{"id":1,"date":"2024-07-22T02:24:20","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T02:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/?p=1"},"modified":"2024-08-04T13:20:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-04T13:20:09","slug":"scuba-diving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/2024\/07\/22\/scuba-diving\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose Your Scuba Diving Computer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n

How To Choose Your Scuba Diving Computer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Equipment <\/span>to buy<\/strong>
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

To start with, remember any dive equipment you buy should be as per your, (in the order mentioned)<\/p>\n\n\n

  • need<\/h6><\/li>
  • fitting<\/h6><\/li>
  • comfort<\/h6><\/li>
  • functions<\/h6><\/li>
  • budget<\/h6><\/li>
  • brand<\/h6><\/li>
  • style<\/h6><\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Every open water diver or a new diver who has just started journey into scuba diving, is often recommended to buy a dive computer by his\/her instructor or the dive centre.
    <\/p>\n\n\n

    With the use of Recreational Dive Tables becoming more and more absolute (read divers becoming lazy), and of course by the advancement of modern technology, the use to dive computer has become essential and access to it quite easy.

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Dive Computer:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA dive computer, personal decompression computer or decompression meter is a device used by an underwater diver to measure the elapsed time and depth during a dive and use this data to calculate and display an ascent profile which, according to the programmed decompression algorithm, will give a low risk of decompression sickness. A secondary function is to record the dive profile, warn the diver when certain events occur, and provide useful information about the environment.\n\n\n\n

    Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

    All the dive computers are based on the Decompression Algorithms coded into software. Most available in the market currently follow either of the following 3 broad algorithms,
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>

    • Buhlmann<\/strong><\/li>
        – Very first dive Algorithm developed, Based on Theoretical concept of Tissue compartments<\/ul><\/span>
      • VPM<\/strong>
          <\/ul><\/span>
            – \tBased on the size of the bubbles that may be in divers\u2019 body at given point of time<\/ul><\/li>
          • RGBM<\/span>
              – Based on combining concepts of both tissues and bubbles.<\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

              Above description of algorithms in very superficial and to understand them would require deep study of each. Each algorithms have their separate newer versions developed by each brand.
              <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

              So, now where should the new divers start when they look to own a Dive Computer.
              <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

              Along with the category considerations about equipment mentioned at the beginning, broadly, I would classify following categories that one can consider while buying a Dive computer.
              <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>

              • Need<\/li><\/ul>– Algorithm<\/span><\/span>
                • Modes
                    – Gases<\/span><\/ul><\/li>
                  • Battery<\/span><\/li>
                  • Dive Related Features<\/li>
                  • Logging Memory Size<\/li>
                  • Air Integration \/ Connectivity<\/li>
                  • Service Options<\/li>
                  • Style Features and Brands<\/li><\/ul>

                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                    Let\u2019s look at each one of them in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                    • Need:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                      What type of diving are you predominantly going to do. Recreational Diving, Technical Diving or Free Diving (discussed in Modes).
                      Depending upon the dives you do, you would want your computer to be more accurate with its algorithm, optimising safety and time allowed under water.
                      <\/p>\n\n

                      For recreational divers any of the dive computers should work without going much into details and abiding to dive conservatively.
                      RGBM algorithm dive computers are considered more conservative and suitable for recreational diving. Having said that, obvious (side)effect of conservationism leads to unpleasant compromise on underwater time. Divers may get lesser NDLs or NSTs in subsequent dives.
                      So, almost all technical divers prefer computers with variations of Buhlmann algorithm rather than RGBM or VPM, giving them flexibility to adjust algorithm variables for each dive (viz. GF, etc.)
                      <\/p>\n\n

                      Your diving type will also define the depths you are going to attempt. So, Depth limit of the Dive computer should be always considered while buying the dive computer.

                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                      • Modes:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

                        Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        A dive computer has particular \u201cModes\u201d designed for the specific usage and should be switched as and when required.\n<\/p>

                        The most common Modes are:\n<\/p>\n\n\n

                        <\/p>

                        • Dive Mode<\/li>
                        • Gauge Mode<\/li>
                        • Free Diving Mode<\/li>
                        • Watch Mode\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                          Dive Mode<\/h5>\n\n\n

                          All basic Dive computers have Dive mode and Gauge mode in it, and normally when switched on, by default run on Dive Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n


                          Dive Mode is the mode in which dive computer works with its very important function of measuring pressure, depth, and calculating NDLs, providing necessary information in real time, underwater, for the entire duration of the dive.
                          Many dive computers are by default in the dive mode and automatically start working and recording, the moment it submerges approximately 0.5 to 1 meter underwater.

