Technical Vs. Recreational Computers

[Kimusubi]

I've been looking at some computers for the past week, so I can begin to purchase my first computer. What I was wondering is that what is the main difference between technical and recreational computers because I am very interested in getting into technical diving in the future, and I see no point in buying a recreational computer if I'll need a technical one later. Also, I've been drooling over the Galileo Sol for the past few weeks and I found one for about $1100...there is only so much I can do to resist the urge of buying it. Anyone know if that will stand to be a decent tech computer, or are tech computers one of those things that there basically isn't any alternative for. Any help would be really appreciated.

[MSilvia]

I don't use a computer for tech diving, I use a bottom timer and a carefully laid out dive plan. You definately don't NEED a tech computer at all, although there are a number of good options available if you really want one. Personally, my tech computer is my PC, which I use with vPlanner for dive planning and printing out customized tables for each dive profile.

The main difference is that technical diving computers support various mixed gasses and nitrox blends up to 100%. they also emphasize things other than NDL times (like recreational computers do), as technical divers usually aren't interested in NDLs, but in gas switches, partial pressures, and run times.

If you want a computer for recreational diving, I recommend getting a computer for recreational diving. A tech diving computer, in my opinion, is the sort of thing you should only buy if you know what you require from a technical diving computer, and only after you know whether or not you even want one.

[ianr33]

Originally Posted by Kimusubi

, I've been drooling over the Galileo Sol for the past few weeks and I found one for about $1100...there is only so much I can do to resist the urge of buying it. Anyone know if that will stand to be a decent tech computer,

The Galileo Sol is not a "tech" computer. What algorithm is it using? Has that deco model actually been used for,say, 300 foot dives ? IMHO it is an expensive toy that I would never consider using on a "big" dive.

My suggestion would be to get a cheap nitrox computer. Maybe a DiveRite duo or one of its clones. (This can handle 2 nitrox mixes)
If you start doing technical stuff get a bottom timer . Dive using the bottom timer and tables with the computer as a backup. This will work fine for dives up to around 150 feet for 30 minutes with one deco gas.

Eventually if you get trimix certified or start doing long cave dives a real technical computer MIGHT be useful to you. There are only 2 on my shortlist: Shearwater Pursuit and the Liquivision X-1

[MSilvia]

Mmmmm... if I had that kind of dough to throw around, I'd definately consider the X-1. That's purdy.

[texdiveguy]

I don't use bottom timers....I use those inexpensive Dive Rite Duo's set in gauge mode, same thing.....I even wear 2 of them on all technical dives, even those below 300ft.--don't need know $1200 wrist computer,,custom printed deco plans from Deco Planner,,and a couple of slates,,some wet notes for games on the deco hangs.

[plot]

realistically, you should get a nitrox capable computer becuase nitrox is a cert that could be in your near future.

you won't need a new computer until you're trimix certified, which even if you get into technical diving tomorrow, there's alot to do before you're trimix certed... and by the time that day rolls around, there will be new or updated computers on the market you can get instead of using your 2-3 year old computer. (you can use a dive computer forever, but things do change in a 3 year period, and I doubt you'll be trimix certed before then).

before getting deep tech certs, go for some of the overhead stuff instead.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by texdiveguy

don't need no $1200 wrist computer

Totally. If you're planning on getting into tech diving, save your money. You're going to need it.

You could get over 20 trimix fills for that kind of money... or training... or a nice set of doubles with regs... or a dry suit... or a down payment on a scooter... or a good canister light... or any one of the dozens of other $1000+ things you're going to need way more than a tech computer.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by plot

realistically, you should get a nitrox capable computer becuase nitrox is a cert that could be in your near future.

you won't need a new computer until you're trimix certified, which even if you get into technical diving tomorrow, there's alot to do before you're trimix certed... and by the time that day rolls around, there will be new or updated computers on the market you can get instead of using your 2-3 year old computer. (you can use a dive computer forever, but things do change in a 3 year period, and I doubt you'll be trimix certed before then).

before getting deep tech certs, go for some of the overhead stuff instead.

Lets clear up a widely mis understood item---- YOU DO NOT need a trimix computer to dive using trimix!!

[texdiveguy]

Does anyone have any detailed info. on this (PMG) Predictive Multi-Gas Algorithm?? Thanks

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by Kimusubi

I've been looking at some computers for the past week, so I can begin to purchase my first computer. What I was wondering is that what is the main difference between technical and recreational computers because I am very interested in getting into technical diving in the future, and I see no point in buying a recreational computer if I'll need a technical one later. Also, I've been drooling over the Galileo Sol for the past few weeks and I found one for about $1100...there is only so much I can do to resist the urge of buying it. Anyone know if that will stand to be a decent tech computer, or are tech computers one of those things that there basically isn't any alternative for. Any help would be really appreciated.

I agree with everyone else. You don't need a computer for tec diving. Actually, the reason I use one is caves. They don't lend themselves to nice clean profiles like wrecks do. Case in point was a great dive I did to Henleys Castle. Max depth - 197'. Run times - about 35min @50-70ft, 15 minutes to descend to 197' look around and return, then about 35min @ 50-70ft or so. Planning it on a straight tables gives an 85 min bottom time at 200'. Getting creative is tough to, (do you choose 50 or 70, what about 'deco ceilings' not agreeing with the 'cave cieling' on the way out. A computer makes it much easier and using a rough cut table for backup/sanity.

I have a VR3 - good bulletproof design whose algorithm agrees with my physiology. I still cut tables whenever I can so I have a good backup set.