Suunto D6i Compass

[nv]

I am considering getting this computer and have read mixed reviews of the digital compass feature. For those that dive this computer your experience is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Phil_C]

I'm not sure how much they differ but I have a D9tx which also has a digital compass. It always seems to work well enough when I test it above water, but I have never had much success in using it when actually diving and it is in dive mode. Not too sure why this should be. I now mainly use the D9tx as a backup computer now and dive an Atomic Cobalt which also has a built in compass, but I actually don't use that either now. I carry a handheld compass on a automatic retractor and much prefer that.
P

 

[samuel.bussieres]

I have one for sale if you're interested

 

[mruseless]

I've been diving a D9 for a several years now, and the compass has always worked well for me underwater. However, it needs to be calibrated in each new area of the world, and if you forget to do this the compass can give bad readings. It's best to calibrate on dry land as most boats have a lot of metal in them (especially liveaboards), but I have successfully calibrated on the topmost deck of a liveaboard dive boat. Better to write yourself a note to calibrate as soon as you land in the area you will be diving.

 

[Bob DBF]

My buddy has a digital compass and found out it can "swing" to a reading, like an analog compass, however, if you don't wait for it to settle, as you would in an analog compass, you may not get the right reading. Don't expect the first reading you see to be the right one. After he got past that, he has been doing quite well.



Bob
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A man's got to know his limitations.
Harry Callahan

 

[knotical]

Cobra 3 has a digital compass, but I don't use it, preferring a separate instrument so I can still glance at my computer readouts without having to change modes.

 

[mruseless]

I agree, I prefer to use my D9 compass as a backup to a wristmount, and also to mark particular places in a dive for later reference.

 

[ajduplessis]

I had a D9 and the compass work very well, make sure you calibrate.