Computers

[SpearDiverTampa]

I just got certified for nitrox, and I was wondering of any of yall had any recomendations for gas intigrated computers. I hate them on my wrist, so im looking for a console model. Thanks Chris

[richhermes]

I have the Aeris 300G. It's not AI, but it is nitrox capable. I think all Aeris products are pretty simple to operate. Check out the new Aeris Atmos AI. I heard this is a real nice unit.

http://www.diveaeris.com/Product.cfm?PL=comp&SL=Ai





http://www.diveaeris.com/c_atmosai.jpg

[Steel Shootin']

Hey, Chris. I have a Suunto Cobra, which is an AI console. It's been a very good computer, and is simple to learn. The only thing I don't like about it is that the oxygen exposure and nitrogen loading are NOT on the same screen. You have to toggle back and forth. Not a big deal, but I've seen other computers that have both bar graphs on the same screen, and I think that would be kind of cool.

Scott

[f94gator]

You can get a pretty good deal on the Aeris 300G right now either on Ebay or on Leisurepro.com. If you want air-integrated, the 500AI is the previous model to the Atmos AI. Leisurepro was selling them for about $400, but they might have run out by now. Also check out Ebay for this one. They’re a little bit bigger than the Atmos and you probably want a lens guard to prevent scratching, but they’re also a whole lot cheaper!

[Screen Name]

And it's bigger than those other ones, so I can beat the fish to death if I lose my gun or something. Another advantage is that I was able to remove one of the weights from my belt. Pretty handy feature. Plus, as you get older, those big numbers are real helpful......

John

[Screen Name]

I'm pretty convinced that unless you can carry two air integrated computers, you probably don't want just one. Imagine, your in the grounds, 4th dive of the day, diggin out that 75 lb grouper, using a lot of air, you check your meter.......oops, I got a little problem......dont know how much air I've got or how long I've got to deco......

That's the advice I get from most any knowledgable person I've talked to anyway, and I fell for it....

John

[Larry]

You are correct sir! I have a Cochran Gemini + (AI) and backup Cochran console with SPG and Commander + (not AI). I can bounce dive all day and not worry (too much) about both units going down. Ahhh yes, a well oiled fish killing machine focused on the task at hand.

BTW...the new 2002 Cochran Gemini is self redundant (if one goes down the other kicks in - Wow!........ My next computer).

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by Screen Name


That's the advice I get from most any knowledgable person I've talked to anyway, and I fell for it....

John Me, too. I've got the Suunto Vytec on the wrist, a wireless (hoseless) AI computer. By the way, I would NEVER have my only computer wireless. It's gone out on me before. In fact, I've got to send the transmitter back to the factory.:confused:

[swimndive]

I had good luck with Uwatec. Got over 700 trouble free hours before the computer battery finally died (the transmiter battery is still working). The only time it lost signal from the transmitter was in the presence of strong electric fields ( camera stobes and scooters). Once the field was gone, it would resume normal operation. I think scubapro now makes this version in a console, so you might check out your local dealer.

[dothanfrogman]

I have a Oceanic data plus 2 and a Dive Rite Nitek c both are Nitrox compatable. The oceanic is in a console about $300 and the Nitek is wrist watch style about $900.

[rusty]

I use a wrist mounted OMS EANx (non-air integrated) and an Oceanic Datamax Pro (air only - air-integrated) on my console. The Datamax pro was $125/ebay and the OMS was $175 new.

I like having a pair, would prefer if both were nitrox, but in the future I would prefer one that would let you switch gasses during the dive.

I like the wrist mount, it's easier to see/find/use than the console computer, since my hands are usually occupied (gun, etc.).

rusty

[Speargun]

I use the Suunto Vyper and love it. It's a wrist mount, but you can get it in a console, or if you want an AI computer Suunto makes the Cobra.
I've only got around 30 hours on mine so far, but I haven't seen any problems yet.
I did a bunch of research before buying a computer & this one worked out being the best for ME & my wallet.
The Cochran's are the ones used by the Navy SEALS and will not lock up if you violated it. Most of the other's go into gauge mode or quit completely for about 48 hours if you violate a deco stop.
Good luck
Jeff

[1bumknee]

I use the Ocianic Data Plus 2. It's nitrox compatable but does not do deco. If you do go into deco it will walk you thru the stops but then it shuts down for 24 hrs. I do like the features of the Dive Rite.

I have to agree with SN on the AI.

[ScottCarullo]

I've used a computer for several years... If everything was as reliable as it I'd be fearless. Never even a hickup. I'm not saying you can't have a problem, but what piece or gear is isn't prone to a problem. Bands, powerheads/speartips, regulators, hoses, bc's fins, masks etc the list goes on.

I received the same advice when recently shopping for a new nitrox computer and decided to go with the AI Suunto Cobra without a backup. Any responsible diver who regularly checks the status of his guages can pretty much avoid the oops, my guage is broken and I'm all out of air scenario in my opinion.

