HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: mstacc@ultb.isc.rit.edu (M.S. Tremblay)
Subject: Re: Delphi -> Phoenix Trade-Up Report
Originator: mstacc@ultb
Organization: Rochester Institute of Technology
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 21:03:04 GMT

>
>I understand that it isn't a free Solution, it is just $50 off or some
>such. 
>
>Nick Simicich - uunet!bywater!scifi!njs - njs@watson.ibm.com

Haven't read ahead yet, so I don't know if this has been beaten to
death in other follow ups, but here it goes...

I was just down in Florida for 2 weeks of diving, happily diving with
my Delphi Pro, the last one to leave Orca's doors before they folded.
Figuring I got 'lucky' and having such a 'recent' model, I was OK.  The
Delphi (Pro) had been functioning perfectly for almost a year.
Probably something like 40 - 50 dives (Its been a good 10 months for
diving :)

The problem started on my second dive in Key Largo when I powered up
the Delphi, my steel 72 cu/ft tank registered 6090 PSI.  I thought,
Neat!, I'll be down for hours :)  You never know what a dive store is
going to do when you ask for a little extra...  So, I tried just a
straight pressure gauge, and to my dismay, I only had 2100 PSI :(  So
the saga of my Delphi has gone.  It seems to register PSI for anything
under 2K, but once you get above that magic number, it goes straight to
6090.

So, I spent much of the remainder of my vacation/diving talking with
dive operations down in Florida about my options.  The Phoenix is one
way, but I'm gun shy of these integrated air computers.  The other is
the Suntos Solution.  The estimates of what you can get out of a Sea
Quest dealer for a crapped out Delphi have ranged from the low of $50
to $255 tword the Solution.  As it turns out, the best deal I have been able
to strike is with a local dive shop, $325 + dead Delphi == two gauge console
with a Solution.

I'm going tomorrow to put down a deposit.

One question I would like to pose to the Net is anything new that might
be an solution (no pun intended :) for this delimma.  I'm not real
convinced on the display for the Sunto.  It seems small and takes grey
matter to figure out whats going on.  I know we all have enough of that
to spare to interpret a dive computer, but I would like things as
intuitive as possible.  This is one of the things I liked best about
the Delphi...  I have thought about the US Divers Monitor II, but
unfortunately I don't think finances will permit it.  I have also been
told about the new US Divers comp that is supposed to be an air
integrated Montitor II.  Any experience or input on this?

Thanks, and hopefully someday the technology for these dive computers
will come up to our expectations.
-- 
-Mark Tremblay              
  software specialist                       Internet:    mstacc@ultb.isc.rit.edu
     Rochester Institute of Technology      Phone:       716.475.2986
From: 35002_3770@uwovax.uwo.ca
Subject: Re: Video Housing
Organization: University of Western Ont, London
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1992 05:28:38 GMT

In article <Bszyr1.J4p@undergrad.math.waterloo.edu>, wsun@undergrad.math.waterloo.edu writes:
> Hi, everybody.
> I recently purchased a SONY TR-51 vedio camera, and was trying to purchase
> an underwater housing for it. I called Performence Mail Order and they
> told me that they no longer sell vedio housing anymore. Does anybody
> know a mail order place that I can buy a housing with a reasonable price?

HyperTech II - fits thes Sony TR51.  Made of HD molded plastic, light weight
(approx. 14 lbs for my TR81, 2200mA battery and wide angle lens), zoom and
on-rec/off-standby controls, change from flat port to dome lens while
underwater, 130' depth rating, external mount color correction filter which
can be swung out the way while underwater, 4x power viewfinder magnifier and
a three year warrantee. 
 
Dealer/distributer:    Rankin Industries
                       500 N.E. 28th Street Bay F
                       Pompano Beach, FL 33064
                       (305) 942-5915
 
 Price...approx. $400 (depending on where you buy it etc.)

 Nice housing - I found it was very easy to set up and great to use underwater.

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: craig@cattnts.canada.ncr.com (Craig Campbell)
Subject: Re: computer recomendations?
Organization: AT&T / NCR Canada Ltd., Toronto, Canada
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 12:15:48 GMT

In article <10369@sun13.scri.fsu.edu> mayne@ds1.scri.fsu.edu (Bill Mayne) writes:
>In article <1992Aug13.213754.2933@mksol.dseg.ti.com> pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com writes:
>>
>>In article <1992Aug12.232747.21137@ads.com>, patterso@ADS.COM (Tim J. Patterson) asks about the Skinny-Dipper versus U.S. Divers Monitor II.

