Vintage Scuba: The First Dive Computers - S02E01

Many divers think dive computers are a recent invention. Alec shows his collection of experimental, mechanical and digital dive computers from the 1960's to 1980's. These were the ancestors of today's reliable, affordable, accurate and compact dive computers.
** In this episode of Vintage Scuba **
a 60 year old prototype dive meter with 5 bourdon tubes that attempted to estimate nitrogen absorption
a 1960 Italian SOS "Automatic Decompression Meter", by ScubaPro, in its protective travel "egg case"
"Bend-O-Matic" nickname giving the SOS meter
a SOS "Four Tissues Automatic Decompression Computer"
a SOS "Nemrod" a smaller version of the Four Tissues
a 1983 Orca "EDGE" with LCD graphical display in aluminum!
EDGE means "Electronic Dive guiDE" and used a 9V battery
a 1983 Divetronic "Deco-Brain" with LED display
**** Alec Peirce Scuba ****
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[@HuckleberryMoon]

I’m 32 and my father is a SCUBA instructor. He had me in the water as soon as I could fit into a BC (my mother’s). He made sure I knew the tables forward and backward. Then, when I finally got in the water, I used the Orca Edge. I used it until I got my own computer in high school. I remember older divers questioning me where I got it then they would inevitably tell me about the way things were when they learned. I was too immature at the time to appreciate those stories, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything now. I love your channel because it reminds me of those times. My father and I still dive together and now we watch your videos together, too. Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for watching. The Edge was a head of its time but the speed of change made it obsolete in a few years. My first scuba instructor told us never to use a single hose reg, it would kill us! Hope my videos educate and entertain both of you for many years to come.

[@hearsejr]

Lol I have been a diver longer then you been here... Damn I'm getting old! Lol

[@owenaraujo]

I stumbled upon this old video, it's so wholesome. Almost as good as the new stuff, the quality has 100% improved. Keep up the amazing work

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks, will do!

[@grywilliams8976]

Only ever owned two dive computers; Orca Pilot, and Cochran Commander. Still dive with the Cochran weekly and "it still does what it says on the tin" !!! Many thanks for a great and informative video Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Boy Oh Boy! An Orca! Good old computer. Take care. Alec

[@rodamaygalve8273]

love your videos diver since 1974 , lot of memories from the old days.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Me too! Glad you like remembering back to the 'stone age' of diving. A

[@saulgrinberg1527]

So cool, Alec! Thank you for the info. Amazing to see how far we’ve come with the technology.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

For sure the technology has come a long way. Still have to nudge divers to use them properly every dive. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@joshuawade8319]

Alec, that was a great video. I have been researching old dive computers myself lately and it is so helpful to have someone with considerable experience lend perspective to the topic . I really enjoyed it, thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm happy to send you photos or info if you'd like it for your research.Just let me know. Alec

[@joshuawade8319]

Alec, thank you for the offer; I may take you up on that sometime. I did find an interesting dive watch online but not a great deal about it. it was the Seiko M726-5a00. it looks rather primitive by today's standards but it is still interesting. Have you ever encountered such a device? Link to info I found below: www.digital-watch.com/DWL/1work/seiko_m726-5a00/

[@claytongreen2744]

Love this Knowledge!!! Thank You!!!!! Wish I was born when Scuba first started!!! 😊👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It was exciting all right but it's much easier and safer now. Alec

[@neilk4862]

Brilliant vid. You have strong game show host vibes

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Neil. Maybe something to do when all I'm finished with scuba, nope!

[@magiclarry7688]

My first (kind of) dive computer was a Casio watch that showed depth and also recorded the maximum depth and total time submersed. It was before dive computers existed to my knowledge. As I recall it was from the early 80's timeframe.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm not familiar with the Casio dive watches from back then but they do make a lot of watches for diving today. Thanks Larry.

[@magiclarry7688]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter mine looked like this one. I used it for 10 plus years. media.karousell.com/media/photos/products/2018/11/26/casio_snk200_dive_watch_depth_sensor_g_shock_frogman_style_vintage_old_school__1543213982_d65a5790_progressive.jpg

[@russellcampbell9641]

Thanks again Alec for another great video! You might want to do one on tables and "The Wheel" for posterity.

[@richardmorholt1175]

I knew Astronaut and Aquanaut, Commander Malcolm Scott Carpenter, he retired 1968-69. He was involved with “Sea-lab” 1-3 conducted off of Hawaii. His work included living 250 ft in Sea-Lab. They researched the design of a reliable dive computer.

