MARINABROKER
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Can't wait to be sufficiently proficient to began to meet some of you diving. I guess I'll have to stay in the wading pool for a while. No Andrea Doria's or the like. Shucks.
What kind of computer?
- Thread starter nicodaemos
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If you want it badly enough, you'll get there. Be patient, take it slow.
Tom
DSJ
Guest
I've got a Cobra AI with the compass mounted on a retractor. It's much smaller than a normal console, even with the compass. I couldn't POSSIBLY stand the humungous console I saw on an SSI training tape. It must have been two feet long, and it was dragging along the bottom in the video. It kept distracting me from what the narrator was trying to convey.
I the Cobra in Gilboa for the first time last weekend and I really like the display. It gives me all the normal info of gauage mode so I can use tables if I want, or I can take advantage of its multi-level capability to extend my dive.
The no-deco countdown and air-time remaining are very nice, but I found a great strength is its memory. I just finished soldering up an interface cable for it last night and downloaded my quarry dives for review. Nice! Having a plot of my whole dive along with a running tally of the tissue saturation is very educational. It has a VERY throughough logbook and calculates your SAC adjusted to standard temperature and pressure so you can compare one dive to the next.
I dove the (old) tables when I started out ten years ago, back before computers were the norm. I'm comfortable with them, and will be tracking and comparing the computer to tables on my Bonaire trip this coming week to see just how much "more" time I get from it. I don't plan on riding the zero or pushing it, but it will be interesting to see how it comes out. I will record the usual information and use the tables as a backup in the event it craps out on me (which I really hope it doesn't do. It's brand new and I've given it a set of break in dives so any big problems should have been found.)
As far as ease of use, I found that I could hold it in my right hand for reference in the ascent or open water hover at the safety stop. If using a line I believe I could hold both without too much difficulty.
David
I the Cobra in Gilboa for the first time last weekend and I really like the display. It gives me all the normal info of gauage mode so I can use tables if I want, or I can take advantage of its multi-level capability to extend my dive.
The no-deco countdown and air-time remaining are very nice, but I found a great strength is its memory. I just finished soldering up an interface cable for it last night and downloaded my quarry dives for review. Nice! Having a plot of my whole dive along with a running tally of the tissue saturation is very educational. It has a VERY throughough logbook and calculates your SAC adjusted to standard temperature and pressure so you can compare one dive to the next.
I dove the (old) tables when I started out ten years ago, back before computers were the norm. I'm comfortable with them, and will be tracking and comparing the computer to tables on my Bonaire trip this coming week to see just how much "more" time I get from it. I don't plan on riding the zero or pushing it, but it will be interesting to see how it comes out. I will record the usual information and use the tables as a backup in the event it craps out on me (which I really hope it doesn't do. It's brand new and I've given it a set of break in dives so any big problems should have been found.)
As far as ease of use, I found that I could hold it in my right hand for reference in the ascent or open water hover at the safety stop. If using a line I believe I could hold both without too much difficulty.
David
DSJ
Guest
It took me three tries to get etch the circuit board. The pen method doesn't work well, and when I used transfers the first time I cut the spacing too tight and drilled the holes too big. The third try I only shrunk the tracing to 70% instead of 50% and moved a few tracings around for more soldering room. I bought a tiny drill bit (#60 I think) to replace the 1/16 bit that came in the board kit. That worked out well, and it went together without a hitch.
Now I've got a few resistors and diodes left over, as well as a bit more PC board. When I get back from my Bonaire trip I might etch up a couple more for the fun of it and hand them out to anyone serious about building one, along with a couple left over parts. The cost drops if you don't have to get the etching kit. Don't everyone PM me just yet however, as I have to see what I can do with the left over boards. I'll post a separate thread if and when I succeed.
Something so simple should come with the computer. For what the thing must cost in parts, it's a crime to charge $175.
David
Now I've got a few resistors and diodes left over, as well as a bit more PC board. When I get back from my Bonaire trip I might etch up a couple more for the fun of it and hand them out to anyone serious about building one, along with a couple left over parts. The cost drops if you don't have to get the etching kit. Don't everyone PM me just yet however, as I have to see what I can do with the left over boards. I'll post a separate thread if and when I succeed.
Something so simple should come with the computer. For what the thing must cost in parts, it's a crime to charge $175.
David
stiebs
Contributor
I've just completed making mine too. Even though I probably came pretty close to spending as much as I would have if I bought the thing!
I first tried to make the circuit on veroboard, but it ended up being a bit messy for my liking, so I forked out for an etching kit. Works and absolute dream now!
I got my pins from RS Components here in Australia. They are spring loaded, rounded tip probes which fit perfectly into my Stinger's contact. They come in a pack of five, for A$20.
I first tried to make the circuit on veroboard, but it ended up being a bit messy for my liking, so I forked out for an etching kit. Works and absolute dream now!
I got my pins from RS Components here in Australia. They are spring loaded, rounded tip probes which fit perfectly into my Stinger's contact. They come in a pack of five, for A$20.
stiebs
Contributor
I made my interface from Roli's specs at http://www.geocities.com/scubadiver_roli/english.html, with the diode and resistor replacements for use with a Palm (My interface works with PC and Palm, so I didn't need the 27k resistor.
It was, however, to be replaced with a non-existant 62k resistor, for which I used a 45k and 15k in series.
Is it worth starting a new thread for DIY computer interfaces, or has all this already been covered in the past?
(EDIT: Aah, just opened my eyes and saw the DIY interfaces thread. Think I might get up and move over there for the moment..)