                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n*Pro Tip: During your SORTD decent, ensure your dive computer is in Dive mode while you check your \u201cT\u201d at the start of descend.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Pro. Tip: Ensure you confirm your MoD whenever you make changes to Enriched Air settings.\n\n\n\n\n

                          Gases<\/h6>\n\n\n

                          Further into Dive Mode, a Category which comes into play is \u201cGases\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n


                          Which gases does the dive computer support?
                          <\/p>\n\n\n

                          Historically, all dive computers have been designed for AIR as default gas configuration, for all scuba dives. With the introduction of Enriched Air diving (NITROX), dive computers started having options of modifying gas percentage for dive calculations.
                          So, previously, there were only AIR computers available in market, and one might have had to consider, if he\/she is going to use Enriched Air for their dives or not. If yes, while buying the dive computer one had to consider this mode\/feature as well.
                          Nowadays, almost all the dive computers by default come with option of settings to modify Gas percentage for usage of Enriched Air (NITROX).
                          <\/p>\n\n\n

                          So basically, every computer may support minimum 2 dive gases.

                          <\/u><\/em><\/strong>
                          <\/p>\n\n\n

                          More Than 2 Gases:
                          <\/h6>\n\n\n

                          With scuba diving advancing for more deeper and longer dives, technical diving required usage of more gases to compensate for the higher intake of nitrogen. To that effect, more calculations are needed towards additional gas used.
                          Modern day dive computers have made this extremely easy to adapt to these advancements. And so, for anyone going for deeper Technical Dives, support of multiple or more than 2 gases is necessary in a computer. This is another important category which comes into play while purchasing your dive computer based on need. Currently, technical diving specific computers have support for TRIMIX \u2013 3 gases, or latest versions may have option for experimental more gases. <\/p>\n\n\n

                          (I am not aware of any, if anyone knows, please share so that I also learn.).

                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          There is a lot more that can be discussed about algorithms and gases, but that will not remain under the scope of this article. Please read and self-research while opting for specific dive computer.<\/em>
                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          Gauge Mode<\/h5>\n\n\n

                          Second mode which most dive computer will have is – Gauge Mode. In this mode, the computer only records depth and dive time underwater without calculating the NDLs or safety stops. This mode was predominantly used when manual dive tables and calculations were used. Nowadays divers use this mode as a secondary\/backup depth gauge.

                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          Free Diving Mode<\/h5>\n\n\n

                          By the recent, increasingly popular trend of Free Diving, many scuba divers are also learning to Free dive and would rather want related feature in the same computer. So, now most dive computers also now come with specific Free Diving mode.
                          <\/p>\n\n\n

                          Free Dive mode is very similar to Gauge mode, but additionally will also calculate your surface interval required by Free Divers.


                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          Watch Mode or Land Mode<\/h5>\n\n\n

                          Not necessarily a mode, but many dive computers now come with stylish watch faces and can be used just as a watch while not diving. Switching to this mode, computers preserve batteries when out of water. Some of the computers with more advanced features of land GPS also call it Land Mode.
                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          So again, remember to switch to dive mode when you go diving.<\/em><\/u>
                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          • Battery:<\/h4><\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                            The next most obvious consideration while buying a dive computer is, its battery life and battery type.
                            <\/p>\n\n\n

                            Dive computers nowadays come with different options of Batteries.
                            Battery type would depend on number of dives that it can last. Some computers define that it may last for a particular number of dives or a particular number of hours of diving. <\/p>\n\n\n

                            In this event batteries may need,
                            <\/p>\n\n\n

                            • to be replaced \u2013 option of User self-Replaceable (or replaceable only by authorized service centers).<\/li>
                            • To be recharged \u2013 rechargeable batteries like smartphones<\/li>
                            • And some also come with option of Solar recharging.\n<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                              • Dive Related Features:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                Apart from basic functionality of Dive Calculations, most dive computers come with multiple other features which may be useful while diving.
                                <\/p>\n\n\n

                                • Altitude Diving <\/li>
                                • Digital Compass <\/li>
                                • Dive Alarms <\/li>
                                • Dual Time Zones<\/li><\/ul>As per your preference you may check on these extra features while considering a Dive Computer.
                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                  • Logging: <\/li><\/ul><\/h4><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                    Another important category to be considered for a dive computer is Dive Logging. Almost all dive computers will have a feature of logging \u2013 storing the dive details. <\/p>\n\n\n