[@DeathSocrates]

This was really informative, thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful! A

[@kaleyhepp8078]

Those computer germs will get cha.:) Love the videos great history see yall on the reefs! cant wait for the next one!

[@fred9za]

love your sense of humor

[@cavediver1948]

Alex; I just had to add to your comments about the Scubapro "Bend-a-matic". At the decompresion chamber at Duke University they hung a sign that stated "Please remove your decomp meter before entering chamber", No kidding. Jusst thoight you would like to know. I was certified in 1966.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, even Duke didn't trust them. Glad to hear from another 'stone age' diver and thanks for sharing Gord.

[@moclepocle]

Alec, great video again. Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again Mike. Alec

[@2009tucatube]

Hi Alec , cograts , really nice to see all details about the oldest dive computer .. Thank you to share !! Ah by the way, nice Shirt !! My best regards ..

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Claudio. I'll tell Kevin. The shirt was his idea. Alec

[@misterkaos.357]

My old man had his own Bend-O-Matic back in the day. To this day he proclaims, "most expensive dive weight I ever bought!"

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

I was issued US Navy dive manual by the Dining Chamber we had to read it out loud in class yes i still have it

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Bet you can recite it in your sleep even today!

[@troop1026]

The Orca computer was marketed in the states as the The Edge. You could remove weight from you weight belt if you dove with it. Great video Alec keep it coming. Montana Mike.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right. They had the Edge, a big, heavy, thing with a tiny screen. It was mostly battery. No Lithium cells back then! Their diver model was the Skinny Dipper - much smaller and lighter. Alec

[@stephenfrawley5594]

Great videos as always Alec! The prototype in particular is a beautiful piece. Really interesting. Love the old PADI diving / climbing / mountaineering posters in the background. I was trying to find photos of them online after but couldn't any where. Would you mind if it's not too much trouble maybe sending on some photos of them? I work as a climbing instructor mostly and am in the middle of my diving instructor training. It would be lovely to have a photo of the mash ups. :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Stephen but those posters and the store belong to the new owners of Scuba 2000 and they were trashed during their renovations. It's a funny poster to link scuba and mountain climbing. That's why it's in the background. Sorry mate. Alec

[@ReaperofMind]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Ah shame to hear. At least they survive here. Thanks for the response and hope you're keeping well with everything going on. Looking forward to getting to dive again!

[@FALCON-nb8nq]

As usual with your videos, very good.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@jordandr99]

My scuba instructors never provided or allowed dive computers during our Open Water course. Strictly learned dive tables or the electronic eRDPML in 2019.

[@tobyarmstrongcameraman9207]

I still dive with with my original "bend-O-matic". IWe dive deep and multiple depths in Louisiana at the oil platforms. In the 50 years diving with my original SOS gauge I have never been bent, and I have pushed to extreme limits. Purchased in 1969. It was also sold with a black plastic case under Sportsway. The internals are genius and simple. Just a bladder and bourdoun tube with gauge. It is activated by the deferential pressure between the tube camber and the bladder with a ceramic filter in between. Mine is calibrated to Table 5 decompression charts.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! I'm pretty sure that you are the only diver alive who still uses the Bendo. BTW, that model with the black, pressure proof case was from Scubapro. Good luck. Alec

[@arthurserino2254]

I learned diving 5 years ago, I was taught the tables and that's what I use. I also have tables with the conversions applied for 36% and 32% EANx. Rather than buy a computer, because I'm cheap and I don't like obsolescence, I bought an ERDPML that was already obsolete on ebay for $6.

[@MAGAisacult]

My 1st was "The Edge", we called it The Brick!! We'd huddle at 10 ft viewing each others bricks watching the pixels disappear clearing us to surface!!After a few years Orca came out will a "modern" compact new computer and I was one of 1st owners! Did a shallow but Loooong cave dive with it, about 60-70ft, likely a couple hours. Within minutes of surfacing it said I was ready to go, maybe 40+ minutes ate 60-70 ft. Knowing there was NO WAY that could be correct I called Orca. They had a local factory rep at my home that evening they were so afraid of liability, and needing the unit to diagnose. They ended up pulling that model for a period of time while kinks were worked out. Good thing it went to someone experienced enough to know it was wrong!!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ahh! The Edge. Well known and loved. It wasn't too handy and was hard to read but it worked. So did the Orca later. New computers are 100% accurate, 100% reliable, easy to read and understand and do a lot more too. But the Edge was part of that development. Thanks for the memories. Alec

