I thought I would give some of my observations about this computer. I bought the NiTek Q because I would like to eventually move into Tech diving and I wanted a computer that could be upgraded as needed. While testing this computer, I ran it alongside my Mares Puck Air console computer for comparison. This NiTek is the V2 basic model which is identified by the red plug on the rear of the case which seals the USB port. This review is not designed to be an explanation of the computer and all of its features. For that you can refer to the DiveRite website. This is just a review from one diver’s perspective.
Case
The computer is housed in a mil spec aluminum case which looks and feels very solid. However, I have noticed that moving the computer to my wrist, as opposed to a console, makes it a ding magnet. The case is black and picks up scratches pretty easily. I have already picked up several visible scratches on the edge of the case surrounding the glass. I purchased a Zagg shield and placed it on the glass. So far, the glass is free from scratches and dings. I would highly recommend this in order to protect the glass. The computer is also low profile which I like.
Strap
This model came with the elastic wrist strap. It is a good quality strap that is easily adjusted. However, I notice that I have to cinch it up a bit at depth. The strap has some depth compensating ability as it is elastic, but it will need a little adjustment when taken deep.
Display
Prior to running this computer I was using a Mares Puck Air console. The move to the Q was like night and day. This display is very easy to read and bright. There are 10 brightness settings which are easily adjusted to the diver’s preference. However, the display can get washed out by bright sunlight. This happens on shallow dives, I have found that this can be remedied by rotating the computer toward the inside of the wrist and reading it at a perpendicular angle to the sun.
All of the information on the display is easy to read and understand. All necessary data is displayed on the primary screen so there is no need to switch to the secondary screen unless you want to see the water temp or compass (if equipped with the upgrade). The primary screen with display, current depth, dive time, remaining NDL, max depth, any decompression obligations with total ascent time, current PPO2 level, N2 and 02 load graphs as well as 02 and He percentages.
This computer has several different alarms and indicators. It is important to note that all of these alarms (ascent, PPo2, deco etc.) are visual and not audible. This computer will not beep or vibrate or do anything to remind you to look at it as many recreational computers will do. The Q will alert you to a number of conditions if you are looking at it. But honestly, if you need to be reminded to look at your computer/bottom timer/SPG, then you probably should be playing badminton and not diving (my opinion).
Programming
Simple. The computer is equipped with two buttons or slides. Setting your gas mixes or any other feature is quick and easy. The computer has a number of settings that are user adjustable such as PP02 limit, max depth alarm, gradient factor presets just to name a few. Refer to the Dive Rite website for a complete description. The point is, all of the programming is easy, I was able to set up the computer out of the box without having to read the instructions.
The basic model allows for two gas mixtures. Both of these mixes will be air or nitrox, programming He will require the trimix upgrade. The basic model allows for O2 percentages of 21% to 99%.
Gradient Factors
The Q has three presets that determine how conservative the computer will run for deco or no deco diving. These settings are pre-programed gradient factors for the Buhlman algorithm. The most liberal setting is 75/95 (cons 0), the next setting is 40/100 (cons 1) and the most conservative setting is 30/75 (cons 2). A software upgrade enabling custom gradients can be purchased if the presets do not meet your needs. I have been running this computer in cons 1 or GF 40/100. This setting matches my Mares Puck Air (RGBM) almost exactly for the first dive. However, on the second dive the Q gives me anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes more NDL over the Mares computer. If I run the Q in cons 2 or GF 30/75, it is a little too conservative and will go into deco long before the Mares on both dives. This is my only real gripe about the Q. It seems the gradients are on both ends of the spectrum, either really conservative or really liberal.
Log Book
Sparse. The log book feature records date, max depth and dive time. That’s all. If you are looking for a log book that records a lot of detailed information about your dive then this might be a disappointment. There is a log book upgrade which I do not have. I believe this allows you to download your dives from the computer to the workbench software. Personally, I don’t see the point of this if all the computer is capturing is date, depth and time. There is also a profile feature which allows you to view a graphic profile of your dive.
Battery
The battery is charged with a USB cable. There is a removable plug on the rear of the computer which exposes the USB port. The Q will detect when the plug has been removed and give you a reminder screen to replace the plug after unplugging the computer from a power source. The battery is not user replaceable, at least as far as I can tell.
Summary
Overall I really like this computer. It was designed for divers like me who are stuck for the time being in recreational diving but plan on moving into technical diving in the future. The computer works great as a rec computer in basic mode and can be upgraded to full 7 gas trimix when you are ready for tech/trimix diving. It is true that the Q does not have all of the features of the more expensive technical dive computers. It’s really a personal choice deciding how many features you really need/want in a computer balanced against what you want to spend. I think the Q is a great choice for divers who want a computer that will do everything you need for recreational NDL diving and can be upgraded as you progress. This saves you from having to buy a second computer for tech diving because your first computer can no longer keep up.
