What to do when you no longer trust your computer ....

[ItsBruce]

I check my computer quite regularly, especially as I near the end of a dive profile. If it fails, I'll know pretty quickly. The dive ends at that point and I proceed with a safe ascent and safety stop. I always wear a watch with a timer, but if the computer fails, I figure that is nature's way of telling me to end the dive and I'll do so regardless of what other backups I may have.

 

[JimC]

You don't require a backup depth and timeing device because your buddy carries one. Its just a gauge, not life support.

 

[Storm]

You don't require a backup depth and timeing device because your buddy carries one. Its just a gauge, not life support.

Agreed, but given that there is not any real added bulk to having a depth gauge on the console, and watch on my wrist, I don't have an issue with carrying them. It adds to my comfort level.

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

My wife / buddy and I each carry two dive computers which use the same algorithm. We stick pretty close to each other. I haven't seen a quantified statistical number on frequency of dive computer failures (and if there was such a data table, it would be ehlpful if it was by brand, model and mode of failure). However, anyone with some knowledge of statistics can appreciate the relative odds of a 4 out of 4 failure within the time span of a single dive - even a "light deco" dive.

We never quit using our brains either - this is not a mutually exclusive for use of a dive computer (or more than one such dive computer) in our experience. But it's extremely rare any of our dives would closely resemble the typical table-model square profile dive.

Rental computers can be an option I think, just maybe not for everyone. I don't have a great deal of difficulty locating any dive computer manuals on-line so these could be read and studied by anyone who would also make such use of the Internet. Years ago I had seen and spoken with folks who employed rental computer as a backup to their owned dive computer when departing for 1 to 2 week liveaboard dive vacations. It would be best if the two computers used the same or similar algorithms for the user - otherwise you get into the philosophical area of "If I wear two different watches that run at different speeds, which, if either, is displaying the right time for me?". The info on algorithms used and comparisons is also easily accessible via the Internet.

We have owned three different models of dive computers over the past 6 years and have never had any fail during a dive nor after a dive. Batteries have run down between dive trips and should always be checked before embarking on a dive. When we get around to booking our Bikini trip, I expect we'll proactively install fresh batteries in all our dive computers and double check their effectiveness before departure. It is of interest to me that operation allows use of redundant recommended model dive computers as an alternative to preplanned profiles and tables from software. I haven't seen negative press on their safety statistics, and they don't say anything about your brain . . .

http://www.bikiniatoll.com/fabioletter.html

 

[Diver Lori]

I have a computer on my wrist and also one in my thigh pocket tucked next to my vinyl tables....air and 32%.

 

[Charlie99]

You don't require a backup depth and timeing device because your buddy carries one. Its just a gauge, not life support.

That's the way I look at it too, but clearly we are in the minority.

 

[Charlie99]

I haven't seen a quantified statistical number on frequency of dive computer failures (and if there was such a data table, it would be ehlpful if it was by brand, model and mode of failure). However, anyone with some knowledge of statistics can appreciate the relative odds of a 4 out of 4 failure within the time span of a single dive - even a "light deco" dive.

Anyone with some knowledge of statistics can appreciate that failure of all 4 of your dive computers are not "independent" events statistically if you replace the batteries at the same time. The most common failure of dive computers is a dead battery, except perhaps for nitrox divers, where a common failure is having the computer set to the wrong mix.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I agree charlie. I've never seen any computer failure except for batterries although I'm sure it has happened before. The wrong Nitrox setting is more common than it should be, especially if diving 32, then 36.

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

Anyone with some knowledge of statistics can appreciate that failure of all 4 of your dive computers are not "independent" events statistically if you replace the batteries at the same time. The most common failure of dive computers is a dead battery, except perhaps for nitrox divers, where a common failure is having the computer set to the wrong mix.

The originator of this thread had his Apeks Quantum fail - and there have been statistically significant failures occur for the Apex Quantum and NiTek Duo over the past year.

I would find a 4 out of 4 failure statistically unlikely even if batteries on all 4 weren't replaced at the same time. Currently, our Nitek3's and TUSA IQ-700's (one pair each) are still going strong on their factory original batteries - but I do carry a spare pair of CR2032 batteries in our dive travel backup stuff.

I don't carry spare CR123's but even if our NiTek3's don't show low battery symptoms before our trip to Bikini I'll likely replace them proactively as that will be a 'trip of a lifetime' event for us.

Our Oceanic Data Plus units used to chew through batteries pretty quickly in comparison. We've passed those along to friends of ours who have taken up scuba as a hobby.

 

[JimC]

Agreed, but given that there is not any real added bulk to having a depth gauge on the console, and watch on my wrist, I don't have an issue with carrying them. It adds to my comfort level.

Id rather spend that $200-$1000 on some diving! If you ever get into overhead diving, the added bulk from that depth gauge on the console would.. astound you.