Why Divers Should Use A Dive Computer
From beginners to experienced divers, everyone should use a dive computer.
Seen by many as an essential item of scuba diving equipment. Dive computers are mandatory in some dive resorts around the world. They improve dive safety and allow divers to remain underwater longer.
Being able to spend more time underwater means you don’t have to cut your dive experience short, which is the last thing you would want to do when enjoying the amazing creatures around you.
The dive computer has revolutionized the way we dive. Before dive computers were invented, dive time was calculated based on the maximum depth you intended to dive to using dive tables.
Dive computers calculate the maximum time you can remain underwater based on the actual dive. The dive computer continually updates the diver on how much longer they can remain underwater based on the current depth. Allowing you to remain safely underwater for longer.
Using a dive computer will also reduce the chances of suffering with decompression sickness. Even though you will have a greater chance of enjoying a safe dive, you will not be immune to the sickness.
During a scuba dive, the increased pressure causes nitrogen from your breathing air to dissolve into your body tissues . The deeper you dive, the faster nitrogen dissolves into your body. Keeping the dissolved nitrogen levels within accepted guidelines, is important to reduce the risk of decompression sickness. To do this, the dive depth and time are tracked by the dive computer. The dive computer uses a decompression model to calculate theoretical levels of nitrogen, and displays the time and depth limits you need to stay within during the dive.
A dive computer will also help prevent out of air emergencies. Your computer will monitor pressure and air time remaining, so you will never have to worry about running out of air. Most dive computers will have alarms to warn you when you get close to a limit, such as maximum depth, ascent rate etc
When buying a dive computer one of the top brands to consider is Suunto.
Suunto are famous for the manufacture and design of precision sports instruments for diving.
Their Suunto D9 dive computer is a feature rich multi purpose dive instrument providing many features not found in any other dive computer.
The Suunto D9 combines the complete package of dive gauges and dive-critical information all in one stylish instrument, conveniently mounted on your wrist.
The D9 Suunto is the ultimate instrument of choice for all kinds of divers. It is an invaluable diving aid for those who do not compromise when it comes to the quality, materials and functionality of their dive equipment.
The All-Round Suunto D9
If you want the best scuba diving equipment, then the Suunto D9 dive computer is highly recommended for you. We believe that the D9 provides features that you would never be able to find in other basic models, but the final decision is solely on you and your taste in equipment. It is known to be the world’s first complete diving computer, with price tags ranging between the thousand and two thousand dollar range, depending on features and from which merchant you are purchasing from. It provides superior functions that other computers with similar price points can not offer.
Compound Functions
The Suunto dive computer D9 can be worn as a regular watch on dry land. But when diving time comes around, it has the capability of logging depth, dive time, temperature, and no-compression limits. You choose between gauge and free diving or Imperial and Metric. This computer for diving also comes with a digital compass that can store multiple headings, so it allows for easier mapping.
It makes the D9 very attractive for deep and technical dives as it is capable of handling three gas mixes. It is possible to switch gases during the dive and oxygen mixtures of 21 to 100 percent can be measured. The Deep Stop RGBM allows you to add safety stops for these switches as it can be used in depths up to 660 feet or 200 meters. During testing it was found to be very reliable and capable, even after hundreds of dives.
Dive Logging Features
The first stage regulator can be connected to an optional wireless transmitter which converts the D9 into an SPG. Multiple transmitters to monitor the pressure of more than one tank can be used, however, it is only to be activated before the dive starts, or else you have to return to the surface to activate it. TheD9 Suunto divers computer has a USB interface and the necessary software which is PC compatible, with which your dives can be easily logged and get a complete dive profile because it can store all of the relevant data, including photos from the dive. It is very interesting to compile information from individual dives, which also includes the sites, conditions and any other information you may want to store as notes.
Also to Keep in Mind
For Mac users, this software is not compatible, which is one of the only real drawbacks we have found with the Suunto D9, besides the need to replace the expensive battery, which is proprietary and requires the need to return it to the service center or the optional wireless transmitter feature, that has to be activated on the surface. Overall, this dive computer offers everything a deep diver could hope for in a wristwatch style computer. The all-in-one features are some of the best for divers that go on deep and technical dives. It is a superior option to consider when looking for dive computers.