Scuba computers go by a lot of names: dive computers, dive watches, decompression meters, scuba watches. But they all have the same primary function: They measure the time and depth of dives to calculate a safe ascent.
Here are some features to look for in a dive computer watch:
Dive watches need to be made of titanium or another noncorrosive material.
The buttons must be big enough to be handled by a diver wearing gloves.
The watch needs to be rugged and able to resist the wear and tear of an underwater dive. The watch face should be scratch-resistant.
Make sure the scuba watch you buy can go to the depths you dive.
The dial, settings and numbers need to be illuminated and easily seen from a foot away underwater.
The wrist band should have a strong clasp that is not prone to breaking.
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Scuba Computers Can Calculate Depths, Times
Divers-Supply Tip: Some dive computers also calculate air mixtures for deeper dives that require Nitrox, or oxygen-enriched nitrogen. These dive computers have the vital job of measuring and tracking your nitrogen intake for you to plan your bottom time. They do this by basing calculations on a diver's depth and time spent submerged. Most of these also display your current depth and maximum depth, along with your dive time. Optional features include a pressure gauge, remaining air monitor, and a display that shows how much breathing time is available based on the amount of air in the tank and the diver's breathing pattern. The Oceanic computer watch can monitor Nitrox air mixtures below surface and function as a regular watch on land.
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Look for Computer Diver Watches with Dual Functions
The hot trend in computer dive watches are watches that function well underwater and in the office. They serve as your personal dive computer as well as your traditional wrist watch.
These tiny powerhouses tell time, perform continuous calculations of dive pressures, and assist deep divers in monitoring their Nitrox mix.
Advance features may allow you to monitor your dive buddy's air pressure as well as your own.You can also download your dive profile into your laptop after you come ashore.
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Scuba Watches Can Relay Information to Your Laptop
Divers-Supply Tip: Some underwater watches display water temperature and how fast a diver ascends. Consider purchasing a dive watch that can relay your dive profile to your PC. This will allow you to review the data after your dive and track the information over time. A Citizen dive watch has the durability to sustain dives but is fashionable enough to wear on land. Better calculate decompression levels with a Citizen dive watch.
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Stick to a Dive Computer That is Practical, Easy to Use
Even if you find a dive computer with all the bells and whistles, veteran divers often rely on simple and easy-to-use dive watches.
As a diver, you want a scuba computer that is readable and easy to maintain. It may be practical to choose a dive computer that does not have too many buttons and menus to read. After all, you want to keep your focus on diving, not trying to decipher readings and gauges.
Back lighting is helpful for night diving or cloudy days underwater. Audible alarms also let you know quickly that you are ascending too fast.
Also, you may not want to spend too much on your first dive computer until you know for certain that deep diving is a regular part of your future recreation.
Check in with the experts at dive shops. Hear what they have to say. Most have impressive lines of computer dive watches. Then go online and find the best deal on the watch you want.
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Diver Computers Alert You to Problems
Divers-Supply Tip: It's essential for divers to fully know how to use their dive computer before relying on it during a dive. Divers must also remember that scuba computers are no substitute for dive plans, which should be completed before the dive and followed exactly. Invest in a scuba computer that will relay accurate and life-saving information. Choose a name-brand scuba computer with an established reputation for quality.
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Scuba Watches Can Relay Information to Your Laptop
Expect your dive computer, or scuba watch, to display the following information:
Current depth and maximum depth.
Time remaining at the current depth without need for decompression.
Dive time measured from the start of the dive trip or the last time the diver surfaced for a period of time.
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Diver Computers Alert You to Problems
Look for a dive computer that will alert you to problems and emergencies during your dive. Some scuba computers have buzzers that will let you know:
If you are surfacing too fast;
If you failed to make a decompression stop;
If you went below your maximum depth;
If oxygen toxicity limits are reaching dangerous levels.
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Scuba Computers Can Offer Precision, Added Safety
Dive computers are battery-operated machines sealed in water-tight housing. They help divers perform complex dives with precision and safety.
It makes sense to understand how this important gadget works. Aside from your dive buddy, your scuba computer is your best friend on a dive.
Scuba computers provide continual tracking of surrounding pressure on a diver to estimate the partial pressure of a diver's internal gases.
The computer uses a decompression algorithm to calculate a decrompession schedule for the diver's ascent. The diver checks his or her dive computer for the decrompression stops required.
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Decompression Sickness is a Real Danger
Scuba computers can lessen the risk of decompression sickness, or "the bends." But decompression sickness still is a real danger on any complex or deep dive. Don't overly rely on your scuba computer.
Risks include:
Your computer goes down. We all have experienced the hassle with our PCs and office computers. Your underwater scuba computer could fail when you need it most.
Your risk of getting the bends also depends on your physical shape. Your age, fitness and any medical conditions may be factors.
Computers can lock out divers, if they descend beyond safety limits on a dive. If that occurs, the diver should not depend on his scuba computer for the next 24 hours.
Various dive computers use differing algorithms for gas absorption and pressure. They do not use a uniform method. Some may be described as more cautious than others.
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Scuba Computers Can Calculate Depths, Times
Dive computers are a diver's underwater PC. But scuba computers don't look anything like laptops. These computers commonly are worn on the wrist and look like a watch. Scuba computers also can be attached to air pressure valve hoses. They have the vital job of measuring and tracking the depth of dives.
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