So, you finally decided to buy a dive computer but quickly release that there are many different types and styles to choose from.
Whether or not you choose a console, wrist mount, air integration, hose, hoseless, or one with Nitrox capabilities there is no doubt, that your newly acquired computer will soon become your new best friend underwater.
But, which type is best for you?
The type that works best for you will largely be determined by your personal preference, the type of diving you will be doing, your overall budget, and the type that works best with your current gear.
Before you go out and buy just any old computer, there are a few questions you must as yourself.
How Am I Going Go Mount The Dive Computer?
This is the first question you should ask yourself when looking to buy a new dive computer. This can either be a wrist, a watch, or console-mounted, each has its own advantages.
Where you are going to mount the dive computer all boils down to your personal preference, as there is no best place to mount them.
Now, let’s look at some of the mounting options available.
Wrist Mounted Dive Computer
Just as the name implies, these types/styles of dive computers are mounted to your arm similar to watches, but just a little bit larger.
One of the major disadvantages of owning these types of computers is the fact they are not directly attached to your dive equipment and can easily be misplaced. However, because they are not attached to your dive equipment, they can also be used for a depth gauge and timer while free diving.
When researching dive computers you will soon notice that many models of wrist-mounted dive computers can also be mounted into your console as well. This is a great benefit because it gives you the option of mounting your computer both ways without having to buy a separate dive computer.
Dive Computer Watch
These are a watch-sized dive computer that serves a dual purpose as a watch and dives computer. Many are stylish enough to be worn as an everyday watch at work or special event but still have all the capabilities and features of a top of the line dive computer.
One of the main drawbacks of owning these types of computers is the smaller screen which can be harder to read if you have problems with your vision.
Console Dive Computer
Console Mounted Dive Computers generally combines a pressure gauge, dive computer, and often a compass in a convenient location. They attached to your regulator via a hose, and are relativity larger with bigger displays than their wrist-mounted counterparts.
Console computers are not always air integrated. To show a pressure reading it needs to be directly connected to your tank via a hose or hoseless transmitter (more on these below). Those that are not air integrate typically come with a pressure gauge, mounted in the console as well.
Because they are connected to your dive equipment it makes them a lot harder to misplace. One of their main disadvantages is that they can burn through batteries quicker, as they are activated sometimes when you don’t need them, for instance in a pool during training.
Still Looking For The Right Dive Computer?
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Do I Need Air Integration Or Not?
Now that you’ve decided which type of mounting you prefer, it’s time to decide whether you need Air Integration or Not?
Air Integrated computers are connected to your air source and display your current air pressure digitally on your dive computer.
A great benefit of air integration is that it allows your dive computer to calculate your current breathing rate, and tell you how much time you have left at your current breathing rate.
You generally have to pay a few hundred dollars for an air integrated dive computer, if you can afford it this feature is defiantly worth it.
Air Integrated computer comes in two basic types either hose or wireless.
Wireless Transmitter
Hose Vs Wireless
wireless is the more expensive of the two and consists of a transmitter that attaches to the high-pressure port of your Scuba Regulator first stage and sends the air information wireless to your dive computer.
Having wireless air integration cuts done on the amount of hose you need and makes you more streamlined while diving.
Some dive computers today can even read from multiple transmitters, which is great for keeping an eye on your body. These are also perfect for a technical diver who may use multiple tanks on one dive.
Air Integrated dive computer connected by hose gives you your air information directly from your high-pressure hose. Many of them come with a quick disconnect hose, in the event you need to detach your computer from your regulator for logging dives or storage.
Will I Dive With Nitrox?
It is said that a diver diving with a Nitrox mix of 36% consumes about 12 percent less gas than a diver using normal Air.
Because of this diving with enriched air has become more popular in the last few years, and so have computers with Nitrox capabilities.
If there is a slim chance that you will dive with Nitrox in the future, then I would strongly suggest that you purchase a computer with enriched air capabilities. This will save you the expense of having to buy a whole new computer in the future.
The difference in price is only slightly different than one without, and nowadays most manufacturers are starting to produce all their computers with Nitrox.
However, if you would like to save a few bucks and are sure that you will not dive with Nitrox, then purchasing one without this capability is perfectly fine.
keep in mind thou, that if your computer can calculate Nitrox then it can also calculate air diving as well, but this does not work the other way around.
What Are Some Features I Should Consider?
In the early days, dive computer could only offer basic decompression calculations based on your dive duration and depths to ensure that you have a safe dive.
As technology evolved over the years, so has dive computers. Today, they are packed full of features to make your diving easier, safer, and overall more fun.
However, with all the new features available, choosing a modern dive computer can be bewildering.
Below are some of the more important features you should consider in a dive computer.
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Compare the key features of over 20 of the best dive computer to find the right one for your diving needs
Display And Screen
One of the first features of the dive computer you should consider is its display. This is where you will access all the information you will need during your dive. The ability to read the display easily and accurately is vital to your safety.
When choosing a display you might want to consider the type, the size of lettering, and whether or not it has backlighting.
Let’s look at these in more detail below.
Display Type
At the moment there are basically three different methods that dive computer uses to display dive data on the screen, these are Segmented, Dot Matrix, and Color.
Segmented display
Generally found on most entry-level dive computer, a segmented display uses segments of line to form characters much like a digital watch or calculator and can be harder to display complicated information. Lettering can sometimes be hard to read and would require reading the manual to decipher.
Dot Matrix Display
Dat Matix uses a cluster of small dots on the screen to display more complicated information and are generally much easier to read than segmented displays. They can spell out more defined characters, and can even project a graphical representation of your dive as well as a digital compass. These displays are normally found on mid-priced computers and are sometimes combined with segmented displays.