[@Fliim]

I certified last year (2018) and I learned strictly tables... Curious :)

[@tomhyde9293]

Hi Alec, I still plan on my three PADI RDP tables and DSAT tables. I have an ERDPML, but do not care for it. I can't use it with enriched air and it is slower than the tables. I dive with two Mares computers, one on the wrist and one on the console. Unfortunately, the wrist computer does not monitor tank pressure. I'm saving up for a Scuba Pro G3. I know that does not exist yet, but by the time I save the money it probably will. Best regards, Tom

[@SpaceStickwithSpaceTick]

I dont know if I just had an old school instructor or if it was a 2nd rate class but I barely got any experience with a dive computer outside of the learning material. I got certified in 2016. Did all my certifications with dive tables as well as when I went to a sea base week long dive in the keys after I was certified. never went below 50 feet but it seems like these days its hard to rent rental gear without a computer unless you are not going below 30 feet.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

In the USA, dive computers are almost 100% required by operators. Primarily for safety but also a lot has to do with liability. The depth should have no bearing as even renting a dive computer will be safer and give you more dive time than tables. A.

[@Caderic]

Really cool stuff. We use the same technology but for WAY different applications in aircraft.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes sir and vintage scuba divers used surplus WW2 parts for tanks and regulators. Guess we are even?

[@Caderic]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Nah, we are moving forward together! LOL

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

I use a Scuba pro G2 Galileo i never thought it would come dive computer

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Using any current dive computer makes it safer and much more fun. I quite diving for a few years because of tables, spg, short dives. Now I'm first in, last out and just as safe as my buddy.

[@AdventureIQ]

at 8:39 I have one of those Decompression Gauges from Scuba Pro!

[@DarkSideDiving]

AMAZING

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Stephan. Alec

[@IM35461]

Alec, do you have a talking dive computer in your collection? I have one that goes on your mask strap.

[@Floodbait_117]

There need to be a dive museum( if there isn't one already) and you need to be the voice for the guided tour.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Cory. My voice is either a love or hate it depending if your my wife or the dog. There are several museums in the US to visit, Florida has a good one and the Avalon Diving Museum in Catalina.

[@Floodbait_117]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks for the info I might have to visit it

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I have an old SOS dive computer from when I started diving back in the 70's. The data plate on the front came off years ago. I would be willing to sell it. It comes with the waterproof case and manual.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Those old SOS are still available in good condition, some with original manuals. Post it on eBay or scuba web sites as there are still collectors wanting more or for parts. Alec

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you!

[@ABCDiver]

I'll go diving with you if you bring all these meters to see how they work, set a date and location.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sounds fun but all these were sold to other vintage collectors who would not let them near humid air today. There are still SOS devices on eBay etc, but only for fun to mess your dive buddies head. A

[@Neptune730]

ROTF "Bend-O-Matic" 😵😲😂😂

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Neat old piece of scuba history. Alec

[@benheckendorn2696]

I guess you all already asked yourself: who is the person Alec means? Well it's me! 😁 But around three month ago I bought a dive computer. An Atmos Mission one. Which I can recomend. But I still belive it's smart to understand the dive table even if you got a computer.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Nice vintage computer Ben. Keep on collecting. A

[@benheckendorn2696]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter well it's a Taiwan company, but it hast a graphic display and gps, which is nice to have, because sometimes you may want to save a beautiful dive site.

[@seikibrian8641]

1:22 "New divers don't see decompression tables." Most PADI Open Water Diver students in the USA still have to pass a test on the dive tables. Some use the "eRDPml" electronic dive planner, but most use the good old plastic tables.

