Computers

A brief history of underwater dive computers

1960s–1970s: Theoretical Foundations

1960s: Dive planning relied entirely on printed dive tables, like those from the U.S. Navy. There were no actual dive computers yet.
1970s: First concepts and prototypes for dive computers emerged. These were largely experimental and based on decompression models like the Bühlmann and Haldane algorithms.

1980s: Birth of Commercial Dive Computers

1983: DecoBrain (by Hans Hass/Divetronics) became the first commercially available electronic dive computer.
1984: Orca Edge launched in the U.S.—one of the first widely used dive computers, using a real-time decompression algorithm.
Late 1980s: More brands entered the market (e.g., Suunto, Uwatec, Aladin), focusing on wrist-mounted designs and recreational divers.

1990s: Widespread Adoption

Dive computers became smaller, more reliable, and affordable.
Suunto Favor and Spyder, and Uwatec Aladin models gained popularity.
Many models added air integration and ascent rate indicators, improving safety.
Technical divers began using computers with customizable algorithms.

2000s: Digital Integration and Technical Diving

Dive computers now featured digital compasses, PC connectivity, and downloadable dive logs.
Introduction of Nitrox-capable and Trimix-compatible computers for technical diving (e.g., Shearwater, Dive Rite).
Wireless air integration became more common.

2010s: Smart Technology and Versatility

Emergence of color screens, touch interfaces, and smartwatch-style dive computers (e.g., Suunto D5, Garmin Descent).
Bluetooth connectivity and app integration became standard.
Advanced models supported multi-gas switching, CCR diving, and GPS features.
Dive computers became essential for both recreational and technical divers, often replacing dive tables entirely.

By 2020, dive computers were sophisticated tools offering real-time decompression tracking, customizable algorithms, and seamless integration with digital dive logs—serving divers from beginners to explorers.

The evolution of gauges for scuba diving reflects advances in technology, safety standards, and diver convenience. Here’s a chronological overview of how scuba diving gauges have developed:

1. Early Mechanical Gauges (1940s–1960s)

Depth Gauges: Early divers used capillary depth gauges, which measured depth based on air compression inside a small tube. These were inaccurate below ~10 meters.
Submersible Pressure Gauges (SPGs): Initially, divers used J-valves on tanks to warn of low air (by resisting airflow), but SPGs were introduced to provide a real-time readout of tank pressure. Early SPGs were purely mechanical, with a needle dial.

2. Combination Consoles (1970s–1980s)

SPGs, depth gauges, and sometimes compasses were integrated into a single console, simplifying gear.
Oil-filled or bourdon tube-style depth gauges were more accurate and robust.
Gauges became more compact and rugged for recreational use.

3. Early Dive Computers (1980s–1990s)

Mechanical gauges began to be supplemented or replaced by dive computers.
Early dive computers calculated depth, time, and nitrogen absorption using dive tables, reducing the need for manual tracking.
Some early models still required a separate SPG and compass.

4. Integrated Digital Consoles (1990s–2000s)

SPGs and depth gauges went digital.
Air-integrated dive computers started using hoses or wireless transmitters to show tank pressure.
These systems offered bottom time predictions, ascent rate warnings, and no-decompression limits, all in one display.

5. Wrist-Mounted Dive Computers (2000s–2010s)

Divers increasingly preferred wrist-mounted dive computers for better ergonomics and readability.
These devices included:
- Digital compass
- Depth, time, and tank pressure
- Dive logging
- Nitrox and multiple gas support
Wireless tank transmitters became common, reducing hose clutter.

6. Smart Dive Computers (2010s–Present)

Air integration via Bluetooth or proprietary RF tech.
High-resolution color displays, customizable alerts, and touchscreens.
Some now include GPS, heart rate monitoring, and surface navigation.
Mobile syncing for dive logs and sharing.
Many recreational divers still carry a backup analog SPG, in case electronics fail.

Summary of Key Shifts:

Era	Main Innovation	Notes
1940s–60s	Mechanical SPGs, capillary gauges	Basic, prone to inaccuracy
70s–80s	Integrated consoles	More compact, robust designs
80s–90s	First dive computers	Nitrogen tracking, ascent alarms
90s–2000s	Digital air integration	Hose or transmitter-based
2000s–2010s	Wrist computers dominate	Multiple gas, digital compass
2010s–Now	Smart, connected systems	GPS, Bluetooth, color screens

A look back to 1966: The ScubaPro Automatic Decompression Meter

First available in ScubaPro’s catalog in 1966, the ScubaPro Automatic Decompression Meter was a break through in diving technology and a forerunner to the modern dive computer. The meter attempted to calculate nitrogen absorption based on dive time and depth. This was done mechanically instead of electronically, and without the benefit of any actual computing. The Automatic Decompression Meter was introduced just a year after ScubaPro’s most successful product – the ScubaPro Jet Fins – which still remain popular today.