Decompression computer

baldypaul · December 24th, 2005, 05:54 PM

Moving to basic "planned" decompression diving, following suitable training.

Assuming that I don't wish to dive solely from tables, can anyone recommend a suitable computer that will allow gas switching for nitrox?

I've had a look at the Suunto Vytec and the VR2, Suunto is less expensive and I think the VR2 may be overkill. Really couldn't justify a VR3.

Thoughts?

*Clare Gledhill* · December 24th, 2005, 06:12 PM

Hi - whilst we don't really dive computer decompression, if you do decide to go down the DIR route later the Vytec is a good purchase to make as it will run in gauge mode (we bend computers

).

I see you have done TDI Avanced Nitrox and am sure that they taught you how to use tables. Why not dive these - and if you want a computer as a 'back up reality check' then the Vytec is as good a place to start as any - and cheaper :D

Helen · December 24th, 2005, 06:49 PM

I have dived the suunto vytec (having swapped it for a vyper with a buddy who wanted the gas switch capabilities) and its fine for pootle diving, plus will run in gauge mode no problems.

If i am using a deco gas then i will be on tables from now on anyway.

ppo2_diver · December 24th, 2005, 07:09 PM

I use the Vytec and love it. But now I only dive it in guage mode for deco dives. I dive tables for deep tech dives. I used to use it in comp mode just to see the tissue loading graphs after downloading to PC. Now I don't really care about that. If you are going the DIR path, then the team dives the same plan. Therefore, it doesn't matter what your computer says. You'll follow the same deco schedule as the team. DIR also doesn't condone using computers since many people rely too much on them and will use them instead of proper dive planning.

DJ

Andrew Bryson · December 24th, 2005, 08:07 PM

Forgive the thread hijack.... Paul if you want to meet up for a dive some time then give me a shout.

andy

baldypaul · December 24th, 2005, 08:13 PM

I certainly agree with the last post, that people rely too much on computers. Myself included. I can plan dives from tables, but to be honest I rarely do.
I have made a decision to approach my diving from a more technical/responsible angle. At present, much of my diving runs into a couple of minutes deco and I realise this is fairly unnacceptable if I'm not planning it.
Having said that, I'm not in a position to, nor would I want to completely change my diving practices/equipment configuration overnight. Introducing planned decompression to my dives would seem like a step in the right direction, for me. I like the benefits of a variable profile computer though, and would be reluctant to change this.
I also realise that this is a DIR forum and I may be in the wrong place. However, advice which is not based on the colour of the buttons on a computer matching that of ones fins is appreciated here!

baldypaul · December 24th, 2005, 08:20 PM

Andrew, just noticed your post. Thanks for the offer, I may just take you up on it. I'm off on my hols in a couple of weeks (skiing!), but I'll be free after that. Cheers.

Mark Chase · December 24th, 2005, 08:29 PM

The Vytec is OK for square profile diving with up to two gas switches. The deep stops and intermediate stops are somewhat lacking but I understand the new version has looked into this area. I found it annoying that it wouldn't show a time to surface on all available gas. The Time to surface would always be on the gas you were running at the time. Not very usefully and requires pre planning to know exactly where your at in terms of gas and deco.

The Vytec will not credit you for additional deep stops or for any time spent shallow. I once racked up massive deco due to staying at 10m rather than ascending to the recommended 5m. I had to bend it that day. Next problem is once bent it stays bent for at least 24 hours

If your thinking of computer deco the VR3/ VR2 is a quantum leap forward from the Vytec. however they wont let you use it when diving DIR so there is little point in getting one if you thinking DIR is the way forward.

However if you are considering computer deco...In terms of true decompression computers the new VPM based VR3 is the best on the market by a mile.

ATB

Mark Chase

baldypaul · December 26th, 2005, 10:05 AM

Well, I found that fascinating. Didn't understand much of the deco talk though! What I did see is a number of posters who are perhaps unwilling to accept one school of though and prefer to come to a logical conclusion that fits them and their diving.
This is where I see myself heading and, as such, I now realise that I probably am in the wrong place.
I don't disrecspect DIR. I clearly don't understand it though.
Mark posted that one reason for using a computer was to maximise bottom time. Surely he was correct in stating that the reason we are all down there is to have a rummage around the wreck/reef whatever? I want to take my diving a bit further for the same reason, to spend more time there.
There is no substitute for training, but I think it is possible to take it too far and lose sight of what you were learning to do in the first place.
I'll hang around for a while if that's OK, I'm not here to make trouble. Honest.