[@befru]

I got PADI open water certified in Washington state last month and I never saw a single dive table during the class. The course used the eRDPml and I just use my computer to plan my dives.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I seldom disagree with anyone here but, we are a big PADI Facility (5 Star IDC) in Toronto and we haven't taught tables in over 2 years - as per PADI standards. The PADI Open Water Student Crew Pack dooesn't even have tables in it. The PADI Quiz & Exams still has a section for stores still teaching tables but it's optional and can be skipped in favor of the section on Dive Computers. I suspect that the tables will completely disappear in a couple more years. And, this coming from a diver who has used dive tables for over 50 years, I'm gald to see them gone and replaced with something easier to use, more accurate, that gives me more underwater time and that I don't have to review every time I go on a trip. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@seikibrian8641]

The eRDPML is required for the Divemaster course, but is optional of the OWD. Your instructor should offer the choice, and if you took the e-Learning it would have offered a choice. Since you currently need the plastic tables for the Nitrox course, being familiar with them from the get go is a good idea, in my opinion, even if you're going to use a computer 99.9% of the time. (P.S. Underwater Sports, Lighthouse, or someone else?)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Darn it. Twice I have to disagree. The PADI EANx course (Nitrox) hasn't used the tables for quite a while either. Tables can be taught as an option in all the courses but more and more instructors see the value (and safety) in teaching and promoting computers. You are right about the Divemaster course. The tables, the Wheel and the eRDP (or eRDPml) is required learning for Divemasters. That is simply because a PADI DM may be supervising divers who still use tables. It isn't because the tables are considered worth keeping alive. That too will change in the future. Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I don't disagree that knowledge of the tables may prove useful but ..... 1. the tables are the most difficult part of the OW course and has turned off many new divers 2. the student seldom remembers how to use them within a few months anyway 3. an Instructor can't offer a choice to students who have no idea what he's talking about, and I suggest that if they did know what the choices were about, they'd choose computer 4. the advantages of the computer are numerous - advantages that you cannot get from the tables 5. if your computer fails, all the table knowledge in the world cannot be applied. You cannot safely go from a computer guided dive to the tables. So, weighing everything, I find it hard to argue that teaching the tables is worthwhile. Alec

[@johnrambo1859]

Hi Alec What was next?

[@charliehaslam4967]

I did my basic padi course 3 years ago and I know the tables and I still use them after every dive but I still know how to use a computer

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Table give divers a deeper understand of Pressure Groups and how residual nitrogen affects follow up dives than computers. However, with a dive computer, all you really need to know is to follow its display instructions around NDL, depth, time and surface intervals for safer dives. Enjoy your diving adventures Charlie.

[@hugomendes3130]

I still do after a dive all the table stuff, even having a Perdix AI. And I take with me to the dive a pressure gauge and a deep meter and check them from time to time, but usually I just look to the Perdix AI.

[@aminnekoubin]

THANKS, HOW DOES 4 TISSUES WORK?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's a theoretical model that the human body has 4 tissue groups, from fast to slow absorption. Some tissues absorb nitrogen fast like fat, others slowly like muscles. Every dive computer uses 1 or more models to approximate the amount of nitrogen a diver absorbed based on dept, time, health, etc factors. A more accurate way to determine NDL than tables, not perfect but much more accurate.

[@MAGAisacult]

Oh, btw, didn't realize they stopped teaching tables. Sad. I think it should be taught so students understand the theory computers are based on. The how's and why's of multi level.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Don't cry too much William. I have used the analogy of the Slide Rule which was a common tool for all mathematicians, machinists, draftsmen, carpenters, etc. in the 60's-70's. Everyone knew how to work out squares, roots and trig functions on the slide rule. Now I'm guessing all those older folks would have no idea how to use one, if they could find one!! It's the same with dive tables. They teach you nothing. Weren't intended to. All they did was allow you to calculate easily your residual. You get no theory or greater understanding of decompression sickness from the tables. New divers do learn the theory of decom sickness - that is, depth and time contribute to nitrogen absorption. Too much depth/time and a diver absorbs too much. Depth and time must therefore be limited and the computer tells you how - without making mistakes. I hear about divers who worry and sweat before going on a dive trip because they've not used tables for a year. That's a diver who's going to get into trouble. Take care. Alec

[@smogdanoff7053]

5:57 Subtitles say ”your old death gauge”

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Back in the day, 'super new technology', today it is 'don't use this'. Lots have changed since then Teaeth.

[@michaeladams9786]

and we are only using gauges like depth gauges temperature and compass thats all

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Maybe ask the owner/instructor when dive computers will be taught (per most training agencies requirements). If the answer is soon, find a place with current teaching practices.

[@michaeladams9786]

i had the choice to be taught with one but i said no because i told my instructor that any body could dive with a computer and i said what if my computer broke and he said that`s a hell of a reason sir

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If a dive computer were to fail, or any key piece of scuba gear (leaking hose, etc.), end the dive and surface slowly with your buddy. It's when divers try to justify continuing a dive with faulty gear that real safety problems occur.