The advantages, in my opinion, outweight the risks. Either way you have to check, you just don't breathe until you can't suck any more... you must look at your gauges while you dive. If I happen to look at my computer and its 'dead' - just surface. Stop about 15 feet and sit there until you use up your air supply. Most avid divers/underwater hunters in open water probably use Nitrox anyway. If you look at the time available in the tables with Nitrox you will se that almost always you will run out of air prior to running out of time.

One last comment about the Cobra... Someone mentioned that it shows the O2 & N2 loading graphs on seperate screens. True, but it shows the one thats limiting your dive profile on the main screen so it really doesn't matter does it?

Non-electronic gauges malfunction too... see them mis-read all the time. I saw one earlier in the week that added about 1000lbs to an empty tank :) If it can crap out either way you might as well get the most out of it while it works.

Scott - my 2 cents (maybe four)

[Screen Name]

The dives not over until the bubbles stop coming out.

What the heck do you need those expensive gages for anyway?

But seriously, welcome to the forum Scott!

Good post, and good points. I still feel better with one functioning gage than none though.

John

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by ScottCarullo
I've used a computer for several years... If everything was as reliable as it I'd be fearless. Never even a hickup. I'm not saying you can't have a problem, but what piece or gear is isn't prone to a problem. Bands, powerheads/speartips, regulators, hoses, bc's fins, masks etc the list goes on.

I received the same advice when recently shopping for a new nitrox computer and decided to go with the AI Suunto Cobra without a backup. Any responsible diver who regularly checks the status of his guages can pretty much avoid the oops, my guage is broken and I'm all out of air scenario in my opinion.

The advantages, in my opinion, outweight the risks. Either way you have to check, you just don't breathe until you can't suck any more... you must look at your gauges while you dive. If I happen to look at my computer and its 'dead' - just surface. Stop about 15 feet and sit there until you use up your air supply. Most avid divers/underwater hunters in open water probably use Nitrox anyway. If you look at the time available in the tables with Nitrox you will se that almost always you will run out of air prior to running out of time.

One last comment about the Cobra... Someone mentioned that it shows the O2 & N2 loading graphs on seperate screens. True, but it shows the one thats limiting your dive profile on the main screen so it really doesn't matter does it?

Non-electronic gauges malfunction too... see them mis-read all the time. I saw one earlier in the week that added about 1000lbs to an empty tank :) If it can crap out either way you might as well get the most out of it while it works.

Scott - my 2 cents (maybe four)

Scott,

I agree with your points on the Cobra. I did over 50 dives on mine before I went redundant and got the Vytec to go along with it. However, with the Cobra being connected to the HP (not a wireless receiver), I never felt that diving only with that computer was a safety issue. If you look down at depth and it has shut off, turn the dive.

The reason I went redundant was more of a concern that it would quit and I would be the boat bitch for the afternoon, not a roll that I would embrace. Now, if my primary computer was the hoseless AI Vytec, I would always have some reduncancy during the dive. Maybe just a simple SPG. I'd be concerned about it getting stuck on 1000 PSI or something, due to loss of signal (although it is designed to tell you "loss of signal").

Fair point on the O2 exposure and nitrogen loading screens. Plus, you can toggle back and forth during the dive if you wanted to (you either push the "plan" or the "time" button). I was just making the observation that I liked the layout of some other computers that had both. The only other knock on the Cobra is that it can be a little tougher to read at depth than some of the others. The graphs, for example, are not as easy to see as on many other models.

Nonetheless, I have no complaints with Suunto, and I think they use the best software (algorythms) in the business. I don't mind it being a little more conservative.

Scott

[SpearDiverTampa]

Thanks alot for all the feedback. I am caught between two models, the cobra and the suunto stinger. The stinger is the model that is a watch, and is everything but air intigrated. What do you guys think? Also, have you ever had a need to use your warrenties? Because if not, i will pay half retail at leisure pro, even though they are not authorised dealers.Thanks alot,

Chris

[swimndive]

If you are interested in a watch sized computer, then check out the new nitek plus from diverite. It's basicly a two gas stinger, running buhlmann software, and backed by a local florida company. ed

[BobK]

i have a Suunto Cobra also. But I carry a backup depth gauge in my BC. If the computer fails, it's tough to eyeball 15 feet :-)

[ScottCarullo]

Hey Chris....

If you want to get even a better deal than LP try eBay... You can get a cobra (saw two new ones last week) for about $395.

The cobra with the compass already attached goes for about $435 on there.

I just purchased one last week there... a reasonably new (about 6 months old) cobra computer that came with a scubapro MK25/S600 reg package for $700. I'm keeping my other set for my wife, hopefully she will enjoy it - need someone to haul the catch around so the sharks won't get me :D

Scott