The Vyper Air has a few major additions compared to the last version of the Vyper; namely the forty-five degree tilt compass, the ability to download your log to a pc, the full dive simulator and its namesake – the air integration receiver.

The Compass

The electronic compass that is built into the Vyper Air is at once a revolutionary piece of equipment and an unnecessary hassle. The compass is built to operate up to a tilt angle of forty-five degrees. This is actually a better tilt tolerance than their best analogue compass, the SK-7 (which sticks at thirty degrees). However, before you throw your standard compass overboard you should consider the interface on the Vyper Air – it’s a flat screen with numbers that state your current bearing. I know that this is sufficient for navigating but I find that being able to look at a rotating dial from above is far more intuitive and allows for a quicker glance at the device. For backup navigation, it is excellent but it doesn’t replace the simplicity and reliability of my trusty SK-7.

Downloadable Content

This is a real selling point for the über-geeks among us as it allows us to continue our fiddling well after we’ve dried off. It is simply a convenient and pleasant way to view the details of last dives, though it still can’t log where you saw the whale shark or a what depth that pesky trigger fish lurks…

Dive Simulator

A dive simulator might appear like a gimmick at first but it does provide a useful service to those who are completely allergic to the RDP, but who would like to be a little more proactive with their dive planning. It allows a diver to fully explore the possible dive profiles they might use on a given dive.

Air Integration

At last, we come to the real reason why this computer exists, the air integration receiver that gives the Viper Air its name. Suunto Vyper Air can sync with a tank pressure transmitter and display your air supply details on your wrist. Along with this the computer estimates how much longer your air supply will last based on current breathing rate, though as far as I can tell this data relies on your depth not varying. Otherwise, if you think you can plan your air better than a calculator then this data is arbitrary. It also allows for you to remove a hose from your first stage (in the form of the SPG), though I like having a reliable analogue gauge at my side.

You might feel I’m being a little harsh on the Vyper Air, being as each feature could be useful to a certain diver at some point and I agree. It also has a great deal of merit because it is a very capable Nitrox computer that will go from 21% O2 right the way up to 100% in one percent intervals. And don’t forget that it uses Suunto’s new Deepstop RGBM algorithm that is designed with the deep diver in mind and factors in short, deeper safety stops that allow the body to exhaust nitrogen in stages. This is a fantastic computer with potentially useful features that may make your dives easier, though ultimately this is a feature-freak’s computer and is designed to make geeks happy… and I am, thank you Suunto!

Pros

• Full Nitrox support and gas switching
• 45 degree tilt compass
• Dive simulator
• Full air integration (transmitter sold separately)
• PC downloader (cable sold separately.
• Deepstop RGBM
• Clear Screen
• Backlight
• Thermometer
• Large capacity logbook
• Various alarms – depth, time, ascent rate, etc
• Replaceable screen guards (a big plus if you’re as clumsy as I am!)

Cons

• Bulky
• Ugly (subjective)
• Pricey (especially if you want to use air integration and pc downloading)
• Compass requires patience to learn
• Debatable necessity for air integration.

Large display, choice of data screens and excellent digital compass, makes this dive computer an excellent addition to Galileo family. So it will be safe to say that this product is one of the most advanced dive computers currently offered in the market.

Prices vary but it seems that the best deal is offered thru LeisurePro

UWATEC Galileo Luna Hoseless Wrist Dive Computer Complete with Transmitter – $1299.95

What’s New

• Complete navigational system with integrated digital compass and bearing memory, virtually unaffected by tilt. Ease and accuracy, all in one instrument.
• Galileo combines an extra large dot matrix display with a huge memory for unprecedented flexibility:
• PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) optimizes your dive in complete security.
• Hoseless gas integrated computer: when used with a Smart transmitter you get tank pressure and true remaining bottom time (RBT) on the computer screen.
• Galileo can be reprogrammed through its infrared interface, meaning you can easily upgrade your computer with new functions and features downloaded from our website.
• Predictive Multi Gas algorithm: allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of high oxygen concentration mixes.
• User friendly graphic data display, shows you tissue loading and oxygen toxicity levels as a bar graph.

Ability to store personal information

The diver can simply enter  his/her personal info  ( such as name, cert. numbers). Also the Luna can store information about your dive insurance , contacts,  some medical information (such as allergies); in case of an accident these information can easily be accessed at the touch of a button.

• Alarms and warnings appear on the large display in clear text in pre-chosen language, thus you’ll never misunderstand important signals while enjoying the beauty  of the underwater world. The beeps of alarms can’t be turned off, but you can do it for warnings. You have an option to choose to receive warning  of either only visual, only audible or both.
• Galileo’s interface is user friendly and quite easy to use. It’s like a cell phone so you can setup and view all interface elements for complete personalization without hassle.