[@Ralphgtx280]

5 tissue compartments ? Buhlmann uses 16

[@danmarelli551]

We still teach and use diving tables, and so does the US Navy.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The USN is an authority on tables but for recreational divers, a computer is easy and safe to use with the most bottom time. Thanks for watching Dan.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

You are such a wealth of knowledge you really should be compensated for your efforts. I would ask that you consider monitizing your channel. Not to worry, you and Kevin won't become wealthy, but it will pay for your coffee.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

We get offers all the time to monetize but for now, we want to share without ads, or subs or likes or sponsors, etc. Thanks for the feedback and hope you keep watching and sharing.

[@Dive_Me_Crazy]

Love those early systems.... RED and your dead.... Well maybe, sort of, could be, or not, oh hell... Just go up anyway.... Maybe. I also like that big brick brain on your arm... Makes you look like an astronaut. I can see those coming back in style for the more macho recreational tech diver.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Actually some of the more elaborate tekkie dive computers are almost as bad. Provided I have my prescription lens on I love my watch style. Alec

[@aminnekoubin]

THANKS TO MY MK1.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Your welcome.

[@juzdeed]

Kevin !!! Focus !!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Go easy, he is only a kid, at 62!

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

I am looking at a newer dive computer

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

So many pics, look over my videos on Air Integrated vs wrist and others for ideas before heading to the dive shop. Those shinny dive computers are hypnotic!.

[@djsalose]

actually.. if you go a CMAS course you will learn how to use decompression tables..

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm a CMAS III Star instructor. There are lots of scuba agencies that still teach dive tables. At the risk of starting a long, possibly angry debate, may I ask why would I or any new diver want to learn dive tables? Now, before you freak out, divers must still learn the theory of decompression sickness and avoiding it through monitoring of their depth/time. It is a fact of scuba diving. Dive tables on the other hand, are simply an outmoded method of tracking and applying that depth/time information, the only method we (I) had for many years until the advent of modern, reliable dive computers. I liken dive tables to a slide rule (or even worse, an abacus). Both were de rigueur (the standard) at the time but have now been completely replaced by calculators first and now computers. No one would suggest that a student today must master either the slide rule or the abacus before he can start using a computer for mathematical calculations. Why must a scuba student master dive tables before using his dive computer. Now, before you begin, I've heard all the arguments so let me save you some time. 1. Learning decompression theory and avoidance is necessary but that is NOT related to using the dive tables. The dive tables are simply one way to apply the theory of avoidance - keeping track of depth and time to achieve no-decom dives. Dive tables do not prevent decom sickness. They are a tool used to calculate the diver's gas level so he can apply his knowledge to avoid decom sickness. Dive computers are another tool, much newer and much more accurate, for the same purpose. 2. Mastering the dive tables does NOT help a diver avoid decom sickness. Understanding the theory of decom sickness and using a tool, any tool, does that. A dive computer is a better tool than dive tables for that purpose. 3. Some will say that the diver needs to know dive tables in case his computer fails. First, if his computer fails, of what value are dive tables? The diver knows neither his depth nor time! His diving for that day is over! Same as if his depth gauge or watch failed. Second, a modern computer (less than 5 years old) is virtually 100% reliable. Much more so than a scuba regulator. Take your pick. I'm not arguing here. Just presenting the case for accepting that diev bear has changed over the years and every time, many divers have fght that change. Thankfully to no avail so we now use Safe Seconds and BCDs and don't use Buddy Breathing. That's just a couple of examples. There are lots. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@eyeofjake]

I totally agree with Alec. Dive tables are great to know, but are an older means of calculating dives. Modern day dive algorithms are light years ahead in practicality and functionality over tables. Having tables as a basis is great, but an actively computing decompression model in a computer is far superior in dive planning and safety.

[@hearsejr]

Huh????? They don't use dive tables anymore????? Damn, I got two new in opened PADI dive kits with book and everything, and an open one that I use the dive tables from... And my commercial divers book with the navy dive charts I keep at home for planing and after dive stuff.. the only computer o ever had was a Jim bout, that the battery went bad and I couldn't find replacements (found out later they don't make them any more) so I traded the whole rig.. including a three tank in a back pack system that looked like it would be found onboard the Seaview..lol.. that was out of hydro. Lol I am finding it hard to believe that some new divers didn't even recognize a weight belt that had the old plain lead bricks on a belt. Lol. One guy even thought it was a zinc to keep the gear from corroding.. lol. I sort of feed that to him, so he would look intelligent at the dive while talking about the flippers and oxygen tank.. I can not stand for someone to call my air tank a oxygen tank! Hehehehe.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh that's funny, zinc to stop corrosion, ha ha. We "mature" divers need to pass along that all the 'new' stuff divers want is just re-packaged and better made from decades ago. Full face masks, 1960's, CCR's from WW2, etc. Anyway, thanks for sharing my friend.

