Rental computers and newer divers

[Youssef]

Computer should be one of your very first purchases. Will save your life, many places dont require you to have one and only rely on the instructor/guide’s computer, and there’s usually an extra charge to rent it that’s separate than a ‘full kit’ rental. As a beginner it also makes you ‘feel’ like a diver more than any other piece of equipment.

 

[Still Kicking]

Renting any unknown computer makes you on a way to accidental death. You do not know what it says where on the display.

That's a little bit of hyperbole, in my opinion.

I have used a bunch of different computers from different brands and manufacturers and underwater they all show depth, time, NDL. What else do you really need to know?

Settings on the surface can be a little tricky with some brands, but you have time to figure those out and hopefully an internet link to a manual etc.

If you can't figure what's what right away on the dive screen underwater, it's a very odd computer.

 

[boulderjohn]

That's a little bit of hyperbole, in my opinion.

I have used a bunch of different computers from different brands and manufacturers and underwater they all show depth, time, NDL. What else do you really need to know?

Settings on the surface can be a little tricky with some brands, but you have time to figure those out and hopefully an internet link to a manual etc.

If you can't figure what's what right away on the dive screen underwater, it's a very odd computer.

In my original post, I note that the diver violated NDLs and had no idea what to do with the new information he was seeing. When I saw what was going on and looked at his computer, I had to tell him where to stay and for how long.

 

[dmaziuk]

Word Perfect Helpline

 

[BoltSnap]

Word Perfect Helpline

Lol, best post before I go to bed now.

 

[smashweights]

As a new diver, this thread is a great reminder to take my dive computer on my upcoming cruise so I can dive with it. Thanks!

 

[Valeriy_Kulaha]

At the end of the day, the diver is responsible for his/her own safety. We all carry high-powered computers in our pockets, aka cell phones, that would easily show anyone (including foreign divers speaking a different language) how to set their percentages with a quick Google search. It was irresponsible of Buddy #3 to ignore this very basic requirement --- ESPECIALLY for NDL dive at 110' with two strangers that he met 30 mins prior.

The dive shop renting the gear should have confirmed with the diver that he knew how to set the mix, but I disagree with the notion that they should have set the mix FOR HIM. You are opening up yourself to liability.....it is the same reason I won't analyze people's mixes for them. That is on you. You are certified, you should know the process, and if you don't -- you have no business diving.

Just my two pennies, as someone who hands rental gear to people on a weekly basis.

So says the condom salesman - I don't have to know all my customer's favorite Kamasutras...

 

[Valeriy_Kulaha]

I have long argued that shops that sell computers should offer a class on how to use them, either included in the price of the computer or at a minimal charge. The camera shop where I have bought most of my camera equipment over the years offers such classes on how to use the features of the cameras they sell.

I am sure Youtube must have a video showing how to use the computer. They should probably give renters or purchasers a link to the basic functions of the computer.

Years ago I was surfacing from a dive in New Mexico and another diver who was in our group surfaced soon after, saying that his computer was acting strange, giving readings he had never seen before. I immediately realized he was in deco and took him down to safety stop depth for an extended stay. It was his computer, and he had no idea what it looked like once you violated NDL.

It's called split personality disorder - the diver and his computer had different sort beer preferences after the dive.

 

[Bento.Box]

A terrible example is the Suunto Zoop Novo. Out shop rents these and I have to get out the manual or a demo app on my phone to set it for Nitrox.

100% agree.

Every time I dive Nitrox (which is only occasionally on holidays and backmount), I have to look up in the manual how to set the mixture because I forgot. It's my secondary computer.

But I would not forget to go through the dive briefing in my head and the predive setup.

 

[AsherN]

A computer is the first thing a traveling diver should buy.

Forst things I bought was a properly fitting mask and a computer. I've since acquired fins, reg, and BCD. if I go somewhere where diving may be involved, I always bring mask and computer. To me that is the absolute minimum kit you should have.