Suunto Hoseless?

[bradymsu]

I have heard rumors that Suunto is designing a hoseless air integrated computer. Does anyone have information on this?

 

[Warhammer]

I've also heard that and speculation slates it's release sometime this coming summer, so I here. But that's all I've heard. if I had to guess, I'd say it will simply be a Vyper clone that includes the hoseless air-intergration. I bet it will be salty, though.

 

[Scubaroo]

salty?

 

[bradymsu]

"Salty" Warhammer? Is that regional slang? I've only heard the term mean "experienced and wise".

I don't know much about the Vyper but if the new one is anything like the Cobra I hope to get one this summer. With some limitations (weak sound, limited graphics) I think the Cobra is the best out there right now. I was thinking about buying an Alladin O2, but maybe I'll wait.

-Brady

(Above message not sponsored by Suunto though we may be talking in the future.)

 

[Warhammer]

"Salty" 'as defined in the Redneck Dictionary' means high, pricey, expensive.

Can't believe none of you have ever heard that one. hehe

The Vyper is basically a Cobra in wrist mount, less the air intergration. Other than the air intergration, their screens are identical.

 

[SpyderTek]

Been dropping the big hint to my S.O. on the Suunto Cobra 300b myself...

She mentioned that she thought I would prefer the wrist mounted ones.

I DO prefer the idea of wirst mount (The Aladin would have been my choice here) but I realy realy want the air intergration. The Aladin Z 02 has air-int...but I assume it is sending the information by radio to the wrist mount...

Anyone else have any reservations about radioed data to their computer?

SpyderTek

 

[Warhammer]

From everything I have gathered on air intergrated computers that send the data via "radio" frequencies, IMHO, they are generally reliable. I know several divers that use them, some complain of problems, some don't, but they all claim they are reliable when working. Even if the signal is interfered with at some point during the dive it isn't curcial since you probably wouldn't even notice it. And even if you did, you still know approximately how much air have left via your last check, right? When signals are interupted a slight repositioning of yourself will usually correct the problem, communication will resume and the computer will again tell you your tank pressure. Things that seem to interfer with the signal are strobes, flashes and etc. Some have told me that even your body can sometimes interfer if mounted in certain postions, like on your BC. I've not heard of anyone having a catostrophic failure of the communication wherein the signal was never re-established, but I'm sure it has happened. But I do know a guy who had massive problems with his Oceanic unit right out of the box. It never would communicate right and he ended up going a different route. Even in that worst case senario you could always abort the dive and revert back to an SPG, or carry one as backup from the get go.

I really don't see any other way to send the signal, except maybe by a tethered wire or something, and that wouldn't be very practical. But who knows, some genious may figure something else out.

 

[Lost Yooper]

Originally posted by SpyderTek
Anyone else have any reservations about radioed data to their computer?

SpyderTek

I have "reservations" for relying on a computer for calculating decompression regardless of the type of computer. Other than that, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on one (remote type) as I don't see them as being an asset (more likely, an unnecessary failure point).

For years, I have used my old Alladin Pro as a depth gauge/timer (soon to be replaced) with a Timex watch for backup, and computer generated tables. IMO, it is better to simplify than to get more complex for the technical stuff, and you'll get out cleaner (and often quicker) than you would using the highly conservative computers. If it's recreational we're talking about, then I wouldn't worry about it anyway.

K.I.S.S.

Mike

 

[BillP]

Originally posted by Lost Yooper


"I have "reservations" for relying on a computer for calculating decompression regardless of the type of computer."

"For years, I have used (snip) computer generated tables."

Mike

Hi Mike:

I've seen statements similar to yours used together quite a lot and I've always been curious about it. On the surface it seems contradictory. Is there something inherently beneficial about having the decompression algorithm dry on your laptop computer in your room at home rather than taking it along with you on your dives? Or do you just feel that current dive computers are not up to the task of calculating decompression algorithms for typical no-decompression recreational dives? (I'm assuming that such dives were the focus of this thread since it's not in the "Tek Talk" section.) Maybe you can explain and be more specific about your statements.

TIA,

Bill

(Sorry, I don't follow the BISS doctrine of decision-making. -grin)

 

[SpyderTek]

Originally posted by Lost Yooper


I have "reservations" for relying on a computer for calculating decompression regardless of the type of computer. Other than that, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on one (remote type) as I don't see them as being an asset (more likely, an unnecessary failure point).

Yes, This sums up my feelings very succinctly.

Thank you. I think I am going to stay with hoses 'cause at least if the connection between the computer and my tank gets broken I'll be able to see all the bubbles pouring out!

Spyder