Gear Check Computers
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Get serious with Nitek X May 2007
Up to seven different gas mixes including oxygen, helium and nitrogen can be factored into monitored by the Nitek X dive computer from
Dive Rite. A modified Buhlmann ZH-L16 algorithm allow for optional gradient factors to support deep stops on ascent from dives as deep as
492 feet. Decompression times, stop times and time-to-surface data are displayed on the 2.7-inch screen in big numbers along with the
depth and overall dive time. The central nervous system percentage tracking is displayed in an oxygen limit index bar graph. Back lighting
eases tracking dives in dark water. The log holds up to 6.2 hours of diving, based on a 20-second profiling time. Data can be uploaded to a
personal computer or a Mac for analysis. The unit is upgradeable for use with closed-circuit rebreathers. After the dives, the unit displays
desaturation and time-to-fly information. Nitek X’s case is made of anodized aluminum and its display is tempered mineral glass quartz to
resist scratching.
www.diverite.com.
XR-1 certifies for nitrox  May 2007
Aeris upgraded its entry-level computer in the new XR-1 Nx that is compatible with nitrox gas mixes from 21 to 50 percent oxygen. Simple
operation and a big-number display eases monitoring dives from the water-activated start to the automatic safety stop prompt at the end.
Color-coded bar graphs display nitrogen accumulation and ascent rate. The data are based on a Haldanean algorithm modified by Diving
Science And Technology research, and can be further modified by adjusting the degree of personal conservativism. The time remaining in
no-decompression is displayed in minutes, and if divers overstay the limit, the XR-1 will compute and display deco stops. It logs up to 12
dives, with a simple clear-all button that is handy for rental operations. The XR-1 automatically compensates for altitude diving and has a
dual countdown timer and calculated desaturation time to display when it’s safe to fly after diving  The hockey-puck module fits most
depth gauge consoles or can be wrist mounted.
www.DiveAERIS.com
Click To Enlarge
Digitize your dives April 2007
Lugging around a log book is a lot simpler with SharkPoint’s new digital log book loaded on a personal digital assistant. Details can be jotted
in the PDA and uploaded to a log on a Windows-driven personal computer. Alternately, data from many popular dive computers can be
uploaded directly into the PC program and then synchronized with the PDA. Dives can be planned on both the PC and PDA logs.
SharkPoint is available in advanced and professional versions, with the pro version allowing nitrox mixes, advanced statistical analysis and
exports to popular data base programs and Web software. Both let divers log an unlimited number of dives. Dives can be sorted into 25
categories in the advanced version and unlimited categories in the pro version. Up to 250 photos can be logged in the advanced version and
an unlimited number on the pro one. Global Positioning System coordinates can be input via Bluetooth, USB port or manually and later
checked with Google-Earth to create an out-of-this-world picture of your dive site. Learn more at
www.dreamdives.com.
Watch dive data January 2007
Oceanic’s new GEO could pass simply as a handsome watch, but inside its waterproof case is a robust dive computer to track scuba and
breath-hold dives. It calculates air and nitrox dives, and logs depth, time and nitrogen tissue loading at one second intervals. In free-dive
mode, GEO tracks elapsed dive time, has a countdown timer and allows for three different maximum depth alarms. OceanGlow
backlighting on the face eases reading dive data during night or dark-water dives. All data can be uploaded to a personal computer for
analysis, and to view and edit personal dive computer settings. The battery is user-replaceable, and the unit comes with the computer
interface cable as well as wristband extenders that allow GEO to be worn over thick wetsuits or drysuits.
www.OceanicWorldwide.com.
A computer to see December 2006
Some digital and diving savvy is required to customize this new computer to personal tastes, but it’s got design features that may rearrange
the market. Forget flooding worries. The F1 is completely sealed in a polymer block, including its battery that gets up to 35 hours of diving
between recharges. And bright big numbers on its display let you leave your bifocals on the dive boat. The F1 is an open-source data
logger, which means you can use any dive analysis software that you know how to program.
www.liquivision.ca.
Check tanks a lot with T3 September 2006
Keep tabs on your own stage bottles or the air left in your buddy’s tank with Aeris’s new Elite T3 hoseless computer. The T3 is compatible
with nitrox mixes and pure oxygen to help monitor dives entailing the use of travel, bottom and deco mixes. Audible and visual alarms,
safety stops and a personal conservative factor can be set by the user. Dive data, including elapsed time, depth, gas remaining in cylinders
and alarm conditions, are displayed in bold easy to read digits on a screen that can be backlit for diving at night or in deep dark waters. A
free dive mode can track snorkeling between scuba dives. The T3 logs dive data each second, which can be uploaded to a computer for
further analysis. The software and connecting cable are included with the computer. The T3 can be used independently as a wrist unit and
in conjunction with optional wireless transmitters for hoseless monitoring of tank pressures. Learn more at
www.DiveAeris.com.
Oceanic adds Nx to VEO 100 August 2006
Oceanic’s new VEO 100 Nx dive computer extends its popular entry-level VEO 100 line with algorithms for nitrox diving. Users can set
mixes of up to 50 percent oxygen and the maximum PO2 between 1.2 and 1.6. The computer turns on automatically when it contacts
water, and adjustments can be made during dives. A built in prompt reminds divers to make safety stops on ascent. Its memory holds 12
dives and its “Hot Swap” circuitry remembers logged dives while the user-replaceable batteries are being changed. A reset button allows
rental / charter operators to provide customers with computers that do not have data logged during prior customers’ dives. The unit is the
same diameter as most pressure gauges so it slips easily into consoles or it can be worn on the wrist.
Learn more at
www.OceanicWorldwide.com.
