Console or Wrist computer

[ce4jesus 1]

After using my console for the first time underwater with my setup, the console becomes a little bit tough to use. In particular ascents and descents are difficult. What does everyone else use?

 

Thanks,

Gary

[LChan 0]

I have an Uwatec Nitrox Z wrist computer.

 

I really like having my info on my wrist since both my hands are on the handles of the housing.

[bacripe 0]

I would second the opinion that a wrist mounted computer is much more convenient. Some photographers attach their compter to a strobe arm so that it's right there with them and accessible without having to even take your hand off the handle.

[t-bohn 0]

I love console computer...

One piece less that you can forget or gets hooked while getting into the BCD.

 

If a wrist type computer, I go for a watch type like Stinger, D9 or Scubapro Xtender which I can wear over a whole week of diving and hides under the wetsuit.

 

During weekends I use console only. On longer trips I use watchtype + console if one gives up...

 

Hope this helps...

 

Cheers

Torben

[ce4jesus 1]

Yes...I agree that the wrist computer seems the ideal way to go.

 

Some photographers attach their compter to a strobe arm so that it's right there with them and accessible without having to even take your hand off the handle.

 

This actually crossed my mind. Taking the puck out of the console and mounting it to the strobe arm.

 

T-bohn,

On ascents and Decents do you use a gear hook for your camera, strobe etc?

[t-bohn 0]

Hey Gary,

 

Whats a gear hook?

My set is connected with a 5mm textile rubber line to a d-ring on my right shoulder at all times. My console is mounted on the left side of my hip. If I check air, I check the computer... One instrument, all informations. Used a wireless version before but had trouble with the signal and the strobes...

 

The traditional wrist type computers are always in the way/get caught when you have to get into the BC, especially when there is little space to move or you have to be fast.

I dive from small outrigger boats regularly.

I try to keep my gear as simple as possible. I use a Suunto Cobra with Compass on

top.

Mounting a Wrist type on the camera is a good idea too.

 

Cheers

Torben

[pmooney 6]

I use a wrist mount Uwatec Air Nitrox ( the old blue one ) as my primary computer and have a old ex rental piece cable tied to my BC's left shoulder strap as a secondary/reduntant unit.

 

I agree that it does get snagged sometimes in confined spaces - but you can't beat the convenience of the wrist mount when your hands are full.

 

 

[AndyBarker 6]

HI All,

 

I use a wrist mounted computer or should I say 2 one on each wrist

 

just in case one fails. I find it easer when assending on a shotline.

 

I surpose it is horses for courses, it's what ever you are happy with.

 

My main one is a delta VR2 & my back up is a suunto Stinger.

 

Andy :ph34r:

[hoovermd 0]

Maybe I'm just anal. but I have a Suunto Cobra console clipped to a D-ring on the BC and a Mosquito on my wrist plus an analog pressure gauge clipped to the top right D-Ring as well.

 

I like to see the depth and time at a glance so the Mosquito is great. My eyes have gotten worse so I find the analog gauge great for a quick pressure check.

 

For more detailed info I will glanat my console.

 

"Two is one, and one is none"

[Guest echeng]

I have an Uwatec Air Z Nitrox, and a cheapie Oceanic console unit. The Uwatec goes on my write, and the Oceanic on my camera housing.

 

Had a battery die in the ol' Uwatec a few weeks ago, and couldn't get it replaced before leaving for another trip (this is another discussion in itself -- basically, Uwatec is lame because they won't replace batteries until they reach a certain point. But if I don't get it replaced when I a have time, I may have 100-200 more dives before I have another suitable time window! So I sent it in early when i had time, and it was returned because the battery level indicator was too high. And, of course, it died a couple of trips later.).

 

ANYWAY, this the first trip I've taken without a wrist-mount computer, and I'm loving it. I feel so free! I have a mechanical pressure gauge clipped to a D-ring, and the Oceanic mounted on my camera. I may stop using wrist-mount and integrated, wireless air gauge altogether...

[davephdv 0]

I have an Oceanic on the bottom of my wrist and a Cochran on a hose mount. I like the Cochran better but the location of the Oceanic is far easier to use. Just a slight twist of the wrist and I can see everything.

[Guest segal3]

I have an Oceanic on the bottom of my wrist and a Cochran on a hose mount. I like the Cochran better but the location of the Oceanic is far easier to use. Just a slight twist of the wrist and I can see everything.

 

I dive a Cochran on my wrist, but have considered mounting it on the housing. Used to have a Suunto Mosquito on the other wrist, but it died back in PNG. Full agreement on liking the Cochran more...

 

~Matt Segal

[markdhanlon 0]

Any issues with wrist mounted computers and dry suit seals?

[LChan 0]

i dive a DUI drysuit with zipseals for Monterey diving.

My wrist computer (Air Z Nitrox) has a large enough band to fit on the forearm area since the wrist area has the zipseal. I have not had any problems with the computer or with the seals.