>On the negative side Aladins (and Monitor IIs, if indead they are the same)
>are so conservative I wouldn't be very happy with them for no-decompression
>diving. The NDL at 100 feet is 16 minutes versus 25 minutes for the USN

Am I reading this right?  To me, the purpose of a computer is to give me
a seriosly multi leveled dive, automatically, and safely.  I have no problem
with shorter no-deco limits, since the computer handles the deco in a 
friendly fashion as well.  (I have a Monitor II and love it.)  Wether I'm a
sport or technical diver, I still don't want to get bent.
I must be misreading your intent, Bill.  (no flames intended)


>Bill Mayne

craig

P.S.  I'm off to the Empress tonight, so I'll not see any followups until
     after the long weekend.


-- 
Craig Campbell		|	These opinions are entirely the result of a 
Systems Engineer	|	small butterfly crashing into the far side
NCR Canada,		|	of the planet.  Chaos Rules.
an AT&T Company		|	I speak for no one, except, possibly, myself.
From: young@ursa.UUCP (Eric Youngblood)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Dive instructor courses...advice?
Date: 17 Aug 92 14:53:43 GMT
Organization: Bear Stearns, NY
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL4

I posted a request for advice / info on dive instructor
courses last week...apparently my mail address did not come
through correctly.  If anyone can offer any information on
becoming an instructor, please post here or e-mail me at:
young@wildcat.bear.com

Thanks,
Eric

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: rarobert@ursa9.cs.utah.edu (Robin Roberts)
Subject: Re: Mask straps
Date: 17 Aug 92 12:57:48 MDT
Organization: University of Utah CS Dept
Distribution: na

In article <1992Aug17.181317.20252@meaddata.com> sharonc@meaddata.com writes:
>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.

IMHO, a mask strap's purpose in life is to keep the mask from falling
off your head, but not to keep water out.  In fact, I tell people that 
if they have "mask face" (that dent on your face from wearing a mask) for
more than 15 minutes after a dive, their strap is too tight!  

From what I have seen, a "slap-strap" is good for people with long hair
that would otherwise get tangled and pulled by a rubber (silicone) strap,
or for people who just like the comfort.

If your mask is leaking it's for one of two reasons:  either
your mask just doesn't fit right, or you are one of those people who have
deep "smile lines" (which run down from your nose to the corners of your
mouth).  If you're a "smile line" sufferer, here's a tip:  when you put
your mask on or put a regulator in your mouth, take your two index fingers
and "draw a mustache".  This technique will smooth out the creases caused
by the smile lines, and should stop the leak.  

If the case is just that your mask doesn't fit right, go back to your local
dive retailer and get one that does - proper fit is worth the bucks.

			Hope this helps...

			robin roberts  dm-51077
From: sc5@prism.gatech.EDU (CSEPLO,STEPHEN P)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: That Rodale magazine
Date: 20 Aug 92 20:31:58 GMT
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology

We got the magazine also, liked it and sent in our subscription. Don't
know how they got our name (maybe because we just got our Advanced
Certification).

Also, about slap straps. We've had them ever since we got certified as
Open Water Divers last year and love them. I had to "rebuild" mine
as it fell apart where the strap meets the back, but other than
that (a little sewing was required) no problems.

-- 

The Mad Hata  

"Hey, Mon....Tako Kichi!"
From: levine@kimmo.ast.saic.com (Kathleen P. Levine (x5150))
Subject: San Diego Scuba Clubs
Reply-To: levine@kimmo.ast.saic.com
Organization: SAIC
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 14:05:03 GMT

Does anyone know of any good scuba clubs in the san diego area?
(can include any club from Oceanside to Point Loma)
I checked out one scuba club in Carlsbad, but wasn't too impressed.
My husband and I want to join a club that does dives together in the
Southern California area.

---
Kathleen Levine                                      | telephone: 619.458.5150
Science Applications International Corporation       | fax:       619.558.1391
4161 Campus Point Court MS/E3                        | internet:  levine@ast.saic.com
San Diego, CA 92121                                  |
--
From: 21329KAD@MSU (Kim Dyer)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: kim
Date: 14 Aug 92 20:54:31 GMT
Organization: Michigan State University

------------------------- Original Article -------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: craig@cattnts.canada.ncr.com (Craig Campbell)
Subject: Re: Delphi -> Phoenix Trade-Up Report
Organization: AT&T / NCR Canada Ltd., Toronto, Canada
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 19:24:12 GMT

In article <1992Aug13.210304.4271@ultb.isc.rit.edu> mstacc@ultb.isc.rit.edu (M.S. Tremblay) writes:

>I have thought about the US Divers Monitor II, but
>unfortunately I don't think finances will permit it.

