Dive Computers for Scuba divers are the best invention since slice bread. If you plan on Scuba diving regularly, this is definitely one piece of Scuba diving equipment you want to own to enjoy diving deeper, longer and safer. With the different types, styles and range of features dive computers offer choosing one that works best for you can be quite a task. It’s much like picking from a menu, whatever features take your fancy and appeals to you, you can find a combination of those functions in a dive computer. (Pictured Right- Aeris Elite T3 Hoseless Dive Computer)
Here’s a comprehensive look into the different types of dive computers and the various features available to help make that choice that fits your needs and more importantly your pocket.
There are essentially 2 types or styles of Dive Computers available- Wrist or watch style and console or module dive computers.
Wrist dive computers as the name implies are worn on the wrist by the diver and look like large faced watches. They are the most popular type of computers used for recreational diving today. Available in a number of different sizes from small watch like faces which could be a little hard to read underwater, but can be used as a regular everyday wrist watch to larger faced rectangular dive computers with bigger displays which are easier to read. These type of dive computers perform all the functions you need and expect from both a dive watch and a dive computer, making them a very popular choice among Scuba divers the World over. (Pictured Left – Suunto “D9″ Titanium Bracelet Hoseless Air/Nitrox Computer)
Console dive computers, a slightly more economical option are attached to other Scuba gear via a hose and typically come with a pressure gauge, unlike the wrist mounted option. This type of dive computer is easier to read as the display is fairly large. Some come with options of mounting them on a hose for your gauges while some can be clipped onto your Buoyancy Compensator.
Both types of dive computers function equally well and it’s only a matter of preference which one is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range. (Pictured Right – Mares Mission Puck 2 Computer Console)
Features you can find in Dive computers are innumerable. Ones with more features don’t necessarily function any better than ones with less and they definitely don’t make your dives any more safer, but they are like icing on the cake. Most computers offer many more features than most people will ever use and all dive computers perform the most basic functions you need for sure. Here’s a look at some of the note worthy features and functions you will find in dive computers.
Air Integrated: Air integrated dive computers measure tank pressure and estimates of how long your air supply will last at the current rate of air consumption. These dive computers are available in two types, one that can be attached to the end of a high pressure hose and it replaces the submersible pressure gauge or a high end hoseless air integrated dive computer which consists of wrist or BC mount instrument which acts as a receiver and a transmitter which screws into the high pressure port of the regulator first stage. It uses radio signals to send information about the air supply in your tank to the dive computer which displays this. Hoseless Scuba dive computers are among the most expensive dive computers you can buy.
Nitrox Compatible: Nitrox diving is becoming increasingly popular. While all nitrox dive computers can be used to make regular air dives, an air computer must be nitrox programmable in order to be used with this breathing gas as it contains a higher percentage of oxygen than air. This feature is only worth the extra $100 or so it may cost only if you intend on diving nitrox any time in the future or as possibility.
Auto Activate: Some dive computers automatically turn themselves on when submerged underwater at a particular depth. This helps if you are rather forgetful as others require you push a button to start while some will not work under water if they have not been activated on the surface first.
Memory: Dive computers come with different memory storage sizes. What you may want to look for though is one that retains the memory incase the batter has to be changed during a dive day or trip. This way you don’t lose the data during a battery change.
PC Connectivity: May dive computers come with a way to download the information on it to your PC using an optional interface. This could be a very useful feature to have.
Backlight: Many but not all dive computers have a backlight or illumination feature that allows you see your reading more clearly in lower light conditions. A backlit display dive computer is a good feature to consider having especially if you do lots of low visibility diving, wreck dives and for cave diving.
Decompression: Many computers are not intended for planned decompression dives, they will however guide you through an emergency decompression situation. For tech diving it’s important to have a special decompression dive compatible computer.
(Pictured Above (left to right) – Oceanic Atom 2.0 Air Integrated Hoseless Dive Watch, Suunto Cobra Air/Nitrox Air Integrated Computer Console, Mares Nemo Dive Computer Watch with Backlight)
Dive computers can range from a price of $200 right upto $1,500 or more. Take your time and look at everything before deciding on one. At the end of the day every dive computer will meet your basic needs and have the most important functions, however, if you have the budget to spare you can go for additional features which may come in handy and you could see yourself getting used to. Th choice is endless find a dive computer you like and it’ll soon become your best dive friend.
