Newer Suunto computers

[MB NZ]

Having dived with some folks today who used newer Suunto computers, I have some questions about the Zoop Novo and Vyper Novo.

Do the two computers run exactly the same algorithm and have the same sampling time?

Is the algorithm used the same as the one used on previous models of the same computers?

There seems to be a personal adjustment fudge factor. Google tells me this is P0, P1 and P2 with P2 the most conservative. Is P0 the same as the basic RGBM* model used on the older computers.

(*I'm well aware that Suunto RGBM algorithm is not in the public domain and is probably not true RGBM).

Just points of interest for me. I have been a long time user of Suunto computers.

 

[Scared Silly]

AFAIK Yes, to all.

 

[GreggS]

AFAIK Yes, to all.

Agreed. And with my experience with the Vyper Novo and having seen the menu of the Zoop Novo, the biggest difference between the 2 is air integration. The Vyper Novo is AI, the Zoop Novo is not. There could be some other differences but I didn't really see any with just a cursory look at the Zopp Novo menu.

As for the algorithm personal settings, P0 is the least conservative, so not a fudge factor. The other 2 settings are mainly for elevation diving.

 

[MB NZ]

Thanks for the replies. "P" settings are just for conservatism. There is a separate "A" setting for altitude. Who would want to make a Suunto computer more conservative? Who would want to use the Vyper Novo for technical diving? It is a three gas switching computer!

The personal settings on my HelO2 are P-1 (minus), P-2 (minus) and P0 (i.e. there is an option to reduce conservatism), plus the way it calculates decompression is quite different. Suunto call it "Technical RGBM". Why didn't they put it on the Vyper Novo I wonder?

 

[GreggS]

Yeah, you're right. I was going from memory as it's been a while since I dove the Vyper Novo. And actually, I gave it to my granddaughter when she got certified about 5 years ago. I had forgotten there was different settings for conservatism and altitude.

 

[randini]

I use the Vyper novo and my experience with the zoop is very limited

Yes, the Vyper Novo and Zoop Novo use same algorithm, the Suunto RGBM. Same one used on previous iterations of these and some (but not all) older computers. HelO2 and D9 use a "Technical RGBM" algorithm and the color screen ones use an even newer algorithm (and can now run buhlman!).

Sampling times are user adjustable and options are 10s, 20s, 30s or 60s.

Both personal and altitude adjustments are available. Personal adjustment options are 0, 1, 2, from least to most conservative. Altitude adjustments are also 0, 1 and 2. Since I only dive in the ocean I leave it at 0. I'd have to refer to the manual to see what the 1 and 2 are for.

The differences are that the Vyper has air integration, digital compass and three gases for switches.

I've taken the Vyper and my HelO2 on lighter technical dives, but I was taught to use them in gauge mode and use pre written tables, so that's how I run them.

 

[MB NZ]

I use the Vyper novo and my experience with the zoop is very limited

Yes, the Vyper Novo and Zoop Novo use same algorithm, the Suunto RGBM. Same one used on previous iterations of these and some (but not all) older computers. HelO2 and D9 use a "Technical RGBM" algorithm and the color screen ones use an even newer algorithm (and can now run buhlman!).

Sampling times are user adjustable and options are 10s, 20s, 30s or 60s.

Both personal and altitude adjustments are available. Personal adjustment options are 0, 1, 2, from least to most conservative. Altitude adjustments are also 0, 1 and 2. Since I only dive in the ocean I leave it at 0. I'd have to refer to the manual to see what the 1 and 2 are for.

The differences are that the Vyper has air integration, digital compass and three gases for switches.

I've taken the Vyper and my HelO2 on lighter technical dives, but I was taught to use them in gauge mode and use pre written tables, so that's how I run them.

I'd love to know how the Vyper Novo and HelO2 compare in terms of calculating NDL and decompression time in the real world. As per my previous post, I found the HelO2 to be quite different to the Gekko and original Vyper in this respect. My reason for asking is that I would consider buying a Vyper Novo when the time comes instead of drinking the Shearwater kool-aid.

 

[randini]

For NDL they seem real close. I was concerned about that too when I started using the Vyper Novo and coming from the HelO2. But after a few dives I didn't notice any substantial difference and started using the Vyper more and more due to the clearer screen and bungee mount that came in the box.

I hear ya on the SW kool aid. I've been quite happy with my Suunto's and am considering upgrading to an Eon Core to avoid the whole having to send the computer in to fantastic customer support 3-4 times before getting a working one.

 

[Scared Silly]

I'd love to know how the Vyper Novo and HelO2 compare in terms of calculating NDL and decompression time in the real world. As per my previous post, I found the HelO2 to be quite different to the Gekko and original Vyper in this respect. My reason for asking is that I would consider buying a Vyper Novo when the time comes instead of drinking the Shearwater kool-aid.

FWIW I have owned several Suunto computers, D3, Cobra, Vyper DX, HelO2. I like liked them all and did some technical dives with them. They served me well but switched to Shearwater because they were so much easier to read and were more feature rich.

My spouse held on to her Cobra for a long time cause she was not sure about having something on her wrist and the Cobra was AI. The early Shearwaters were not AI (Petrel 1 and 2 which I used). Once the Perdix came out with AI I swapped to it. My wife decided with that she too was ready to give up her Cobra and uses a Perdix. Now that the Peregrine TX is out she would be happy with it as she does not do any technical diving.

I give you these details as I have had great luck with Suunto. But their puck computers are old tech at this point. They are slowly moving forward with the EON but Shearwater is so much further ahead IMHO there is little comparison. These comments do not apply to their watch style computers which have had problems - I am not a fan of watch computers regardless of the mfg. Yes I have D3, but it is used as a back up bottom timer when technical diving. Of course now that wife has a Perdix I can use it.

Also note Suunto had some serious issues with pressure sensors and was not consumer friendly (we did not have such issues). Every brand will have mfg issues. So don't drink the koolaid, instead be a hard nosed comparative shopper.

 

[MB NZ]

FWIW I have owned several Suunto computers, D3, Cobra, Vyper DX, HelO2. I like liked them all and did some technical dives with them. They served me well but switched to Shearwater because they were so much easier to read and were more feature rich.

My spouse held on to her Cobra for a long time cause she was not sure about having something on her wrist and the Cobra was AI. The early Shearwaters were not AI (Petrel 1 and 2 which I used). Once the Perdix came out with AI I swapped to it. My wife decided with that she too was ready to give up her Cobra and uses a Perdix. Now that the Peregrine TX is out she would be happy with it as she does not do any technical diving.

I give you these details as I have had great luck with Suunto. But their puck computers are old tech at this point. They are slowly moving forward with the EON but Shearwater is so much further ahead IMHO there is little comparison. These comments do not apply to their watch style computers which have had problems - I am not a fan of watch computers regardless of the mfg. Yes I have D3, but it is used as a back up bottom timer when technical diving. Of course now that wife has a Perdix I can use it.

Also note Suunto had some serious issues with pressure sensors and was not consumer friendly (we did not have such issues). Every brand will have mfg issues. So don't drink the koolaid, instead be a hard nosed comparative shopper.

If the Vyper Novo ran Suunto "Technical RGBM", I would buy it.
If the Shearwater Peregrine had a user replaceable battery, I would buy it.

One of my HelO2s died due to pressure sensor failure. I had 15 years of good use out of it, so I'm not complaining. Currently diving with my wife's now ancient Gekko and my remaining HelO2. I leave the Gekko at home for bigger dives and dive with a buddy for those anyway.

"Old tech" doesn't concern me. If it's usable and gets me home safely, that's good enough.