TESTCENTRE
Better than OK computer
SEAC Screen Computer
COMPANY : DIVING DISTRIBUTION PRICE : £ 260 WEB : SEACSUB . COM
While many divers prefer their computers in a watch-style incarnation , my observations suggest an equal number lean toward a standalone device for dive-only use .
Both options have their pros and cons . A computer watch is compact , lightweight and may also offer surface features for health , sport and fitness . The downside , for those with less than 20 / 20 vision , is the smaller display .
The more substantial wrist or sometimes console-mounted computer is limited to underwater use only , but its larger and more visible display makes checking your essential information so much easier .
SEAC ’ s Screen computer falls into the latter bracket . This compact unit measures approximately 70x65x18mm , with a hard rubber protective case and strong , wide and lengthy strap to keep it secure .
The mono ( 48x50mm ) LCD display is activated by a pair of push-buttons located on the lower of the housing . The unit is powered by a single user-changeable CR2450 battery cell , accessed at the rear , which should be good for a minimum of two years , averaging 200 dives per year .
From sleep mode , simply pressing the two buttons simultaneously wakes the computer . The surface ( or watch ) display shows three lines of information : day / date , time and month / year respectively .
A long press on the right button provides access to the function menu : Log , Mix , Dive Settings , Plan , Alarms , Display ( backlight duration / brightness ), and System Set ( time / date / units etc ). In addition to Scuba , there are also modes for Gauge and Freediving .
While SEAC ’ s Screen is relatively no-frills , it will certainly fit the bill for the majority of sports or advanced divers . Rated to 100 metres and offering two-gas diving ( O2 up to 99 %), the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm has a choice of five levels of conservatism , plus the option for deep stops .
If the 40 hour internal logbook isn ’ t enough for you , then a separatelypurchased USB cable will let its memory be downloaded to a Mac or PC . The unit sits nicely on the wrist , with enough strap length to cope with neoprene and membrane suits . It ’ s also very comfortable on bare skin , so just the job for diving abroad in a shorty too .
Automatically activated on immersion , the computer provides all the relevant information across a choice of four selectable displays . Dive duration and current depth is a constant on the upper line . The bottom line can be toggled between O2 percentage / temperature and CNS on the left with max depth / PPO2 / average depth / current time on the right . The centre of the display is reserved for no-deco / deco time , gas switching and notifications such as exceeding duration , depth or ascending too rapidly . An audible warning is also activated in these circumstances . Colour displays are a great option , but when it comes down to it , it ’ s the information on it that ’ s the most important thing . The Screen ’ s mono version was clear , concise and very easy to read with its adjustable backlight performing well in dark environments .
Transferring the unit from my wrist to the chunky float arm of my camera system was perfect use of the screen ’ s excellent display , allowing it to be read close up , or at arms ’ length . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
SEAC ’ s inexpensive Screen strikes a happy medium between wristwatchstyle and bigger wrist-mounted computers . The large , mono , backlit display , combined with its compact and unobtrusive form would suit divers with less-than-perfect vision while also offering a two gas mix , deep stop option for advanced diving .
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