RATIO iX3M TECH+ - THE 300m BEAST | FULL REVIEW & VLOG

[@Jonathanzz49]

What is the magmeter for? I understand what it does but what scenario is it useful in?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I mean - it is incredibly geeky, and in all honesty I don't see a realistic scenario that 99.9999% of divers would actually use. Definitely not for recreational, limited with Technical... I'm picturing a dark gloomy scene on the seabed with next to zero visibility. The magmeter would help to navigate around a wreck, or underwater rig - almost a bit like a metal detector. Well, that's my take on it - I could be wildly out but logically I'm not sure why else it would be used. The iX3m has magnetometers built in, they detect changes in the earths magnetic field. Some kind of metal (“ferromagnetic metals”) like iron can be spotted by the iX3M magnetometer. The magnetometer shares the compass calibration procedure, and the current density of magnetic field detected is indicated in uT (microTesla). As the magmeter works better underwater than on the surface it's tough to even try and play around with it on dry land. And if anybody reading this has a better, and clearer explanation, I would love to hear it!!!

[@Jonathanzz49]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Thanks for the educated guess 👌I have the computer so will give it a go on my next dive.

[@VukVukovljak]

I would like to see ix3m 2 vs Perdix 2

[@mikedugan3253]

Thank you for doing this review, very nice.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Mike Dugan no - thank YOU Mike for the suggestion! We’d never had the chance to dive with it otherwise!! 👍🏻🙏🏼

[@asmith5488]

does it work with linux?

[@rjmidd2650]

Thank you for this review. Have you reviewed the Ratio verses the Shearwater Perdix AI? I am looking at one or the other for rec diving.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Ray Middleton Hi Ray - thanks for the comment. Haven’t compared the Ratio vs the Perdix AI, but have compared the Perdix against the Suunto EON Steel if that helps? I’ll post the link below. 👍🏻 Let me know if it’s of any help...

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Ray Middleton kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2WYZnSHmbqio8k

[@rjmidd2650]

Thanks for the quick reply. I did see your review of the EON Steel. Nice but think the perdix is a better buy. What I did like about the Ratio was it already has the VPM where Shearwater is an optional purchase. Also Ratio has a bigger screen. Guessing warranty is the same. Thanks

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Ray Middleton agree - Perdix all day long against the Steel. The Ratio however is a really serious bit of kit. I was really surprised at the simplicity of the menus too. Just fells indestructible too. I mean - 300m..?!

[@shuntao3475]

@@BlackMantaPhotography I would be really interested in a Ratio v Shearwater comparison too. I have seen your Steel video, but in Florida I have never ever actually scene someone diving with one. Everyone our here talks Shearwater for Tech.

[@ajaynayak4163]

Hi , great reviews ! I am a pretty new duvet with about 30 dives under my belt. I don't own a DC yet. I am getting a great deal on a RATIO IX3M Pro with transmitter . Would you recommend it ? It's going to cost me about 695 USD. I am looking for a future proof dive computer as I plan to peruse diving seriously !

[@ajaynayak4163]

Or what would you recommend ? :) Sunto d5 , teric or the ratio ?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Ajay... if you’re going to get the transmitter with the iX3M then I’d say go for it. It’s a great computer and you’ll have the benefit of getting used to it as you learn to dive. It’s a big unit, so you may prefer something smaller - I wear my tablet DC (Suunto Steel) on the arm of my camera, and a smaller watch style DC on my wrist as a back up. My only advice really is to head to your load dive store and try a few on - see what’s comfortable and go from there. D5 is a great DC as is the Teric too - not sure you will get any cheap deals on the Teric though! 😊

[@ajaynayak4163]

Perfect ! Thank you for the advise ! The teric costs about 1000 USD + taxes here WITHOUT a transmiter . So I think I ll go with the ratio as long as it is as reliable as the D5. Saw some reviews around saying it failed to go to dive mode etc etc . But that may be a one off thing too I am comfortable with the size and mount of the Ratio since I was renting out scubapro galileo Luna so far which is HUGE but I grew to love it :) thank you once again !

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

ajay nayak you’re very welcome and glad we could help. Also check out the Aqualung i770R. That’s also a large screen tablet style DC and also very very good!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

ajay nayak this was the i770R review... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZmmomynm7aJm9E

[@sandorszabo2582]

Good how are you! You help a lot!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

That's great! Glad to help :)

[@angelalicea4726]

Do the Ratio have a good audible ascent alarm?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Angel Alicea hi there - yes it does. I found all the alarm sounds on the Ratio to be very good 👍🏻

[@MrSharky1972]

