Skiiny Dipper Mark II by ORCA

[rsmith4656]

Does anyone know anything about this computer? I got my hands on one the other day and just curious about it. I would like some information.

[navyhmc]

I went to the Suunto web site Rick, not a thing on it. I have a feeling that it's at least 10 years old.

[Damselfish]

I think I rented one of these in Bonaire in 91, so probably older than 10. Don't think Suunto ever had anything to do with those though?

[Miked]

I have one, and I sometimes use it as a backup computer.
It is quite a bit older than 10 years. It is/was made by Orca.(new name??)
BTW, there are a number of threads on SB about this computer.
It is a great computer for it's day, given it's limitations.

It is "air only"
It recalls/displays only the last dive, but keeps all the dives ( since the last activation) for NDL computations.

Batteries are hard to find, but easy to replace.
It is rugged, and lasts for ever.
It has BIG displays- nice for "older" eyes.

If you need more specifics, let me know.
take care,
Mike

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Damselfish

I think I rented one of these in Bonaire in 91, so probably older than 10. Don't think Suunto ever had anything to do with those though?

'91???! whoa! Glad I put "At least" first. From past experience, Suunto will keep info on computers for 10 years after they stop production. That's where my estimate started. '91? Really?

[captain]

Orca Industries was the first company to make a real digital dive computer the Edge. It was rather large, about the size of a brick. The Skinny Dipper was their attemp at a smaller computer. I have an Edge from 1983 that still works and no computer to date has a better information display but it is air only. Back then Nitrox was voodoo gas that would kill you.
Orca Industries is no longer in business so service is unavailable but may never be needed.
.

[mitsuguy]

2000-05 Dive Computer Evolution

[captain]

After using the SOS decompression meter and the Farallon decomputer in the 70's I had given up on a truly reliable decompression device.
Then along came the Edge in 1983. I still have my log book page from my first dive with the Edge. I wrote" First dive with the Edge. This is what we have been waiting for".
After years of using the Navy tables it took some time to become comfortable with the increased repetitive dive times permitted using the Edge as apposed to the Navy tables.

[rsmith4656]

Thank you all for your input and I would appreciate any additional information on this unit. I will only use it as a back up or maybe for a diver that does not have a computer and is diving with me. I have Suunto comp for myself.

[DiveN2Life]

Hi rsmith4656,
You will not beleive this, but in my hand is an "Orca Mark II" that i was looking up information online. I came across you. So, I thought i would help. Once logged on - - you could not be found! Anyway, I'm back, and heres the best part- - - The Manual is here in front of me.... Do you need a copy ????? my e-mail is mikerswanson@yahoo.com