Try DC in a switch April 2006
Suunto is celebrating its 70th year with the release of the D6, a handsome dive watch that becomes a state-of-the-art computer under
water. A handy feature for allows divers to switch on the fly between two preset nitrox mixes, one for the bottom and the other for
decompression. A way point can be logged on its digital compass, so divers can see visually how much they are straying from an initial
direction. The display provides all data needed to track a dive, including depth, elapsed time underwater in minutes and seconds, time
remaining for non-deco diving and temperature. The Reduced Gradient Bubble Model algorithm automatically computes deco and safety
stops and alerts users with an icon if extra surface interval time is needed for safety. More than 100 hours of diving can be logged in its
memory, which can be uploaded to a desktop computer for analysis. Rubber straps bonded to the stainless steel case keeps the D6 firmly
on the wrist. Learn more at
www.suunto.com.
Extending Odyssey January 2006
H2Odyssey, known for its affordable everyday gear, is expanding into the dive computer market with its Fathom-55. The computer uses a
14-tissue adaptive modified Haldanean algorithm to help divers stay within their desired profiles, whether they’re using air or nitrox.
Samples are taken every four seconds, and the data can be uploaded to Divers Alert Network as well as to home computers for analysis
with Analyst 4.01 software. Its 90-hour profile storage memory can be upgraded to 720 hours, enabling up to 250 dives to be logged. The
selectable variable-by-depth ascent rate alarm allows divers to utilize a fixed ascent rate warning or a warning based on depth. All data, from
PO percent levels to oxygen toxicity warnings are displayed on easy to read screens. User-replaceable batteries last up to 1,000 dive hours,
and the computer automatically activates upon contact with water. Learn more at
www.h2odyssey.com.
Mares Nemo Excels August 2007
Mares tweaked the design of its popular NEMO dive computer in its new Nemo Excel model. Large buttons eases running through
functions on the four-button menu and a pre-curved strap is a bit more comfortable on the wrist. Its four modes allow for diving air, nitrox,
use as a bottom timer and for free diving. Bruce Weinke’s rapid gradient bubble model algorithm automatically calculates deep stops during
ascents, which is said to lower the formation of the pesky micro-bubbles that can land divers in chambers. Press a button to light the
display during night dives or ones in dark water. The recessed non-reflective mineral quartz face is scratch resistant and eases reading the
data display. Topside, it looks like a handsome digital watch that displays times in two zones and functions as an alarm clock, stop watch
and calendar.
www.mares.com.
Get the message  October 2007

Improving communication between divers and their support boat is the goal of a new device that Underwater Technology Center introduced
at DEMA this month. The unit has 14 preset messages that can be exchanged among all divers in a group. Up to 14 divers can
simultaneously share the same network, and as many as four different networks can operate in the same vicinity. Among the messages is an
SOS distress signal that can be activated at the touch of a button and received by any unit-equipped diver within 3,000 feet, according to
UTC. Receipt of messages activates an audible and visual alarm, Returning to a dive boat equipped with the boat unit is as simple as
following a compass arrow on the display screen. The boat unit also can be used to recall divers to a boat if warranted by changing topside
conditions. The unit can be strapped on a wrist or mounted on a console hose. Dual rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can power the unit
for up to nine hours, with one transmission is exchanged every four minutes. It is programmed to flash a low-battery signal when 90
minutes remain in the battery.
www.utc.co.il.
UTC
A mission from Mares December 2007
Mares makes dive tracking easy with its Puck line of dive computers. Data are displayed in large digits on a high-contrast display that can
be backlit at night or in low-light level conditions. A single button eases scrolling through menus or reading up to 38 hours of logged dives.
The rapid gradient bubble model algorithm can be set for fresh- or saltwater diving to computes deep stops and decompression stops if
necessary. The computer is available as a wrist unit or for mounting in consoles.
www.mares.com.
Mares Puck
Technical computing December 2007
Shearwater Research launched its Pursuit computer, targeted to open- and closed-circuit-rebreather divers. Air, nitrox and trimix can be
taken into account by this unit, which can be hooked up via a cable connection to most rebreathers to monitor up to three sensors.
Conservativism levels can be set to personal preferences. Ascent rates are shown graphically and it warns if they're too fast or if the
battery is running low. Set points can be switched automatically and backlighting switches on in dark waters. The display features
easy-to-read large numbers and characters. Software updates will be available as needed via e-mail.
www.rebreather.ca.
Shearwater Pursuit
Measure your mixes December 2007
Zeagle's new N2ition dive computer allows divers to monitor two different mixes of nitrogen and oxygen, easing gas switches underwater.
The unit displays the elapsed dive time, current and maximum depths, no-decompression time remaining and water temperature. Tap the
computer for five seconds of backlighting during night dives. And so long as you don't dive in waters above 19,685 feet of elevation, it
automatically adjusts for altitude diving. It's available as a wrist-mounted computer or can be fitted into a console with other gauges.
www.zeagle.com.
Zeagle N2ition
Put a PADI in your plans August 2008
Anyone who's ever used the planning wheel or the planning function on most computers to prepare for multi-level dives will appreciate
PADI's new Electronic Recreational Dive Planner Multi-Level version. The eRDPML is not a computer, but rather a calculator for
suggesting times and depths for single- or multi-level dive plans. It can be set in imperial or metric measurements. Imperial levels change in
5-foot increments and metric, in 2-meter increments. Large calculator keys and display screen are easy to read, features that may be
appreciated by those who require corrective lenses. Basic guides to operation are displayed on a flip cover that protects the device, which is
designed with a space to hold the operator manual as well. Look for the eRDPML at PADI dive shops.
www.padi.com.
PADI eRDPML