The exclusive advantage of dive  computers from UWATEC is that they be upgraded. You can download the update packages from the Internet to add new features, new languages and so on.

For  additional amount of money  UWATEC Galileo Luna  can be upgraded with 2 additional features and they are available at your Authorized SCUBAPRO UWATEC dealer, these two features can be added quickly via: galileo.uwatec.com.

• Predictive Multi-Gas upgrade: Purchasing this PMG feature at a later time, or whenever you need it, allows LUNA to use up to 3 Nitrox mixes (21-100% O2) during the dive, calculating the ascent schedule for all possible combinations of the programmed mixes. The outcome of the different decompression calculations can be shown on the screen in a dedicated deco summary screen.
• Heart Rate Monitor upgrade: Galileo’s heart rate monitor, has been developed together with Polar (one of the world leaders  in the niche of heart rate monitors), not only measures and records the heartbeat during the dive but allows the dive computer to factor the intensity of the exercise into the decompression calculation, as it is reported by the diver’s physiology. The HRM is also ideal for Apnea divers, measuring heart rate and sounding an alarm if the heart rate drops below the set level.

Some great features which I like

• Full-tilt digital compass with bearing memory
• Extra large dot matrix display and huge memory
• Hoseless gas integration
• PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) for optimized diving
• Choice of 3 pre-figured screen display modes; Light, Full and Classic
• Easy to use interface, similar to a cell phone
• Personalize with owner or emergency or health information
• Oil filled technology
• User replaceable battery
• Infrared technology and PC download capability
• Heart rate monitor system and Predictive Multi gas features are available to upgrade. These are not included with item and should be purchased separately.
• True remaining bottom time (RBT) calculated using tank pressure, breathing rate, depth, ideal ascending speed and more.
• Nitrox compatibility
• Microbubble management.

Have you ever though about the idea to dive without using dive computer on your hand ? Well what can I say, the Oceanic Datamask HUD dive computer simply allows you to do that. The dive computer is Integrated in the mask. It represents itself as small LCD panel that shows depth, psi of air in cylinder, time, and decompression stop info and the most important part is ” You can always see them in front of you ” , without use of your hands. The miniature LCD allows you to keep your eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining. The Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless of environmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority of people, regardless of vision. Like all other dive computers this one also have ability to alarm if you ascend too quickly, you’re low on air or already spent a lot of time at depth and etc. It also has user replaceable batteries, and allows uploading of dive data to you your computer. So DATAMASK HUD (Heads Up Display) – featuring an advanced air-integrated dive computer – built directly into the mask! is a scuba equipment which can make your dive more comfortable. Well I would like to also to post youtube video representing Oceanic DATAMASK HUD Scuba Dive Computer

Buy it now

Product Features

• Integrated dive computer (built directly into the mask)
• Wireless Air Integrated Technology
• Miniature Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel
• Proprietary Digital Optic System
• Microprocessor
• Depth Transducer
• Wireless Cylinder Pressure Receiver
• OceanLog® PC Download and Settings Upload Software and USB Cable included

Official Description
Military Special Forces won’t get in the water without it and soon you can dive with it. We?re talking about the DATAMASK HUD ? featuring an advanced air-integrated dive computer ? built directly into the mask! The DATAMASK contains a miniature liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, proprietary Digital Optic System, microprocessor, depth transducer, wireless cylinder pressure receiver, diver replaceable battery, and controlling software. The miniature LCD allows you to keep your eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining. The Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless of environmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority of people, regardless of vision

Reviews across the net

Tisro Diaz (Review from Amazon.com )

I just made a few dives with the new toy and I am quite happy with it. I find it excellent for diving in bad visibility especially if you have someone with you you want to keep an eye on. The display is easy to read, all relevant information available and quite simple to operate. Disadvantage: The mask is heavy and a bit bulky. Underwater I found it difficult to perform equalization as it is hard to get to the nose with thick dry suit gloves.

Summary: Cool tool for diving in bad visibility and for teaching when you have to keep your eyes on your students. But I will stick to my wrist computer for holiday diving in clear, warm water.

Arina Danesa ( Review from leisurepro.com )

Oceanic Datamask HUD dive computer is very easy to use. The price is bit expensive , but you’re paying for high quality product. I’m totally satisfied with my purchase

redange81 ( ebay Feedback left )

Dive computers recieved and used . It’s outstanding expirience

GALILEO Terra display by default gives you current depth, dive time, no-stop time, oxygen percentage, temperature, central nervous system toxicity percentage, and maximum depth. It will warn you just about every dangerous situation. When you are done with the scuba diving and on the surface, Terra gives you desaturation time and no-fly time.

