Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A Beginners Insight to Dive Computers

By Ed J Price

Some Diving Computers models just cant beat the old school way of doing things considering most are a great alternative to standard Dive Tables. To know which one would be most favorable for you it is important then to know the basic fundamentals of a Diving Computer and have a back up just in case the need arises. As a general information overview this article will focus on the most common kinds of dive computers.

What it Does

Tracking your diving profile is the main work of a diving computer. The computers main purpose is to gather information, and with that information estimate any decompression stops that maybe necessary, logs all the information for later reference and calculates the remaining No-Decompression Time. The Diving Computer records how long it has been since youve surfaced, how long your dive was and how deep you were in.

The Top Model

There are many models of Diving Computers, so it is particularly important to know where each one is coming from. There is the classical analog depth gauge model that has two separate gauge indicators, namely the tank pressure and depth indicator. This model requires the diver to manually compute the information on a dive table to see how long one can stay down on a dive.

The Standard Model

Classified as the most popular standard the basic model of Dive Computers has the same analog tank pressure gauge like the classical model, but replaced with a digital depth gauge indicator It informs of any nitrogen loading, No-decompression times,LCD screen read out, downtime limit, as well as how deep you are in the water (depth indicator).

These models for nitrox diving calculates the extra amount of oxygen that is in the tank youre breathing from. A computer module (for some models) is able to calculate the nitrox tables and comes with a pressure gauge.

Designs and Layouts

It is highly relevant to know that many models come in different layouts and designs. Some of these models have an extra module attachment spot for compasses. There are wristwatch-style dive computers that calculate and display all your diving needs as well as being able to function much like a normal watch by telling the time, but these may still require a back up external standard pressure gauge. There are also wrist mounted dive computers specific for diving but these tend to be bigger and more convenient for easier reading than the wristwatch design. There are even models that allow you to connect with your home PC and download all the data for later study.

A reliable model is always the standard procedure when it comes to diving, as a parting advice for the beginner. Experience will be accumulated over time and a diver can begin to see which details are the most important to have on display. Suited to your diving comfort and needs, safety, should always come first, and this means that one should always have a Diving Computer that is convenient. - 22873

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