HUD | Dive Computer Reviews

Oceanic Datamask HUD Dive Computer Review

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Imagine being able to check all of functions of you diver computer without your hands- the Oceanic Datamask HUD dive computer allows you to do just that. Integrated in the mask is a small LCD panel that shows you depth, psi of air in your cylinder, time, and decompression stop info, which you can see continously, without having to use your hands. The display is magnified and backlit, so you can tune it to your your preference to make it visible, but not obtrusive. So if you need your hands for something else, no problem, your dive information is always right in front of you. They pull this off by using a wireless interface, which among other things allows you to see how much air time is remaining. Like all good dive computers, there are audible alarms when you ascend too quickly, you're low on air, spend your allotted amount of time at depth, etc. It also has user replaceable batteries, and allows uploading of dive data to you your computer.

The Oceanic Datamask HUD was developed for the special forces, a variety of their missions are in challenging environments with low visibility, and they frequently need both hands to handle equipment required to accomplish the mission. Also, in some conditions lighted gauges would be a liability and interfere with their ability to stay camouflaged. They worked hard to make sure the dive information was readily visible, but did not interfere with vision, hence the location just outside your normal field of view, on the right. During development they discover the numerals were too small to read when placed that close to the eye, so Oceanic had a custom magnification lens developed for the Datamask HUD. The mask was readily accepted by the military divers who contributed in it's development, and also has applications with recreational divers, public safety divers, and handicapped divers who may not be able to operate a traditional dive computer.

The Datamask HUD is a technological advancement on the traditional dive computer, and Oceanic should be congratulated on advancing the science supporting not only our military divers, but recreational divers like you and I. If you'd like additional details, here's the manual at from Oceanic.

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