[AndyBarker 6]

HI ALL,

 

I have never had problems with cuff seals leaking, but I do not

do the strap up so tight that it would cut the blood supply off to

my arm

 

 

Andy

[jarhed 0]

I dive in Monterey with a DUI drysuit, I use a atmos 2 wrist computer that has served me very well. I wear excel gloves that cover the wrist seal that I tighten the computer strap over. The glove protects the seal and seems to work quite well.

 

John

[davephdv 0]

No problem with wrist computers and dry suit seals.

[fdog 3]

Just a thought or two:

 

All my computers are attached to my body. If I have to drop a piece of disposable equipment (camera) to save myself or my buddy, I will at least have a reasonable idea of my nitrogen loading and any deco.

 

If I were to carry two computers, they'd be the same model. Otherwise, how do you know which one has failed?

 

It is easier to get geared up for a dive with a console.

 

It is easier to refer to a wrist mount for deco stops.

 

 

Console or wrist, for me both have advantages and costs. Match the advantages to the mission. I guess by this I'm admitting I go both ways, sorta.

 

All the best, James

[Kelpfish 15]

I will never purchase another Cochran computer again. I had a Commander and it flooded twice, the display died and I had to send it in 4-5 times for repair. Once my warranty ran out during all of these problems, they refused to service it again without me paying. That left a very poor taste in my mouth with Cochran. When I went to DEMA and stopped by their booth, they were less than interest to discuss my concerns. My opinion is that they have little business integrity and are merely after your money, then the service stops. They DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS once you become the owner.

[Paul Kay 65]

Best solution is to have a buddy who keeps an eye on their computer! That way you can have a wrist mounted one which is not in the way in the slightest (dry suit or otherwise)!

 

Seriously though, I've used both Aladdins and Suuntos, all wrist mounted, dry and wet clad (and bare arm) and never had a problem with any of them using air or nitrox. Wouldn't like to have to go back to tables, depth guages and watches though, and as for following the smallest bubbles up, well.......

[Cerianthus 55]

Wrist mounted. You look at your computer data more often then the remaining air/nitrox /whatever. Even holding your housing with 2 hands, it is to be seen in a quick glance.

 

Consoles (I'm not saying all wearers do, but some definitity do) have the tendency to be dragged along, damaging the viz or worse. If using a console, please keep it tight !

 

Gerard

[UWphotoNewbie 1]

I use an uwatech smart pro. The main reason is the KISS principle.

 

I'm sure the wireless computers are very reliable, but the simplest thing is an old-fasioned mechanical gauge mechanically linked with a hose to the regulator. Less batteries to check, less seperate things to forget.

 

I keep my gauge fixed securely to my bc at my waist with a retractor so no dragging.

[jander4454 15]

Keep it on your wrist or camera rig - consoles are a nuisance and damage the reef.

I attach my good old Uwatec Alladin Pro to my flash arm where I can easily see it.

[davephdv 0]

Computers on retractors. I've had two ripped off the retractor. Only got one back.

 

Consoles don't have to be a threat to the reef. I have a pressure gauge/computer on a short retractor that keeps it close to my body yet I can pull it out to read the gauges. I would have to hit the reef with my chest to damage it. Fins are a much greater danger.

[frogfish 5]

Consoles were one of the industry's worst ideas ever, in my opinion. I want to be able to see depth and deco information frequently and easily, w/o having to bring up a console. There's no good low drag way to rig a console with a DIR or semi/quasi-DIR gear configuation. I also see a LOT of divers (including some very experienced ones) using consoles that are hanging loose and sometimes dragging on the reef.

 

I wear two computers on left wrist, a DiveRite Duo and Nitex. The guts of these two computers (algorithm and implementation) seem identical. The bigger Duo is much easier to read (and the battery can be changed by the user). The wristwatch-sized Nitex functions is a back-up and works as a watch and alarm clock between dives, but it has to go back to DiveRite for new battery. Air hose gauge (only) is clipped to d-ring on waist, left side (but sometimes moved to left chest d-ring if I need to watch air level more closely. Compass (and sometimes slate) are worn on right wrist.

 

I agree with UWPhotoNewbie about the advantages of simple hosed air gauges, but please be careful using the Uwatech smart computers! With the so-called smart "bubble" feature disengaged, they work ok, like a (very expensive) Nitrox Pro. If the so-called "smart bubbles" feature is turned on, however, It's possible for the computer to display its "advice" to do a 1-3 minute non-mandatory stop at 3 m at any time during the dive.

 

Since that advisory mention displaces the No-decompression stop minute display, once it appears you will have no idea how minutes you have left before going into "real" deco and incurring a mandatory decompression obligation. Not nice, and not very smart.

 

If it weren't for Scubapro's advertising clout, I suspect that these would have been outed in the diving trade press and put out of production years ago. If anyone wants or needs more information (and documentation) about this problem with the Uwatec "smart" computers, email me.

 

Frogfish