I have included two screen shots using the Q to give an idea of what the computer looks like in dive mode. The first pic is a shot of the computer while diving within the NDL. In the second pic, the computer has just switched over into deco. The bar graph on the right side represents the N2 load while the graph on the left represents O2 limit. It should be noted that these were two different dives.
Case
The computer is housed in a mil spec aluminum case which looks and feels very solid. However, I have noticed that moving the computer to my wrist, as opposed to a console, makes it a ding magnet. The case is black and picks up scratches pretty easily. I have already picked up several visible scratches on the edge of the case surrounding the glass. I purchased a Zagg shield and placed it on the glass. So far, the glass is free from scratches and dings. I would highly recommend this in order to protect the glass. The computer is also low profile which I like.
Strap
This model came with the elastic wrist strap. It is a good quality strap that is easily adjusted. However, I notice that I have to cinch it up a bit at depth. The strap has some depth compensating ability as it is elastic, but it will need a little adjustment when taken deep.
Display
Prior to running this computer I was using a Mares Puck Air console. The move to the Q was like night and day. This display is very easy to read and bright. There are 10 brightness settings which are easily adjusted to the diver’s preference. However, the display can get washed out by bright sunlight. This happens on shallow dives, I have found that this can be remedied by rotating the computer toward the inside of the wrist and reading it at a perpendicular angle to the sun.
All of the information on the display is easy to read and understand. All necessary data is displayed on the primary screen so there is no need to switch to the secondary screen unless you want to see the water temp or compass (if equipped with the upgrade). The primary screen with display, current depth, dive time, remaining NDL, max depth, any decompression obligations with total ascent time, current PPO2 level, N2 and 02 load graphs as well as 02 and He percentages.
This computer has several different alarms and indicators. It is important to note that all of these alarms (ascent, PPo2, deco etc.) are visual and not audible. This computer will not beep or vibrate or do anything to remind you to look at it as many recreational computers will do. The Q will alert you to a number of conditions if you are looking at it. But honestly, if you need to be reminded to look at your computer/bottom timer/SPG, then you probably should be playing badminton and not diving (my opinion).
Programming
Simple. The computer is equipped with two buttons or slides. Setting your gas mixes or any other feature is quick and easy. The computer has a number of settings that are user adjustable such as PP02 limit, max depth alarm, gradient factor presets just to name a few. Refer to the Dive Rite website for a complete description. The point is, all of the programming is easy, I was able to set up the computer out of the box without having to read the instructions.
The basic model allows for two gas mixtures. Both of these mixes will be air or nitrox, programming He will require the trimix upgrade. The basic model allows for O2 percentages of 21% to 99%.
Gradient Factors
The Q has three presets that determine how conservative the computer will run for deco or no deco diving. These settings are pre-programed gradient factors for the Buhlman algorithm. The most liberal setting is 75/95 (cons 0), the next setting is 40/100 (cons 1) and the most conservative setting is 30/75 (cons 2). A software upgrade enabling custom gradients can be purchased if the presets do not meet your needs. I have been running this computer in cons 1 or GF 40/100. This setting matches my Mares Puck Air (RGBM) almost exactly for the first dive. However, on the second dive the Q gives me anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes more NDL over the Mares computer. If I run the Q in cons 2 or GF 30/75, it is a little too conservative and will go into deco long before the Mares on both dives. This is my only real gripe about the Q. It seems the gradients are on both ends of the spectrum, either really conservative or really liberal.
Log Book
Sparse. The log book feature records date, max depth and dive time. That’s all. If you are looking for a log book that records a lot of detailed information about your dive then this might be a disappointment. There is a log book upgrade which I do not have. I believe this allows you to download your dives from the computer to the workbench software. Personally, I don’t see the point of this if all the computer is capturing is date, depth and time. There is also a profile feature which allows you to view a graphic profile of your dive.
Battery
The battery is charged with a USB cable. There is a removable plug on the rear of the computer which exposes the USB port. The Q will detect when the plug has been removed and give you a reminder screen to replace the plug after unplugging the computer from a power source. The battery is not user replaceable, at least as far as I can tell.
Summary
Overall I really like this computer. It was designed for divers like me who are stuck for the time being in recreational diving but plan on moving into technical diving in the future. The computer works great as a rec computer in basic mode and can be upgraded to full 7 gas trimix when you are ready for tech/trimix diving. It is true that the Q does not have all of the features of the more expensive technical dive computers. It’s really a personal choice deciding how many features you really need/want in a computer balanced against what you want to spend. I think the Q is a great choice for divers who want a computer that will do everything you need for recreational NDL diving and can be upgraded as you progress. This saves you from having to buy a second computer for tech diving because your first computer can no longer keep up.
I have included two screen shots using the Q to give an idea of what the computer looks like in dive mode. The first pic is a shot of the computer while diving within the NDL. In the second pic, the computer has just switched over into deco. The bar graph on the right side represents the N2 load while the graph on the left represents O2 limit. It should be noted that these were two different dives.
