{"id":212,"date":"2012-02-02T14:55:59","date_gmt":"2012-02-02T14:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scubadiveadvisor.com\/2012\/02\/02\/how-should-i-compute-my-next-dive\/"},"modified":"2012-02-02T14:55:59","modified_gmt":"2012-02-02T14:55:59","slug":"how-should-i-compute-my-next-dive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scubadiveadvisor.com\/?p=212","title":{"rendered":"How should I compute my next dive?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Hunting for a dive computer is just like buying a home computer. Do I buy a Mac or PC? Once I choose my operating system, which model do I go with? I wish it were that simple in the diving industry. There are so many players to choose from which seems to complicate the selection process. I have found at least 5 operating systems among at least 16 brands and it seems that each has at least 2 – 15 models to choose from. Flat out, this is a time-consuming endeavour and I hope to peel the onion back to find out what considerations need to be made in purchasing the right dive computer for me and it is my hope that this helps you, too.<\/p>\n

For those of you who are considering taking up the sport of diving, your first computer will be the same as ours. It is slick! This dive computer is paper-thin. Well, it pretty much is paper and processing speed in my model was terrible. Allow me to introduce the PADI<\/a> Dive Table. \"\"<\/a>While the PADI Dive Table is fundamental to safe diving and definitely works in a pinch, it limits you to fixed depths and dive times which has led us to consider an alternative.<\/p>\n

Our next model was a larger model, and one that is especially used at dive resorts. It is an upgrade from the PADI dive table because it allows for multi-level dives and longer dive times. However, reliability was completely based on the “faith” algorithm, we like to call this the “Dive Master” Computer. The Dive Master watches us carefully as we follow his dive computer and he only has one rule: “Stay above me and you will be fine.” Obviously, this type of computer does not allow for independent multi-level diving and has inherent safety risks if the diver deviates from the plan. Even though we were successful with this model for about 25 dives, we knew we had to make the consideration for our own personal dive computer.<\/p>\n

One year after getting into diving, Lana and I purchased 2 matching dive computers from our local dive store. We put a little thought into this purchase, but we basically asked the store clerk, “What is a simple dive computer for relatively new divers?” The diving pro was quick to show us the Aeris<\/a> XR-1 and without hesitation, we made the purchase. It was the lowest priced computer at the time and, essentially, loaded with nothing. \"\"<\/a>Now, stop your snickering because these computers have served us without fail on over 125 dives and continue to function well, aside from the periodic change of a battery, but, we need to make a change… Why? Primarily, the Aeris XR-1 is unable to compute Nitrox blends. Esther<\/a>‘s previous article on Enriched Air<\/a> has spurred us on to take the Nitrox course and advance our diving skill level. Also, just as in any other sport, we believe our skill level has improved enough to justify the upgrade. Therefore, we are looking to purchase a computer that matches our dive habits and commitment to the sport.<\/p>\n

So, what and who influences our purchase? Obviously, like any other purchase, we listen, research and test. It is common to check out our peer’s scuba equipment and ask the normal questions about their experience with the equipment and it\u2019s overall performance. We then sit down behind a computer and feverishly search the internet for hours as we read product reviews (a feature www.scubadiveadvisor.com<\/a> will have once we are in full swing) and finally, we try to find some place we can look at these computers, play with them and hopefully make the best decision based on our needs.<\/p>\n

Despite my conversations with friends, hours of online research, I feel like I am even more confused now than when we began our search. So the best thing for me to do is talk to someone I trust so I paid a visit to one of our local dive shops in Calgary to get some guidance. Thankfully, The Dive Shop<\/a>‘s computer whiz, Colin, is there to help me out as we talk for almost an hour and a half and narrow down my options. Really, he is a computer programmer and technical diver. He truly understands the algorithms and features behind each brand (including the ones his shop does not sell) making him a valuable asset to the Dive Shop. Colin discussed the various computers available on the market and he steered the conversation in a different direction to figure out what may be the better options for Lana<\/a> and I by interjecting the following questions (in no particular order):<\/p>\n