Ever hear of the phrase "Penny wise, pund foolish"?  You are now buying a
second computer, when (hopefully), there should have been no need.

I rely on my equipment, including computer, and would find some way through
the finances to get the equipment I feel I need.  After all, what have you 
saved if you settle for a "lesser" computer which you end up replacing in
a year for a "better" one.

>I have also been
>told about the new US Divers comp that is supposed to be an air
>integrated Montitor II.  Any experience or input on this?

I have no experience with the integrated one, but love my Monitor II wrist
model.

>Thanks, and hopefully someday the technology for these dive computers
>will come up to our expectations.

That's fairly unrealistic, as our expectations can change a lot faster
than technology.

>-Mark Tremblay              


-- 
Craig Campbell		|	These opinions are entirely the result of a 
Systems Engineer	|	small butterfly crashing into the far side
NCR Canada,		|	of the planet.  Chaos Rules.
an AT&T Company		|	I speak for no one, except, possibly, myself.
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: njs@scifi.uucp (Nicholas J. Simicich)
Subject: Re: periodic re-certification (was: anyone heard of PDSI?)
Organization: Nick Simicich, Peekskill, NY
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1992 21:45:22 GMT

In article <930550@hp-ptp.ptp.hp.com> davew@hp-ptp.ptp.hp.com (Dave Waller) writes:

>Presently, except in extremely rare cases, certification cards issued by
>just about every certifying agency have no expiration. In other words,
>once certified, always certified.
>
>This presents a dilemna for the diving community, and one that,
>unfortunately, frequently takes place: A person gets certified for a
>specific event (trip to the Great Barrier Reef, for instance), dives a
>few times, then doesn't don SCUBA gear again for many (sometimes many,
>many) years. Later on, an opportunity presents itself to engage in some
>SCUBA activity, and this person says, "Hey! I'm certified, this sounds
>like fun, count me in!".
>
>These unfortunate people make up the BULK of the SCUBA fatalities; if
>you won't take my word for it, give DAN a call.

I believe that the statistics that were brought out by DAN when
recertification was discussed and dismissed by the RSTC folks the last
time around tended to argue against this viewpoint.  The only
statistical lump tended to be in newly certified divers and divers
first undergoing training.  Refreshers down the line or expiring C
cards wouldn't have done these divers any good at all.

-- 
Nick Simicich - uunet!bywater!scifi!njs - njs@watson.ibm.com
SSI #AOWI 3958, HSA 318, NAUI #14065
Join the movement ---  turn 'to bush' into a verb.
From: dan@resonex.com (Dan Kell)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Boyancy control with drysuits
Date: 19 Aug 92 09:11:56 GMT
Organization: Resonex Inc., Sunnyvale CA

Not being a drysuit wearer myself its hard for me have any opinions on
what is the proper way to control buoyancy. I do have one question and this
may be simplistic, but why is there no exhaust valve on the ankle of a 
drysuit. I know this adds a couple of more valves but...

Has anyone done this and what is your experience if so?

-- 
Dan Kell                  
email to dan@resonex.com
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."   A. Einstein
Newsgroups: rec.scuba,ny.forsale
From: smk4631@ultb.isc.rit.edu (S.M. Kosoff )
Subject: For Sale
Originator: mstacc@ultb
Organization: Rochester Institute of Technology
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 12:40:12 GMT


Once again, I have some SCUBA gear for sale...

		Sea Quest AirSource BC Alternate air supply (Mine)
		Lime Green 
		Low Pressure hose
		Only used a few times
		$125/BO

		Scuba-Pro AIR2, 3rd generation (Wife's)
		Low Pressure hose
		Excellent condition
		$125/BO

Selling because I am doing mostly cold water deep diving so I've gone
to Pony setup.

