Archive-name: scuba/computer-faq Last-modified: $Date: 1994/05/19 21:00:20 $ Version: $Revision: 1.5 $ FAQ for SCUBA Diving Computers [ This FAQ is still in DRAFT mode ;-) ] This is an FAQ for computer instruments designed and sold to assist recreational scuba divers. This is rough draft of this document. Please send all corrections, enhancements, and suggestions to Kevin Grover <grover@is*.un*.ed*> This FAQ will be posted to rec.answers, and news.answers in the future - after it gets out of the draft stage. Any suggestions on better ways to maintain/organize this FAQ are appreciated. If you can think if an idea of a useful section, let me know. If you can write the section, send it to me. Thanks to the many people that send in information. You are too many to note, but you help is appreciated. Author information is included with the Summaries. CONTENTS 1) Introduction 2) Why a Diving Computer FAQ? 3) Computers are NOT infallible 4) Backups 5) User replaceable batteries != service free 6) Wrist or Console/Hose Mount 7) High Pressure Disconnect 8) Gauge Guards 9) Summary of Computer Features (table) 10) Explanation of Features 11) Computers (cheap) by Mail Warning 12) Company Addresses 12.1) Dacor 12.2) Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association (DEMA) 12.3) Cochran 12.4) Oceanic 12.5) ORCA, A division of EIT 12.6) Sherwood Scuba 12.7) Suunto 12.8) US Divers 13) Future Directions of this FAQ 14) Summaries by Computer 15) Books on Dive Computers 16) Blank Summary Form ---- 1) Introduction This FAQ is currently maintained by Kevin Grover <grover@is*.un*.ed*> as a plain text file. A perl script is used to build and insert the table of contents (it also updates the numbers on section titles at the same time) as well as include and format individual mail replies. I have plans to convert the FAQ to a texinfo so that LaTeX can be used to output a nice printed report. All comments and replies welcome. DISCLAIMER: To the best of my knowledge, all information in this summary is correct. However, BEFORE using the information as your basis for comparison, please make an effort to verify the items that are influencing you purchasing decision. 2) Why a Diving Computer FAQ? Recreational SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving has grown in popularity and sophistication over the years. Early divers had few guidelines or instruments to assist them in being a safe diver. Modern divers have a suite of equipment to choose from. One of the more revolutionary instruments is a dive computer. A dive computer is an electronic instrument that replaces and expands on the functionality of depth gauges and bottom timers (and more frequently now, pressure gauges). Instead of being limited to a square profile by dive tables, the computer continuously calculates the theoretical nitrogen absorption based on current depth and time. Some instructors may advocate not relying on dive computers. They insist that you should know how to use and work the tables. "What happens if your computer breaks?", they say. Well to that, I must reply: "what happens if I lose my tables?" This is more likely, for me, than my computer breaking. It is always a personal choice to use new equipment. If new ideas and equipment were never accepted we might still be riding around in horse drawn carriages. 3) Computers are NOT infallible Although dive computers add significantly to the time we can safely spend underwater, they are not fool proof. They model the nitrogen absorption based on experimental data obtained over years of research. Nitrogen affects every person differently based in currently physical and mental conditions. Computers enhance safety but they can not replace common sense. It might be wise to err on the side of caution: do not push your computers limits. 4) Backups Dive computers are wonderful tools, however it's nearly impossible to reliably backup computer dives on standard tables. The reason for this is that the computers track dives by periodically (ever few seconds, or more often in many cases) determining the depth and using it, and time at the depth and your previous profile to model the nitrogen absorption in your tissues. These models are the extreme form of a multi-level dive. If you wanted to model your dive to this precision you would spend your entire dive writing down the depth every second or so, so that you could use this information on shore to calculate the absorption for the theoretical tissues. There are multilevel tables, but it is not always possible (or practical) to accurately model dives recorded on a dive computer. Philosophies