View Full Version : Whats the best dive computer
This would be a good place to say what u like or dislike about your divecomputer :cool:
Can u change the battery
Does it do nitrox
Can u read it underwater
Is the strap any good
Has it ever let u down
alexmaclennan
05-08-06, 20:02
Bought a second hand Vyper for £80 from small ads 2 years ago.
Does Nitrox
Can read pretty easily under the water. I never press any buttons under water.
Never had to replace battery (have a spare in my logbook 'just in case' for holidays)
Works fine for me
Alex
I used to use a Buddy Nexis, didn't like it at all. The screen was too small the wet contacts and menus were a bit of a nightmare, I could never get it to do what it was supposed to. The good points were it's versitility, it did closed circuit and open curcuit air and nitrox.
I've just purchased a new Uwatec Smart Pro Nitrox Computer and I like it. The big display is easy to read underwater and it has infrared for downloading dive data to the laptop and then displays nice pictures of my dive profiles for me. Can't replace the battery but everyone tells me that they last for years before you need to change it. Happy with it so far. :-)
I use a Suunto vytec with transmitter,does everything and more that i need.:)
Its just as the ad says
Its the only computer you will ever need
It even has games to play during deco!!!
See latest post..........
use a vyper had it for aqbout 4 years now with no probs
im thinking of getting an Aladin Smart Com. has anyone got or used one. it looks the mutts nutts. lol
Well, im quite chuffed with my new computer - cressi archimede II.
Used it for about 7 dives now, does nitrox (2 mixes, changeable during dive) too. dead easy to see all relevant info underwater. Can download all the info easy peasy too. User changeable battery.
As always, the strap could do with being 2" longer! Dont know why no computer maker has figured this out yet! Seems sturdy though!
Got it from Go-dive about a month ago - £200 including all the download kit. Great value me thinks.
I would recommend!
suunto vytec with transmitter & downloadable.
3 gas mixtures (pre determined by the operator) you can switch between underwater.
best feature........it has 3 buttons, a kid with a biscuit could use one!
if carlsberg made dive computers...............:cool:
Mine packed up at 19m going down a shotline to a wreck at 42m, just as well I had a backup.....my buddys computer. Have heard of a few problems with the VR3 the screens are prone to problems, the batterys dont last very long, and the strap is...... shall we say not the best. I put a lanyard on it because I expect it to fail sometime.
Lizardland
18-09-06, 10:18
I use a very old Aladin Pro. They have one of the best depth sensors around and you can change the batteries yourself. I'd never buy a computer again that had to be sent away -- I briefly had an Aladin Nitrox until the battery went and found out Scubapro wanted £60 and 6 weeks to change it.
The old Pros are a lot less conservative than the new ones which I like because it gives me a baseline which I can pad out and there is less chance of me bending it. Even if I do bend it then I can reset it by removing the battery.
I'm not bothered about downloading it -- I use a Sensus Pro dive recorder which is a brilliant bit of kit. www.reefnet.ca
Airmonster
18-09-06, 13:24
I use the Suunto Viper. A good computer (so I'm led to believe, as this is my first computer, I've nothing to compare it with). Good clear screen and does everything I need now or in the foreseeable future. Only down side is transferring it to the PC. The cable is a bit fiddly and it takes a few attempts before it works properly. Mines still connects through a serial connection, which are becoming like "hens teeth" on newer laptops. I need to download mine to an old PC and transfer the file. I've tried a serial to USB converter but this didnae work. I don't think it will be long before we start to see dive computers with built in Bluetooth (if they aren't already available, I've never seen any). This should make transferring the dive data a lot easier and should make the computer a little bit easier to make as the manufacturers will not need to design a waterproof interface.
Just my tuppence worth. :D
/Colin.
Lizardland
18-09-06, 15:40
I don't think it will be long before we start to see dive computers with built in Bluetooth (if they aren't already available, I've never seen any
Doesn't the VR£ have an infra-red interface?
Doesn't the VR£ have an infra-red interface?
