HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Distribution: usa

In article <1992Aug18.193224.26012@cattnts.canada.ncr.com>, craig@cattnts.canada.ncr.com (Craig Campbell) writes:

|> So what did the flashing light mean?  Almost not enough air to finish dive?

Although the Delphi *is* a full decompression computer, it assumes that
you never want to decompression dive, so going into decompression mode
is a major emergency in the opinion of the computer, and it starts having
fits when the NDL is exceeded. It tries to get your attention by flashing
red lights at you and the words (in big letters), "go up", with a flashing
up arrow. This display alternates with the actual depth and time info (the
only time the dephi does this is when it thinks you've crossed into the
danger zone). Incidentally, it will have a similar fit if you exceed the
ascent profile, flashing red lights and the words "go dn" with a down arrow.

None of this conniption-fit affects the calculations, and the computer
gives a constant readout of the ceiling (where the NDL used to appear),
and changes the remaining air time display to time-to-surface including
decompression, should you follow its instructions and head for the surface
immediately.

-- 
Dave Waller
YMCA Instructor
From: peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson)
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 23:43:23 GMT
Subject: Re: DAN - should I join now?
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, California
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Distribution: na

In article <1992Aug20.184532.397@queernet.org> max@queernet.org (Max J. Rochlin) writes:

>I've recently been hearing that DAN is in financial straights.  
>Do you think it's wise to join now?

	The latest issue of DAN's Sponsor Newsletter or Diver Alert
	newsletter noted that they were cancelling some issues due 
	to budget constraints.  Does anyone have more info?

	Everyone (including me) is in "financial straits" right now...
	especially non-profit organizations such as the Diver Alert
	Network (DAN).

	Not even the federal government can balance a budget :-)
	...and don't even ask about the State of California 
	(52 days without a budget) :-(.  

>I haven't been a member for a couple of years, but since I'm going on a dive
>trip soon I've been thinking of re-joining. 
>
>Any comments are welcome.

	You should have little concern about re-joining for just the
	insurance benefits.  I don't believe that DAN's diving accident
	insurance is in any way dependent on the financial health of DAN;
	it's offered by an independent insurance broker.

	DAN's insurance may have been recently extended to cover all 
	injuries and evacuation -- not just diving-related incidents.

	Call them for more info:

		membership & insurance		800/446-2671
						612/588-2731 (in Minnesota)

		other non-emergency info 	919/684-2948

		emergencies only	 	919/684-8111 (24 hrs/day,
						         	7 days/week)


	On the other hand, if you're concerned about all the other services
	that DAN provides -- around-the-clock, world-wide hyperbaric medicine
	treatment referral and consultation, advanced research in recreational
	diving, etc. -- you should consider sending in an extra contribution
	with your membership and insurance application.

	If you're a already a member, send in a few extra dollars.  If you're
	not yet a member, join now.

-- 
Chris Peterson                                     Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
                                                    Research Computing Services
                                                              Palo Alto, CA USA 
                                                            peterson@hpl.hp.com
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Newsgroups: rec.scuba

In rec.scuba, s13796dc@UMASSD.EDU writes:

|I was just wondering what a good dive light should cost me--$40-50$?  And 
|also, what brand name should i get or are they pretty much the same?
|
|
|         thanks in advance   dan 

I have found the Toshiba torches quite reliable.  The 4*Dcell version (blue
or yellow) is about S$40-50 (US$1.00=S$1.6).  There is a small 4*AA cell 
version as a backup lite.  Quite bright for its size too (fits in fist), can
also be used for looking under rocks for day dives.  Costs about S$20.  This
gets my vote.

I also have a Princeton 4*C cell, uses a magnetic switch and relay.  Beware,
the relay can die on you.

The Underwater Kinetics UK400 (pistol grip, 4*D) is more fancy, but not much
better than the Toshiba.  Disappointment.  About S$60-65.