differ on the best approach for `backing up' a dive computers. If your computer fails you could: 1) attempt to use a multi-level table system to continue diving, 2) use another computer that you have carried with you on all dives, 3) stop diving (for 24 hours), then continue using tables. There are of course other options: 1) continue diving on tables, 2) dive using a buddies computer (i.e. diving with someone else who has a computer). However options such as these are fool-hearty to the point of danger and are not considered as valid options by most. If you are planning a trip on a live aboard, or to a distant place, having a backup computer could mean the difference between being able to continue diving on that trip, and not being able to dive (nearly as much as you may want to). Options for backup computers are: 1) buy another one (if you have the $$), 2) borrow one from a friend (how would appreciate the same favor if they should need it), 3) see about renting one before going on the trip, or at the destination. If you spend several thousands of dollars for a long dive vacations, and extra $100 or so to rent a backup computer might well be considered "good insurance." Taking such a vacation one or two times a year could justify (and pay for) buying a second computer as backup. 5) User replaceable batteries != service free User replaceable batteries are nice because you can carry a spare set with you and replace them on the dive site. This is especially nice when you happen to be in the middle of some small country that does not have a Radio Shack in every town and has never heard of the type X5J-MR333-1005 1.005 V lithium cell. Furthermore, being able to replace the batteries yourself means you do not have to wait multiple weeks to get your computer back from the dealer when you send it in for battery replacement. However, just because you can replace the batteries yourself, does not mean that you should never send the unit to the dealer. When a computer is sent to the dealer for battery replacement (or just a checkup), many things beside the battery are looked at: seals, o-rings, lubrication, often the crystal cover is replaced if it's scratched, seals are often replaced "just to be safe", the unit if often tested in a pressure chamber to confirm that it is still up to specs, etc. Therefore, I'll probably buy a computer that has user replaceable batteries next time, but I want to be sure to remember to send it in for service at least once every few years (if more not often, depending upon how much it gets used). 6) Wrist or Console/Hose Mount Before spending a significant chunk of money on a small electronic device you will be dragging around with you on your explorations of the underwater world, you must ask yourself: where do I want this device located, Wrist or Console? A wrist mount is easier to read (more convenient for most people). It can also be taking with you into the galley so you can look at it while eating and waiting for the next dive. They are easier to loan out. They are also easier to lose and bang against rock, etc, underwater. Console mounted computers (could also by clamped to a low pressure hose), are in the same place as the rest of your traditional gauges. If you are used to looking at depth and air gauges, it will be natural to look at the console. Newer consoles are designed so as to be easily clipped to a BC to prevent them from dragging on the ocean. At the same time, having them attached to the console makes them much harder to lose. If you do opt for a wrist mounted console (for convenience and other features), you might consider a lanyard to further connect the device to your arm --- straps can break. However, do not attach it to your BC: in an emergency, you might have to ditch the BC (and tank, etc.) and you don't want to have your wrist mounted computer connected your BC via a lanyard. It is also possible to install device so that the entire high pressure hose can be easily removed and reattached. See the section "High Pressure Disconnect" for more information. 