One of the most important pieces of dive equipment you can own is a dive computer. There are many differing schools of thought regarding just what makes one dive computer superior to another, and there are lots of different computers available. Do you want a dive computer that doubles as a watch you can wear every day? Do you want an air integrated dive computer? How much should you expect to pay for a dive computer? These are just a few of the questions you might be asking yourself. With these questions and more in mind, we’ll provide you with some helpful hints for choosing your first dive computer.
Do You Want to Grow Into It, or Grow Out of It?
When you were a kid, your parents might have bought your clothes just a little too big, so you would have room to grow into them. The same goes with dive equipment – you can get equipment that has features you might not need at your present level, but which will be useful once you gain more skills and more certifications. What are your intentions, as far as diving goes? Do you plan to become an instructor, explore caves and deep wrecks, or even work as a commercial diver? Or will you mainly be diving as a source of fun and relaxation while vacationing? Your answers to these questions can help to point you in the right direction. If you’re only going to dive on vacation, you probably need just a simple dive computer that shows basic information. Save your money for an extra boat dive or two.
If, on the other hand, you get to dive a lot and you like nothing quite so much as spending time on the bottom, then you might want to think about getting a dive computer that will last you for several years. You might end up making a fairly substantial investment, but you’ll probably end up saving money in the long run since you won’t need to look for a new computer when you outgrow a very basic model.
Dive Computer Options
There are a myriad of different dive computers available, in several different basic styles. Here are some of the best for new divers. As you shop, remember that independent dive computers and integrated dive computers offer different features. Independent computers are separate gauges that can be worn on a wrist or as part of an instrument console, and integrated dive computers are designed to interact with your SPG, compass, and other electronics.
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Wrist Dive Computers – Worn on your wrist, just like a watch, these dive computers are easy to check any time. The information that they generate and display varies, as does the size of the display. The simplest models are not air integrated, and do not come with a pressure gauge. Other models have a lot of different bells and whistles, but as these often have small displays, it’s a good idea to be sure you are going to be able to read at least the depth and available bottom time remaining readouts underwater. A simple dive computer like this will probably suffice if you plan to dive infrequently and if you plan to stay at recreational depths.
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Console Dive Computers – Designed to be mounted on hoses or clipped to your BC, these computers typically come equipped with a pressure gauge and often feature larger readouts that are easier to see underwater.
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Nitrox or Multiple Gas Dive Computers (Also known as Enriched Air Compatible Computers) – Since nitrox is becoming more readily available, more manufacturers are offering dive computers that are nitrox compatible. Whether you’re diving with nitrox now, or if you think you might use mixed gas in the future, it is a good idea to spend the extra $100 or so to get a dive computer that will work with nitrox. You can use it with standard air, and even if you never plan to do more than dive for fun on vacation, this will save you from having to purchase a new one in the future.
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Air Integrated Dive Computers – Air integrated computers measure tank pressure and calculate how long you can dive at your present rate of air consumption. If you dive a lot, especially if you go without a dive master, this piece of equipment can help you keep a handle on your parameters.
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Hoseless Dive Computers – These computers have two parts: a transmitter, which is attached to the high pressure port on your regulator’s first stage, and the receiver, which is worn either on your wrist, or clipped to your BC. While this type of dive computer costs more, it reduces the number of hoses you need, and some models can even read multiple transmitters, allowing a divemaster to keep track of several divers at once. Multiple transmitters can also be attached to different tanks so technical divers can keep track of those tanks on a single dive.
Important Features to Consider
We’ve already discussed the need to be able to read your dive computer’s display underwater; there are several other factors to keep in mind as well.
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Audible Alarms – When you are diving, following that pretty fish or making your way up from the bottom, audible alarms tell you if you are moving too fast, or warn you if you are reaching a limit. These alarms let you focus on your dive, without spending too much time checking your computer.
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User Settable Alarms – These are alarms you can set and they feature user ability to turn off some alarms. If you’re a new diver, this is definitely something you should consider, just remember not to turn off alarms indiscriminately. Experienced divers will enjoy having the ability to put an end to annoying alarms.
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Batteries – Different dive computers have different battery requirements. Some let you change their batteries, while others need to be taken to a dive shop for a battery change. Still others must be returned to the manufacturer for a battery change.
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Memory – How many dives do you want your dive computer to hold in memory? The simplest models remember your last dive, while top of the line models remember more than ten.
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Computer Download Capability – If you want to keep a computerized dive log, a dive computer that can interface with your PC is great to have. It stores all the information about your latest dive, allowing you to improve. Anyone who wants to move beyond occasional recreational diving ought to consider choosing a dive computer with this capacity.
No matter what kind of dive computer you get, be sure that you don’t turn it off or change batteries in the middle of the day, since most models lose their memories of your previous dive when shut down. This means you have to wait another 24 hours before diving again – a major buzzkill when you’re on vacation. In addition, never lend your dive computer to anyone if you have used it within the last 24 hours or if you will need it within the next 24 hours. Make sure you research different models carefully before you buy, and once you have purchased your computer, follow manufacturer instructions carefully. No matter which you decide on, you’ll be glad you took the time to make your selection thoughtfully.