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How Many Computers Do You Dive With?
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[Poll]
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How Many Computers Do You Dive With?
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| I use tables, only. |
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| 1 Computer |
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| 2 Computers |
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| 3 Computers |
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| 4 or more Computers |
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Total Votes : 119
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(last vote on : 2/22/2009 1:08:49 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/19/2007 7:13:19 PM
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Keith.Phillips
Posts: 323
Joined: 11/7/2006
Status: offline
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One of the trends we noticed while working on the latest ScubaLab review of dive computers (coming out in the June issue) was that a lot of divers now seem to use multiple computers. So, my latest question for you all is:
How many computers do you dive with?
And I hope we can use this poll as an excuse to have a wide-ranging discussion on other topics related to how you all are using computers. For example: If you dive more than one machine, do you check for compatible algorithms? Do you set one to be more conservative than the other? If your computer has a deep stops option, do you follow it or opt for traditional safety stops, or do you follow both? How do you use the nitrox settings? Safety factor settings? What style of computer do you prefer (console, wrist, wristwatch)? How many of you are going wireless/hoseless with transmitters for air-integrated computers? How many of you are using multi-gas computers?
I look forward to reading your replies.
DSAO!
Keith
< Message edited by Keith.Phillips -- 5/27/2007 3:04:59 PM >
_____________________________
Keith Phillips
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Two - 4/19/2007 8:57:04 PM
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CapeCodDiver
Posts: 484
Joined: 11/7/2006
From: Sandwich, MA
Status: offline
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When doing mutiple dives over multiple days, I use two computers. The Suunto Cobra (console) and Suunto Stinger (wrist) with matching agorithms and matching settings. They have no deep stop option but by practice I do a one minute stop at 1/2 of max depth and the traditional safety stop as indicated by the computers. When diving Nitrox, the computers are set to the correct mix and used for extended dive time.
_____________________________
There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
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Two here as well - 4/19/2007 10:25:09 PM
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philmayer
Posts: 207
Joined: 12/17/2006
Status: offline
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I also use 2 computers, but it's mainly for redundancy. I have one connected by hose and one wireless, Oceanic's ProPlus 2 and Atom 2, and they use the same algorithms as far as I know. I really like the new wristwatch (Atom 2) computer, the only real advantage to my console is the larger numbers in the display.
I make extra safety stops on deep dives even if the computers don't tell me too. I tend to dive more conservatively than the computers.
When diving nitrox, the computers are programmed for the true mixture and I only dive to 1.4ppo.
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Two computers and a Sensus Pro (+) - 4/19/2007 11:19:08 PM
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DiverDan
Posts: 1334
Joined: 11/7/2006
From: Morgantown, West Virginia
Status: offline
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I started out in '93 with a Dacor Omni Pro air integrated computer and it's still going strong. Since it does only air and doesn't download to a PC I bought a Sensus Pro (a really nice piece of gear for the $ www.reefnet.com) The Sensus Pro isn't really a dive computer because it doesn't track nitrogen uploading but does track depth, time, and water temperature. You can adjust it to calculate depth, temp, and time down to 3 second intervals and still get around 30 hours of dive log time before it rolls over.
Then I bought a Suunto Mosquito which is very conservative but when diving nitrox over multiple days gives me more bottom time than the air computer.
< Message edited by DiverDan -- 4/19/2007 11:21:25 PM >
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/20/2007 12:45:36 AM
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Paulw
Posts: 495
Joined: 11/17/2006
From: Michigan
Status: offline
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Use to use Diverite wrist and Atmos ai hose computers, now I switched to Suunto Cobra hose style with stinger wrist.
When dive nitrox I set to proper percent and stop for 1min at 1/2 depth.
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I have three but normally use just one at a time. + - 4/20/2007 12:50:41 AM
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Lepomis
Posts: 1124
Joined: 11/8/2006
From: northwestern Minnesota near Fargo, ND
Status: offline
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Currently have three Suuntos: Cobra for research work and local diving, Vyper for ocean/tropical diving, and a Gekko for backup and for my wife when she goes diving with me.
Occasionally I'll take two along, and I've had two different kinds of other brands down sometimes to compare outcomes, but normally one is enough for regular recreational diving. If not doing repetitive dives or only going shallow, such as above the thermocline in fresh water, I often don't bother to take any computer along -- I have a rig set up for that with just the SPG, depth gauge, and a watch (plus -- always -- a compass).
I carry mine in a console, which I usually carry in my left hand so it is always in front of me and available anytime I want to glance at it, sort of like the dashboard instruments of a vehicle. I used to wear the computer on my wrist but that was a hassle when changing in and out of wet or dry suits, involved twisting my arm around too much to look at it, sometimes got misplaced when I had it off between dives, and occasionally it caught on things if I was in heavy vegetation or around lines. I much prefer it on a console.
I do my own deep-stop figuring, not with the computer per se.
We had a recent TOW on this topic, incidentally. It's at http://www.scubadiving.com/forum/fb.aspx?m=15176.
DSAO -- with as much equipment on the dive as you need (but not TOO much)
Jim
_____________________________
I'm just here between dives unloading nitrogen, refilling tanks, and talking with buddies.