7) High Pressure Disconnect Oceanic makes a high pressure disconnect that can be used to easily remove the entire high pressure hose, and re-attach it. However, I have seen negative reviews of this on the net. I have never tried the device, so can not comment on it from experience 8) Gauge Guards All diving gear is expensive. In an effort to keep your gear in the best condition possible, you might want to consider buying a gauge guard. The cost, usually, under $10. The are attached over dive computers (or depth gauges and SPGs) to prevent the lens from being scratched and banged. There are two types that I know about: wire frame and plastic shield. The plastic shield is a this clear plastic shield in the shape of your gauge. It is attacked directly to the face of of gauge with small adhesive patches (supposedly designed to not obstruct any of the information on the screen). You can easily read through this screens while under water. However, I have noticed that on dry land, they tend to fog up, making it impossible to read the display. A quick dip in some water fixes this problem. The wire frame guards are a little more expensive and are help in place by pressure from the boot holding the gauge to be protected. The offer a little more protection against large objects and will not be marred, and thus have to be replaced, like the plastic shields. I do not know how secure either of these devices are, but I have not heard of any falling off. More comments and testimonials on the devices would be useful 9) Summary of Computer Features (table) Legend Y=Yes, N=No, A=Automatic, M=Manual Numbers following modifiers are described below Max Dep = Max Depth (in feet unless noted) Air Prs = Air Pressure: 1=wireless Tmp Gge = Temperature Gauge Dec = Decompression: 1=limited deco info Alt Cmp = Altitude Compensation: 1=to 10k ft, 2=to 14k ft Act = Activation: 1=on submersion, 2=by applied air pressure Usr Bat = User Replaceable Battery: 1=Yes on newer models MSPR = Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, US$ Have Summaries for these: Max Air Tmp Alt Usr Act Fly MSRP Maker Model Dep Prs Gge Dec Cmp Bat US$ Beuchat Aladin Sport 330 N N Y A1 N A1 Y - Cochran Nemasis-Pro 190 Y1 Y Y Y Y -- Y 750 Dacor Omni Pro 250 Y Y Y Y Y M Y - Ocean Edge CompuTek II 220 Y Y Y Y Y A1 Y - Oceanic DataMax Sport 249 N N Y A2 Y1 M N 300 Orca Pheonix 299 Y Y Y A1 Y A2 Y - Orca SkinnyDipper M2 199 N N N N Y A1 Y - ScubaPro NC-11 - N N Y1 M N - - - ScubaPro DC-11 300 N Y Y M N A1 Y - Sherwood Source 249 N N Y A2 Y1 M N 300 Suunto Companion 295 N Y ? M N A1 - - Suunto Solution 325 N Y Y M N A Y 660 US-Divers Monitor I 325 N N Y A N A1 Y - US-Divers Monitor II 325 N N Y A N A1 Y - US-Divers Scan 4 249 Y N Y Y Y M Y - Total: 15 Have Almost no information for these: Max Air Tmp Alt Usr Act Fly MSRP Maker Model Depth Prs Gge Dec Cmp Bat US$ Uwatec Aladin Air X - Y Y Y - - -- - 1000 (in DE) Dacor MicroBrain Sport - N N - - N A1 Y - Dacor MicroBrain Pro - N N Y Y N A1 Y - Dacor Omni - N - - - - -- - - Mares Genius - - - - - - -- - - Mares M 2000 - - - - - - -- - - Mares Mentor - - - - - - -- - - Mares ? *** - - - - - - -- - - Ocean Edge CompuTek - - - - - - -- - - Ocean Edge MC36 - - - - - - -- - - Oceanic DataMax Pro - Y - Y - - -- - - Oceanic DataMaster - - - - - - -- - - Oceanic DataTrans - Y1 - - - - -- - - Orca Delphi - - - - - - -- - - Orca Edge - - - - - - -- - - Orca Skinny Dipper - - - - - - -- - - Orca Marathon - - - - - - -- - - Parkway Legend - - - - - - -- - - ScubaPro DC-12 - - - - - - -- - - Sherwood Encore (**) - - - - - - -- - - Sherwood Sentry - Y1 - - - - -- - - Sherwood Sigmatech - - - - - - -- - - Suunto SME-ML - - - - - - -- - - Tabata Liberator - - - - - - -- - - Tusa Imprex IQ-300 - - - - - - -- - - US-Divers DataScan 3 - - - Y N N A1 Y - US-Divers DataScan 4 - - - - - - -- - - Total: 27 = 42 Total Computers Informational columns to add # Log: number of logged dives remembers (or N for no log) PC Interface Y/N, If an interface is available for getting this information to a personal computer of some kind (if anyone has information on building these interfaces for current systems, let me know, that would be a nice addition the faq) ** The Encore records the time/date in and out on each dive as well as average depth and temperature. If enough other computers do this, I will add categories for time/date or other features to the list. If you have suggestions, let me know. *** Mares is rumored to have a speaking computer in the works. Any information on this appreciated. 