| A scuba diving computer can be a divers best friend. | | | | level. |
| It will allow you to stay down longer than if you | | | | An air integrated computer replaces the need for a |
| were diving off of tables. There are many types and | | | | submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One downside of |
| or styles of dive computers you can choose from. | | | | an air integrated computer is that if it fails, you lose |
| Which one is best is really personal preference and is | | | | information on how much air you have left in your |
| suited to the way you dive. The following are some | | | | tank. Dive over. |
| of the choices you will have when purchasing your | | | | Nitrox Dive Computer |
| dive computer. | | | | With nitrox diving becoming more and more common, |
| Console Dive Computer | | | | so are computers that are nitrox compatible. Even if |
| A console dive computer is attached to the rest of | | | | you aren't diving with nitrox now, if you are even |
| the equipment via a hose. The console dive | | | | thinking of diving with nitrox in the future, it is |
| computers typically come with a pressure gauge. The | | | | probably worth it to purchase a nitrox dive computer. |
| readouts are typically larger than on a wrist dive | | | | This will save you the expense of buying a whole |
| computer so they can also be easier on the eyes. | | | | new computer in the future. However, if don't think |
| There are also options for a scuba dive computer to | | | | you will ever dive with nitrox, then there is no reason |
| be mounted on your hose (this is the type we | | | | to pay for this feature. A standard air computer is |
| currently use) or clip onto your BC. Choose | | | | probably $100+ less than its nitrox counterpart. |
| whichever is more comfortable for you and fits into | | | | Hoseless Dive Computer |
| your price range. | | | | The hoseless dive computer consists of the receiver |
| Wrist Dive Computer | | | | (typically worn on the wrist or mounted on the BC) |
| The wrist dive computer is very popular. These | | | | and a transmitor. The transmitor attaches to the high |
| types of computers look like large watches and are | | | | pressure port of the regulator first stage and then |
| worn on the wrist. They will tell you all you need to | | | | sends your air information, wirelessly, to the receiver. |
| know at a glance. Some wrist dive computers are | | | | The receiver looks the same as normal dive |
| also able to be mounted in a console. | | | | computers. |
| Sometimes the faces may be a bit small for all the | | | | This setup cuts down on the number of hoses you |
| information the computer can display, so make sure | | | | need. There are now even hoseless dive computers |
| you will be able to read it underwater. | | | | that can accept signal from multiple transmitors - so |
| Unless they are air integrated and wireless (see | | | | you can even keep an eye on your buddies air |
| below) wrist dive computers usually do not come | | | | consumption. Of course, this capability is really for the |
| with a pressure gauge. One small disadvantage here | | | | more advanced technical divers who may use |
| is that these can be pretty easy to misplace/lose. | | | | different tanks on one dive. And, of course, we are |
| Air Integrated Dive Computer | | | | talking some pretty high price tags here. |
| Air integrated dive computers are becoming more | | | | So just think about how you dive and what |
| commonplace. An air integrated computer measures | | | | capabilities you need. The right dive computer for |
| the tank pressure and then calculates how much | | | | one person can be completely wrong for another |
| more time you have left at the current rate of air | | | | person. Choose one that you are comfortable with |
| consumption. The air integrated dive computer will tell | | | | and one that is right for you wallet. |
| you how much time you can spend at any exertion | | | | |