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: mjs@hubcap.clemson.edu (M. J. Saltzman)
Subject: That Rodale magazine
Organization: Clemson University, Clemson SC
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 18:40:45 GMT

Does anyone know the real story of how DAN members came to get that
new magazine from Rodale (is it Scuba Diving)?  I just noticed that 
my "subscription" is only for 4 months.  I was wondering if it will
keep coming when I re-up with DAN, or if it was just a marketing 
gimmick and I'm going to start getting notices for renewals that I
have to pay for.

Also, I never got the second issue, and they're all out at the
publisher.  (Is it supposed to be monthly?  I haven't gotten August's
either...)  If any of you are done with yours and you haven't thrown
it out yet, I'd be happy to take it off your hands (I'll pay postage).
Please let me know by email.  Thanks.

-- 
		Matthew Saltzman
		Clemson University Math Sciences
		mjs@clemson.edu
From: jcv26@cas.org (Jon Vander Hill)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: VIP/HYDRO & air fills?
Date: 20 Aug 92 15:27:12 GMT
Article-I.D.: jcv26aws.JCV26.92Aug20102712
Organization: Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio, USA


   In article <1280@ceylon.gte.com> boykin@gte.com (Joseph Boykin) writes:

   In article <1992Aug18.183435.1@sscvx1.ssc.gov>, schludermann@sscvx1.ssc.gov writes:
   |>     I have a Question regarding visual inspections and
   |> hydrostatic testing.  Well when I have the tanks filled, some
   |> air stations refuse to fill the tanks that had just been
   |> hydro'd.  Because the tanks were not visualed.  As I was later
   |> informed by the hydro facility, they visual all the tanks they
   |> test.  So why must a tank have a visual sticker for the first
   |> year after hydro?  The new tanks I've seen typically don't have
   |> a visual sticker on them. What gives?  Is there a technical
   |> reason or an ecomonic reason or no reason?  My usual air station
   |> is aware of the visual aspect of hydro testing and does not
   |> require a visual sticker in the first year.

   While I suppose someone *could* do a hydro without doing a visual
   first, I don't know of anyone who would.  When you are taught how to do
   hydros, you are also told to do a VIP first (including inspection and
   getting rid of any surface rust).  After all, you're about to pump up a
   3000 PSI tank to about 5000 PSI so you really do want to know that the
   damn thing doesn't have any obvious problems.

   Every shop I know that does a hydro automatically puts a VIP sticker
   on the tank.  If your shop didn't, just ask them for one, they
   will probably give it to (and *should* give it to you) no charge.
   Why didn't your shop do it?  No reason that I can think of.

My wife and I did out latest round of hydros through a place that
specializes in fire fighting equipment.  It was much cheaper and had
much quicker turnaround.  While they did visually inspect the
cylinders, they did not provide a special VIP sticker.  We took our
freshly hydro'd tanks to our dive center and they VIP'd the tanks and
slapped a sticker on 'em.  Despite the redundancy of the process, we
saved about $10 and got our cylinders back a lot sooner than if we did
the whole thing through the shop.

I agree.  Not filling a tank that's a year within hydro but doesn't
have a VIP sticker is silly.

As for new tanks, our shop slaps a VIP sticker on 'em when they're
sold.

The reason for the confusion lies in fact that you've got two
different groups regulating the process (in the US), DOT for the hydros,
and dive centers for the VIPs.

Be thankful:  Regulation of diving could be FAR worse!

Jon Vander Hill
jon@cas.org
From: u9026479@cs.uow.edu.au (Brian Alexander Church)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Gear Information
Date: 13 Aug 92 09:24:05 GMT
Organization: Dept of Computer Science, Wollongong University, Australia

Hi All,

	I'm relatively new to the underwater world of scuba diving, but like
it so much that I would like to purchase some equipment. I already have the
snorkeling equipment ie mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit and now wish to buy
a BCD, tank, regulator etc.

	I've looked around various dive shops, but there is such a wide
variety of gear, both in brands and cost, that I am at a loss at deciding
which gear to buy.

	I'm just looking for some information such as reliability, ease and
cost of servicing etc.

	Any replies would be greatly appreciated. E-mail preferred as I don't
get to read this group very often.