10) Explanation of Features Maximum Depth This is the maximum depth to which the computer can be taken and have it will be water proof, and some of the function still work. This is NOT the recommend maximum depth to which you should take the computer on your dives! Most computers will log maximum depth. Some also record average depth. Newer, more elaborate computers, keep log of depths at a few second (or minute) intervals. Air Pressure Units that have integrated air pressure will show you a digital readout of the amount if air remaining in your tank. These computers are often a little more expensive (and have more features). Most will also tell you you air consumption rate, and use that to calculate how long you can remain at the current depth given your current air consumption rate. Some will also often tell you that number, or remaining no-deco time at depth, which-ever is less. Temperature Gauge Newer computers are starting to incorporate a digital thermometer into the list of neat gadgets. This feature can range from a simple temperature readout on the display during the dive, to a system that logs temperature (surface and bottom) and also logs average temperature. Having this information may not be terribly important during a dive, but it is a nice addition to a dive log --- that you, when you return to spots, you can easily get an idea of probably local conditions before setting out on a trip. Dive Logging Almost all of the current dive computers store information about a few dives that you can later recall. Depending on the computer, some of that information may only be accessible using a computer interface (a, usually very expensive, cable/software packages that allows the dive log information to be downloaded from your dive computer to a personal computer.) Such systems look interesting (although I have not yet been able to try one), but could be potentially very cost prohibitive. The key factor to keep in mind is: if the computer you are looking at has some wiz-bang log feature you just can't live without, find out if that information is available in standard log mode (without being expensive interface equipment/software, or having to use the software in the dive shop where you bought the machine) before buying the computer. Decompression Does this computer do decompression dives? This does NOT mean the the computer is necessarily a decompression computer. Many of these computers will do emergency decompression: you can use them to help you get through emergency decompression if something happens during the dive to cause you to enter decompression mode, but they will not allow you to plan a decompression dive. Depending upon the computer, the level of decompression support may vary. If this is an important feature to you, you should look into this carefully before purchasing a computer. NOTE: decompression diving is beyond the realm of sport diving. You need special training and equipment to be able to safely do decompression diving. Altitude Compensation Altitude diving adds a few variables to the diving game; as you get higher into mountains, air pressure decreases. However, the effect of water pressure remains constant. Therefore, to be safer, you need to add safety margins to the dive profile (call a dive to 50ft and dive to 60ft for example). Computers deal with this in various ways: 1) ignore it (i.e. assume the person is always diving in sea water at sea level), 2) allow the person to manual adjust the altitude (can be in exact measurements, or in a range depending upon the computer), 3) automatically adjust for altitude (this can also be in a range, or an absolute measurement). Some of the computers that have altitude compensation will also change calculations to those for free water dives after a certain altitude (such as 4000 feet). Some computers will actually monitor the altitude and adjust automatically even when they are off, others self adjust when turned on. User Replaceable Battery Your dive computer needs energy to operate. This energy comes from one or more batteries located inside the unit. Some computers have user replaceable batteries, some do not. Often, batteries requiring factor replacement must be soldered in, and are often more powerful --- i.e. they last longer. User replaceable batteries offer the convenience of not having to wait for the unit to have the batteries replaced, as well as the added comfort of being able to bring a spare set of batteries on a long trip. However, there are some items to be aware of. See the section "User replaceable batteries != service free" for more information. Activation To work, your computer must be turned on before entering the water. Activation of computers falls into two types: A) Manual: You push a button to turn the computer on. If you forget, you suffer the embarrassment (and possible danger of missed on-gassing information) of having to surface and turn the computer on (I don't think that any of the computers that must be manually activated can be turned on if they are below a certain depth of water.) B) Automatic: the computer turns itself on when some condition is met: it is exposed to water pressure of a certain depths (a few feet for example), air pressure is applied (for air integrated systems). These computers have