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The Archimedes 2 Computer is a multi-functional computer that can be used for air or nitrox diving. It uses the Buhlmann ZH-LB algorithm, redesigned by Randy Bohrer. It uses a 12 tissue model with tissue half-times from 5 to 640 minutes. The Archimedes is calibrated for salt water, has a measuring range of 0' to 328' (0 to 99.9 meters) in computer mode and 0' to 656' (0 to 199.9 meters) in gauge mode, and has a maximum surface time calculation of 48 hours. If altitude diving is a concern, the computer will properly adjust from 0' to 19,685'(0 to 6,000 meters). The computer can also be used in either imperial units (feet) or metric units (meters).
Computer allows for air or nitrox programming with choices of two different mixtures during the same dive with oxygen fractions from 21% to 50% with increments of 1% for the first mix and 21% to 99% for the second mix. You can make partial oxygen pressure adjustment from 14.5 psi to 23 psi (1.0 to 1.6 bar), with increments of 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for each of the mixes. Depending on yourdiving skill level, physical health and age, you can program in a safety factor for either aggressive or conservative dives profiles. Designed with safety in mind, the Archimedes 2 tracks and displays both N2 and 02 levels, bar graphs aredisplayed on the left and right of screen displaying tissue level status. Additionally, audible and visual alarms are featured for critical dive situations.
Your current decompression status while diving with either nitrox or air is displayed during your dive with decompression stops starting at depths as deep as 99' (30 meters) with safety stops for dives that exceed a depth of 33' (10 meters) at 10' (3 meters) , and both depths, times and date are displayed. The computer also has a variable ascent rate with four different rate levels. A programmable dive simulation can be reviewed while on the surface for safe, repetitive dive planning. Before starting your day of diving and between dives, the computer will scroll No Decompression Limits (NDL) and/or ANDL to depths down to 160' (48 meters).
The Archimedes will store up to 30 hours and 60 dives into its memory. This logbook function has three data displays for each dive, has a memory of total number of dives, hours spent underwater and maximum depth reached. With the Archimedes PC downloadable interface, your dive profiles can easily be uploaded to a PC. The computers large characters are easy to read in low light conditionswith a high intensity back light that can be activated by a push of a button andstays on for five seconds. The Archimedes is the perfect multi-functional dive computer for the recreational as well as the professional diver.
With all these features for safe diving you can also use the computer in a gaugeonly mode. This and the general rest function are great features for the dive center when computer is used for dive training, in confined water sessions or for multiple diver use in one day for open water sessions. The gauge function gives current depth, maximum depth, dive time, ascent rate and time of day. The gauge function can be used to depths from 0' to 656' (0 to 199.9 meters). ). Foradded protection the computer comes with a replaceable protective screen guard for the computer display.
The Mini-Manometer pressure gauge luminescent dial reads from 0-to 5000 psi. Theinstruments face is divided into three different colored zones: the area from 600 psi and below is highlighted in red with a solid bar and red stripes. If gauge is used on deeper dives, the red scale extends and fades to 1,300 psi.
This provides for added reserve air indication required at greater depths. From 600 to approximately 3,000 psi is green and from 3,000 to end of scale is blue. The front glass lens is made to act as a pressure relief valve. In the event of a sudden increase in pressure inside the instrument, the glass rises slightly, allowing the excess pressure to escape. The instruments are housed in a small, modern shaped console boot, made from polycarbonate and desmopan, (a thermoplastic polyurethane) two materials that guarantee protection from shocks, scratches and which, at the same time, is very lightweight.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Tallahassee Florida on 5/18/2010
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
I can't imagine a computer worse than this. To start .....as with any Cressi product you buy, the manual is terrible. Your better of trying to figure it out yourself. The interface is terrible. The first screen needs to only have the most important facts. Depth, time remaining without deco etc. Mt first one leaked right out of the box. Sent it back and the new one has airbubbles in the screen now after two dives!
from Houston, TX on 8/21/2008
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
I dive in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. This computer is very good, I bought 4, one for each member of my family. It is simple to use and reliable. The buttons and the numbers are big, so it helps with my 46 year old eyes! Very user friendly face, with all the information easy to see and understand while diving. I have seen criticism that it is too conservative-I have not found that to be true. My only "complaint" is the instruction manual could be a little clearer/user friendly. However, once you figure it all out-it is easy to use.
from Brooklyn, NY on 6/2/2008
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
This computer has its pros: very easy to use and read, and accomodates Nitrox use simply and well. But for me, the cons outweighted the pros.
- First off, it doesn't switch off, thereby chewing a lot of battery power. If you purchase this computer, always travel with a spare battery.
- Second, it is extremely conservative. Like other reviewers, I've been in situations where the computer has me in DECO when my buddies computers claim there is no problem. Most recently, a Mares wrist-mounted computer I rented as a precaution showed I was fine, while my Archimedes was screaming "DECO". I've had to hang for literally 6-8 minutes to get out of DECO mode, which makes for very peeved buddies!
- Third, the computer started acting very unreliably after only a year. The sensors started corroding, despite my best efforts to rinse and care for the console, and these may have led to erroneous depth readings (and deco situations). On my last dive with it, the computer had me at 92 feet when I was in a mere 23 feet of water, according to my wristmounted computer (and our DM's computer also). I can't rely on this thing.
Channel your computer-purchasing funds elsewhere.
from Miami Beach on 4/8/2008
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
This unit is a very conservative, but better safe than sorry. I've done about 60 dives with it, in the recreational range and I have no real complaints. However, if you are a tech diver, get something else, this is not for you. It is great for me because the batteries are easy to change (without sending it off), it does nitrox flawlessly, it tracks and logs your dives, it doesn't shut off (therefore it doesn't lose any info). In short, it works well! When you try to push the limits, the computer will not be happy... and you will be sitting around hovering for far longer than you probably need to.
from Destin Florida on 9/11/2007
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
This computer is not quick or easy to set. It is also way too conservative compared to my other computers.
The old saying, you get what you pay for applies here! Save your money and buy a better computer.
from Anacortes WA on 7/15/2007
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
I bought this computer to replace my old Datamax, that finally died after travelling all over the world with me for more than 10 years. The computer had me in Deco in situations that my old computer would have allowed. It took 15-20 minutes safety stop to clear one pixel from the red. I used it for a week in Cozumel and when I returned, I sold it on eBay - hated it!!! Bought a new Pro Plus II, which I should have done from the beginning!!!
Comments about Cressi Cressi Archimedes II, 2 Gauge Computer Console:
It's a great computer. I have had no troubles with this unit. I really like the Big Screen. I have used my unit now for 1 1/2 years and have had no troubles. The only thing I dont like is that the computer does not turn off. I think that it would conserve battery power if it would.