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Only one computer (+) - 4/20/2007 8:18:26 AM
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cneal
Posts: 649
Joined: 11/8/2006
From: Charlotte, NC
Status: offline
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Shiela and I use identical computers so as to have the same restrictions on bottom time. Our old (air only) computers are being sold for us by our LDS. After diving Cochran's for serevral years the default on the Oceanic's is conservative enough.
For back-up we have tables and I would not have problems going back into the water on the old 120 rule if something happened to the tables.
_____________________________
Dive Safe and Often
Carl Neal
Visit my galleries.
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2 -- mainly because I have them + - 4/20/2007 8:56:37 AM
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Sapien
Posts: 890
Joined: 11/7/2006
From: Neptune Beach, Florida
Status: offline
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My first computer was one of those annoying single-button nitrox models that defaults to 50% after every dive. Before long I replaced it with an Oceanic Datamax ProPlus, which is air-integrated and I still swear by. Since they both use the same algorithms, I carry the old one as a backup. It has a screw-on mount that rides the same hose as the primary. That way if either one fails, especially on an extended trip with multiple dives, I still have correct nitrogen loading data and can keep on diving.
< Message edited by Sapien -- 4/20/2007 11:53:22 AM >
_____________________________
"Madam, you have between your legs an instrument capable of giving pleasure to thousands, and all you can do is scratch it."
-- Sir Thomas Beecham (1879-1961) to a lady cellist.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/20/2007 11:42:20 AM
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sealkie
Posts: 243
Joined: 11/10/2006
Status: offline
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2 computers - same algorithm same settings
I also have a watch and depth guage so I can at least monitor my ascent and stop if all fails
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/21/2007 12:08:57 PM
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swendiver
Posts: 35
Joined: 12/29/2006
Status: offline
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Guess I can reply even though not a super member. I have two hocky puck Oceanics, one in console the other wrist mounted also have Seiko Scub watch which acts as thrid computer. Have found little need for more advanced ones as I seldom dive deep or anything approaching tecky, and up to three times a day now. Not getting any younger. These have served me well and provide what I need.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/21/2007 12:43:58 PM
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kavubob
Posts: 203
Joined: 4/4/2007
Status: offline
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I've been diving since 1977 and I've been using two computers over the past five years. I decided to use a second computer as a safety feature, in case one malfunctions. My first computer is a Oceanic Prodigy console computer and my second is the Suunto Mosquito wrist computer. I like the Mosquito because it's on my wrist and its's easier to scroll through my dive history when I'm out of the water. However the Oceanic Prodigy is more conservative than the Mosquito and this is important when doing repetitive dives and deep dives. I am very satisfied with both computers and will always dive using both.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/22/2007 3:57:41 AM
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nrhysling
Posts: 11
Joined: 2/10/2007
Status: offline
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For recreational diving, I use a Aeris Atmos II, wrist computer. Simple to use, easy to see underwater, handles nitrox. For technical diving, I use a Uwatec SmartTec wrist computer. Handles three different mixes and is wireless air intregrated. I love not having those hoses. I also take the Atmos with me, but it is more liberal than the SmartTec so I don't pay as much attention to it. It's mostly a emergency backup/extra timer and depth gauge.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/22/2007 10:53:45 AM
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Tomcat
Posts: 173
Joined: 11/29/2006
Status: offline
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I dive with two computers. I don't match algorithms. I started with an AI Dacor Datamax? (a pelagic design of some type) I now use a Aeris 750 GT hoseles AI computer on a retractable console and a Stinger for back-up. I used to cary a Genesis hockey puck in my BC pocket as a back-up until I got the Stinger.
I carry two computers becase most of my diving is multi-day trips and I have had the 750 crap out enough at inopportune moments (batteries) and I would hate to have to sit out a day diving. THe Stinger is getting harder to read as I get older. I like the hoseless AI feature but I could go back to a hosed AI computer without feeling deprived.
I dive which ever one hits its limits first. Usually, they have been pretty close.
Steve
_____________________________
"The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them." --Robert Frost
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/22/2007 9:16:02 PM
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fugu
Posts: 2724
Joined: 11/7/2006
From: Florida
Status: offline
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Primary computer is between my ears.
I usually wear one dive computer.
I usually wear a wristwatch or bottom timer as backup device.
If a complex dive, I have dive plan (deco) written on Wetnotes.
< Message edited by fugu -- 4/22/2007 9:17:15 PM >
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One...(+) - 4/23/2007 12:01:33 PM
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turk
Posts: 400
Joined: 11/8/2006
Status: offline
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Well Two really.
Simuilar to fugu's comments, I dive with one computer strapped to my arm and the other one is that grey matter in my skull. I use a dive watch (I picked up a nice Citizen eco-drive dive watch back in Dec on sale) and a set of tables as a back-up.
_____________________________
If I was in charge of everything things would still be screwed up but I'd be happy.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/23/2007 6:25:24 PM
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JenLoves2Dive
Posts: 1431
Joined: 11/14/2006
From: D.C. area
Status: offline
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TWO -- I use a Suunto Mosquito as a backup computer. This past year I just bought a Suunto Cobra Air/Nitrox Integrated Computer. Still on the learning curve with the Cobra so can't say much about matching agorithms and such...
