Trimix Computers
- Thread starter Scuba-Stu
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
I did my first 100 or so trimix dives on BT and tables. Then I got a DiveRite Nitek He. When I started diving a CCR (on nitrox) I got a constant pO2-capable computer, and I chose a VR3. When I started diving mix on the CCR I kept the VR3, and it made sense then to use it for OC trimix (not that I do much of that - helium's too expensive). Other than some quality issues with the VR3 I was very happy with it - until my ex-business partner stole it and I saw it sold on eBay! Now it's back to BT & tables, or perhaps the Nitek He.
Just saw Nixdax's post. With the VR3 on OC I actually used the BT & tables as my primary, with the VR3 as backup.
Just saw Nixdax's post. With the VR3 on OC I actually used the BT & tables as my primary, with the VR3 as backup.
No 'fire' from me....my answer was direct and answered your question. I prefer bt--tables....sugg. some popular TMx computers.
Last edited:
Sorry if you misunderstood me. I was trying to hint at Ratio Deco when I said "Brain"...so if that was the offending part just remove brain and replace with the term ratio deco. Since many instructor and/or agencies will not allow you to use it I said "if that is not an option..."
Whatever you choose in the end, make sure you don't just do what your computer tells you to do.....but plan the dive, dive the plan and use what the trimix computer tells you as a tertiary backup...(if you have to have one).
Personally I could think of about 72 things I would rather spend $1000 on...especially for OC.
Sherman
Whatever you choose in the end, make sure you don't just do what your computer tells you to do.....but plan the dive, dive the plan and use what the trimix computer tells you as a tertiary backup...(if you have to have one).
Personally I could think of about 72 things I would rather spend $1000 on...especially for OC.
Sherman
I agree that you don't NEED a computer for trimix, but I use one. I dive a VR3 and love it. I also cut conservative tables with multiple "what-ifs" from V-Planner as a backup. The VR3 is nice in that you can activate the features you want. Mine started as my OC trimix computer and then several years ago when I started diving CCR, I just activated the PIN for CCR.
I had a VR3 for about 2 years. I liked it, but I had issues with the push buttons jamming up one me. I did a search on it, and it seems like I wasnt the only one with this issue. However, I know a lot of people that never had that problem, and love their VR3. I too, am waiting for the new DiveRite X to come out. Like it has been mentioned many times here so far, a BT a computer in gauge mode and tables are all you really need.
Yes it is right that BT/tables is viewed to be the 'noble way' to dive. It helps in understanding of dive and deco profiles, is perhaps less prone to failure as long as you have a timer. We can debate whether an electronic BT is more fail proof than an electronic computer........
But, running a computer is easier and more accurate in the long run. Tables, especially when you do not know the profile in advance tend to be more square than the actual profile. When you track avg depth in your mind (for those who argue that all you need is a timer, no avg depth measurement needed) after a while you can lose track when tiredness sets in.
Overall, both computers and BT/Table diving will get you out safely if done correctly. The down fall for computers is that you may loose/not gain insight into doing your dive/deco profile. When you need it, this experience needs to be present.
Computers make diving easier and when you dive with redundant computers, the chances of failure are diminished.
But, running a computer is easier and more accurate in the long run. Tables, especially when you do not know the profile in advance tend to be more square than the actual profile. When you track avg depth in your mind (for those who argue that all you need is a timer, no avg depth measurement needed) after a while you can lose track when tiredness sets in.
Overall, both computers and BT/Table diving will get you out safely if done correctly. The down fall for computers is that you may loose/not gain insight into doing your dive/deco profile. When you need it, this experience needs to be present.
Computers make diving easier and when you dive with redundant computers, the chances of failure are diminished.
I dive for fun. And one of the things I enjoy is learning and knowing and then applying the "why" of the dive. I really like thinking during the dive, and if I have a computer, I'll get lazy and let the computer think for me.
For me, not as much fun.
I once did a 170' dive with some divers I'd met on a forum, and just before we rolled into the water I was told that everyone was on their own and were expected to "self rescue". Eleven minutes into the dive at 170' my computer (bottom timer) died, and I had no backup (of course, I do now).