I started with the Cobra for myself, wife and daughter. Main reason, my wife has trouble with math, and the tables have numbers in them hence math. She will NEVER do anything other than recreational diving, but she is very comfortable with the Cobra. Also having three identical systems does make life easier in lots of ways.
Yes, I know that violates the rule that every diver should be totally self sufficient. Reality is, she can look at the Cobra, know how much time she has left, which is usually far longer than she has air. If she had to she can do the tables, but quite frankly she doesn't want to. If it breaks, no problem, she will stay up top and catch some rays.
I carry the Mosquito because I needed a new watch, I read the time without my glasses on (important criteria lately) and I use it as a watch and backup dive computer. The price was reasonable considering what it can do. If my Cobra should die when diving in Gilboa, its not that big a deal. If it dies in someplace remote, I can borrow a regulator and old fashioned pressure guage on the boat usually. I might pick up a pressure guage and hose as a backup, and throw a wrench in just to be on the safe side.
My dealer was out of Vytec's when I bought my stuff, so I didn't know about it. If I had to do it over again, I would probably buy myself a Vytec, and I may do that yet someday.
Interesting part is that I use both the Cobra and Mosquito when diving. The Cobra is what I use when at the bottom because I check compass (diving in Gilboa a compass can be very handy when you are doing good to be able to see your guages when the newbies are stirring the bottom) and air remaining, so a quick glance at the rest is right there. On the way up, I usually use my Mosquito on my right arm for assent warnings and timer that way my left hand is free for releasing air.
Interesting point they usually are off a little from each other, which I haven't seen mentioned here. The reason the Cobra is usually about six inches deeper than my Mosquito, and when going up a foot or two deeper. So the numbers have a way of being slightly different.
I usually rely on the Cobra for my numbers simply because it has the pressure values and all the other information on it. Its also a little easier to use than the Mosquito. Its also the one I download to my computer.
Oh as to the Compass, its functional, and doesn't take up much additional space. That's something you have to take into consideration as well if you go with something like the Vytec, you have to wear a compass somewhere too.
My pusher (a.k.a. dealer) did say he has very good reliability on the Cobra's and most of the staff swear by the Cobra. And that crew will ***** about just about anything, so if they like it can't be all bad.
Oh, and get the quick disconnect, it serves two purposes, one you can keep it with you between dives on the shore. Especially in crowded places like Gilboa. These things ain't cheap after all and you would hate to have one grow legs. Sorry raised in the Detroit area and we are bred not to be all that trusting. Second, it makes it much simpler to download to a computer, that way you need only carry the computer not the entire octopus with you to the computer.
Oh, in one of the discussions there was the topic of batteries for the computers. Here's an idea I use for this and other electronics. I replace the battery every year (usually when I have the guages checked) and I store the old battery in my kit. The previous old battery I discard. That way I always have a spare when diving and I don't have to worry about it at all.
Yes, I know that violates the rule that every diver should be totally self sufficient. Reality is, she can look at the Cobra, know how much time she has left, which is usually far longer than she has air. If she had to she can do the tables, but quite frankly she doesn't want to. If it breaks, no problem, she will stay up top and catch some rays.
I carry the Mosquito because I needed a new watch, I read the time without my glasses on (important criteria lately) and I use it as a watch and backup dive computer. The price was reasonable considering what it can do. If my Cobra should die when diving in Gilboa, its not that big a deal. If it dies in someplace remote, I can borrow a regulator and old fashioned pressure guage on the boat usually. I might pick up a pressure guage and hose as a backup, and throw a wrench in just to be on the safe side.
My dealer was out of Vytec's when I bought my stuff, so I didn't know about it. If I had to do it over again, I would probably buy myself a Vytec, and I may do that yet someday.
Interesting part is that I use both the Cobra and Mosquito when diving. The Cobra is what I use when at the bottom because I check compass (diving in Gilboa a compass can be very handy when you are doing good to be able to see your guages when the newbies are stirring the bottom) and air remaining, so a quick glance at the rest is right there. On the way up, I usually use my Mosquito on my right arm for assent warnings and timer that way my left hand is free for releasing air.
Interesting point they usually are off a little from each other, which I haven't seen mentioned here. The reason the Cobra is usually about six inches deeper than my Mosquito, and when going up a foot or two deeper. So the numbers have a way of being slightly different.
I usually rely on the Cobra for my numbers simply because it has the pressure values and all the other information on it. Its also a little easier to use than the Mosquito. Its also the one I download to my computer.
Oh as to the Compass, its functional, and doesn't take up much additional space. That's something you have to take into consideration as well if you go with something like the Vytec, you have to wear a compass somewhere too.
My pusher (a.k.a. dealer) did say he has very good reliability on the Cobra's and most of the staff swear by the Cobra. And that crew will ***** about just about anything, so if they like it can't be all bad.
Oh, and get the quick disconnect, it serves two purposes, one you can keep it with you between dives on the shore. Especially in crowded places like Gilboa. These things ain't cheap after all and you would hate to have one grow legs. Sorry raised in the Detroit area and we are bred not to be all that trusting. Second, it makes it much simpler to download to a computer, that way you need only carry the computer not the entire octopus with you to the computer.
Oh, in one of the discussions there was the topic of batteries for the computers. Here's an idea I use for this and other electronics. I replace the battery every year (usually when I have the guages checked) and I store the old battery in my kit. The previous old battery I discard. That way I always have a spare when diving and I don't have to worry about it at all.
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