the added benefit for removing the responsibility from the user of having to check the computer before entering the water. It is a good an bad thing. It is nice not to have to worry about turning the computer on, but IHMO, I like to look at the computer BEFORE entering the water to verify that it's working (and see if the test mode passed when it was turned on). Some automatically activating computer can also be manually activated (all, I would imagine) Which system you prefer is largely a mater of choice. If a computer is automatically activated, there is the possibility that that activation will not take place (very unlikely if you have your system serviced regularly.) On the other hand, a manually activated system might be accidentally turned off (all of the computer that I know of have safeguards against this: they can not be turned off while under water, or while the theoretical nitrogen cells are still loaded). Some systems CAN NOT be turned off; once turned on, they stay on for 1 hour unless you start a dive. Once you have been diving once, they remain on until completely off-gassed, and then shut themselves off. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price This column was meant to be a guide to the relative cost of the models. However, I have not been very successful in getting information to complete this item. This item may be removed unless I find reason not to. 11) Computers (cheap) by Mail Warning It's very tempting to order dive computers through mail order catalogs. However, you need to be were: you may not get what you were expecting: Date: Tue, 01 Feb 1994 11:04:00 CST From: nkarin@gi*.me*.ut*.tm*.ed* (Norman J. Karin) I was contacting Oceanic with respect to having the battery replaced in my DataMax Sport. I purchased my Sport from Ador Aqua (NYC) by mail order, and it turned out to be bootlegged -- no serial number or warranty. Furthermore, it had been opened to remove internal serial numbers as well, compromising the integrity of the case. Thus, Oceanic was justifiably reluctant to deal with this computer. They charge a $35 "tampering fee" to service mishandled instruments. However, they were very sympathetic to my predicament and offered to accept my "illegitimate" Sport in trade for a brand new model, with what I consider a very reasonable additional charge [I did not seek permission to make the cost details of this transaction public so I am not stating the numbers here]. The shady operation of Ador Aqua (which advertises in SkinDiver mag) caused this problem, not Oceanic, and I wanted fellow divers to know that the latter treated me [IMHO] very fairly. I would recommend this computer to those of you considering a purchase. BTW, the new model has a user replaceable battery (I don't know yet what they cost) which should help eliminate complaints about the cost (currently $55) of in-factory battery replacement. 12) Company Addresses This section lists of addresses of the all companies that sell diving computers. The addresses came from literature, or possibly other people. All corrections and additions welcome. Phone and Fax numbers would be a nice addition 12.1) Dacor Dacor Corporation 161 Northfield, IL 60093 (708) 446-9555 12.2) Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association (DEMA) DEMA Trade Show P.O. Box 217 Tustin, CA 92881 +1 (714) 732-5517 for show info +1 (714) 890-9915 for executive offices DEMA publishes a directory annually of their show's participants. And since anyone that has anything at all to do with scuba participates in DEMA, that directory is a list of all the equipment manufactures, and then some. 12.3) Cochran Cochran Consulting Inc. 1758 Firman Drive Richardson, TX 75081 USA Tel: (800) 865-3483 Fax: (214) 644-6286 12.4) Oceanic Oceanic 2002 Davis Street San Leandrio, CA 94577 USA Tel: +1 510 562 0500 Fax: +1 510 569 5404 12.5) ORCA, A division of EIT ORCA Division or EIT, Inc. 45625 Willow Pond Plaza Sterling, VA 20164 Tel: (703) 478-0333 Fax: (703) 478-0815 12.6) Sherwood Scuba Sherwood Scuba Harsco Corporation 120 Church Street, Dept. C Lockport, New York 14094-2889 Tel: Fax: 12.7) Suunto Suunto Juvan teollisuuskatu 8 SF-02920 Espoo Finland Tel. +358-0-847 033 Fax +358-0-843 810 Telex 122497 suunto sf 12.8) US Divers US Divers 3323 West Warner Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92704 tel: 714 540-8010 13) Future Directions of this FAQ I have a wish list of enhancements I would like to make to this FAQ. However, I do not have the time, nor the resources to test (or even gather information) and every diving computer that's out there. I will need help for that. If