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

Let me tell you a story from 32 meteres involving my pressure gauge and my no air integrated semi-tech dive computer. Greece, my buddy(tech 200+ dives) is on sidemount 2 x12 L air , I am on 15 L single air. After 20 minutes I check may pressure gauge and it reads 150 bar at 32 meters. Neat I say i improved my air consumption. After 10 minutes i check the pressure again = 150 bar.... hmmmm... after 3 minutes 150 bar. I know that usually I consume a lot but I am at 32 meters and at 23 degrees temperature , a lot of vis, not exhausted .... I signal my buddy that my pressure gauge if fu**ed. i tell him what I read , he checks time on his computer at makes some big eyes at me. He also checks his 2 spg's and signals me he got plenty of air and no problem. We continue back towards boat in slow ascent with him holding a arm on me and I in front of him so I can signal no air. Both our computers now say 50 minutes dive time and both are on buhlmann , both have nodeco time alers and say 3 minutes at 10 meters deco stop. We make the mandatory stop since now we are on a no clear surface situation, my gauge is on 150 bar even after serious pouding it on rocks and buddy tank. We also make the 5 meter 3 minutes safety with eye contack and my buddy with the backup 2'd stage prepared. We ascend very slowly to surface and end the dive. 1 h 5 minutes total. I pound the damn gauge on the boat and instantly drops at 50 bar. 😅 What is the conclusion .... don't trust nothing and always have both electronics and mecanichal devices to take info from and most important keep very calm when something happends because else it can develop easily in a catastrofe. abot the vid... i think those computers of yours are very accurate if you do some mind calculations and also contribute on keeping you calm. During that dive my computer and my dive buddy's was full of alerts and sounds which contribute to disconfort and panic building. We had to ignore everything and take into consideration our training and our clear thought. And i foud out that clear thought is very hard to maintain if you know that you have to ignore your pressure gauge and expect every breath to be the latest

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! Quite a dive. Obviously your analog gauge wasn't happy but to stick at full is not nice! It's not common but can certainly happen. Fortunately you were watching the gauge. The best gauge or computer in the world is useless if the diver doesn't look at it. Take care. Alec

[@michaeladams9786]

im in the middle of my traing to be a open water diver and we are using dive tables

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No excuse to continue to use outdated subjects when dive computers can provide much more safety information than tables.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Here is the real,question how did the determine the time and depth for the US Navy dive tablealso it doesnt matter the idea fo how many tisseues where involved there is only one thing that matteres. I really think the multiple tissue was marketing hype. Modern dive computers are just a matrix table.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Limits for the original dive tables were often arrived at by experience. That is, when they found that a diver got the bends, they knew he was too deep or too long or both so they changed the limits. Eventually they had a full set. I've no idea how many divers they went through. Alec

[@ICosminTM]

Definition of computer: An electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals.(Oxford Dictionaries) So, dive computer is a computer.

[@jackfeder8484]

You are correct that modern dive computers are computers even though Alec is attempting to distinguish between them and the general purpose computers we use at home. However, I have a problem with the definition you have given; Old analog computers do not fit that definition, but they were definitely computers. Not all analog computers were electronic. Electronic analog computers do not fit that definition. I am aware that we use the OED as definitive, but this definition is not correct unless there are other possibilities not shown. The gauges shown in this video with multiple pressure volumes and different flow rates are non-electronic analog computers. They module the different tissues and the absorption rates as volumes with different hole diameters. This is a very good example of an analog computer.

[@misterkaos.357]

Back in the day, a computer was a person with a slide rule who sat in a pool of fellow computers to perform all the calculations needed for various projects. By that definition, any device capable of performing even the most basic of arithmetic calculations could be considered a computer. So if your dive buddy read from a set of dive tables and then signaled to you the amount of time you had left to stay down, he could technically be considered a dive computer!

[@boris2342]

great job making videos for vintage fans. not a diver, but love content

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you Boris. Hope these give you laugh and learn something too.