Color Display
Found on more high-end computers, it delivers much greater detail and the multicolored display can highlight critical dive info. They are much easier to read in low-light condition but requires much more energy so they tend to use rechargeable batteries.
Display Size
The size of the display is also very important, especially if you’re going to be diving in very low visibility or if your eyesight is not what it used to be. It’s not practical to buy a watch-sized dive computer if your eyesight is dwindling.
Back-Lighting
Back-Lighting on your dive computer allows you to read the display in low visibility or night without using your flashlight. Today, even the most basic dive computer comes with this feature because it is something that many drivers will not go without.
Memory
Pretty much all dive computer allows you to review your dive history. However, the amount of data and dive that are logged generally depends on the model.
Older dive computer models would only show you data from your most recent dive. Now, the average computer can give you information on your last 25 dives, with a more expensive dive computer storing quite a few more dives.
When choosing your dive computer it is very important that you pick one that will record enough dives.
If you only dive a few times per year you will not need as much memory as someone who dives a couple of times per week.
Alarms
Having a dive computer with alarms is very useful, especially if you’re new to scuba diving because they keep you safe by alerting you when important dive limits are approached.
These can be both visual and audible alarms to warn you if you are ascending too fast, or approaching your no decompression limit, etc.
It is important to read your dive computer manual to understand what each alarm means.
Batteries
Many computers today also come equipped with user-changeable batteries. This is a very important feature to have especially if your computer batteries die on a dive trip. It only takes a couple of minutes to swap out batteries, instead of having to send it in to the service department, saving you a lot of money on maintenance costs.
It is good to keep in mind that, only a few of them have a watertight battery chamber which means that if it is not sealed properly water can get in and ruin the entire dive computer.
Because of this many divers still, take their computer to a service center to have the battery changed.
Activation
A dive computer can be activated in two ways, either manually by the diver or with water.
Many dive computers would require you to press a button before beginning your dive. However, many drivers forget to activate their dive computer and fail to capture their dive details.
To solve these problem dive manufacturers now makes dive computer that activates as soon as you enter the water. If you feel that you might forget to activate your computer before diving, then this feature is a must.
PC Compatible
Many of the new dive computers now allow you to download all your dive detail to your PC (Personal Computer). While your dive computer might only allow you to store limited dives, by downloading them to your computer you can actually store the countless amount of dive data.
But, downloading your dive information to your PC normally requires that you buy software and cable separately (some dive computer packages come with this included).
Depending on the software it can convert all your dive info into graphs to show you depths during the dives, and the time spent at each depth.
They can also chart more detailed information like missed decompression stops and rapid assents, how good you are at air consumption (Air Integration Needed), and your predicted nitrogen saturation level.
Compass and Navigation
Underwater your field of vision is not as good as it is on land, and as a diver, you need to know where you’re heading and how to get back to the shore, or your boat. This is the reason why a compass is a vital part of your scuba diving gear.
Compass are generally mounted in your dive computer console or can they can be worn on your wrist. However, in recent years dive computers can now supplement and even replace these old fashion compasses with digital ones.
They can digitally display your heading accurately, and don’t need to be completely level to work properly
Some of the higher-end computers go as far as integrating Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which uses satellites to pinpoint exactly where you are and where you have been. This feature is great for diver doing search and recovery, fishing or crabbing, or treasure hunting.
How Do I Maintain My Dive Computer?
Your dive computer is designed to be rugged and durable to withstand the high pressures of the deep and other extremes.
Although you would like them to be, they are not perfect and need to be maintained from time to time t ensure that they work properly.
By caring for your dive computer now you can save yourself a lot of headaches in the further. There is not much that goes into caring for your dive computer and would only take a few minutes after each dive.
Below are a few simple tips to properly care for your dive computer.
- Rinse With Fresh Water – Be sure to rinse your dive computer after each dive with a stream of freshwater. This will wash away any salt, silt, or organic material that might be on the computer after your dives
- Occasionally Clean Mental Contacts – From time to time you will want to clean any metal contact with a soft toothbrush to remove any hard deposit from salt, perspiration, or sunscreen.
- Inspect Wrist Band and Buckles – Regulator check wristbands for wear, tear, and corrosion. If so, replace as needed
- Store in a Dry, Cool, and Ventilated Area – If not in use store your dive computer away from sunlight, heat, or chemicals as they can weaken the waterproof seals. You would also want to avoid prolong storing in damp areas.
- Use only Genuine Branded Batteries – For longer battery live and operation
- Get Manufacturer Recommended Service – You should also send your computer to get service every one to two years by a certified service professional. They will calibrate the computer, as well as check all the seals and functions.
What to Do Next?
The above are some of the most important features I believe you would want to look for in a new dive computer. A good dive computer does not necessarily have to have all these features the one you choose will depend mostly on your budget and personal preference. It is always good to read dive computer reviews to find out all its features and capabilities.
Now that you know what features to look or when buying, your new dive computer you may dive computer comparison chart to quickly compare the features of most of the best dive computers on the market today.
I am a 70 year old relatively new driver. Open water and nitrox certified. I don’t plan to get any too technical. I just need to be able to see and understand the display. I’m Somewhat visual and audio impaired so the display and alarms needs to be clear and concise. I would definitely like connect-ability features to incorporate a tank pressure transmitter. I only dive several times a year so hopefully it’s not something I have to retrain for, every time I need to use it. Price is not nearly so critical an issue as being user-friendly for the recreational diver. Please give me a reasonable number of selections that would fall into this category of dive computer.