sherwood

Anyone using an X1 in fixed PO2 mode along with their Shearwater?
I am currently contemplating (I know, what else is new) on purchasing a backup computer to my Shearwater and having it strictly run in fixed PO2. I have thought about getting a Shearwater Predator SA but I kind of like the small profile of the X1 for my right arm and also maybe having another deco algorithm to reference. I know the price difference between the two is big, but I am not concerned with that as almost everything I buy for this hobby is expensive anyway

This is Ken's fault for getting me on this road, I know he's lurking about somewhere

Sharky1948

First a disqualifier: I just did my rEvo Mod 1 last week, so I'm not experienced on the unit.

That said, I had an X1 from my OC days and am using it as a backup with the Predator. I ran it in constant PO2 mode during training. I like its low footprint a lot. It has been great on OC and in the caves on OC. In concept, I like the fact that I'm running VPM on it just to have "two opinions" on the deco. However, since I was flying the rEvo manually, my PO2 wasn't exactly constant, so I can't comment on the differences in what the two algorithms are recommending. My plan is to run the rEvo in hybrid mode with a high setpoint of 1.1, manually keeping it to 1.3. I would set the X1 to constant PO2 of 1.2 for conservatism and to allow for lack of precision of my keeping the target PO2 nailed.

jcmankat

Greetings Sherwood-- hope all is well

I do exactly what you are considering. Shearwater on left hand as controller and PO2 monitoring, and X1 stand alone on the right.

I like V-planner. Thus the X1 will match my tables I cut as it is on a fixed set point. I like the Shearwater -- awesome to calibrate, user friendly, etc... Bailing out onto the X1, adding gas in the middle of the dive, etc is very easy. The tapping thing is a piece of cake..

I would suggest 2 thoughts:

1. Upgrade to the Predator as your controller, and use your Pursuit on a fixed set point on your right hand,

2. Add the X1 as you described..

I do all my DECO off of the X1 after checking the average PO2 on the Shearwater to make sure it is ~~ 1.3.. I dive GF 25/90 on shearwater which matches almost identically with the X-1 in VPM/B +2 conservative....

****note**** liquivision's customer service is outstanding (as is Shearwater) and I know this as I am on my 3rd X1 in 2 years because of the depth sensor Failing... No biggie, they next day mailed me a brand new one each time, even before I returned the broken one.. Just something to be aware of..

Good luck..

John

Attached Images

x1 sensor failure.JPG (139.5 KB, 362 views)

sherwood

Hey John,

I am probably going to go with option #2. I like v-planner myself and have used it in the past to cut my tables when I was on OC. I also use GAP and MV-Plan as well just to see how everything matches up.

Thanks for the input!

sea2summit

I kind of like having a computer that works and has outstanding service

I do understand where the OP is comming from though with wanting different computers / deco algorithms. I specifically offset my software updates just in the off chance there's a glitch I happen to find with partiular dive hopfully both computers don't vaper lock at the same time.
As for room I just watched that NOVA cave deal, you see the guy with 4? That's a little over board in my book but one on each arm with a wrist slate so far hasn't been an issue for me but sense you have one you know what your dealing with.

kwinter

Yup, I'm here. But you should know that Steph is considering buying the X1.

I do exactly the same thing with my X1. It runs in constant pO2 mode for VPM while my Hammerhead handset runs GF. Not much difference since I got the GF adjusted right. The critical thing is when making a setpoint change there is an extra step to remember. Change the primary, change the secondary, change the X1.

And note to Sharky -- Nothing beats having an X1 in the cave for lights-out drill. Are you coming down to the flea market this Sunday?

Ken

lof

I use it in fixed Po2 mode as a backup to my two Hammerheads or as a secondary PO2 monitor with X-link on the sidemount CCR.

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Stephan Mc

The only way I think I may ne able to swing it right no is to sell my very slightly used Explorer abyss. Can I interest you Sherwood? No really, Of you decide you want the X-1, you get 1st shot.
Warm regards,
Steph

Gill Envy

I was considering it, but I've settle on using a second Pursuit for the following reasons.

-Early on in my rebreather experience I had repeated total electronics failures, ruining two amazing trips, which put field serviceability and redundancy at the top of my priority list.
- this lead me to a modular unit (the MEG) using two of the same computers, both with three sensor reading capability... if one craps out, I can plug the other in top side and KEEP DIVING with in line po2/deco on a trip without having to send the unit back to the factory!
-While the Shearwater is larger, I have found there is a very good reason for that- the abuse of every day diving requires robustness. I was turned off by how many folks had issues particularly with X1 screens cracking and other components failing, only to find there is no way to replace many of the X1 components, as they are potted. this is not such a big deal, as long as the computer is under warranty or the manufacturer doesn't put the fault on the diver. Once the warranty is out though... It's still a cool computer, but something to consider. It appears to me that the computer is essentially disposable.

Just about every component in the Shearwater is replaceable! I haven't been hindered by having one on each wrist. Shearwater is a rock solid company with amazing customer service and i'm very much looking forward to the Predator upgrade, an upgrade to what will essentially be a brand new computer for a nominal fee... I dont' see other manufacturers making sure that advances in hardware benefit even their existing customer base in this way.

I guess I'm hooked!
g

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Gill Envy

cadblaster3

I'm all for using 2 different types of computers. After having a particular one lock me out during a deeper bailout, it got my attention. I realized that 2 identical computers would have left me in the same situation, when I needed them the most. They both would have been locked up being exposed to the same dive profile in my case..........