A dive computer has three main functions:
- Depth Measurement: It tracks how far down you’ve gone during your dive. This metric is also compared to your maximum dive depth—the max depth you can go with the gear you have on.
- Dive Time Tracking: There are a few reasons time tracking is so important. ...
- Ascension Rate Calculation: Dive computers have built-in ascension rate calculators. ...
Which dive computers are the best?
The Best Dive Computers of 2020
- Garmin Descent Mk2i. PRICE $1,499.99, transmitter $399.99 | CONTACT garmin.com The air-integrated MK2i was so new when we received our test sample that its full manual wasn’t yet available, but ...
- Aqua Lung i470TC. ...
- Cressi Michelangelo. ...
- Genesis Centauri. ...
- Scubapro Aladin A1. ...
- Seac Action HR. ...
- Console Computers
- Sherwood Beacon. ...
What dive computer can be used as an everyday watch?
When it comes to watch style dive computers, the Garmin Descent Mk1 is the top of the line. This computer has more functions than any other model on the market, packed into a stylish design suitable for everyday wear.
Why do we use a dive computer?
Three Reasons to Own a Dive Computer
- Makes scuba diving easy by guiding you to the safest way to dive. Having your own diving computer that is configured with your personal preferences. ...
- Have a dive computer will allow you to fully maximize your time enjoying sights. ...
- Provides you with an easy way to record diving adventures and share them. ...
What to look for in a dive computer?
- Ask yourself – What type of diving do I do now and plan to do in the future? ...
- Look at dive computers with features that match your dive style and equipment setup. Evaluate: Can you clearly read the data with your mask on? ...
- Don’t hesitate investing in a good dive computer. Get what you want now and go scuba diving – that’s the point.
Are dive computers worth it?
Air integrated dive computers, such as the Suunto Cobra, monitor your air pressure and can display your airtime remaining for your dive based upon your air consumption and depth. In our opinion, it is worth the extra investment!
Can you dive without a dive computer?
Divers for decades used the recreational dive tables successfully, and many still dive without a computer. Understanding the dive tables also means that you can still dive if you forget your computer or it fails before you dive.
How does a dive computer read depth?
It uses a depth gauge to tell you how deep you are. This depth is factored into the algorithms that determine your time limits and so on. This is essential for deep diving.
What does a dive computer show?
The dive computer measures depth and time, then uses the algorithm to determine decompression requirements or estimate remaining no-stop times at the current depth. An algorithm takes into account the magnitude of pressure reduction, breathing gas changes, repetitive exposures, rate of ascent, and time at altitude.
How long can you dive at 60 feet?
What is the No Decompression Limit for 60 feet? The NDL or No-Stop time for 60 feet / 18 meters is 56 minutes according to the Recreational Dive Planner table. On a Suunto dive computer using their algorithm, the NDL is 51 minutes for your first dive.
At what depth do you have to decompress?
Decompression diving is appropriate when there's no other way to reasonably accomplish the dive. This is most commonly due to depth because no stop time limits become very short below 100 feet. Shallow dives can require a decompression when they are long, however.
What happens if a diver does not decompress?
Commonly referred to as the bends, caisson disease, or divers sickness / disease, decompression sickness or DCS is what happens to divers when nitrogen bubbles build up in the body and are not properly dissolved before resurfacing, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue, paralysis, and ...
What may happen if you go too deep or stay too long?
What may happen if you go too deep or stay too long during a dive? -However, if your dive lasted for a long time, or you made a deep dive, the dive computer will indicate that you must stop at a particular depth to allow the excess nitrogen in your body time to escape without causing problems.
Should not turn off a dive computer between dives because?
4. Don't turn your computer off between dives. Most won't let you, but if you take out the battery or shut the computer down, it loses its memory of your previous dives and your residual nitrogen. You'll have to allow all residual nitrogen to leave your body before resuming use of the computer.
Do dive computers have a compass?
The Dive Console Computer The new fully digitized console dive computer incorporates all dive data, plus tank pressure, plus a digital compass, in a single, easy-to-use computing package.
What should I look for in a dive computer?
Basic display features: any good dive computer should show you the basics at a glance. Those are: maximum depth, current depth, dive time, and no-fly/no-stop time. Think about where you are now with your experience level and dive habits. What kind of dives are you doing now?
When diving with a computer it is recommended that I?
Stay well within computer's limits. Follow most conservative computer. Watch air supply. Start at the deepest point and go shallower.
Are Dive Watches necessary?
First off, does any diver really need a dive watch? Short answer, no. The electronic dive computer came into regular use in the late 1980s. You get on a dive boat now, nobody's wearing a watch — well, maybe 10 percent are.
Do you need a watch for free diving?
Apnea and freediving require precise depth and time gauges to monitor your levels and these computers do it all so you can better train and extend your limits.
Why do I need a dive watch?
This device could help track how long a diver was underwater, help calculate decompression stops (to avoid the bends), and help the diver keep track of how much air was in the tank. There are a few standout models in the early years of the dive watch.
How to clean a dive computer?