					Thanx,
					Brian.
-- 
Brian, Great Sage and Keeper of Wisdom	|	Why is a duck ?
   Uni of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.	| Because one leg are both the same!
4/1 Buckle Cres, West Wollongong 2500.	|
u9026479@cs.uow.edu.au	+61 042 269940	|Logon f u9026479@wraith.cs.uow.edu.au
From: brakmo@cs.arizona.edu (Lawrence S. Brakmo)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Florida Keys
Date: 18 Aug 92 15:53:35 GMT
Organization: U of Arizona, CS Dept, Tucson

I am planning on a trip to the Florida Keys around October. I have never
been there, and I would appreciate any comments regarding places to stay
(hopefully inexpensive) and dive shops to deal with (or not to deal with).
If you mail me your responses I will post a summary.

Thanks,
	Lawrence S. Brakmo
	brakmo@cs.arizona.edu



Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: drc@coelho.COM (david r coelho)
Subject: just curious...
Organization: Coelho Publications, Fremont, CA USA
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 1992 04:17:11 GMT

I recently went for a couple of dives and made the mistake of taking
the wrong 1st stage setup which had no low-pressure hose for my drysuit.
I proceeded with the dive anyway, and had no real difficulty getting to
60 feet although the squeeze was a little uncomfortable.

My question (just curiosity): what's the deapest anyone's gone in a
drysuit without equalizing the dry suit?

-- 
david r. coelho                        email: drc@coelho.COM
coelho publications                           drc%coelho@uunet.uu.net
43000 christy street                   voice: (510) 770-0875
fremont, ca 94538-3198                 fax:   (510) 770-0728
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson)
Subject: Re: Boyancy control with drysuits
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 19:53:18 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, California

I find that adjusting the air volume inside my Viking dry suit for greatest
suit comfort compensates for almost all buoyancy changes.  I find over-
inflating my dry suit almost more uncomfortable than under-inflating it.

I dive with the least amount of weight possible.  For me and my Viking, this
usually means a few pounds *less* weight than I use with a 1/4-inch wet suit,
but it's never been more weight.

I dive with the smallest possible amount of air in my dry suit.  I add air in
very small amounts which allows me time to judge the effects on suit comfort
and buoyancy.  Unlike a neoprene suit, the vulcanized rubber "shell" of the
Viking suit does not compress with increasing depth.  Buoyancy compensation is
needed only for the air compressing inside the suit.

I use my BC most often when resting at the surface.  I rarely use my BC
underwater.  I do use my BC to compensate for added weight when retrieving the
bag of weights that I use to anchor my dive mat ("Never use your BC as a lift
bag" :-).

As for the problems associated with floating upside down, this is one of my
favorite diving attitudes.  However, I don't invert unless I have my bouyancy
adjusted, and practice in the pool makes righting myself fairly easy.

A dry suit does take some practice to dive safely.  It's one more piece of
gear to manage, and it does effect one's buoyancy.  It took me about 10-12
dives before I felt as accustomed to the dry suit as I do to my wet suit.

BTW, there's a new edition of _DRY_SUIT_DIVING_ by Steve Barsky (Watersport
Publishing).  The new edition is co-authored by the West Coast sales rep for
DUI (Steve is the national sales manager for Viking America).
-- 
Chris Peterson                                     Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
                                                    Research Computing Services
                                                              Palo Alto, CA USA 
(415) 857-6432                                              peterson@hpl.hp.com
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: schludermann@sscvx1.ssc.gov
Subject: WANTED inflatable boat accessories
Organization: Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1992 01:05:58 GMT

   I'm looking for accesories for achilles inflatable boats.  Things like
boarding ladder, running light module, sun shade, power inflator ... 
preferably used. thanxs




                                 kris

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com (Dillon Pyron)
Subject: Re: Mask straps
Reply-To: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com
Organization: TI/DSEG VAX Support
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 19:47:37 GMT


In article <1992Aug17.181317.20252@meaddata.com>, sharonc@meaddata.com (Sharon Crichton) writes:
>
>Does anyone out there have anything positive/negative to say about
>those fancy masks straps that you can buy to replace the regular
>plastic straps that come on your mask? (the "Slap Strap" is one brand
>name). My buddy from last May had one - it was made of neoprene (neon
>green). His had a "split", like regular mask straps, but I've seen
>some in magazines that are more like a cup that fits over back of
>your head.
>
I just bought a new mask and got another Slap Strap.  This one is adjustable. 
My wife tried one and found that on her fine hair it slid around too much. 
OTH, the split type might do the trick.  We're going to test it sometime before
our next big trip.  One other biggie is that it, at least the one piece type,
doesn't snag the hair.