                                    All the Dive logs will store details like, <\/p>\n\n\n

                                    • Dive Start Time<\/li>
                                    • End time<\/li>
                                    • Maximum Depth<\/li>
                                    • Average Depth<\/li>
                                    • Total Dive Time<\/li>
                                    • Surface Interval. <\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n

                                      Other features that may get logged are water temperature, room temperature, dive violations, etc. Some may also show small graph of the dive profile instead of only storing text values.
                                      <\/p>\n\n\n

                                      Considering the details being logged, the logs will take up memory space in your computer. Hence, one should always consider how many dive logs does the computer store at a time.
                                      <\/p>\n\n\n

                                      And how does it delete\/replace old dive logs when the limit is reached. Most dive computers follow First-In-First-Out principle to replace older logs.
                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                      Modern dive computers give an option of transferring the logs either to a PC or a mobile app avoiding to permanently losing the logs once the logging limit is reached.
                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      • Air Integration \/ Connectivity:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                        Ability to transfer logs brings us to another aspect to consider is connectivity. What type of external connectivity does the dive computer has.<\/p>

                                        • Wired:<\/span> Now an old feature, only able to connect to a mobile or desk computer via cable.\nLogs may be transferred \/exported only in a particular format, and most cables would be model or brand specific<\/li>
                                        • Wireless \/ Bluetooth:<\/span>\nA more advance option is wireless \u2013 Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the dive computer to connect to an app on a mobile or desk computer wirelessly. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\nBut very important feature it brings with it is Air Integration.\nAir Integration means having a wireless transmitter on your cylinder to record the pressure in it and show you on the dive computer while diving, real time. So now, additional to the traditional SPG in your regulator set, diver has the information of remaining Air pressure on the dive computer as well.\nMany modern dive computers have this feature of Air Integration with it. Some may be compatible with specific Brand Transmitters, while some may be paired with universal (multiple other types\/brands) transmitters.\nReliability on only digital Air Integration is not completely advised and hence, traditional SPGs still remain in all regulator sets.<\/span>
                                          \n\n\n\n\n*Pro Tip: Wireless connectivity when enabled, drastically affects battery usage on the dive computer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                          • Service Options:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                            Dive Computers are complex and by its nature of use (human life dependency), rigid to be understood and repaired by every tom dick and harry. <\/p>\n\n\n


                                            So apart from the self-replaceable Battery options, one should consider <\/p>\n\n\n

                                            • Frequency of software updates<\/li>
                                            • servicing history of the brand<\/li>
                                            • availability of the Authorised Service Centres near your diving regions<\/li>
                                            • warranty \/ guarantee conditions <\/li><\/ul>while buying the dive computer.
                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                              • Style Features and Brand:<\/li><\/ul><\/h4><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                Dive computers are kind of the primary safety device. Your life depends on the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. So, if all the above features discussed are considered, a diver may consider the other features provided on the dive computer.
                                                <\/p>\n\n\n

                                                Many dive computers now come with feature like, <\/p>\n\n\n

                                                • Colour Display<\/li>
                                                • Stylish Watch face<\/li>
                                                • Alarms<\/li>
                                                • Land GPS<\/li>
                                                • Mobile Call\/App Notifications<\/li>
                                                • Smart Watch Notifications \u2013 Heart Rate, Step counts, etc. <\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n

                                                  All these features severely add onto the complexity of the software code, battery usage and sometimes size of the dive computer. In terms of software code, more the features, more the possibilities of software crash are introduced. You would not want the computer to stop working under water while on a fantastic, dive.
                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n

                                                  Like the rule would dictate, any malfunction of the equipment, you would have to end your dive.<\/em>
                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                  With all the above factors considered, it is recommended to of course check the brand history for reputation and reliability.
                                                  And last but not the least now, you have the option of consideration of cost. <\/p>\n\n\n

                                                  Your budget will of course decide what feature you want in your computer.
                                                  I would just say compare the feature and cost factor to your own life, as it depends on it under water. <\/p>\n\n\n


                                                  Happy Diving, Stay Salty. \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/em>
                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n*Pro tip: Many technical divers use multiple dive computers on a single dive as backup, apart from the manual calculation slate on their back of the hand. Backups are needed, as its said, \u201cErr is to Human and Fail is to be a Machine\u201d\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[15,17,16,4,10,3],"class_list":["post-1","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sd","tag-idonttrashmytravel","tag-saveoceans","tag-saynotoplastic","tag-scuba","tag-sdc","tag-scubadiving"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":121,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions\/121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepush.info\/neu-dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}