Rinse your dive computer in fresh water as soon as possible after each use. Keep it out of direct sunlight, especially the display. Protect it from being damaged or dropped. Store it in a cool , dry place . Change or recharge your dive computer’s battery as described by the manufacturer. Advertisement.
What do you use to track your dives?
You can track your dives using dive tables, a depth gauge and dive watch, but most scuba divers use a dive computer – it’s easier. A dive computer provides the real-time dive information you need to dive well.
What is CCR in diving?
Multiple gas computers for technical diving or some tec diving computers have a CCR (Closed-Circuit Rebreather) mode.
Can you change the battery in a dive computer?
Change or recharge your dive computer’s battery as described by the manufacturer.
What is a dive computer?
What is a dive computer? A scuba computer or Personal Dive Computer (PDC) is a digital device that makes real-time calculations on diving information. The device is worn on the wrist, similar to a watch.
How does a scuba computer work?
Scuba diving computers precisely measure the depth and time spent underwater in real-time. A scuba computer also calculates more accurately. With the continuous information, it can re-calculate as you are diving while a table is a static method that you cannot adjust while diving. For example, a PDC adjusts the calculations to how much time you ...
Why do you need a scuba computer?
The main reason to use the scuba computer is the extra control over the many variables that you need to deal with. However, familiarizing oneself with the device first is essential.
What is Nitrox diving?
Dive Nitrox. This feature is specifically for Nitrox divers. As they use a different composition in the air tank which has added risks for central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity. Therefore monitoring the exposure to oxygen is very important.
What is ATR in scuba?
Scuba computers that have air integration or Air Time Remaining (ATR) offer an added safety precaution. Air integration monitors how much air is still available and therefore how much time can still be spent underwater safely.
Is scuba diving a passion?
Scuba diving is more than a passion to me, it's a part of who I am. Now, I travel and dive as much as I can, exploring the world, trying new dive gear, discovering dive destinations and reviewing them here for you. All while educating people of the threats our marine life and oceans face every day and what we can do to help defend it.
Is reading tables important for diving?
Reading the tables is an essential skill for frequent divers and an important part of any diving course. However, these tables can appear confusing to the untrained eye. Learning to read them takes a bit of practice but comes naturally when done often enough.
Dive Computer Basics
Let’s start at square one. A dive computer is an integral part of the diving equipment. It comes with a display that provides divers with the necessary information regarding their dive.
How Do You Read a Dive Computer?
The dive computer’s display provides you with a lot of information. But all that information will be of no use if you don’t know how to read it correctly.
1. Time
Your dive computer can keep you updated on your dive’s duration by displaying the dive time. Additionally, most display the regular time as well, so that you don’t lose track of what’s happening on land.
2. Depth
In scuba diving, dive depths are crucial. For instance, entry-level divers are only allowed a depth between 60 and 66 ft. If you are diving for recreational purposes, you can’t dive beyond a depth of 130 ft.
3. Ascent Rate
This information will become important while you’re returning to the surface. Your ascent rate cannot be too fast or too slow, and the dive computer will display the information for you.
4. Emergency Decompression
As far as scuba divers are concerned, nitrogen is not a friend. At times, during your ascent to the surface, your body might need a pause. Why do you ask? Your body needs to expel the nitrogen from your blood.
5. No Stop Limits
Closely related to the emergency decompression feature, the no stop limits in your dive computer perform a slightly different function. It tells you when to make decompression stops and tells you how long the stops should be for.
What does PDC mean on a dive computer?
PDC’s will commonly display your O2 exposure in minutes left before you have hit the maximum and risk oxygen toxicity, but many display this reading as a percentage of exposure used up. Because of limited space on a recreational dive computer, this feature can usually be found on the secondary dive mode screen during the dive.
How fast can you go up a scuba dive?
You guessed it; our dive computers will help us out with that too. In the basic scuba course we all learned that the ascent rate should not be faster than 30 feet per minute. By ascending faster than that we risk several maladies like DCS, lung overexpansion, or barotrauma. So using the ascent rate monitor makes your ascent much easier by showing you another bar graph or meter usually on the opposite side of the Nitrogen Loading Bar Graph. The faster you come up, the more your meter will indicate. Once you have reached the top or end of that meter, you are coming up too fast. Always remember that just because your computer is showing a safe ascent rate, it does not mean that a slower ascent may be necessary for various other reasons like sinus squeeze or reverse block.
What is the NDL on a PDC?
Let’s start with one of the most important things your PDC is displaying. Most likely found on the main dive mode screen, you will find No Decompression Limit (NDL). What is No Decompression Limit? It is the amount of bottom time you have left at your current depth based on where you currently are in the dive, where you have been during the dive, and how much time you have spent there before you incur a mandatory decompression stop. It is always displayed in time units and is based primarily on tissue loading of nitrogen.
How often can you do a NDL dive?
You can do this every time you reach five minutes of NDL time until you must ascend because of gas limitations or time limits set by your dive plan. Do not run your NDL clock down to zero or you will most definitely incur a mandatory decompression stop.
Is dive computer training a substitute for PDC?