I'm a little confused ... why a Buhlmann ZHL-16B instead of the usual ZHL-16C? It is assumed that 16-C is more common in technical diving and somewhat more conservative.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Buhlmann has three versions of the ZHL16 algorithm, each of which are slightly differient. ZHL16a is for theoretical use only. ZHL16b is for generating tables. ZHL16c has slightly more conservatism built in because it was intended for use in dive computers. Generally, you will notice little difference between the "b" an "c" options, except for middle-length dives to middling depths, where the "b" version will be slightly less conservative.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I was trying hard to find a document to best explain this for you - in my opinion this explains it the best. Check it out... alchetron.com/B%C3%BChlmann-decompression-algorithm

[@MrSharky1972]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Thank you very much for the information, I understand now that the choice is for a more flexible algorithm but the values ​​of the lower TTS in the 16B comparing with a zhl-16C with same 30/80 gradients in same dive catch my attention. maybe matching the low and high gradients in the zhl-16B and the zhl-16C to make the comparison is not correct but I don't understand why

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Manuel Egea Alonso you’re very welcome. Complex isn’t it - enough to make your brain ache!

[@andrewl1024]

Do you know anything about the GPS edition?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Personally I've not used the GPS edition, but I've read about it. I understand it will take you to any co-ordinates you input into the unit, but as with any GPS systems, they don't work underwater..! This link might be useful?? www.ratio-computers.com/ix3m/gps/ix3m_gps_deep.htm

[@MrSharky1972]

I use an iX3M GPS tech +, the GPS use is limited to the surface and serves to register a maximum of 10 waypoints and navigate to a point or return to another without references but ... for some strange reason the Ratio engineers have not included something as basic as the distance between your position and the point you are navigating ¡¡¡¡¡¡... it only shows altitude, heading and speed ... with which the functionality is very limited and practically useless. I hope they will respond to user requests to correct these serious limitations...

[@peterfigueroa8807]

awesome review

[@Ben-ie1ht]

Does anyone know how to change the language in the ix3m

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Ben - I don't have one to hand, but I believe it's in the general set area of the main menu? I'll see what I can find out if not. Let me know.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Ben - I contacted Ratio direct for you as I was also stumped. I've had a response back from their team in Italy. The response say: "To change the language or setting some features on your computer, you need to download on you PC our application Ratio Toolbox, by following this link: www.ratio-computers.com/support/support4/support2.htm You can use the app Subsurface to download your dives on the PC. For any further informations do not hesitate to contact me again." I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@Ben-ie1ht]

@@BlackMantaPhotography thanks a lot it worked for me

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@Ben-ie1ht Great! Glad you got it sorted!

[@jaimieboy999]

Safe some air for us.

[@Biedrzyk73]

all I want from my DC is to show the correct phase of the Moon

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Biedrzyk73 haha... you’ll be surprised how many shore divers like to know when the moon phases are to plan dives with the high/low tides in mind...

[@Biedrzyk73]

@@BlackMantaPhotography hmm, tides... it never actually crossed my mind before. There is indeed a significant effect in some cold places. But it is more like pre-dive prep thing, like weather - where to go rather than how deep, for how long with what gas.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Biedrzyk73 yep - I don’t disagree, and in all honesty it’s not something I really considered either. But as you say, you can do the pre-dive check with the DC. There are places I’m aware of that have a 7m variance between low and high tide. Useful to know if you are diving with a buddy on your own and want to meticulously plan.

[@last1570]

I have Heard- to much bad about this computers. Unfortunately this is no alternative to a Shearwater dive computer.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

I guess it depends on which part of the world you live in. I live in Switzerland, right next door to Italy where they are made. I’ve had my IX3M for the past five years and no issues, plus when I sent it for the annual revision last year they swapped my screen protector for free. Before that I had two Petrels in 3 years, and Shearwater customer care never gave a damn about my computers when I had problems and sent them to Canada. On top of customer care, the reasons I chose Ratio on top of Shearwater after my Petrels were: choice of algorithm model out of the box, more freedom as to gradient factors, vibrant alarms, a better compass, better lisibility, the possibility to use it as an O2 analyser as well as gas blending aid, 40+ years of experience by Ratio and having militaries use the iX3M, air integration with more captors and gases than any Shearwater product, and the other apps such as the manietic fields detector that come with it and are a direct heritage of its military use. Know that the iX3M2 just came out, I’m considering upgrading to it as it gives the choice to choose from 4 different algorithm models. And while shearwater just released the Petrel 3 and Perdix 2, they are still way behind in terms of tech and what they give the user for their products high prices.

[@shuntao3475]

@@brunol-p_g8800 Thank you for your Feed back. It seems no one wants to compare the Ratio and the Perdix. I have a Perdix and Teric for Technical diving and love them, as these are what where used in my Tech classes, But I am not an Expect DC connoisseur. Here in the USA, our Shearwater service is outstanding. That said, the Ratio are now available through Hog for me to sell. I am very interested in some honest comparisons of the DCs. Anything you could pass on would be appreciated.

[@niero50]

@@brunol-p_g8800 Thank you for your opinion i am really in need to this information. Because I am about to buy my first tech computer and I was very attracted by Ratio ix3m2 more than perdix2 , I read some negative complains about ix3m1.