>I have a slightly leaky mask that only stays dry if the strap is
>in the exactly perfect position. I'm hoping that one of these
>replacement straps would help it stay seated better. But I'm looking
>for some more comments from people who have tried them out before
>I sink any money into one (I'm already going to have to shell out
>more bucks for some more equipment before my next trip).
>Other than the _slight_ leak problem (which is probably due to my
>trying to breathe out through my nose), I love my mask. When it
>stays clear, it's great.
The biggest problem I run into in a class is women (for the most part) with
long hair and leaking masks.  It doesn't take much hair!  I always dunk my head
before finally putting the mask on (this is usually after the entry).

>
>BTW, my buddy recommended his - he spent more time watching me clearing
>my mask than I did watching him. I was always apprehensive about mask
>clearing in the pool. But not anymore - my mask skills sure did
>improve after my first dives where I was 80+ feet down and had to get
>it clear somehow :-)
Your best bet is a bead of Dow Silicone Caulk around the skirt.  It won't leak
and you don't have to worry about getting the mask knocked off.  And you can
dump the strap  :-)

>
>-- 
>Sharon Crichton         *****************   Mead Data Central
>sharonc@meaddata.com    **HAPPY! HAPPY!**   P.O. Box 933
>uunet!meaddata!sharonc  **  JOY! JOY!  **   Dayton, OH 45401
>                        *****************   FAX: (513) 865-1655
>
--
Dillon Pyron                      | The opinions expressed are those of the
TI/DSEG Lewisville VAX Support    | sender unless otherwise stated.
(214)462-3556 (when I'm here)     |
(214)492-4656 (when I'm home)     |"Do something different, DISAPPEAR"
pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com          |  "DISAPPEAR"
                                     _A Day On Earth_
                                     Brave Combo
From: fgz@ddxrus.enet.dec.com (Federico Genoese-Zerbi)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Delphi metrics cheap?
Date: 21 Aug 92 16:38:39 GMT
Reply-To: fgz@ddxrus.enet.dec.com (Federico Genoese-Zerbi)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation



A friend gave me an ad from an issue of Underwater U.S.A.
which advertizes good prices on Orca Delphi units,
$199 for a pro, $125 for a standard, and $75 for a metric.

The number in the ad is (215) 429-4917, but this appears
to be an error.  Does anybody know if this ad was a mistake or,
if not, what the phone number should be.

Or maybe somebody wants to sell me a *used* delphi metric
for $75? :-)

F.
From: 21329KAD@MSU (Kim Dyer)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: kim
Date: 14 Aug 92 20:54:31 GMT
Article-I.D.: msuinfo.1992Aug14.205516.681
Organization: Michigan State University

------------------------- Original Article -------------------------
From: dan@resonex.com (Dan Kell)
Subject: Re: Mask straps
Organization: Resonex Inc., Sunnyvale CA
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 08:42:22 GMT

My wife uses a neoprene split strap. She doesn't really care for the velcro
fastener. Once she got the strap adjusted to her head she cut off the excess
"hook" part. It would catch her hair and pull it out when she removed the 
mask. Karen has long hair and likes the split because she can put her pony
tail through it. She says it makes the mask a little more stable with a hood
on. (Our typical dive configuration). I've used her mask a time or two just
to see if its better than what came on my mask. I see no difference. But I
don't have 2 1/2 feet of hair to deal with.

