TESTCENTRE
The top left button offers backlighting or compass activation , while the lower left provides access and selection of main and sub menus plus return and cancel . It also provides a handy bookmark function to mark points of interest on your dive .
Meanwhile , the upper right button adds numerical value ( when selecting gas mix for instance ), toggles up to the previous menu , shows dive mode and scrolls through the various in-water dive displays . The lower right pushbutton subtracts numerical values and also scrolls through dive displays . Both right sided buttons control the timer function and gauge / apnea functionality . There are also two individual dive screen options , ' Light ' and ' Classic ' to choose from .
Selecting one of the A2 ' s six dive modes – Scuba , Apnea , Gauge , Trimix , Sidemount or CCR – is carried out by a single press on the lower left button . Choose Scuba for example , set water type ( salt or fresh ), and micro-bubble level ( in increments from low to 9 ) for conservatism .
Choose your gas mix , maximum PPO2 and if used in conjunction with one or more of Scubapro ' s LED + Smart Transmitters there ' s the option to set full gas , half gas and reserve gas alarms . There are also optional alarms for depth , Maximum Operating Depth and dive time . To avoid accidentally straying into decompression territory , there ' s a selectable two-minute warning that indicates the latter stages of no-stop diving .
In the water …
Prior to diving , a long press of the top right button allows a quick check of your current dive settings , with a further press on the bottom left showing your chosen gases .
In straightforward single gas air / nitrox mode , the computer is as easy to use as anything else on the market . And from my experiences with the A2 it should prove equally as adept when moving up a notch .
The computer ' s Predictive Multi Gas algorithm allows the A2 to predict gas switches at your specified depths , using up to eight individual gas mixes . Simply confirm the switch within 30 seconds of notification and your decompression adjustment is made automatically . Any failure to confirm , and the computer will default to the decompression schedule of the prior gas .
This algorithm also utilises nonmandatory Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops ( PDIS ), which interpret the diver ' s profile to suggest an intermediate stop . Unlike conventional deep stops , these account for accumulated nitrogen during repetitive diving .
I paired two transmitters with the A2 in Sidemount mode using independent backmounted twins . This mode allows a series of steps in either 10 to 50 bar increments , or in thirds to be programmed so that each tank can be breathed equally in turn .
“ Pairing a transmitter is a relatively simple procedure "
Both tank pressures were available onscreen , and the audible and visual notification of the completed switch was confirmed with a simple press of the lower left button .
CCR mode works in a similar way : dial in your 02 / Diluent mix , your two fixed set points and if you ' re using transmitters both gases will be shown on the display . I ' d recommend a short HP hose extension as attached directly to the first stages inside the case of my rebreather I found the signal signal was often interrupted .
Pairing a transmitter is a relatively simple procedure : choose pairing / pair tank in the menu , turn on your gas and with the A2 held close to the cylinder valve it will confirm with an OK . Once paired there ' s no need to repeat the process .
Last but not least of the computer ’ s main features is its electronic compass . A single long push on the top left button shows the bearing with the upper and lower buttons on the opposite side marking your course .
Unlike the user-changeable transmitter battery , when the A2 ' s CR2450 cell displays a battery warning symbol it ' s due a trip to your local Scubapro service centre . Thankfully this should only be every two to three years , depending on use . As is the norm these days , your dive stats can be downloaded by App via Bluetooth to Scubapro ' s LogTRAK software . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
While Scubapro ’ s Aladin A2 is squarely aimed at advanced divers , it ’ s also an option for the less-experienced who can continue their progress without having to upgrade computers at every step . As a standalone it ticks a lot of boxes – add one or more transmitters and it ticks even more .
Dive Profile mode Backlight , with deco data
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