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UWATEC is an equipment
manufacturer specializing in dive computers.In
the 1980s Uwatec introduced the first Aladin Pro dive computer. This computer
was one of the earliest dive computers that allowed divers to take advantage of
multi level diving, to maximise bottom times.
Since that introduction, major
improvements to the Aladin Pro have included the inclusion of formula for
enriched air (or Nitrox) and the development of the Bühlmann ZH L-8 ADT
algorithm (the mathematical model that is part of the computer's software).
Adapting to Actual Diver Behavior
The Bühlmann adaptive algorithm
can modify the diver's decompression schedule according to the diver's actual
diving circumstance. Examples include situations where the diver is diving in
extremely cold water or has ignored the optimum ascent rate. In these
circumstances the Aladin will adapt or modify the decompression schedule and the
diver may be asked to complete an additional decompression stop.
In addition to the introduction
of Nitrox computers and the adaptive model, Uwatec introduced in the mid 1990s a
range of air integrated and hoseless dive computers. Now, the inclusion of the
patented air integration feature meant the computers could modify the
decompression schedule according to workload. For example, if the computer
detects that the diver is breathing heavily at depth, the model considers that
the diver is actually "in gassing" additional nitrogen. Again, the
computer will ask the diver to consider a short decompression stop to allow the
diver to reduce the risk of decompression illness.
Only the Uwatec Range of Air
Integrated dive computers warns a diver both with a visual display (the lung
symbol) and an audible alarm, if the diver is working too hard and therefore
ingassing additional Nitrogen.
Announcing Uwatec Smart Dive
Computers
In 2002 Scubapro Uwatec announces
another major addition to the Uwatec range of dive computers with the Smart PRO
and the Smart COM. These computers include new features such as the display of
the ambient temperature and infrared transmission of the dive data to a personal
computer for post dive analysis with Uwatec SmartTrak software. The Smart Pro
and Smart Com have display screens that are 35% bigger than the previous
generation of computers, already well recognized for their easy to read
graphics.
These two new computers are also
a major step forward in the technology of diving. The most important enhancement
is to the algorithm in these new products, which helps the diver dive in a
manner that minimises the long term effects that can occur as a result of
diving. To understand how Uwatec Smart Dive Computers work to reduce long term
diving symptoms we must first understand microbubbles, how they are measured,
their effects and how they can be eliminated.
UWATEC
1166 Fesler Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
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(619) 402-1023
UWATEC Scuba Equipment
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