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/24/2007 11:58:23 AM
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Sinker001
Posts: 325
Joined: 11/9/2006
Status: offline
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A Suunto Vyper.
Plus one spare Uwatec Air in my bag and of course the one below my thinning hair. The organic one is the one that keeps me out of trouble by reminding me to regularly check the electronic one and to monitor ascent rate and remaining air.
S
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 4/29/2007 8:29:37 PM
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Molamola
Posts: 1559
Joined: 11/14/2006
From: St Croix US Virgin Islands
Status: offline
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One, most dives anyway. Since I shore dive the same area, maybe twenty-thirty acres? I know it so thoroughly that when I needed a new battery I dove a few times by my watch and just looking whre I was.
With shore diving, you spend a lot of time coming in, and from thirty feet to surfacing in one ot two feet, I spend at least a half hour, or sometimes as much as a whole hour.
Guess I've made it to the 'old crumudgeon' rank.
Cheers,
Molamola, with an antique Suunto
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/1/2007 2:57:34 AM
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Marioreynaud
Posts: 619
Joined: 4/14/2007
Status: offline
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I already answer the poll saying that I am using two computers. A became to be certified and frequent Diver since the purchase of all my equipment in May 2006, were I bought a Sunnto Gekko. I love that computer, it is very conservative but gives me all what I need underwater. I receive from my wife as a Christmas gift a Smart Z from Uwatec, this other computer is a wrist one, so now I dive with both. The Smart Z give to me information from the tank (after 4 months of being returned to switzerland to make pair the transmissor with the computer) so became to be interesting to have them both, a higher plus en the Smart Z is the interface with the computer and the capability to review my dives and the whole Logbook on my Laptop, including the pictures that I took underwater.
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Impossible is nothing!
Mario Pacheco Reynaud
http://web.mac.com/marioreynaud1
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One - except on a liveaboard where I use two ... - 5/1/2007 7:53:34 AM
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SwissImca
Posts: 18
Joined: 11/7/2006
Status: offline
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One - except on a liveaboard where I use two ... just in case one of them "dies" during the week. Both Uwatec Aladin's, my Air-Z and my old ProUltra that I have to borrow back from my niece for the vacation!
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/4/2007 8:50:01 AM
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ellene
Posts: 1406
Joined: 11/17/2006
Status: offline
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I dive with two air integrated Datamax Pros for redundancy. One used to be my huband's so when he switched to a hoseless Nitrox model, I added his to my setup (his first stage couldn't accommodate the extra). I've been using this configuration for years now.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/5/2007 2:41:25 AM
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aviddiver.her
Posts: 652
Joined: 3/17/2007
From: Northern California
Status: offline
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In the spirit of your question I voted 1. But in reality four! One on my console, one in my camera and two computers stay up top to download my photos! 
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/8/2007 11:30:39 AM
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mikerault
Posts: 86
Joined: 2/26/2007
From: Mike Ault
Status: offline
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I dive with the Citizen Hyper Aqualand NX for its dive recording capability and the Cochran Commander for its visibility (member of the presbeopia divers society...). Both are Nitrox capable and have slightly different algorithms (the NX is more conservative using the Canadian algorithm)
Mike
_____________________________
Mike Ault
www.scubamage.com
Have dive gear will travel
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/8/2007 9:05:33 PM
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martinez
Posts: 2
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline
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I dive with one dive computer, an old Scubapro EDI... Wich I must say after almost 10 years still works fine for me, although it's too conservative for my taste.
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Jose L. Martinez
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RE: Two - 5/18/2007 4:02:13 AM
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Simon
Posts: 101
Joined: 11/16/2006
From: Boston, MA
Status: offline
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My setup exactly duplicates CapeCodDiver's. FYDatabase & research.
quote:
ORIGINAL: CapeCodDiver
When doing mutiple dives over multiple days, I use two computers. The Suunto Cobra (console) and Suunto Stinger (wrist) with matching agorithms and matching settings. They have no deep stop option but by practice I do a one minute stop at 1/2 of max depth and the traditional safety stop as indicated by the computers. When diving Nitrox, the computers are set to the correct mix and used for extended dive time.
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RE: How Many Computers Do You Dive With? - 5/19/2007 6:16:02 PM
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Will
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/19/2007
Status: offline
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I dive with 3 computers: Uwatec Aladin Pro Ultra, Uwatec Air Z O2, Uwatec Digital bottom timer, and a Citizen dive watch (w/ depth).
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Just one, my laptop. Desktops are a bit cumbersome on ... - 5/20/2007 8:28:05 PM
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TallDave
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/20/2007
Status: offline
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-TD
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RE: Just one, my laptop. Desktops are a bit cumbersome... - 5/21/2007 1:22:11 AM
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Diver88
Posts: 9
Joined: 4/21/2007
Status: offline
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Wrong kind of computer there TD.
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Dive Safe And Often!!!
`Austin-Out.
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