Was that an intentional slip VR£
I dont download dive info so I dont know, just read the manual to change gases and change to closed circuit then put it in a drawer :)
The original Aladdin Pro Nitrox. No debate! :cool:
Lizardland
18-09-06, 18:23
Was that an intentional slip VR£
Yes :)
I remember my mate having trouble with some kind of wireless download connection on his, I'm sure he said it was infra-red.
alexmaclennan
18-09-06, 18:56
Airmonster, I bought a USB connnection lead for my Vyper from Custom Idea cost about £26. It works fine - when it works. I think the connection is a bit finnicky but it does download all the stored dives into Suunto's Dive Manager software and then will allow you to pick individual or batch download new dives.
alex
my Vytec connection is exactly the same, fiddly as heck.
sometimes have to dry the contacts with a cotton bud before it will transfer data.
my cable is a cheap made up copy of the suunto, picked up on ebay for quite a few quid less than the highly priced suunto cable.
bad luck with the VR£ ding, is it still under warranty?
my Vytec connection is exactly the same, fiddly as heck.
sometimes have to dry the contacts with a cotton bud before it will transfer data.
my cable is a cheap made up copy of the suunto, picked up on ebay for quite a few quid less than the highly priced suunto cable.
bad luck with the VR£ ding, is it still under warranty?
No as usual its just run out:(
Airmonster
18-09-06, 20:24
Airmonster, I bought a USB connnection lead for my Vyper from Custom Idea cost about £26. It works fine - when it works. I think the connection is a bit finnicky but it does download all the stored dives into Suunto's Dive Manager software and then will allow you to pick individual or batch download new dives.
alex
Alex,
Does this lead replace the hugely expensive Suunto one? (£45.00 for a cable :eek: FFS!)
Thanks,
/Colin
No as usual its just run out:(
ouccch! :(
i think most components we buy are made to last a certain time, just past the warranty stage is normal.
this does not help promote the maker, but nets them cash for repairs....
e.g.
in 3 years i have had 3 hard drives in my computer, each lasting 12-13 months. 1 year warranty.
exaust on my old car, 1 year warranty, lasts 14 months. happened twice.
& on & on...
anoying it will cost me and I have a few big bills just now dentist, joiner, 2 tyres for the car and stuff for the house. Think I will have to start work soon.
anoying it will cost me and I have a few big bills just now dentist, joiner, 2 tyres for the car and stuff for the house. Think I will have to start work soon.
soloution...
invest in false teeth, a one off payment.
joiner, hmmm i know what they charge :p remember to give him a tip.
2 bald tyres, buy a motorbike.
the money you save will pay for your VR£
problem solved.
just got this computer with transmitter did two dives and i have no complaints, this will do me for a long long time(or until i can spend more money without the wife finding out!!!).
(or until i can spend more money without the wife finding out!!!).
that quote just cost you a pint, call it insurance :D
alexmaclennan
18-09-06, 22:50
Alex,
Does this lead replace the hugely expensive Suunto one? (£45.00 for a cable :eek: FFS!)
Thanks,
/Colin
Colin, see the Custom Idea website and my/other posts on YD forum about this cable. I think Custom Idea do just what it says on the tin. They find a problem and then build a solution. Yes the cable is all I have for downloading from my Vyper onto my PC. The front of my PC has two USB slots - I could'nt be arsed looking round the back for a serial connnection. I read on YD about this cable so bought one. 10 mins setup (a driver or two) and then worked fine to download all my past dives on the computer internal log. It only now intermittently works - I would think it is not cable but the two pins connection onto Vyper. But when it works it downloads flawlessly.
Happy with this. I'm close to Clydebank if you want a demo.
alex
I've clocked up 25 dives or so on my Apeks Quantum. Most of the guys I'm diving with use this comp as well. It does Nitrox (but I don't) and you can set 2 mixtures.
It tells you all you need to know on the main screen when diving so no need to press buttons unless you want the backlight on.
You can change the battery yourself.
My strap has split in two places but that was about 5 dives a go I noticed them and it's still going (always had a lanyard on it just in case). Everyone else's seems to be holding up OK.
I think these are made by Seiko and there are a number of diving companies branding them, Dive Rite sell it as the Nitek Duo and I'm sure there is someone else.
For under £200 you can't argue.
Scott.
I don't think it will be long before we start to see dive computers with built in Bluetooth (if they aren't already available, I've never seen any). This should make transferring the dive data a lot easier and should make the computer a little bit easier to make as the manufacturers will not need to design a waterproof interface.
Doesn't the VR£ have an infra-red interface?
Aladin Prime/TEC/TEC 2G also communicate with a PC by infra red (IR). It can be used to alter settings on the dive computer & to transfer dive data to the PC. The TEC 2G allows switching between 2 nitrox mixes during diving. It also allows the user to add in extra conservatism to the decompression calculations to mitigate against microbubble formation.
I originally bought a TEC but it stopped communicating by IR after a dozen dives. Uwatec upgraded it to a TEC 2G for free. Their customer support staff were very helpful. :) I like it a lot.
