UWSojourner:
I guess I'm confused. I use the Vyper. But the thread was about not using a computer, so I thought I'd see some simple bottom timers. Vytec? That's "fancier" than my computer. Are you just using the bottom timer feature and the hoseless gas gauge? If so, why not just a simple bottom timer?
Sure it's fancy. OK. I use the Vytec for a bunch of reasons.
* Got it for dirt cheap on eBay (it was horribly mis-listed)
* My wife still dives using the compter functions (loading, remaining gas, etc.) and uses a Vytec, So as chief tech support for my family, I only have one platform to support wif our little dive team... always a plus!
* Dig the download feratures. Like the SAC, the gear profile, the dive logging and notes features.
* I often use the hoseless feature (remember - weenie boy here - open water, no cave, cavern or penetration diving yet.) It's a lot more convienent to simply glance at the wrist than reach back and unclip the SPG to get pressure every 5 minutes or so (although I confirm with the SPG about every second or third glance.)
* Its gauge mode rocks. I love the countdown timer.
* When I'm on a multi-day trip doing 4 - 5 dives a day for 3 or 4 days with all manner of mixes the blender can get close to (30 - 33....) I'll flip it into Computer mode to give my dome a rest. Does it run the dive while in Computer mode? Of course not. I still carefully plan every dive and simply use it to track my loading. On one or two day trips where I have a reasonably consistent blend, its easy for me to calculate the loading... on these multi days with the blend duDive, I just roll that tracking function to the machine.
A Yugo will get me to the office and the store about as fast and even more efficiently than my Tundra. I prefer the air conditioning, crankin hi-fi, comfort and electric windows and locks of my truck. No biggie.
I like the Vytec. Do I leverage all of its whammy gee-whiz features? Not really. But I got it, it works for me and I don't shut off my brain when I dive with it.
Example: While in Computer mode, it's told me I got 6 minutes of gas left... and I'll check the pressure and I have a zillion PSI. Moments later, it catches up. If I wasn't superbly aware of how long my gas lasts at various depths and pressures, it would FREAK ME OUT to see that on the screen.
At the end of the day, its just a tool. Like any other. You gotta be smarter than the tool to use it correctly.
K
