California Diving News - Product Review: Cressi-sub Archimede Computer

Cressi-sub Archimede Computer

How well a piece of equipment fits is often the most important consideration when evaluating dive gear. While this is particularly true for wetsuits, fins, etc., we do not often think of a computer that “fits.” I was given the opportunity to test drive Cressi-sub’s new Archimede, and was impressed how well this product fits my diving needs.

The first thing I liked about the computer was how nicely it fits in my hand. It was provided in a two-gage console, along with a submersible pressure gage. The small, streamlined design was perfect for California kelp diving. Things got better when I put it through its paces.

The Archimede is only a little over two inches in diameter and has three control buttons. Cressi-sub has packed a lot of power and flexibility into a small package. In spite of the versatility, the computer was very intuitive and easy to use. When not underwater the default screen is the “time” mode, which is essentially a watch showing time, day, date, and surface interval. I found this feature particularly attractive since it removes the need to carry a separate watch, and date and time are included in the dive log. The battery should last three years and is easily changed by the user.

The Archimede is thin and compact.

Archimede is always on and switches from time mode to dive mode once the computer is immersed, so there is no need to remember to turn it on. Underwater, the computer gave me what I need most—depth and no decompression time remaining in big, easy-to-read numbers. Also shown were maximum bottom time, elapsed time and pixel displays of nitrogen, and oxygen buildup (if using nitrox). Archimede will work at an altitude up to 19,680 feet. This computer will also take you through mandatory decompression stops should you exceed your no-decompression limit and also suggests an optional safety stop (and counts down the three minutes) on each dive. After diving you are provided with time-to-fly and time-to-desaturate; very important, if you need to drive over a mountain pass or fly to get home.

In the set mode you can set the day, date and time, select nitrox blend or air, and select oxygen partial pressure alarm, and depth alarm. While the latter two seem frivolous features, they add an extra margin of safety for us who spend much of the dive with our eyes glued to the back of our camera. You may also select English or metric units.

The plan mode allows you to view possible depths on your next dive and obtain maximum no-decompression times. The depths do not scroll by, but you can step through them in either direction. The log mode allows you to view summary information from your last 60 dives, while the dive profile mode provides depth and time information every 30 seconds for the past 60 dives. The history mode gives total number of dives and total accumulated bottom time for the past 599 dives and the maximum depth reached while using the computer. Cressi-sub offers an optional interface and software to download your logged dives to your computer. There is also a dive simulation mode that is intended to allow the new user to gain familiarity with the dive mode features of the computer before entering the water.

The Archimede was clearly designed by some very bright engineers who were also avid divers. It has everything I need in a computer and a lot of features that make diving easier and safer. And all of this is packed into a compact, yet easy-to-use package. The Archimede is clearly a superior product.

For more information, visit Cressi-sub’s web site at www.cressisubusa.com.