*Clare Gledhill* · December 26th, 2005, 10:22 AM

Paul - the problem with internet threads is that they roam off all over the place and a lot of the posters weren't answering your original question = they were answering other people.

So answers based on what is best for the individual. Just an aside - but do you really think that I, or any other DIR diver, believe that DIR is not actually best for us - but then dive it anyway... - what for?

Nah - there are no dive police checking that we are diving according to recomendations, checking that our computers have not been taken out of gauge mode - we do it becasue we want to and believe it to be right FOR US

So....Should you use a computer - yes. You are not trained to dive without one.

Should you seek training if you are going to do decompression diving - yes- but then you already said that you would so no discussion needed.

Mark talks of maximising bottom time - and a computer helping.

First - he dives CCR - this is important as he is not a limited by Gas as we are. He must monitor his OTUs for every dive (which we have to do as well but it is no where near as complicated OC).

Our restraints will always be gas based - either bottom gas or deco gas - unless you breathe like a gnat or wear twin 104s.

This forum was designed to be a place where people can ask questions - regardless of whether they are DIR. You can ask for advice on whether to buy a VR3 but you are not going to get DIR trained people saying yes.

Will there be anything for you here if you decide not to go DIR - maybe - it's up to you - drop by and see. Always good for us to have people asking questions.

I do not expect flaming to take place - and to be honest will not tolerate it - but I haven;t had to step in on any thread yet as members all share a love of diving and demonstrate a respect for each other that I welcome greatly.

December 24th, 2005, 05:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
baldypaul(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Inverkip, Scotland Posts: 5	Decompression computer Moving to basic "planned" decompression diving, following suitable training. Assuming that I don't wish to dive solely from tables, can anyone recommend a suitable computer that will allow gas switching for nitrox? I've had a look at the Suunto Vytec and the VR2, Suunto is less expensive and I think the VR2 may be overkill. Really couldn't justify a VR3. Thoughts?

December 24th, 2005, 06:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Clare Gledhill (Online) GUE Instructor Site Admin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 1,540	Hi - whilst we don't really dive computer decompression, if you do decide to go down the DIR route later the Vytec is a good purchase to make as it will run in gauge mode (we bend computers ). I see you have done TDI Avanced Nitrox and am sure that they taught you how to use tables. Why not dive these - and if you want a computer as a 'back up reality check' then the Vytec is as good a place to start as any - and cheaper :D __________________ Clare . "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions....Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great." Interested in DIR dive training? Always happy to chat/answer questions so get in touch via PM or visit www.dirdiver.co.uk

December 24th, 2005, 06:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Helen(Offline) "Like a diver... only shorter" Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Scapa Flow, Orkney Posts: 101	I have dived the suunto vytec (having swapped it for a vyper with a buddy who wanted the gas switch capabilities) and its fine for pootle diving, plus will run in gauge mode no problems. If i am using a deco gas then i will be on tables from now on anyway. __________________ You can dive any way you want to. Just don't expect me to be down there with you.... Last edited by Helen; December 24th, 2005 at 06:51 PM.

December 24th, 2005, 07:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
ppo2_diver(Offline) DIR Practitioner Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Naperville, IL USA (Chicago Suburb) Posts: 103	I use the Vytec and love it. But now I only dive it in guage mode for deco dives. I dive tables for deep tech dives. I used to use it in comp mode just to see the tissue loading graphs after downloading to PC. Now I don't really care about that. If you are going the DIR path, then the team dives the same plan. Therefore, it doesn't matter what your computer says. You'll follow the same deco schedule as the team. DIR also doesn't condone using computers since many people rely too much on them and will use them instead of proper dive planning. DJ __________________ Duane A. Johnson Precision Diving

