Which Back-up Gas Switching Computer....?

[Charlie]

Gaday -

I am looking to buy a gas switching computer as a back-up to my still-to-be-trusted VR3.

The Seiko sold by Cressi (Archimedes II), DiveRite (Nitek), Tusa (IQ-700) and Zeagle (N2ition) looks to be the go, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or insights into which way to go. I can buy the Cressi ($279) for around $70 less than the others, which puts it in the front, but I am willing to be swayed...

Thanks yanks.

Charlie

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by Charlie

Gaday -

I am looking to buy a gas switching computer as a back-up to my still-to-be-trusted VR3.

The Seiko sold by Cressi (Archimedes II), DiveRite (Nitek), Tusa (IQ-700) and Zeagle (N2ition) looks to be the go, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or insights into which way to go. I can buy the Cressi ($279) for around $70 less than the others, which puts it in the front, but I am willing to be swayed...

Thanks yanks.

Charlie

I use both the Rive Rite and Tusa in wrist models and they are great. I have no info. on the Cressi model.

[cummings66]

If it's a backup for the Oceanic, you want an Oceanic or Aeris? computer because it has the same algorithm in it. A different one might mean one computer is in deco and the other is not, then you bend the one and it's useless.

Same company IMO is what you want. Use the cheaper version Veo... Or the VT3 might make a good backup to it, but do consider that none of them are capable of the depths and features of the VR3. I think you'll bend any other computer if you use the VR3 fully.

In other words, there is no suitable backup for a VR3 other than another VR3 like my buddies use. He has the color for the primary and a B&W for the backup.

[texdiveguy]

As Matthew pointed out its always preferable to have matching dive computers for algorithm reasons. I am guessing this is the reason the OP is looking at the models he has asked about.

I know the DR Nitek Duos and their fellow counterparts use the Buhlmann ZH-L 16 algorithm, ... so does the base unit VR3,,,even if you had the optional VPM installed in your VR3 you can still select which to dive.

[cummings66]

I'm not a tech diver yet, the training starts I hope in May, but to my way of thinking if you're going to rely on a computer for technical diving, and why would you own a VR3 if not that reason, then if it goes belly up you need a computer that matches the deco parameters of the dive, and none of those computers are true deco computers. To me that means if you're using a computer and relying on it for deco, then the only backup is another computer identical to it.

If it's a rec dive, who cares in that case. Of course I know my diving in the tech arena will be on tables, at least that's why he said to get Vplanner and use that program to cut tables, and then I need a bottom timer and depth gage.

But realistically, the guys I know who do use a VR3 for technical diving will either fall back to tables if it quits, or go to the backup VR3. They don't use anything lesser because it's not capable of planning and executing deco dives.

For all I know the OP might be like me and just like the VR3's looks and doesn't do technical dives, I'd own one if I could justify it. IMO for me I'm going to hold out until I'm trimix certified before I spend the bucks. I wish I had one now though, fantastic computer.

I played with the simulator for this computer, boy is it harder to use than my VT3...

[texdiveguy]

I have no clue either as to the OP's status of a diver...rec//tec.

If he is simply looks for a fall back computer (as in wearing only one at a time) the Duo would be fine. Because one dives with a VR3 or other technical level computer (several popular models now days) in no way denotes they are a technical diver doing advanced profiles.

There are several schools of thought on computer use in technical diving and that is something each of us that do engage in this level of diving has to make for himself based on several parameters.

For me persl. I use custom cut tables and contingency tables plus my Duo(s) in gauge mode when diving trimix (cost of a 'mix' computer is no issue for me...it's is based more on methodology and the diving done, i.e.- deep 'mix'/cave/wreck). I wear both Duo computers as one is a back-up to the other in terms of my gauge mode setting. You must always have a back-up source for basic information....technical divers whom use a 'mix' computer should always back them with cut tables (many times they will dive tables and use the 'mix' computer as back-up).

This stuff is SO fun!!!!!

[cummings66]

Isn't it though. For my own use I plan to cut tables and use my computer as a bottom timer. Easier that way, and cheaper...

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by cummings66

Isn't it though. For my own use I plan to cut tables and use my computer as a bottom timer. Easier that way, and cheaper...

I have yet to come across an OC technical dive I can not plan and dive cutting custom tables and strapping on a couple of bottom timers (computers in gauge mode).