DiveRite Trio), Petrel, Petrel 2, Perdix, Teric, Deep6 Excursion.
• But the Wheel was great.

I think I had that same Seiko watch, at least a similar one. My Citizen watches from a bit later, still has the USN tables on the wristband.

 

[usmc1971]

My first dive computer I bought in 1987, the US DIVERS DATA SCAN 3 PRO AIR INTEGRATED COMPUTER. Although I had been using dive tables since I started diving in the 70's, I never had to use dive tables for recreational diving since 1987. The only time I used dive tables was/is when I teach dive tables and deco. theory for my students. This computer was ahead of its time, it even was air integrated. The first version of the Data Scan used to give equivalent nitrogen group letter but that was eliminated very quickly in the later upgraded versions of this computer.


Dive computers have come a long way in these 30+ years since I bought my first DC. I believe that dive table use has become largely irrelevant to the greater majority of recreational divers these days but understanding decompression theory concepts will still be very essential in safe diving (I am referring to recreational diving in this context).

When using a diving computer, it is imperative to have a solid understanding and comprehension of decompression theory, as well as the correct use of the diving computer to ensure safety and to reduce the chance of serious injuries in diving.

When did you first start using dive computers? What model did you use and are you using dive tables still?

I realize your post was over three years ago; however, i am hoping you could tell me what battery this US DIVERS DATA SCAN 3 AIR INTEGRATED COMPUTER takes. I just picked one up and wanted to first change the battery prior to taking it to my dive shop for check out. At least I can verify that it works before spending money on a non-working unit/

 

[BoltSnap]

I realize your post was over three years ago; however, i am hoping you could tell me what battery this US DIVERS DATA SCAN 3 AIR INTEGRATED COMPUTER takes. I just picked one up and wanted to first change the battery prior to taking it to my dive shop for check out. At least I can verify that it works before spending money on a non-working unit/

I have no idea at all. This was in 1988, 36 years ago.

I would NOT buy or use this computer today at all (except for nostalgic and history reasons not for intending to dive with it as sole or primary dive computer).

 

[Bento.Box]

When did you first start using dive computers? What model did you use and are you using dive tables still?

Started using dive computers in 2017 when I did my OWD.
During training I got a Suunto Zoop as a loaner, which I replaced with an Eon Steel after I got my own gear. I'm still happy with it because of the colour coding and good visibility in lake conditions.

I never used diving tables and would find them impractical, as I do a lot of dynamic diving, adjusting my depth and location based on the remaining nodec and gas time.

I always have a redundant dive computer with me.

 

[hammet]

 

[hancockks]

Orca Phoenix in 1992. I still have 3 of them, all functional. I've been doing very limited diving as my kids grew up, but now that my oldest is certified and the post-college empty-nest is on the horizon, I've started back up again. This year, I upgraded one to the Shearwater Perdix 2, but I still use the Phoenix as a backup computer.

 

[Diver00002]

My first dive computer is what I got last week, Mk3i.

Being a newer diver, I personally think it is imperative to learn how to "Manual Dive" apart from relying on a computer. (Not sure if the proper terminology)

For that reason, when I am planning a dive I will use the tables and keep a diving watch on the other wrist. The idea is if I ever have a complete failure of my computer I still understand what is going on, have the dive planned "on paper" and I feel safer knowing I have "manual" backups.

 

[Belzelbub]

For that reason, when I am planning a dive I will use the tables and keep a diving watch on the other wrist. The idea is if I ever have a complete failure of my computer I still understand what is going on, have the dive planned "on paper" and I feel safer knowing I have "manual" backups.

This will be a good exercise, but unless your dives are pretty square, you’ll soon find that the table and computer will disagree considerably on subsequent dives. For the first dive of the day, they’ll probably be pretty close, but they’ll diverge from there, especially if the majority of your dive was spent shallower than max depth. By all means, try it out, but don’t be surprised if the tables give you 10 minutes on your next dive where your computer gives you 30.

Learning and understanding some of the science involved is important. That can be done using either computers or tables.

 

[BoltSnap]

Orca Phoenix in 1992. I still have 3 of them, all functional. I've been doing very limited diving as my kids grew up, but now that my oldest is certified and the post-college empty-nest is on the horizon, I've started back up again. This year, I upgraded one to the Shearwater Perdix 2, but I still use the Phoenix as a backup computer.View attachment 856400View attachment 856401

Oh man, you bring up very sad memories. I went through 4 of them and all of them failed. I started with the "Delphi" which was a disaster for the company and then the Phoenix which failed also leading to the company going bankrupt. Eventually a defense contractor bought the remains of the company. Eventually the company went out of business after the son of the owner of the company died in a motorcycle accident and the owner lost interest in continuing with the company since his son that died was the diver and the reason the owner bought the dead company.

(The above is what I can remember now after almost 25 years. The actual story may differ slightly from my recollection but won't be different by much).