Oceanic Veo 250....anyone got one?

I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on the Veo 250. I just got one and am curious to hear some usage reports. The reports on the web are all over the map.

These Oceanic computers are very out-of-state with European ones. Who knows which is right? I'd rather go with the algorithms used by Suunto, Uwatec or even Seiko (Japan).

I'm with JB on this.

It bothers me that even the Oceanic site doesn't make it clear which decompression model or algorithm these computers rely on. People (including people here) have different views as to whether they prefer Buhlmann-model based computers (most, including Seiko, OEM for the otherwise identifical wrist computers marketed by Apeks, DiveRite, and others) or RGBM (Suunto and I think a few others). But whatever one's preference, one would like to know.

One review I've seen stated that the Veo 250 and other Oceanic computers use a pre-Bulhmann "Haldanean" algorithm that is "more liberal" than DCIEM, Buhlmann or RGBM. Whether this is true or not, I don't know. But if it is the case, then this would be a negative for me, but not necessarily for you.

See http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/dive_compu...eek_and_sexy/5/ I couldn't find much in the way of serious reviews of this computer.

Frogfish (Robert Delfs)

My very first side-by-side comparison test of computers resulted in Oceanic threatening legal action against me. That is why it is not archived on divernet with later tests. (http://www.divernet.com/gear/gtests.shtml) After that experience, I took care to make and keep photographs of all the computer displays, at crucial way-points during each dive, when I did these tests.

When Undercurrent recently published some of the content from one of these tests, they had the same reaction from that company. They contacted me and when I revealed that I keep all the photographs safely filed, the legal action against Undercurrent went away.

Of course, I am certainly not saying that ANY computer manufacturer uses an inherently unsafe algorithm. What I do say is that the information displayed on some computers regarding decompression requirements varies greatly to others.

You pay your money and make your choice. No computer manufacturer will guarantee that you will not suffer decompression illness while using its product.

I've always steered clear of oceanic computers. A friend's 'Atom'?? always seemed to get confused at 35M+ coupled some moody reviews http://www.divernet.com/equipment/computers2003/comps2.shtml

oh.......see above, I think

"Haldanean" algorithm that is "more liberal" From what I've read you would be right.

John,

I read your write up and needless to say it concerned me. I acquired this after purchasing a much cheaper computer that they no longer had in stock so they gave me a "free" upgrade. He also offered me the Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus II for a C-note more than I paid which was still a huge bargain. I have initially told him the Veo 250 would be fine without doing any research. Since, I'm having some 2nd thoughts.

Thanks for all the feedback. I got ahold of the dive shop and paid the extra money to get a Datamax Pro Plus II instead of the Veo. The reads/reviews were much better on that computer than the veo 250.

Over the yrs I have owned 5 Oceanic computers. Currently we dive with the Oceanic Pro Plus and I use the VE0 250 as a backup when I solo dive. I have always been happy with their product and the one time I had an issue customer service handled it fairly. Issue was I had an air-integrated, hoseless computer that once I got into photography the signal cut out on all the time. The unit was coming up on 2yrs old and the agreed to replace it with a new hosed(?) unit at no cost.

I have only done 6-7 deco dives but to date have been very happy with Oceanic product.

I seem to remember that in the manual is states that the algorithm for the Oceanic was derived from research using data from divers doing no-stop (no decompression) dives to a maximum of 30m (100ft).

That is where the problems might arise. These computers may not be suitable for divers who go deeper and who do decompression-stop dives.

They are undoubtedly very popular in the American market and I am sure that if you use them within the parameters for which they were originally designed, there will be no problem.

Remember, no computer manufacturer can promise their products can safeguard you from decompression illness.