you own a computer that is not mentioned in this report, please take a few minutes to fill out the Questionnaire and send it to me. - Information on more computers - Differences between newer models (i.e. if a NEW brand X computer is released, I like to be able to note the differences between it and the previous version, and hopefully list how to tell the version apart) - Get pictures off all of the computers. I would prefer EPS or CGM format, but bitmapped would be better than nothing. I would let to eventually convert this FAQ to a texinfo file where I could have the report printed as ASCII or LaTeX (to PostScript) so that I could include the EPS files into the LaTeX version. I might possibly expand this FAQ later to include other scuba items such as tanks. A complete chart of size, weight, volume for scuba tanks would be interesting (if not useful). 14) Summaries by Computer Summaries have become long, they will be posted as a separate listing. As I get new information, I incorporate it into the existing summary information. 15) Books on Dive Computers Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1993 20:34:06 EDT From: Tracey Baker <tab@pa*.co*> Some books I have: "Dive Computers: A Consumer's Guide to History, Theory, and Performance" Ken Loyst, with Karl Huggins & Michael Steidley, Watersport Publishing, Inc., 1991. ISBN 0-922769-09-5 (Good discussion of all areas mentioned in the title, also chapters on physiology of DCS, high altitude diving & flying after diving, and DCS first aid & treatment. Comparisons of algorithms and models used in many computers as well as operational specs and pictures.) "The Recreational Diver's Guide to Decompression Theory, Dive Tables, and Dive Computers" John E. Lewis & Karl W. Shreeves, PADI, 1990. ISBN 1-878663-06-2 (Not as comprehensive as Loyst's book, very limited descriptions of about ten computers with pictures, good explanation of decompression theory at a very basic level, does not even mention computers designed for decompression diving.) "Deeper into Diving" John Lippman, J.L. Publications, 1990. ISBN 0-9590306-3-8 (Another great book on diving in general, with a chapter covering dive computers in a fairly generic way -- a few individual specs and comparisons, but mostly more general info.) "Deep Diving: an Advanced Guide to Physiology, Procedures, and Systems" Bret Gilliam & Robert von Maier, with John Crea and Darren Webb, Watersport Publishing, Inc., 1992. ISBN 0-922769-30-3 (One chapter with fairly thorough coverage of the half-dozen computers suitable for deep/decompression diving. The rest of the book is a good source of information for other advanced diving topics.) "aquaCorps Journal N6: Computing" aquaCorps, June 1993. (This issue is devoted to various applications of advanced technology to advanced diving. It's got a couple of articles on nitrox/mixed gas computers in the works, as well as a bunch of other neat ideas for techno-nerds. :-) Date: Wed, 18 May 1994 00:09:22 GMT From: Chuck Narad <narad@NU*.AS*.SG*.CO*> "Diving with Computers" (need more info on this one) Date: 29 Mar 1994 17:06:01 -0500 From: aschmidt1@ao*.co* (Andy Schmidt) Prof. Buehlmann's book "Decompression and Decompression Sickness" by Springer Verlag, Berlin and New York is out of print but has the algorithms and explains how they were derived. 16) Blank Summary Form Here's a blank form. Feel free to include any info not requested (I may have forgotten something... :-) Most user manuals will have a ``Specifications'' section at the end. That is a good source for this information. Also, please list your source (i.e. your user's manual, a friend's manual, pamphlet, or memory) -- The "Further Comments" section would be a good place for this. See the section "Summary of Computer Features (table)" for a list of the computers that I have almost no information for. Confirmations and corrections also appreciated. Please mail to Kevin Grover, grover@is*.un*.ed* With "Subject: Summary: Manufacturer Model" --- cut ---- cut --- Name/Model: Manufacturer: Year of Model: Max Depth: Units: Algorithm: Air Pressure: Temp Gauge: Log Features: Locations: Activation: Safe to fly indicator: Decompression: Error Conditions: Altitude Compensation: MSRP: (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price, in US $ if possible) Approx Price: (In reality --- i.e. about what they go for locally) Best Price: User Replaceable Batteries: Data: Ascent Rates Initial Max Dive times Depth (ft) Time (min) Advantages: - Disadvantages: - Further comments - Address of Manufacturer (if known):
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