Keep in mind that all dive computers have differences in features and function and this article is not a substitute for training on the use of your PDC. It is written only to give you a better understanding of what your computer is trying to tell you and how it can provide information to allow a much more controlled and safer dive. ***
What is a dive computer?
A dive computer is an important piece of equipment for any diver to have. Without it, there is no way of being sure whether the dive is a safe one or not. Before you buy a dive computer you may need to consider the kind of diving you are going to do and whether the type of dive computer is the best one for you.
When you use dive computers, are you a step ahead of divers?
When you use dive computers you are a step ahead of divers who rely only on dive tables.
What is a dive planner?
Dive planners or decompression tables and charts are often used to help with working out the safe ranges for getting rid of excess nitrogen. It is however common for dive computers to fill this role.
What is an air integrated dive computer?
Air-integrated dive computers come in two styles – ones that use high pressure hose connections to measure tank pressure, and the wireless type that uses a sensor to send information straight to the computer.
How much oxygen is needed to dive?
There is the simple air-only dive computer that calculates a dive at 21 per cent oxygen. The nitrox alternative does the same thing but can go up to 40 per cent nitrox mix, that’s ideal for recreational dives.
How far down should you stop diving?
Think of setting mandatory safety stops if you’re diving below 30 metres or 100 feet. Also, don’t ignore the limits you have set on your recreational dive planner as you dive. It’s crucial to observe all time, depth, and surface interval limits for maximum safety during your dives.
Can you use a dive computer for stunts?
For safety’s sake, be conservative in your use of the dive computer’s estimates. This is not the time for stunts or experiments. Once your computer approaches its pre-programmed zone for safety or decompression stops, go with it.
What is a dive computer?
A Dive Computer, or Scuba Computer, is designed for every diver to provide accurate information in real-time. The pieces of information, such as depth calculations, are important for safety so that divers can know how far they’ve gone and how much time they have left.
What are the Features of a Dive Computer?
Dive computers are great, and that is why there are several brands and models on the market. Nevertheless, the functions and features of different models of dive computers are somewhat alike. Below is a description of the features you are likely to come across in them.
Why do Nitrox divers need a dive computer?
With a dive computer, they can achieve that because the device shows how much time is left before oxygen exposure. This information is displayed in minutes, so it can be much easier to read.
What is nitrogen monitoring in scuba diving?
Another feature incorporated into a scuba computer is Nitrogen Monitoring, which is also used to prevent decompression sickness. It calculates nitrogen level in a diver’s system (Tissue Loading Meter) to take precautions.
What is the most important set of divers?
There are different types of divers depending on the accessories or skills they possess. One of the most significant sets of divers is the Nitrox Divers. They get into depths that most beginner or intermediate divers don’t dare to enter. However, a dive computer is one essential that must be with them at all times because of the dive nitrox reading.
What is the difference between an amateur diver and a professional diver?
The difference between an amateur and a professional diver is the readiness to invest in premium accessories and equipment to aid the diving experience. You may only want to consider the basic and safe essentials; however, as you progress, you start to realize why you need even better. One of the many things to invest in is a dive computer – a device for underwater safety.
How long can you record a dive log?
This digital wrist device offers more accurate information than manual reading, and a diver can record logs up to 25 hours in a dive plan mode. At the end of the dive time, this log information can then be transferred to a computer and saved. So, if you ever need to check back, it won’t be difficult to.
What are Dive Computers?
To start with, dive computers and dive watches are the same thing. People tend to use the words interchangeably. The best dive computers can offer up every single piece of info you need to dive safely and successfully. This includes things like:
How Does a Dive Computer Help with Scuba Diving?
Many new divers want to know why they need a dive computer at all. Well, by now, that should mostly be obvious. It can literally save your life . But beyond that, there are practical applications. You may even consider them the fun benefits of all this data. On its own, a dive computer just provides numbers. A lot of numbers. But you need to know why you should care about those numbers. How a dive computer works makes it a very impressive tool.
What is a dive computer?
A dive computer is an electronic diving device that uses an internal algorithm to calculate decompression time, depth, dive time, repetitions, water temperature, and other relevant information. This machine overcomes the limitations of outdated physical devices.
What are the two types of diving computers?
Many people think dive computers are all pretty much the same. But the truth is there are two types of diving computers: wrist diving computers and control diving computers.
What are non stop limits on dive boards?
Non-stop limits on dive computers are digitally presented on dive boards. Based on this point, you will know when to decompress. It also shows your required dwell time. You just have to observe there and follow.
Why is the dive machine useful?
The machine will save the previous dive information, and it is very useful for you to analyze the necessary data for the next dive. This information will also help you log into the dive list later. It is a resource for determining whether or not you are allowed to fly.
How long does a computer last?
However, it is estimated that if you use your device for an hour a day, its lifespan is 300 days.
When to use the dive function?
This is a function that helps you to change your time and depth. So, only use it when you want to dive deeper.
Is a diving computer good?
It is very good at doing programmed calculations, but some other information regarding before, during and after dives is not advantageous.
