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Scuba Diving Computer Suunto D9 – James Bond Would Want One

January 20, 2009 By Mike

By Edward Price

Posing as a wristwatch when not underwater, the feature packed diving computers offer many functions that would leave James Bond envious of their technology. This neat little wrist-watch computers can do everything from log depth and dive time, to handling air integration. In scuba diving technology, these newest dive computers are loaded into mini, portable gadgets.

Dive computers are primarily used for nitrogen management by combining a timer, depth gauge and software that computes absorption of gases. All divers should know about residual nitrogen and decompression and some may use manual dive tables. The scuba diver computer is becoming more popular as an automated way to help keep track.

Suunto D9 is a feature packed dive computer:

The Suunto D9 diving computer is a good example. This dive computer has many features and a streamlined look. This diving computer offers the following:

• Allows you to log depth
• Keeps track of Dive time
• Temperature
• No-decompression limits over multiple dives working with air and nitrox
• Can be used in gauge and free-diving modes
• Can be switched between metric and imperial
• Can be adjusted for altitude diving
• Using the optional Suunto D9 Wireless Transmitter, it can act as a SPG
• Multiple transmitters can monitor multiple tanks, such as diving instructors monitoring students
• Can handle up to three different mixes of 21%-100% oxygen and allows you switch gases during the dive.
• Can be used at depths up to 660 feet
• Has a digital compass
• Comes with a USB Interface and PC software for dive logging
• Contains a complete package of dive gauges in the wrist-watch sized computer

Things to Consider for Diver Computers:

There are certain things you should know about diver computers, such as the brand and model's reputation, ease of battery change and is it easy to read and backlit. What type of algorithms does it use for calculating, and does it have the options you need are other things to consider. You want to see if it handles different air mixtures for versatility.

All of these things are up to the diver to consider, as the computer does not plan the dive, but keeps track and computes the amount of nitrogen present. The scuba diver still has to plan a safe and healthy dive that is within the proper guidelines.

Take Care of Your Scuba Dive Computer:

You need to read about the care of the individual brand of dive computer that you choose. The most common recommendation is that you thoroughly rinse any dive computers or underwater scuba diving cameras in fresh water. Some also allow you to soak them for an extended period of time, especially after saltwater diving. Just be sure to thoroughly dry your underwater camera before you open it.

In conclusion, scuba dive computers have become sophisticated and some look great enough to wear with a three piece suit.There are several good ones on the market, such as the Suunto D9 or Oceanic Atom 2.0. James Bond would be jealous.

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information, visit his scuba diving resource site now: http://www.scubasoul.com

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Dive Computers

December 3, 2008 By Mike

Dive Computers

Scuba computers are compact digital devices that perform the task of nitrogen management without the need of dive tables. Scuba computers combine a timer with a depth gauge.  These computers run software that computes the absorption of gases within the divers body.  Many recreational divers use scuba computers. While it is essential during training that all divers learn about residual nitrogen and decompression using dive tables, scuba computers will enhance the divers experience as it will perform nitrogen management.   It is important that the diver periodically review the dive tables in the event of computer malfunctions.

It is important to understand that  scuba computer does NOT plan any dives for the diver.  The planning is the responsibility of the one diving  because dive safety must be planned by the diver and not the computer.    All dive certification agencies should promote dive safety. 

Dive computers keep track of the following:

  • depth and bottom time
  • amount of nitrogen present in the diver's body
  • alerts the diver if nitrogen levels are getting too high
  • informs the diver to make decompression stops if necessary

Traditional dive tables use only maximum depth and time to calculate absorbed nitrogen.   The calculation assumes the diver was at the maximum depth for the entire dive.     This is where we find the benefits of dive computers.   Dive computers do not calculate nitrogen in the same manner used when using dive table.   Dive computers accurately calculate and track the depth allowing the diver to have longer bottom time.   More bottom time means longer dives.

When shopping for a dive computer do consider the following:

  • Can the battery be replaced by the diver or must it be serviced to be replaced?
  • Can the dive data be uploaded to a computer?
  • Can the dive computer handle nitrox gas mixtures as well as air?
  • Can the buttons on the computer be managed while wearing neoprene gloves?
  • Is the computers interface to the diver's liking?
  • Does the dive computer support decompression management?
  • Does the dive computer support "time-to-fly" (time you must wait between your last dive and ascending to altitude or flying)?
  • Does the dive computer use a well-tested algorithm for calculating gas absorption and decompression?  (Mares-Wienke Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) Algorithm,  Buhlmann Algorithm, and etc.)

Always research the dive computer's brand and model before purchasing. Look for recognizable manufacturers and consult the diver magazines and consumer guides.

-Fin For Yourself

http://www.FinForYourSelf.com/store

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