December 26th, 2005, 10:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
Clare Gledhill (Online) GUE Instructor Site Admin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 1,540	Paul - the problem with internet threads is that they roam off all over the place and a lot of the posters weren't answering your original question = they were answering other people. So answers based on what is best for the individual. Just an aside - but do you really think that I, or any other DIR diver, believe that DIR is not actually best for us - but then dive it anyway... - what for? Nah - there are no dive police checking that we are diving according to recomendations, checking that our computers have not been taken out of gauge mode - we do it becasue we want to and believe it to be right FOR US So....Should you use a computer - yes. You are not trained to dive without one. Should you seek training if you are going to do decompression diving - yes- but then you already said that you would so no discussion needed. Mark talks of maximising bottom time - and a computer helping. First - he dives CCR - this is important as he is not a limited by Gas as we are. He must monitor his OTUs for every dive (which we have to do as well but it is no where near as complicated OC). Our restraints will always be gas based - either bottom gas or deco gas - unless you breathe like a gnat or wear twin 104s. This forum was designed to be a place where people can ask questions - regardless of whether they are DIR. You can ask for advice on whether to buy a VR3 but you are not going to get DIR trained people saying yes. Will there be anything for you here if you decide not to go DIR - maybe - it's up to you - drop by and see. Always good for us to have people asking questions. I do not expect flaming to take place - and to be honest will not tolerate it - but I haven;t had to step in on any thread yet as members all share a love of diving and demonstrate a respect for each other that I welcome greatly. __________________ Clare . "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions....Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great." Interested in DIR dive training? Always happy to chat/answer questions so get in touch via PM or visit www.dirdiver.co.uk

December 24th, 2005, 08:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Andrew Bryson(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Abingdon Posts: 315	Forgive the thread hijack.... Paul if you want to meet up for a dive some time then give me a shout. andy

December 24th, 2005, 08:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
baldypaul(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Inverkip, Scotland Posts: 5	I certainly agree with the last post, that people rely too much on computers. Myself included. I can plan dives from tables, but to be honest I rarely do. I have made a decision to approach my diving from a more technical/responsible angle. At present, much of my diving runs into a couple of minutes deco and I realise this is fairly unnacceptable if I'm not planning it. Having said that, I'm not in a position to, nor would I want to completely change my diving practices/equipment configuration overnight. Introducing planned decompression to my dives would seem like a step in the right direction, for me. I like the benefits of a variable profile computer though, and would be reluctant to change this. I also realise that this is a DIR forum and I may be in the wrong place. However, advice which is not based on the colour of the buttons on a computer matching that of ones fins is appreciated here!

December 24th, 2005, 08:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
baldypaul(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Inverkip, Scotland Posts: 5	Andrew, just noticed your post. Thanks for the offer, I may just take you up on it. I'm off on my hols in a couple of weeks (skiing!), but I'll be free after that. Cheers.

December 24th, 2005, 08:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mark Chase(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kent England Posts: 905	The Vytec is OK for square profile diving with up to two gas switches. The deep stops and intermediate stops are somewhat lacking but I understand the new version has looked into this area. I found it annoying that it wouldn't show a time to surface on all available gas. The Time to surface would always be on the gas you were running at the time. Not very usefully and requires pre planning to know exactly where your at in terms of gas and deco. The Vytec will not credit you for additional deep stops or for any time spent shallow. I once racked up massive deco due to staying at 10m rather than ascending to the recommended 5m. I had to bend it that day. Next problem is once bent it stays bent for at least 24 hours If your thinking of computer deco the VR3/ VR2 is a quantum leap forward from the Vytec. however they wont let you use it when diving DIR so there is little point in getting one if you thinking DIR is the way forward. However if you are considering computer deco...In terms of true decompression computers the new VPM based VR3 is the best on the market by a mile. ATB Mark Chase

December 26th, 2005, 10:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
baldypaul(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Inverkip, Scotland Posts: 5	Well, I found that fascinating. Didn't understand much of the deco talk though! What I did see is a number of posters who are perhaps unwilling to accept one school of though and prefer to come to a logical conclusion that fits them and their diving. This is where I see myself heading and, as such, I now realise that I probably am in the wrong place. I don't disrecspect DIR. I clearly don't understand it though. Mark posted that one reason for using a computer was to maximise bottom time. Surely he was correct in stating that the reason we are all down there is to have a rummage around the wreck/reef whatever? I want to take my diving a bit further for the same reason, to spend more time there. There is no substitute for training, but I think it is possible to take it too far and lose sight of what you were learning to do in the first place. I'll hang around for a while if that's OK, I'm not here to make trouble. Honest.