Another Vyper - So far it's done all I need it to do. Display is clear enough, although my eyesight isn't, but still readable. Have changed the battery 5 mins before a dive at the back of the car, so it was okay. Strap is fine as long as you wait till you buy a drysuit before shortening it - doh - now has new strap!
Another one with ebay £cheap made at home download cable, which works fine but is even less robust for connecting than the original Suunto one - but not a mojor problem.
I had the same problem.
Aladin Prime/TEC/TEC 2G also communicate with a PC by infra red (IR). It can be used to alter settings on the dive computer & to transfer dive data to the PC. The TEC 2G allows switching between 2 nitrox mixes during diving. It also allows the user to add in extra conservatism to the decompression calculations to mitigate against microbubble formation.
I originally bought a TEC but it stopped communicating by IR after a dozen dives. Uwatec upgraded it to a TEC 2G for free. Their customer support staff were very helpful. I like it a lot. This was the same problem that was reported earlier. Aladin say a faulty batch of IRDs were fitted to them.
Also with the Tec 2G you can download your dives to a Palm into the Log book using the IRD interface. You get all the data plus your profile same as if you dl to a pc.
I am happy with mine. :)
Mad Major
PeterM, who changed your Battery at the boot of the car 5 minutes before the dive???
Sorry I have a Vyper too, had it since I started UK diving, did my initial training in warmer climes with an Aladin Sport, definately prefer the vyper to that though.
Nice software that Suunto Make and its very reliable peice of kit with great back-up support as I found out: 2 weeks before my first trip to Scapa I did a dive at the Bass Rock and depth was 2m out. Checked it with my depth gauge, my buddys depth gauge and buddys computer and all were showing 2-3m difference. This was not looking good for Scapa!! Called up Suunto and they said if it was a problem with the computer they would ship another one to me in time for my trip, however it may have been too tight on my wrist, could I get it pressure tested?? I headed to Ratho Quarry and dived in without doing the strap at all and lo and behold it was correct, how stupid did I feel!!! Called the guy back from Suunto and he was fine, told me how many of these calls he gets, then we both laughed for a while!!
PeterM, who changed your Battery at the boot of the car 5 minutes before the dive???
Well I arranged for you to do it, it was my computer and my battery, so I should get most of the credit :o
Dive Tramp
29-05-07, 03:18
I use the Suunto Vyper, since purchase in March I've got 22 dives logged and transferred to my laptop. Sometimes a pain downloading to the lappie but I think that's the contacts still being wet!. User replacement battery is a doddle, Nitrox capable, tip even if not using Nitrox set the computer to 21% then you can switch between gas mixes in your planning(so I'm told, I don't nitrox, yet!), easily read underwater and backlit for night/lowviz, you can also delete dive logs in Dive Manager (if you have any that you dont want to keep, eg early aborted dives etc..), good chunky strap with a lanyard option too! Very easy logical user menu.
Deep Seeker
29-05-07, 10:24
I use the Aladin Air (integrated). The display is big and easy to ready. The bottom time calculation (based on the air consumption) is pretty stable and it has a nice big compass attached to the top of it. I love it. You can download it via a memomouse to the laptop or whatever and since I have had it from my very first dive my entire log is based on the download with the profile of the dive. It is so simple it's great. The only problem is that the contacts are useless when they get wet so it's difficult to review your dive directly after getting out and it tends to beep all the way home in the car. It also needs Uwatec to replace the batter which means selling my sister.
My back-up is a Vytec with transmitter. Great size, easy to use, does three gases and tells you allsorts of info by flashing and beeping. Just what you need when you're narced at 40M+
The Aladin can give you a nasty deco obligation on second dives however... but I'm all for safety. See my pic of me in one of the jeeps on the Thistlegorm earlier this year.
Nick
64
That's one cool snap! :cool:
Were you thumbing the dive? :eek:
Here is Nick just before the photo trying to get his Shades on with his mask on..... must have been narked :rolleyes:
65
gogs
Deep Seeker
29-05-07, 11:32
Thanks are due to a certain 'support crew' who were holding my kit on the bonnet of the jeep at the time (see attached) ! And to Mr Kodak himself... Gogs... for taking the photo.
You will find the jeep on the lower level hold near the back... the story is best explained in the pub by others as I will probably exaggerate slightly..! ;)
66
That is a cracker of a picture! :D,doubt i'd have been brave enough to whip my gear off and jump in,i remember looking looking through the windows and holes in the roof of those jeeps expecting a big moray to jump out at me :eek:
Interesting article and nice savings for any Suunto user!
Clicky (http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=3684&v=1)