See more Dive Computers available at LeisurePro.com
Dive Computers for Scuba divers are the best invention since slice bread. If you plan on Scuba diving regularly, this is definitely one piece of Scuba diving equipment you want to own to enjoy diving deeper, longer and safer. With the different types, styles and range of features dive computers offer choosing one that works best for you can be quite a task. It’s much like picking from a menu, whatever features take your fancy and appeals to you, you can find a combination of those functions in a dive computer. (Pictured Right- Aeris Elite T3 Hoseless Dive Computer)
Here’s a comprehensive look into the different types of dive computers and the various features available to help make that choice that fits your needs and more importantly your pocket.
There are essentially 2 types or styles of Dive Computers available- Wrist or watch style and console or module dive computers.
Wrist dive computers as the name implies are worn on the wrist by the diver and look like large faced watches. They are the most popular type of computers used for recreational diving today. Available in a number of different sizes from small watch like faces which could be a little hard to read underwater, but can be used as a regular everyday wrist watch to larger faced rectangular dive computers with bigger displays which are easier to read. These type of dive computers perform all the functions you need and expect from both a dive watch and a dive computer, making them a very popular choice among Scuba divers the World over. (Pictured Left – Suunto “D9″ Titanium Bracelet Hoseless Air/Nitrox Computer)
Console dive computers, a slightly more economical option are attached to other Scuba gear via a hose and typically come with a pressure gauge, unlike the wrist mounted option. This type of dive computer is easier to read as the display is fairly large. Some come with options of mounting them on a hose for your gauges while some can be clipped onto your Buoyancy Compensator.
Both types of dive computers function equally well and it’s only a matter of preference which one is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range. (Pictured Right – Mares Mission Puck 2 Computer Console)
Features you can find in Dive computers are innumerable. Ones with more features don’t necessarily function any better than ones with less and they definitely don’t make your dives any more safer, but they are like icing on the cake. Most computers offer many more features than most people will ever use and all dive computers perform the most basic functions you need for sure. Here’s a look at some of the note worthy features and functions you will find in dive computers.
Air Integrated: Air integrated dive computers measure tank pressure and estimates of how long your air supply will last at the current rate of air consumption. These dive computers are available in two types, one that can be attached to the end of a high pressure hose and it replaces the submersible pressure gauge or a high end hoseless air integrated dive computer which consists of wrist or BC mount instrument which acts as a receiver and a transmitter which screws into the high pressure port of the regulator first stage. It uses radio signals to send information about the air supply in your tank to the dive computer which displays this. Hoseless Scuba dive computers are among the most expensive dive computers you can buy.
Nitrox Compatible: Nitrox diving is becoming increasingly popular. While all nitrox dive computers can be used to make regular air dives, an air computer must be nitrox programmable in order to be used with this breathing gas as it contains a higher percentage of oxygen than air. This feature is only worth the extra $100 or so it may cost only if you intend on diving nitrox any time in the future or as possibility.
Auto Activate: Some dive computers automatically turn themselves on when submerged underwater at a particular depth. This helps if you are rather forgetful as others require you push a button to start while some will not work under water if they have not been activated on the surface first.
Memory: Dive computers come with different memory storage sizes. What you may want to look for though is one that retains the memory incase the batter has to be changed during a dive day or trip. This way you don’t lose the data during a battery change.
PC Connectivity: May dive computers come with a way to download the information on it to your PC using an optional interface. This could be a very useful feature to have.
Backlight: Many but not all dive computers have a backlight or illumination feature that allows you see your reading more clearly in lower light conditions. A backlit display dive computer is a good feature to consider having especially if you do lots of low visibility diving, wreck dives and for cave diving.
Decompression: Many computers are not intended for planned decompression dives, they will however guide you through an emergency decompression situation. For tech diving it’s important to have a special decompression dive compatible computer.
(Pictured Above (left to right) – Oceanic Atom 2.0 Air Integrated Hoseless Dive Watch, Suunto Cobra Air/Nitrox Air Integrated Computer Console, Mares Nemo Dive Computer Watch with Backlight)
Dive computers can range from a price of $200 right upto $1,500 or more. Take your time and look at everything before deciding on one. At the end of the day every dive computer will meet your basic needs and have the most important functions, however, if you have the budget to spare you can go for additional features which may come in handy and you could see yourself getting used to. Th choice is endless find a dive computer you like and it’ll soon become your best dive friend.
See more Dive Computers available at LeisurePro.com
The Suunto Vytec DS is an advanced dive computer designed for demanding divers. It is one of the most feature-rich and versatile dive computers available.
