Quote: (Originally Posted by
silent running)
Hello Paul, the benefits of an onboard deco computer are minimal, IMHO.
Yes Mark is right, with an onboard deco comp you will never have to worry about changing set point on both the CCR and the computer. So now you only have to push one button instead of 2. This is not enough to justify the additional complexity of an on board deco comp, IMHO.
Onboard deco systems have multiple interfaces with the unit-sensors, solenoids, tempsticks, power switch-and thus more possibility for bugs. None of these interfaces seem really vital and take away some of the diver's options, like being able to overide the solenoid firing. You also have to like the deco alg that comes with the unit, another lack of flexability. You get a measure of convenience, but you give up some freedom, just in like any other aspect of life.
If your CCR can maintain set point well, why add another level of complexity by linking the comp and the unit? Whether you're diving MCCR or ECCR, I see no reason to add complexity anytime you can avoid it. KISS applys to ECCR just as much, if not more so, than MCCR. Too much convenience can cause complacency, too much complexity means extra effort to solve a problem, which is not any benefit in a crisis. -Andy
It depends on how you rate the benefits.
On pure deco time a 150min run time dive to 70 ish there would be about 15mins between the on board P02 monitoring VR3 and the of board set at 1.25. No big deal. However the other thing was the VR3 could provide deco info in the event of going semi closed and it could provide a PP02 confirmation if i were reduced to diving the HUD and the VR3 to get home. These benefits appealed to me. The integrated VR3 also acted as back up to the non integrated VR3 if I had to bail out to OX.
Its and expensive way to be free of tables but I hated tables.
ATB
Mark Chase