need advise for a dive comp.

[scubaranger]

I bought the bc then they had software problems.I"M reading all your point's and you guys make alot of sence I usually go by word of mouth but because I don't have to much of that ( before I meet you guys ) I can count with one hand the commited divers I know. thanks for all your advise and I'll check out suunto and sherwood
thanks again
Why i want a back up is I was on a dive that this guy comp is water activated when he went in it didn't turn on his mistake he didn't release till he got to the bottom 140 feet at the speigel grove. he took a massive risk and used his buddy gauge because he knows he uses less air then him and he went up early. I would of not done this. well the error was the quick disconnect was not align it looked that it was hooked up but it wasn't.
People say "learn from your mistakes"
I say "learn from others mistakes its cheaper"

be safe
alex t.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I had a computer failure with my Sherwood Wisdom, but even after the computer portion failed, the Wisdom continued to display SPG information. So in that regard I am not concerned with the need for a separate SPG if single tank diving.

Many computers can be set for automatic activation so forgetting to turn it on is not that big an issue. It is also an issue that is 100% preventable. In the case you illustrate above, the dive buddy obviously was a bit of a moron and in addition to not turning on the dive computer, he obviously never bothered to check the air pressure in his tank. For all he knew, he could have had a tank with 500 psi left in it. Not having a backup SPG is the least of his problems.

A QD is nice but requires some care in use and adds another item to the pre-dive checklist. I use some older Scubapro quick disconnects on my regs that attach to the first stage end of the hose. They allow me to quickly switch the spg and computer to the reg for the day and allow a reg with no SPG or computer to be used without a HP hose attached.

But yesterday I found myself at 240 psi when I knew I had 1800 psi a minute earlier. I had failed to check the connection for security. If it is a couple turns loose, turning the hose slightly more can cause it to unscrew a bit and shut off the air flow to the SPG. I'd like to blame this on a poor design but in the end the blame is all mine for failing to make a pre-dive check of the connection. Fortunately it was a situation that could be readily corrected in water (an advantage of the older screw on design that partially compensates for the potential of it coming loose.)

 

[jhelmuth]

Alex,

The LDS I frequent bought the Sherwood Wisdoms last year for their students and rentals. They've had so many issues with them that they will be selling them off in June and replacing with a more reliable comp.
I'm sorry you feel so bad about Uwatec. My SmartCOM has been great and we own 3 - no problems. Yes, they did have a software bug. But consider that most of us never had it happen to us, and the company did replace everyones with a brand new computer (with the bug fixed).

 

[jdf]

Try looking at the Atmos II. It's a nice console with compass, computer,air gauge and nitrox compatable. It also comes with a quick release. We have about 50 dives on ours and like them. They have nice big numbers that are easy to read and the computer is very user friendly. If you live in FL, Diver's Direct has some good prices on them.

 

[Web Monkey]

I wouldn't avoid Uwatec because of the problem they had.

All software has bugs, and at the very least, you know that the Smart-Com has now had a software upgrade and undergone additional testing.

As for Rodales, while it may not be a great business decision, it has no effect on the computer.

I'm very happy with my Smart-Com and wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I needed one.

Terry

Ok It Sat. and a sunny day here in miami and I"m stuck at work this stinks.

so I need some advise.
My question is I want to buy a dive comp.
some things I"m looking for are;
1)air integrated with a gauge back up ( I have a reason for this)
2)compuss integrated
3) quick disconnect
4) with a nitrox program included (I'll take this class later this summer)

all that I asked for,is there somthing out there that has this.
I"M shying away from scubapro(uwatec) brand for two reasons 1 is they had software problems last year. 2 is they don't participate in rodale's equipment public testing.

thanks for any info out there.
alex t.

 

[Web Monkey]

If the comptuer was water activated, but didn't come on until 140', then it's broken. That would be enough of a reason to abort the dive.

Terry

Why i want a back up is I was on a dive that this guy comp is water activated when he went in it didn't turn on his mistake he didn't release till he got to the bottom 140 feet at the speigel grove. he took a massive risk and used his buddy gauge because he knows he uses less air then him and he went up early.

 

[CuriousMe]

I use a Suunto Cobra, but had a similar concern, so I left my SPG/compass on my reg (I have an extra HP port on my reg). Yes, it's one more hose....but I like having the redundancy (guess it's the computer geek in me <smile>).

Peace,
Cathie