History of dive computers

[Bryan]

http://divemagazine.co.uk/kit/6597-hist ... e-computer

[Superlite]

Good information on the development of dive computers as we know them. Since ORCA there have been lots of improvements and variety of computers.

[couv]

I rarely see mention of the "Farallon Decomputer." It was a (short lived)step between the SOS Bend-o-Matic and the Orca Edge.

I bought one in the mid '70ies but it was recalled just a short time later. It was very inconsistent, so thankfully I got my money back. The other gauges that came with it were not much better. The depth gauge started to get bubbles in the oil, the pressure gauge did not have a blow-out plug and when the bourdon tube in it developed a leak POW! the gauge cover and face plate went sailing past my favorite ear.

[antique diver]

I rarely see mention of the "Farallon Decomputer." It was a (short lived)step between the SOS Bend-o-Matic and the Orca Edge.

We were way better off diving with the SOS than the Farallon!!! They seldom lasted through the first day of diving. Ralph, of Farallon "infamy" was touted by the diving press (aka Skin Diver Magazine) to be a great genius and innovator... but their seemingly cool and ingenious products turned out to be short-lived due to their consistently crappy quality. Some were downright dangerous (DPV and Decomputer), and the company finally bit the dust, as deserved. That's the nicest thing I have to say about them, but there is more that could be said

[captain]

I think I went through 3 Farallon Decomputers in 3 dives.

[Bryan]

Ralph, of Farallon "infamy" was touted by the diving press (aka Skin Diver Magazine) to be a great genius and innovator... but their seemingly cool and ingenious products turned out to be short-lived due to their consistently crappy quality. Some were downright dangerous (DPV and Decomputer), and the company finally bit the dust, as deserved. That's the nicest thing I have to say about them, but there is more that could be said

Their tri view low profile mask was very good, moldable bite tabs on the mouthpiece and the snorkel and they were the 1st spring heel straps I can remember...I worked at two stores that carried Farallon but I never saw a Decomputer...

[antique diver]

Their tri view low profile mask was very good, moldable bite tabs on the mouthpiece and the snorkel and they were the 1st spring heel straps I can remember...I worked at two stores that carried Farallon but I never saw a Decomputer...

Thanks for refreshing my memory about the successful moldable mouthpiece tabs and spring straps! Those worked well. The masks were very popular too, but we had a high return rate on them due to leaks in the frame.

No doubt about the spring fins straps being an innovative and great idea. I'm surprised it took so long for that concept from the 70's to catch on again, and look how popular they are today. I love mine.

OK,I guess I might owe Ralph a partial apology. Maybe he just chose the wrong OEM to build his crummy gauges and computers.