Dive computer goes bonkers.

Hmmnn....

I guess that air-integration, especially hoseless, uses more power, so perhaps it's not the best solution to the problem of the computer that goes "belly-up" on a dive. I don't see the benefit of air consumption calculation in the water, because that should have been done at the planning stage, and using the "rule of thirds" in the water makes it unnecessary. Do divers with air-integration tend to push the limits of air consumption too far?

I had a Cochran Commander that I binned after a peculiar failure: power was good, but on one dive it just kept piling on deco. up to a 4-hour stop! When I downloaded the data it showed that every tissue compartment had been FULL of nitrogen at the START of the dive, despite a no-stop dive 12 hours before.

I suspect that some models of computer have glitches in the way that power fluctuation affects the sensor readings or the data registration.

The dive operators at Bikini atoll have experience with a range of computers that have been pushed towards their limits. they recommend DiveRite computers (so I have a VR3, now; I don't follow advice!).

Tim

B)

Wonderful discussion. All divers should have redundant instrumentation. Sailors love GPS, but the smart ones keep a compass and map handy and know hot to use them. Pilots love moving-mapa displays and GPS navigation, but are still equipped with compass, altimiter and radio direction finders. Two radios are standard equipment. If the failure of single instrument -- no matter how reliable -- can be fatal, isn't it wise to have redundant instruments? In addition to an air-integrated dive computer, I also wear a wristwatch dive computer. And, after reading this thread, I am going to add a small mechanical SPG to my gear on every dive.

I am going to add a small mechanical SPG to my gear on every dive.

I still had my SPG, but after my incident have reinstated the analog depth guage too

I’ve got an Oceanic Pro Plus Nitrox air integrated computer. Had it for years. On a recent trip, I started getting battery error messages on startup. During the last few dives the LCD display was getting very dim. Opened the battery compartment and checked the battery with a meter and found out it was O.K., then cleaned the battery contacts with some electrical contact cleaner even though the contacts looked fine. The contact cleaner must have done the trick as the computer seems to work just like new.

I just wish I could download the dive data from it, as Windows XP no longer supports the printer port data download functions. I used to keep my gauge console as a manual backup to the computer but it was lifted from my dive bag some time ago.

I’m thinking of upgrading or adding a second dive computer. I would like to upgrade to a dive computer that would be suitable for use with a rebreather, as well as being Nitrox compatible. My local dive store is pushing the VR3 right now. Anyone got any suggestions?

I sent both our malfunctioning Atom 1's ( see earlier post) back to Oceanic, they replaced the wrist units with new computers. Thank you Oceanic for great service. I'm off to Galapagos in 2 days to give them a good break in.

Allways carry a back up.

Doug

He he.  They do in Asia.  Try sending yours to Hong Kong...  This being said, the models I was referring to are the older Aladins.  Maybe they've changed their battery metering system in newer models, as battery capacities seem to decrease much faster than on older models...

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Just had a third dive computer die on me over last weekend. The battery still indicated 75%, and it worked fine during the 2 dives I did. When I tried to download the profiles on my PC, it just wouldn't power on. Getting it checked or repaired costs half the price of a new one. What @$$ luck!

After similar failure by my Suunto Stinger i've decided that there will always be another computer on my second hand.

now I'm diving with Sunto digital and vytec in gauge mode and in my drysut pocket have analog 14 yrs old depth gauge

It is not bad to know the Ratio Deco/Minimum Deco too

Always dive 2 computers so if you have a failure all is not lost. Best if they use the same algorithim so you're comparing similar data. My computers are different so I keep the most conservative one happy. Going hoseless several years ago was one of my best equipment upgrades. The console was usually in the way & it was inconvenient checking the pressure gauge. Now everything is right in front of me with one computer on my wrist & the other on the housing handle. Camera hasn't been bent yet