You mileage will vary as they say. ;-)


-- 
Dan Kell                  
email to dan@resonex.com
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."   A. Einstein
From: troberts@zia.aoc.nrao.edu (Timothy Roberts)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Request for YOUR Equipment Reviews
Date: 14 Aug 92 16:57:19 GMT
Organization: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Socorro NM

I am currently accepting "personal opinions" on scuba equipment. This
endevour will only be as successful as you make it.  I am only going
to accept information on the five big purchases: First stages, Second
stages (regulators), Computers/consoles, Bouyancy compensators, and
Suits/skins.  The summaries will be e-mailed to submitters and posted
to this news group.  An FTP archive will be maintained.

All responses must have the following information:

Type of equipment
Model
Manufacturer
Price paid
Place purchased
Length of time it was used
Condition of item when used
Conditions under which it was used

Most importantly:
Your name
E-mail or Postal mail address
Phone number
Number of dives
Special dive certifications

Finally: your opinion/observations of the equipment

I have phoned as many manufacturers as I can think of and hope to get
their assistance in divying out test equipment in the future.  If you
look like my idea of an objective submitter I will try to scare some
equipment your way.  Additionally, I am including in this evaluation
the opinions of some dive-master/long-time friends.  My opinions will
not be used except as confirmation of equipment defects.  I promise
to contact you by the most expediant manner on topics for which you
have submitted opinions.  This will be an iterative process.  Direct
all flames to me - by e-mail.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

       //\                        /\                    (0
     / /\ \                     /||>|                   ^
   /| |  \_|                   |/ \/
  |/| |  / |                  / \         Timothy P.P. Roberts
  |/ \ \/ /                               troberts@AOC.NRAO.edu
 / \   \\/                                505/835-4927 (Home)
/   \
   The Very Large Array: it's not the size - it's if you've got more than one.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: IA00078@MAINE.MAINE.EDU (Robert Cryan Jr.)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: scavenging
Date: 20 Aug 92 13:12:21 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Maine System


In article <1992Aug16.211642.29795@nntp.uoregon.edu>, davidw@cie.uoregon.edu
(David Weingarten) says:
>
>I'm just curious, does anybody out there regularly scavenge an area
>for lost stuff?  I went cliff diving a couple weeks ago, and lost my
>watch (it was a long fall, probably broke the pin).
>Two weeks later, I went down with my scuba gear to look for it.
>I didn't find my watch (I suspect somebody else got it, 'cuz I made
>a pretty thorough search), but I found 3 other watches (all of them
>still work!), a lighter, an earring and 2 $20 bills.
>Needless to say, I'm thinking of making relatively regular trips to
>this site.  Does anybody else do that sort of regular scavenging
>in their area?
>                                -- David
>

The is an abandoned rock quarry in central Maine that always reveals
interesting items.  The local Sheriff's Office has a dive team and
regularly recovers cars and other stolen property from the 60 or so
feet of water.  They also find rings, watches and other trinkets.

If you had a place that people frequent (especially with sheer cliffs)
discouraging reteival you might make a killing.


Rob
From: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com (Dillon Pyron)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Boyancy control with drysuits
Date: 17 Aug 92 18:45:31 GMT
Reply-To: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com
Organization: TI/DSEG VAX Support


In article <1992Aug17.101658.6971@hellgate.utah.edu>, rarobert@ursa9.cs.utah.edu (Robin Roberts) writes:
>
>Like i've said before - air in the dry suit is only for keeping warm and
>preventing squeeze.  Using the suit in lieu of a BC is asking for trouble,
>like having too much air in the suit... moving the wrong way...  and ending
>up in an uncontrolled ascent in the feet-up position. 
>(Can you say, "polaris missile"??)
>
>                            robin roberts
>
As someone who believes that cold water is best when served beside Scotch :-),
I've always wondered if it would be feasible to place some sort of emergency
release near one ankle, with a pull going back to the waist or chest.  Maybe
even build in a pressure relief valve?  I know I'm not the first to think of
this, so would one of the ice cube divers enlighten me?

Thanks.
--
Dillon Pyron                      | The opinions expressed are those of the
TI/DSEG Lewisville VAX Support    | sender unless otherwise stated.
(214)462-3556 (when I'm here)     |
(214)492-4656 (when I'm home)     |"Do something different, DISAPPEAR"
pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com          |  "DISAPPEAR"
                                     _A Day On Earth_
                                     Brave Combo