Air Incorporation Into Computers

The addition of air in some of the latest models of dive computers offer an some extra advantages over those who do not. Of course they display accurate information with regard to time, water depth, and decompression capacity but they also show conclusive cylinder pressure and remaining air time. This is particularly advantageous because most divers cannot determine exactly how much air supply will remain at varying depths and temperature conditions. These diving conditions have an immense impact on how long a cylinder will last.

The contemporary dive computers that have integrated air as a means of determining cylindrical pressure are an added bonus in terms of safety. They can surmise how much time a diver has left under water based on their unique diving conditions, their depth, and how much air supply is left. The intermixing of air into the computers will increase diver safety by halting the predicament of running out of air and unnecessarily cutting dives too short.

Aqalung Dive Computer

The attraction of dive computers is fairly evident: They are safe, simple to use, and offer multi level profiles. The Aqualung computer offers all of these benefits at a very reasonable cost.

It conveys only the most pertinent information beginning with the built-in calendar clock. The current date and time are always displayed, even when the computer is not being used. It is activated by water or simply by touch in order to prepare pre-dive planning. It will monitor proper ascent rate, depth, actual dive time, and water temperature.

This computer offers personal adjustability which can decrease the odds of decompression sickness. Causes could be temperatures under 68 degrees Fahrenheit, repetitive diving, dehydration, fatigue or poor overall physical fitness. The Aqualung allows you to adjust for these decompression limits.

It contains a complete logbook with complete dive information including average depth and history. This includes maximum depth attained, accumulated dive time, and total number of dives.

The Aqualung dive computer is a simple machine to operate and costs much less than some with the similar features.

Comparable Dive Computers

Scubapro computers are high quality, and one of the most popular is the Aladin Pro Nitrox. This will electronically set itself to one of four high altitude ranges when above 3000 feet. It contains a personal computer interface that will alert you to the amount of oxygen pressure. However, it is not required that the oxygen mixture is alternated. Multiple mixtures can be used throughout the day. All things taken into consideration include dissolved gases, temperature of the skin, and changes in ambient pressure. It also contains alarms that sound off if any decompression stops were missed, toxic oxygen levels, and a dangerous rate of ascension. All of these features coupled with a very easy to read screen and long battery life make it a very enticing computer to invest in before your next under water excursion!

Similar to the Pro Nitrox is the Air X Nitrox that contains all of the features of Pro Nitrox with a few extra amenities. This one includes air (hence the name Air X) through a transmitter. It also contains additional alarms that let you know when air data has been lost, breathing rate is too high, decompression diving entrance, and when remaining time is under three minutes.

These two particular computers are used for divers who use Nitrox and who are very advanced. They range in cost from $800 to $1000 for the Pro Nitrox and $1100 to $1400 for the Air X Nitrox

Dive Tables vs. Dive Computers

Both are used by scuba divers both new and experienced. However, dive computers have way more bells and whistles as it pertains to modern convenience. The following are reasons why dive tables have gone the way of the dinosaur and dive computers are de rigueur in the world of scuba:

1. Dive tables do not fluctuate. They use the programmed maximum depth and dive time to calculate decompression but sometimes figures are innacurate. Computers will adjust to changing conditions during a dive thus making decompression status more in tune with the present circumstances.
2. Both tables and computers are capable of tracking the intake and expulsion of nitrogen in the body. Computers will track this continuously as conditions and depths change whereas tables cannot.
3. Depth and dive time can be calculated by a computer much more accurately as these recordings are often incorrect. Again, tables cannot adjust to changing conditions and computers can.
4. Last but not least computers have ascent rate gauges that tables do not have. These will sound off and let you know if you are ascending too quickly preventing decompression sickness.

Scuba Diving Computers Mandatory

In the past, the scuba dive computer has not been viewed as 100% necessary especially for the occasional diver. Nowadays, these devices are becoming the norm for live aboard dive-boat operations. It only makes sense for the dive computer to be a necessity on these types of trips since you are making up to 4 or 5 dives per day. When spending that much time underwater, a dive computer makes life a little simpler while maintaining a significant level of safety.

Even dive operators who do not make these devices mandatory will separate the computer divers from non-computer divers insisting those without follow a conservative dive experience. This results in a much shorter dive than those with computers. The whole point behind dive computers is to allow a great amount of time underwater while gauging safe depths.

Regardless of whether you need to calculate multi level dive profiles, dive logging, or the changeable gas mixtures, basic safety and peace of mind should be impetus enough to invest in a dive computer. Finding a good one at a reasonable price is much easier nowadays than it used to be so there is no excuse not to make this a fundamental component in your dive gear.

Suunto Dive Computer

Suunto has a brand new D6 dive computer that protects divers underwater and contains an electronic compass. It is made out of stainless steel and serves a dual purpose; to provide aid while underwater along with serving as a nice looking watch on land.

The Suunto dive computer contains three different modes; Nitrox, Air, and Gauge. This will allow divers the opportunity to make shallow safety stops or safety stops at depth with its deep stops function initiated. In Nitrox mode, divers may use two different gas mixes that are preset before the dive. The option is 21-100% oxygen with capability to change the partial pressure of oxygen for each mix. You may switch to the second gas during the dive so long as you are within the maximum operating depth. Gauge mode may be used during technical or freediving. With the latter, the sampling rate for the log book may be set to one second intervals. Also the dual display of dive time and stop watch can be reset.

The Suunto D6 dive computer can store over 100 hours worth of profile memory. The dive history displays how many dives have been completed along with the number of hours of dives the computer has logged. When functioning as a watch, it works as a stopwatch, alarm clock, compass, and dual time.

This dive computer serves many purposes for all types of divers both beginning and advanced. Its dependability and multi-functionality allows scuba divers to track progress and log each and every dive experience.

Top Incentives For Using Dive Computers

Although they are not required on most Seaquest scuba diving adventures, there are plenty of reasons why an investment in these fantastic devices would be to your benefit.

1. More time can be spent underwater. There is more capability of participating in multi level dives since computers can accurately gauge the depth of surrounding waters.
2. Prevention of decompression sickness. Computers are able to draw an inference as to the depth of the water and how it changes. It also calculates dive time and time left in nondecompression automatically so that the diver always knows his/her decompression status.
3. Another contributor to decompression sickness is the rate of ascent. If exceeded, the probability of sickness increases. Thanks to dive computer ascent rate monitors, divers can ascend at a proper rate of speed which enhances their safety.

As you can see, the depth of the water each scuba diver is at a given time, is critical in determining what factors will may affect them. Any one who dives with a computer will be much better off in the long run safetywise.