If interested, please call at:

	(716) 381-9412

and leave a message.
-- 
Steve Kosoff
smk4631@ultb.isc.rit.edu
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: johng@syacus.acus.oz.au (John GriffithsMel)
Subject: Re: Boyancy control with drysuits
Organization: ACUS Australian Centre for Unisys Software, Sydney
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 23:50:13 GMT

rarobert@ursa9.cs.utah.edu (Robin Roberts) writes:

>In article <1992Aug17.031442.4636@syacus.acus.oz.au> johng@syacus.acus.oz.au (John GriffithsMel) writes:
>>
>>I've been using a dry suit for about ten years and I still use it
>>for buoyancy control. I use an ABLJ (horse collar) so maybe thats the difference
>>The peole I used to dive with in the UK also all only used their suits no the
>>BC. I was wondering why you use your BC??. Down here I only use the dry suit 
>>in the winter :-)

>Why use your BC?  If your drysuit floods (i've seen it happen), it won't be
>much help as a bouyancy control device!  Admittedly, you can ditch your 
>weight belt, but that still may not be enough bouyancy to keep you on 
>the surface with a flooded suit.  In addition, since most people wear
>dry suits in cold water, you have a real hypothermia problem - not the
>best position to be in!  A BC might be the difference between a blown
>dive day (and expensive dry suit repair), or a trip to the hospital (or
>worse).

>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

Sorry What I should have said was why use it for Bouyancy control, I have always dived with an ABLJ with a dry suit, although I know people who don't bother
- its their life, 

As for the polarlis missile, yes I've done that the first time I tried a dry 
suit, the membrane type, I had it over inflated, surfaced feet up from about 
15ft, did a tuck roll, the air vented out of the neck seal and I went back
down like a brick, all the time saying Oh dear and Oh my etc :-)
I thought it was part of the training course for using a dry suit ;-)

Apart from that, I've not had any trouble in using the suit for bouyancy controlfor 7 years, and as I said the peole I dived with in the UK - cold murky waters
of the south coast, always used their suit, not their BC for bouyancy control
- most of the people did use BC's with dry suits.
I my experience, once I'd learned to use the suit, there was no trouble in
useing it for bouyancy control

John Griffiths
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: morrison@swbatl.sbc.com (Jerry Morrison - 235-1587)
Subject: Camera Housing for Canon EOS
Organization: Southwestern Bell Advanced Technology Laboratory
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 18:21:38 GMT

Howdy neters...

I have a friend that is looking for some expert help with underwater camera
housings.  He is very interested in buying an Ikelite SLR-AF Case for his
Canon EOS camera and would like to visit with someone who has used this
combination before.  He is a very experienced user of Nikonus equipment
but is now ready for the land-based SLR underwater...  SO, if you have such
knowledge and would like to help my friend, please contact him at the following
numbers:

Don Mack
(314) 235-8450 (tele)
(314) 235-1604 (FAX)

or, you can send me your tele info and I can have him call you..

Cheers (as Dave would say)..

Jerry Morrison
-- 
morrison@swbatl.sbc.com		Jerry Morrison - (314) 529-7919
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: dave@hpdstma.ptp.hp.com (Dave Waller)
Subject: Re: How about the Oceanic Datamax?
Organization: Hewlett Packard
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 17:24:08 GMT

In article <frizzell.714338055@vincent1.iastate.edu>, frizzell@iastate.edu (Jamie G Frizzell) writes:
|> How about the Oceanic Datamax dive computers (Sport or Pro)?  Does anyone
|> have any experiences, good or bad, with these computers.  I am considering
|> purchasing one, and was wondering what people thought of them.

I don't like them at all. My biggest beef is with the toggling display,
which can make it difficult to understand what information the computer is
trying to tell you without scrutinizing it for more than a few seconds.

I also am not enamored with the DSAT decompression model that is used in
this machine, but if you want the poop on that discussion, it's best to
consult that rec.scuba archives that Nick maintains.

-- 
Dave Waller
YMCA Instructor
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: sdodd@OES.ORST.EDU (Stephen M Dodd)
Subject: Re: scuba classes
Organization: Oregon Extension Service, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Or.
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 14:46:07 GMT

In article <1992Aug11.200156.18499@hplabsz.hpl.hp.com> peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson) writes:
>I'd like to see more stories about good experiences with PADI -- especially from
>divers who've taken courses from instructors from other agencies.  Thanks for
>the postings.
>-- 
>Chris Peterson                                     Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
>                                                    Research Computing Services
>                                                              Palo Alto, CA USA 
>(415) 857-6432                                              peterson@hpl.hp.com

  I did my first card with PADI in 1974.  The teacher, Alan Rust, was
  great, the class was small (5), and the training was more strenuous
  than what I see generally available now.

  Steve

-- 
- Stephen M. Dodd, System Analyst, Oregon Extension Service
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
sdodd@oes.orst.edu          Internet          Oregon State University
503-737-0699                                  Corvallis, OR 97331
From: dave@hpdstma.ptp.hp.com (Dave Waller)
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 17:37:32 GMT
Subject: Re: Delphi -> Phoenix Trade-Up Report
Organization: Hewlett Packard