Hi folks, let’s first discuss what Nitrox diving is and why or why nitrox is not important. Then we are going to get into the best dive computers on the market today, the Oceanic Atom 2.0 and the Dive Rite Trio technical computer.
We’ve all breathed nitrox. Nitrox means a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen and the word “nitrox” does not indicate the ratio of those elements. So air is also nitrox because it contains (basically) nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%)… And a bit of trace elements like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smog, arsenic, cigarette smoke, etc. .. The basis of the word nitrox is the expression Nx/Ox, where N is the chemical sign of nitrogen and O is the chemical sign of oxygen. So as an example N(50)O(50) would be 50% oxygen. So basically, nitrox can be any mixture of nitrogen and oxygen that contains 1 to 99% oxygen (with the rest being nitrogen).
Back to our story… The EANx40 label is also sometimes used (the letter “x” is retained on the label). Usually people refer to EANx when they say “nitrox”, and I do that more here too. So we say that the mixture is hypoxic, ie. it has less oxygen than 21%. Hyperoxic nitrox is EANx, and normoxic nitrox is basically air, 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. If you dive to 100 feet of sea water (fsw) you can calculate it at 80 fsw (100 – (100 x 20%) = 80 cents!
At EAN32 (ie 32% oxygen) you get a 20% get out of jail card. if you dive to 100 feet of sea water (fsw) you can calculate it to 80 fsw (100 – (100 x 20%) = 80 fsw! and using the rule of 120 ( 120 – depth = time) 120 – 80 = 40 minutes in short, you can stay at 100 fsw for 40 minutes, instead of the 20 minutes your dive tables tell you.
Now the computers:
Ocean Atom 2.0
Standard features
Equipped with all of the standard dive computer features, the Atom 2.0 measures temperature, depth, dive time, and no-decompression limits over multiple dives. It will run on air and nitrox and will work in timekeeping mode when not underwater. It can also be used in gauge and freediving modes with altitude adjustments. The Atom 2.0 is user switchable between metric and imperial.
air integration
Using up to three transmitters, the Atom 2.0 can monitor the tank pressure of three different tanks simultaneously, allowing it to act as three SPGs in one. The Atom 2.0 can also be operated in companion mode, which will allow the computer to search for and display the air pressure of another transmitter within 4 to 6 feet of the computer. This is a great way to keep an eye on your friend’s or student’s remaining air.
Multi-gas mixtures
The Atom 2.0 can handle up to three different gas mixtures containing 21-100% oxygen and even allows you to switch gases during the dive. This feature makes it especially attractive for deep and technical divers.
Battery replaceable by user
This is a huge advantage that the Atom 2.0 has over its competitors. The computer is powered by a CR2430 battery that can be easily purchased at a watch store and replaced by the user. This is a huge time and cost saver that helps the Atom 2.0 stand out from the crowd.
dive log
The Atom 2.0 comes with a USB interface and OceanLog PC software to allow dives to be easily logged on your computer. Dive data is easily formatted for easy viewing, sorting and printing. The software allows you to add additional data to your logs to keep track of dive sites, buddies and notes. Unfortunately, the software is only available for PC.
Down
This computer was voluntarily recalled in 2007:
Oceanic is recalling all ATOM 2.0 dive computers, serial numbers 1 – 2079, sold between: August 1, 2006 – February 7, 2007.
Oceanic has been informed by their supplier that they have received isolated reports of two Atom 2.0 dive computers getting stuck on the gas change screen and not returning to the main dive screen when divers changed units from gas 1 to gas 2 during dives. when they used only one transmitter and the pressure associated with gas 2 was provided by an analog gauge. You must suspend all diving activities with this computer until Oceanic, your local authorized Oceanic dealer has performed a software update or sent it back to us. So be careful when buying this used computer. If you are going to make this purchase, seriously consider purchasing a new unit.
conclusion
The Oceanic Atom 2.0 is a fantastic package of dive gauges in a stylish little sporty wristwatch. the only place it falls short of the complete package is that it doesn’t have a built-in compass (the new Oceanic OC1 now DOES come with a built-in digital compass). however, by featuring a user replaceable battery and all the other fantastic features a diver could want. It may not be the perfect accessory for a three-piece suit, but with great features and a sporty style it definitely works with just about any other outfit.
Dive Rite Trio Dive Computer
This is a true technical computer for the recreational and technical diver. The new NiTek Trio is a three gas Nitrox computer that is easy to read and easy to use. Worn on the wrist or as part of an SPG console, the NiTek Trio automatically turns on when descending and is an ideal primary or backup dive computer. Underwater, divers can switch between mixes with the push of a button. Upon surfacing, the NiTek Trio will hold the ingressed gas mixture until midnight, when it clears and must be reset the following day. Using a modified Buhlmann ZH-L16 algorithm, NiTek Trio can calculate decompression stop times for required stops as deep as 90 feet.
Includes all the attributes of the popular NiTek DUO, plus the following new features:
- Dot matrix LCD display shows dive profile in a graph format
- The diver can enter a personalized message of up to eight (8) characters in two rows that will be displayed at the top of the screen
- All three mixes are programmable from 21%-99% Nitrox
- A deep stop feature allows for safety stops at greater depths
- Three user adjustable safety factor levels
- Digital compass built into the dot matrix display
Down
This fine instrument is a product of Seiko Watches. You’ll see this product branded by Zeagle as N2ition, TUSA as Hunter, and many others. What I discovered, and this is not a reflection on Dive Rite, of which we are a proud distributor, is that because the dive market is so small, Seiko wields its mighty hand and limits the warranty on this unit…leaving a Dive Rite and the others hold the bag in case a unit goes bad in two years. It’s ridiculous to guarantee just a $450 tech computer for a one year period…stay tuned for details.
conclusion
Dive Rite reports new software called Dive Logbook for the NiTek Trio and NiTek Duo computers. The offset marquis on the NiTek Trio can be changed through software. Dive Logbook is not compatible with NiTek Logic, so dives logged in Logic will not be added to the Logbook. NiTek Plus will continue to use NiTek Logic software. Dive Logbook is available for download under the “Downloads” tab on the NiTek Trio page of our online catalog.
The NiTek Trio uses the Bulhman algorithm like the NiTek Duo and other Dive Rite computers. The deep stop function is not a new gradient factor in the computer, but rather a simple method of incorporating deep stops without adding time to shallower stops.
When Deep Stops are enabled, Deep Stops will be added to any dive with more than 5 minutes of decompression. Deep stops are calculated by dividing the difference between the maximum depth and the first programmed shallow stop. For example, if you dive 100′ for 60 minutes and have a 30′ stop, the first deep stop will be at 60′ for 1 minute. It will continue to offer you 1 minute stops every 10′ until you reach your scheduled 30′ stop. The Trio is not designed to be a technical computer, but rather an advanced gaming computer. It doesn’t do Trimix, so deep stops won’t be accurate for helium. The Trio will slow down your ascent and allow you to make deep stops without having to spend more time on shallower stops.
Thanks for reading… These reviews are based on your questions, comments, and concerns. I feel like there are A LOT of products out there… How do you navigate through the advertising to find what you’re looking for? Well, we’re here to help, with fair and balanced reporting of the pros and cons of dive products on the market today.