Friday, January 1, 2010

The Secrets of the Suunto D9

By Ed J Price

If you want the best scuba diving equipment, then the Suunto D9 dive computer is highly recommended for you. We believe that the D9 provides features that you would never be able to find in other basic models, but the final decision is solely on you and your taste in equipment. It is known to be the world's first complete diving computer, with price tags ranging between the thousand and two thousand dollar range, depending on features and from which merchant you are purchasing from. It provides superior functions that other computers with similar price points can not offer.

All-Round Functioning

The Suunto dive computer D9 can be worn as a regular watch on dry land. But when diving time comes around, it has the capability of logging depth, dive time, temperature, and no-compression limits. You choose between gauge and free diving or Imperial and Metric. This computer for diving also comes with a digital compass that can store multiple headings, so it allows for easier mapping.

The capability to handle three gas mixes makes the D9 good for deep technical dives. Divers using the D9 computer have the ability to switch between 3 gases during their dives, using gases with anywhere between 20 and 100 percent oxygen. Able to be used at depths up to 660 feet (200 meters), the D9's Deep Stop RGBM lets the wearer add safety stops to allow for safe gas switches. Testing proves the D9 both capable and reliable after even hundreds of dives.

Wireless Transmitter Features

You can connect the optional wireless transmitter to the first stage regulator, which converts the D9 into an SPG. For instructors, you can use multiple transmitters to monitor the pressure of more than one tank, which is helpful, as long as students remember to activate it before the dive starts, because otherwise, you have to return to the surface to activate it. The USB interface and PC software that comes with the D9 divers computer allows your dives to be easily logged and gives you a complete dive profile because it can store all of the pertinent data, including photos from the dive. This is interesting to compile information from individual dives, including the sites, conditions and any other information you may want to store as notes.

Other Things to Note

The only real drawbacks we found with the Suunto D9 software is that it will not work with Mac systems and the need for an expensive battery replacement which requires it to be returned to the service center or an optional wireless transmitter feature, must be activated on the surface. As a whole, this dive computer supplies deep divers with any thing they could possible need in a wristwatch style computer. The all-in-one features are perfect for deep dives and technical dives. You should consider the D9 if you are seeking a superior option for dive computers.

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