Rookie diver, Checkout dive next weekend.

[Eanxbr]

You are getting some really good advice, and you hit the nail on the head knowing that your first computer will eventually become your backup computer. Having said that, with your technical background, you may be interested in studying the different algorithms available for the different dive computers in the market. For example, most SUUNTO computers will operate with the RGBM algorithm, while Shearwater computers use Bühlman zhl-16C. The main difference is the degree of conservation used in the calculation, so all else being equal, you may get a few extra minutes of bottom time with a Bühlman algorithm compared to an RGBM algorithm computer.

Just food for thought while you are doing your research.

Have fun!

 

[landphil]

If your wife also dives and she’s going to be your primary buddy, it’s great to be on the same NDL timing. Part of why I upgraded my Mares Quad to a Shearwater Peregrine TX was to quit having to get my wife to ascend with over 10 minutes left on her NDL because I was out of bottom time (the other upgrade motivation was from being super jealous of my wife’s sweet Shearwater )

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I would be excited to wait until late next May. Maybe June. 58 deg water is just kinda crazy. Shrinkage and all.

 

[Allen-1]

Good Evening all!!!

My wife bought me open water SCUBA training for my birthday and I love it!!! Well until I jump into the 58 degree lake next weekend. I’m also doing NITROX in conjunction with the course to get it knocked out. I want to get advanced certified before June when we go to Belize and Cozumel. I’ll be honest I’m an IT person and already looking at basic dive computers, but I’m struggling on what I need/Don’t need. I would love to hear advice from all the experts out there. All comments are welcome.

I can't quite tell from your post if you've settled on your other gear and you're focusing on dive computer because it's the last bit, or if that's just where your mind has gone at this point.

If the latter, I'd spend some time and energy on choosing a mask and testing it in a pool before your first class. I thought I was all set, bought a high quality mask, had prescription lenses added to it - and found out on my first dunk that I'm a nose breather. My nice new mask was flooding on every single breath. "Disconcerting" doesn't even begin to describe it. I got lucky, my instructor had a spare mask with a nose valve.

If the former - pretty much any dive computer will do to start with. I'd go with simple display of key factors to start with. There's an awful lot to pay attention to while diving, and tunnel visioning on your dive computer while underwater may lead you to not focusing on other things that you ought to.

Since you're in IT, as someone else said, you might want to select a dive computer that interfaces with log software. I'm partial to Sub-Surface, but there are a number of products out there.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

Dude, do they have sea-horses, you can ride

View attachment 873773

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

C O O L… BHB perhaps.??

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

I can't quite tell from your post if you've settled on your other gear and you're focusing on dive computer because it's the last bit, or if that's just where your mind has gone at this point.

If the latter, I'd spend some time and energy on choosing a mask and testing it in a pool before your first class. I thought I was all set, bought a high quality mask, had prescription lenses added to it - and found out on my first dunk that I'm a nose breather. My nice new mask was flooding on every single breath. "Disconcerting" doesn't even begin to describe it. I got lucky, my instructor had a spare mask with a nose valve.

If the former - pretty much any dive computer will do to start with. I'd go with simple display of key factors to start with. There's an awful lot to pay attention to while diving, and tunnel visioning on your dive computer while underwater may lead you to not focusing on other things that you ought to.

Since you're in IT, as someone else said, you might want to select a dive computer that interfaces with log software. I'm partial to Sub-Surface, but there are a number of products out there.

Yes, I highly recommend the ‘Pool Dive’ or calm water dive such as a clear Spring without a lot of distraction. Try different gear combos especially if you will be diving colder or really cold diving. An ill-fitting mask can be a source of frustration indeed as you’ll need to be able to ‘read’ whatever computer you decide to purchase without other distractions. As you mentioned a High Tech mask or other gear doesn’t make it comfortable to the wearer…

 

[The Chairman]

I would love to hear advice from all the experts out there.

As stressful as it all might seem the first few times, DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!!! It will get easier and be more fun as you go along. Tell us all about it when you go!

 

[boulderjohn]

. Eventually my initial computer will become my backup.

You are getting some really good advice, and you hit the nail on the head knowing that your first computer will eventually become your backup computer. Having said that, with your technical background, you may be interested in studying the different algorithms available for the different dive computers in the market. For example, most SUUNTO computers will operate with the RGBM algorithm, while Shearwater computers use Bühlman zhl-16C. The main difference is the degree of conservation used in the calculation, so all else being equal, you may get a few extra minutes of bottom time with a Bühlman algorithm compared to an RGBM algorithm computer.

Just food for thought while you are doing your research.

Have fun!

Will your initial computer be your backup? Maybe.

As Eanxbr correctly pointed out, there is a difference in algorithms. Let's look at that example. If you have a primary computer that is giving you more bottom time than your backup, and if you do a dive that is close to the NDL, if you do not follow the more conservative computer, it may put you into deco and then lock you out for 48 hours. That is why the supposed backup computer may well actually be your primary computer.

I did indeed dive that example given by Eanxbr back in the earliest days of Shearwater computers. I was doing routine NDL diving, using my new Shearwater Predator as my primary and using an old Suunto Cobra as a backup computer and as a pressure gauge (air integrated on a hp hose). As I was getting near the end of my second dive, I checked my air supply on the Suunto. Yep, I was in deco on that computer already. I just followed the Shearwater and let the Suunto lock up on me. It still provided my depth and gas pressure, but for the next two days I had no backup computer.

IMO, your backup computer should run the same algorithm as your primary, so if you are thinking you will someday use a specific computer as your primary, then you should have that end in mind when choosing your first computer.

 

[mrtechbench]

When comparing algorithms, some manufacturers make changes or tweaks to affect the conservatism, so even if you have 2 different brands of computers running the "same" algorithm, they may not show the same NDL. You may be able to adjust settings on the computers to make them similar, but if you're planning on diving with someone regularly (BF/GF/spouse/etc.) I would strongly consider getting the same model or at least same brand as they have.