Once I thought it through, I knew that I could safely do my deco and get out clean, even without any depth or time gage - and I did. Of course, I shouldn't have made that dive in the first place. But I like knowing that my head has the ability to run my dive rather than the computer. I think it helps keep me sharper. It exercises my mind - and mine needs all the exercise it can get!
The less electronics I need to depend on, the more I enjoy it. I like using electronics for conformation and verification, not direction. When I analyze my mix, it is to confirm that I did the math right. I peek at my depth gage to make sure I'm really at the depth my brain says I am. My spg confirms how much gas I should already know I have.
I really enjoy diving this way. Not saying it's for everyone. But if things really go south or change during a dive, or electronics fail, I'd like to believe that I have the ability, and through experience and practice, the wherewithal to make adjustments and respond on the fly to safely complete the dive.
Oh, and I'm not made of money, and my BT only cost 175.00.
For me, not as much fun.
I once did a 170' dive with some divers I'd met on a forum, and just before we rolled into the water I was told that everyone was on their own and were expected to "self rescue". Eleven minutes into the dive at 170' my computer (bottom timer) died, and I had no backup (of course, I do now).
Once I thought it through, I knew that I could safely do my deco and get out clean, even without any depth or time gage - and I did. Of course, I shouldn't have made that dive in the first place. But I like knowing that my head has the ability to run my dive rather than the computer. I think it helps keep me sharper. It exercises my mind - and mine needs all the exercise it can get!
The less electronics I need to depend on, the more I enjoy it. I like using electronics for conformation and verification, not direction. When I analyze my mix, it is to confirm that I did the math right. I peek at my depth gage to make sure I'm really at the depth my brain says I am. My spg confirms how much gas I should already know I have.
I really enjoy diving this way. Not saying it's for everyone. But if things really go south or change during a dive, or electronics fail, I'd like to believe that I have the ability, and through experience and practice, the wherewithal to make adjustments and respond on the fly to safely complete the dive.
Oh, and I'm not made of money, and my BT only cost 175.00.
I have a Suunto D9, can I use a gauge mode for trimix?......... wrist worn bottom timers or dive computers in gauge mode//slate//wet notes//custom cut tables....!!
Or if you must...........
HS Explorer Trimix Computer
VR3 Trimix Computer
Liquidvision X1 Trimix Computer
Cochran EMC-20H Trimix Computer
Just to mention a few.
Might find these useful.
Huggins KE. Evaluation of Dive Computer Options for Potential Use in 300 FSW Heliox/ Trimix Surface Supplied Scientific Diving. In: Lang, MA and Smith, NE (eds.). Proceedings of Advanced Scientific Diving Workshop: February 23-24, 2006, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. RRR ID: 4657
Wells and Dinsmore. NOAA Test and Evaluation of Two, Commercial-Off-the-Shelf, Multi-Gas Dive Computers for Providing Accurate Depth Measurements and Acceptable Mixed Gas and Air Decompression Schedules. In: NW Pollock and JM Godfrey (Eds.) The Diving for Science 2007, Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Twenty-sixth annual Scientific Diving Symposium, University of Miami, Miami, FL. RRR ID: 6989
Huggins KE. Evaluation of Dive Computer Options for Potential Use in 300 FSW Heliox/ Trimix Surface Supplied Scientific Diving. In: Lang, MA and Smith, NE (eds.). Proceedings of Advanced Scientific Diving Workshop: February 23-24, 2006, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. RRR ID: 4657
Wells and Dinsmore. NOAA Test and Evaluation of Two, Commercial-Off-the-Shelf, Multi-Gas Dive Computers for Providing Accurate Depth Measurements and Acceptable Mixed Gas and Air Decompression Schedules. In: NW Pollock and JM Godfrey (Eds.) The Diving for Science 2007, Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Twenty-sixth annual Scientific Diving Symposium, University of Miami, Miami, FL. RRR ID: 6989
Similar threads