UWATEC GALILEO Terra dive computer has preinstalled important features that each scuba diver will need.

Nitrox of this dive coputer can be set at 21-100 per cent with the maximum pO2 at 1.6 bar. Terra has a built-in compass and appears to function even when the computer is tilted at 45 degrees. It can be connected to the home PC, personalise it, upload diagrams of your favourite dive sites, analyse every minute of each dive and download a fairly comprehensive logbook.

And now the most important part for some – the price. UWATEC GALILEO Terra is now available for only $499.95 during a month – 1 July to 1 August (You Save: 53%:  Original price is: $558.05 )

UWATEC GALILEO Terra Features

* Full Tilt Digital Compass with Bearing Memory and Navigational Aid
* Dot Matrix Display with Full Flexibility for Multiple Screen Configurations
* ZH-L8 ADT MB
* Depth Limit: 1082 ft (330m) in Gauge Mode; 393 ft (120m) for Decompression
* Personalization of Owner Screens and Emergency Information
* Safety Stop Timer (1-5min and Automatic or Manual
* Adjustable Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pp02) with MOD Alarm (1.2 to 1.6 Bar) with Off Option
* Gauge Mode Up to 330m with Stopwatch and Resettable Average Depth
* Push Buttons with Function Changing Labels

To avoid decompression sickness during scuba diving, it is critical to monitor your depth and time underwater on every dive. In the past, this would have been done using a watch and a depth gauge, but these functions and many others can now be performed by a dive computer.

The main functions of a dive computer are to monitor your dive time and depth and calculate safe dive schedules. A basic model uses this data to assess the level of nitrogen absorption in your body while you are under the water, and also displays information about your ascent rate, including any stops you may need to make during an ascent to avoid decompression sickness. More advanced models also inform you about the temperature of the water and your air consumption (if linked via a transmitter to your regulator first stage), both for normal air and technical gas mixes. Computers are more flexible than dive tables. Dive tables show how long you can spend at different depths before needing decompression stops. Most tables assume that you spend your entire dive at the greatest depth; computers can make more complicated calculations, including the time spent at all the different depths reached on a dive. Some computers will also schedule deep decompression stops. These reduce the risk of nitrogen microbubbles forming in your body, meaning that less time is spent decompressing in shallow water. When making repeat dives, especially in places where you are not limited by times of tides and slack water, using dive tables instead of a computer may not give you the maximum number of dives you can safely make each day. Computers are also able to monitor your ascent rate accurately. In your dive training, you will be taught to ascend no faster than the smallest exhaled bubble, but it is more accurate to follow a digital readout that tells you the safe ascent rate.

Buying a dive computer

A key consideration when buying a computer is the readability of the display. Too many figures on a small screen are difficult to read—the simplest models are often the best. Choose one with digits that are large enough to read with ease, without any nonessential data on the primary screen. It is also advisable to opt
for a brand with a proven track record. Computers are the most precise way of monitoring your dive, but they are not a foolproof means of avoiding DCS. It is
impossible for data from a computer to exactly reflect your body’s requirements. All models have built-in safety margins, but to be sure of avoiding problems, you
should always dive conservatively, and not push your depths and times to the limit.

Tips and precautions

Safety checks
As you ascend, keep a close watch on your dive computer to make sure that you are not exceeding the maximum ascent rate it recommends.

Malfunction precautions
Never rely solely on a computer. As a precaution against malfunction, it is always worth practicing how to calculate dive times using tables. Although your computer will give early warning of a low battery, make sure you carry back up devices—either a watch and depth gauge, or a second computer, which can be mounted on your console.

Which brand to choose ?

On this question I do not have certain answer , but I would like to recommend 2 major brand Mares and Suunto .I’ve written blogposts about Suunto D9 and Suunto Helo2 . But my favorite is Mares Nemo Sport Dive though it may be a bit difficult for novice divers

Key Features

• Algorithm Suunto RGBM.
• Suunto Dive Planner – an easy-to-use graphical user profile diary for planning dives, gas and emergency plans.
• Suunto Dive Manager – an updated version with support for analysis of up to 8 gases.
• Using of several mixtures – up to 8 gas mixtures with oxygen from 8% to 100% and helium up to 92%. The computer tells you when you need to change the gas. Procedure for displaying messages on change of the gas changes in the case of deviation from the plan.
• In the measuring device can be used as a meter of bottom time and depth, including a stopwatch function.
• The journal is kept info about dives with the step measure of 1, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds. Profiles can be viewed on the screen of the device.
• The history of diving, including the total time of dive, maximum depth and number of dives.
• Maximum depth – 120 m.
• Wireless Transmitter (optional).
• Easy to read screen – dot-matrix display.