Do you use computer or tables for deco and trimix dives?

[brianstclair]

I've posted this question on a few other boards, but I wanted to post it here as well, as almost all of my diving right now is in the caves.

So the basic question is, if you own a trimix-capable computer, do you use it as your primary source for stop depths and times for deco dives (on trimix or otherwise), or do you cut tables and use your computer as a backup?

A point was made on another forum that the more multilevel profiles found in caves versus wrecks might lend themselves more to computer use. Any thoughts?

Just curious what tools you all are using and how. Thanks!

Brian

[aw]

I spent a grand for a trimix compatable dive computer. I use the computer as the primary because of the multi-level profile potential that you speak of. A grand would be a heck of a lot of money to only use it as a backup. I cut custom tables as my backup.

Usually, my computer will not require the deeper stops required by the tables. So I start by stopping at the table's required deeper stops and then switch over to the computer when I hit its first deepest required stop. In the end, the computer and the custom tables aren't materially different in run times, even on trimix dives.

[brianstclair]

A grand would be a heck of a lot of money to only use it as a backup.

I agree, but it surprises me how many people do, or who bought expensive computers and then sold them to switch over to tables and a bottom timer. Could just be a vocal minority though - I'm very close to purchasing a trimix-capable computer myself, and have not found any good reasons NOT to use it. I plan on cutting custom tables as a backup, and I also plan on monitoring the types of curves my computer gives me for a good while though.

Usually, my computer will not require the deeper stops required by the tables. So I start by stopping at the table's required deeper stops and then switch over to the computer when I hit its first deepest required stop. In the end, the computer and the custom tables aren't materially different in run times, even on trimix dives.

So you don't find your computer "punishing" you for those deep stops? Not sure I'm allowed to ask, but do you mind telling me what computer you're using and what software you're using to generate your backup tables?

Thanks for the response!

Brian

[aw]

I use Nitek He computer and V-Planner or Deco Planner software.

I'm no deco guru. It could add a few minutes, but it's nothing that really stood out.

One thing I enjoy about using a computer is being able to record the profile. Very useful for planning future dives.

[brianstclair]

Thanks aw - I appreciate the responses.

Brian

[curtschu]

I was watching that thread on the other board and found it funny that it took something like 15-20 post before the first mention of ups and downs of cave diving. I too own the very expensive computer from the UK and I am getting ready to send it in for maintenence and upgrade. Then upgrade to trimix. I think for the cave diving world, most use the computer as primary and the tables for back-up. What do you do if you use tables Exp. Lower Orange Grove, You make a short dip to 175 them spend most of the dive in 150-140 area. then dip again to exit. If you put this in a V-pl@ner it freaks about bounce profile. You also would have to cut contingency tables for all the depth segments....
It just makes sense to use the computer and then if you have to bailout to tables you use the max depth and pay the penalty. Now I dive with a guy on this board that uses tables all the time. Maybe he can chime in.
Do you Average your depth then calculate?

Just my 2 cents

[DeWayne]

You really need to analyze the final curve to accurately determine if deep stops are being penalized by your computer. With a Nitek 3 it initially shows me being penalized at deep stops, but once I get shallow the penalty is no longer there. I typically follow a plan with deep stops as generated by a VPM/B algo, and then finish out on my computer. This adds on extra time in the shallower stops (not too different from the standard algo of the computer without the deeper stops) as compared to following the table all the way out, but I see no need to get in a rush and I feel good after each dive.

There's nothing wrong with telling us which computer you use, what you like about it, or what you don't like about it. That's what this forum was established for. Rule number 6 simply prohibits statements such as, "Everything this company makes is great," or, "Everything that company makes is garbage."

Allen, I removed the asterisks in your post because they weren't necessary.

[Tegg]

"Everything that company makes is garbage."

You forgot to fill in the company name...

[FW]

I agree with AW. I use a Hydrospace Explorer for primary deco, and tables for backup. On deep dives, I cut custom tables to cover the most likely potential profiles.