I have used V-planner and Abyss software before but I now dive an HS Explorer. Really slick computer, much easier to use than the VR3.
I use GUE's DPlanner w/wrist slate. From what I understand, the VR3 is pretty cool but the cost of the unit is prohibative against my current dive budget. >
Since I am not doing 4,000 ft penetrations or 300+ deep wreck dives, the slates and DPlanner are working great for me.
You forgot "dice roll" in your list of items to vote for.
Yeah, I forgot, some people do use that method as well. I'll have to add that to the choices.
What about using your brain and some common sense...
I'm curious as to what people are using that responded "other". Anyone want to comment? DRE, is your brain your decompression calculator?
D-plan.
Yes, you can do some deco in your brain. Not always a way to plan things, but good to have a, third, back-up if things hit the fan.
Jon
I use mostly modified D-plan schedules. Since D-plan is Buhlmann based I add my first deep stops at 80% of max depth and work from there until I hit my first "real" deco stop. Also, I use as a rule of thumb that my time on O2 at 20ft is equal to my BT, and I do a minimum of 5 minutes at my gas switches (mostly switching from backgas to 50% at 70ft).
I have a couple of depth/time schedules written down in my wetnotes, so I don't run a different schedule on D-plan for every dive I do, but I extrapolate based upon the above info and the schedules I have with me. Since most of those dives are in the 200-240 range with 15-25 min BT it's fairly easy to do.
Also, I base my deep stops on my max depth, whereas stop times are based on average depth of the dive. For example, if I hit 240 but spend most of my time at 210, I'll start my deepstops at 190 but I'll run my "real stops" schedule according for a 210-220 dive.
Hope this helps,
David.
Haven't had the opportunity for many deco dives down here yet. Not many manatees at that depth.
Hope you guys are all doing well in that lousy weather.
Still sitting here with the doors open, and a cool breeze blowing in off the bay.