Bitz Scuba Diving Equipment Guide - Dive Computers and Dive Timers

Introduction

Which Attachments?

Which Buoyancy Compensator?

Which Computer/ Dive Timer?

Which Compass?

Which Contents Gauge?

Which Dive Bag?

Which Fins?

Which Knife?

Which Mask?

Which Reel?

Which Regulator?

Which Snorkel?

Which Surface Marker Buoy?

Which Suit and Options?

Which Tanks? Overview

- Which Single Cylinders?

- Which Pony Cylinders?

- Which Twin Sets?

- Which Deco/ Stage Tank?

- Which Argon System?

Which Torch?

- Which Back-up Torch?

- Which Main Torch?

Which Watch?

Which Weight System?

Marking Template for EAN50

Marking Template for O2

Modifying AP Valve SMB's

Modifying Other Style SMB's

What Do I Need to Make My Own B'C'?

Introduction

Modified Valve Drill

Valve Drill

Modified S-Drill

S-Drill

Switching to Deco Bottle

Which Computer/Dive Timer?

There are a wide range of alternatives from the most basic to the highly complex. At the most basic level you need to monitor your depth and time and a dive timer (left) is an inexpensive way of doing this, but you need to plan your dives in advance on tables.

In contrast, dive computers (right) will work out how long you can stay and will be automatically updated as the dive progresses, dependent on the exact profile you are following. This gives you a greater degree of flexibility, but you should still plan the dive!

Computers, even mixed gas computers frequently use "fudge factors" to pad decompression profiles. Technical Divers are increasingly using tables generated on a home personal computer programe like GUE's deco-planner to run dives. This enables them to better understand their profiles and a few individuals even tailor the decompression to their personal physiology at higher levels. It is perhaps ironic that Technical Divers typically use tables, much like trainees are required to.

There are a number of questions to ask when buying a computer:

Is it a reliable and established model?

Can it be downloaded onto a PC? (Not essential but useful.)

Will it handle gas mixes (nitrox) other than air?

What ascent rate does it use? Ideally 10 metres a minute.

Is it a decompression model?

What decompression model does it use? RGBM, Buhlmann, etc.

Can the battery be changed easily?

Will the strap fit around my wrist? This is the most convenient place to put a computer.

Can the display be easily read and understood? Eg are the characters clear and laid out sensibly.

Does it have a backlight and is it sufficiently strong for the conditions you will be diving in?

Are the alarms loud enough to be heard easily?

Is it easy to operate? (Can the menus be easily navigated, does it use push buttons or wet contacts - the latter can be troublesome due to the build up of grease and grime)

Will it be damaged if it has to be X-rayed if I go overseas?

Never buy a dive computer second-hand unless you know and trust the seller!
Circuit boards do fail in time, the owner may have noticed some anomalous readings and chosen to dispose of it whilst he could still find some unwitting sole. Caveat Emptor - buyer beware!

Rather than buying yourself both a Depth Gauge and a Watch, buy yourself either a Dive Timer or a Computer from the start. A Dive Timer is cheaper then buying the two alternatives and does exactly the same job, except that you can't download from a dive timer to a PC.

Consider wearing a retaining strap to secure your computer to your wrist in case the strap should break. (See the section on retaining straps.)

Recommendations

The current favourite dive computer is the "Suunto Vyper" on which you can get good deals from Divemaster Scuba (£230? excluding computer interface). This model meets most criteria and can be used from the early stages of your diving right through to the more advanced levels. On the down side it's alarm is on the quiet side; the menus are less than intuitive and the decompression algorithm seems to be padded unnecessarily - but it seems to be the best of those available, particularly because it can be used in gauge mode for technical diving using multiple gas mixes. Lesser alternatives include the "Suunto Solution Nitrox".

If you are just starting, a dive timer is a good option to go for (£60).

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Key:

Good/Essential Features.

Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.

Bad Features.

Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.

Warnings - Points to be very careful of.

Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.

Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.

General bullets.

Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training.
Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.

	Is it a reliable and established model?
	Can it be downloaded onto a PC? (Not essential but useful.)
	Will it handle gas mixes (nitrox) other than air?
	What ascent rate does it use? Ideally 10 metres a minute.
	Is it a decompression model?
	What decompression model does it use? RGBM, Buhlmann, etc.
	Can the battery be changed easily?
	Will the strap fit around my wrist? This is the most convenient place to put a computer.
	Can the display be easily read and understood? Eg are the characters clear and laid out sensibly.
	Does it have a backlight and is it sufficiently strong for the conditions you will be diving in?
	Are the alarms loud enough to be heard easily?
	Is it easy to operate? (Can the menus be easily navigated, does it use push buttons or wet contacts - the latter can be troublesome due to the build up of grease and grime)
	Will it be damaged if it has to be X-rayed if I go overseas?
	Never buy a dive computer second-hand unless you know and trust the seller! Circuit boards do fail in time, the owner may have noticed some anomalous readings and chosen to dispose of it whilst he could still find some unwitting sole. Caveat Emptor - buyer beware!
	Rather than buying yourself both a Depth Gauge and a Watch, buy yourself either a Dive Timer or a Computer from the start. A Dive Timer is cheaper then buying the two alternatives and does exactly the same job, except that you can't download from a dive timer to a PC.
	Consider wearing a retaining strap to secure your computer to your wrist in case the strap should break. (See the section on retaining straps.)

Key:
	Good/Essential Features.
	Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.
	Bad Features.
	Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.
	Warnings - Points to be very careful of.
	Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.
	Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.
	General bullets.
	Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training. Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.