(DiverWire) In the past, divers have had their “buddy” (or bud) – you know, the person you team up with to look out for you and vice-versa. Now, there’s a new B.U.D that can watch your back. Oceanic Worldwide has just released the B.U.D. (backup dive computer) and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of tech-savvy divers. What a concept. Now, you don’t have to worry that if your primary computer fails, your diving day is finished. With a back-up computer, you can still dive! That’s one thing your “traditional” dive buddy can’t help you do.
The B.U.D. is an innovative backup device that clips onto your BC or placed in a pocket that constantly tracks your dive profile, just as your primary computer is doing. Using the same two algorithms that are set into your computer, whether you are diving on air or nitrox, NDL or Decompression diving, having this small guy diving along with you takes that worry away. Having only one button to adjust your settings, it is simple to use, read and even gives you visual alarms to finish your dive if it becomes necessary to use. As it is programmed to monitor 12 nitrogen compartments, the tissue loading bar graph will display the one controlling your dive, and there is also a variable ascent rate indicator, which flashes SLOW if your ascent is too fast. The B.U.D. comes in four different colors red, yellow, blue and orange, so keeping track of your own B.U.D. is easy when diving in a group.
Using the B.U.D. on a recent trip, we found it to be easy to set up, and comparing to both the Oceanic ProPlus 2 and VT3, it was accurate on all three dive profiles tested, two with 21% and one 34%. According to Oceanic, it is designed to “closely match any computers profile using the Oceanic Patented DUAL ALGORITHM.” It was activated by water, although that can also be done by pressing the button. Throughout the dives, comparisons were made, even holding the B.U.D. one foot in difference in depth from the computer, that difference was indicated. After the three dives, the accuracy and consistency were quite evident.
Included in the package is a disc that contains the operating manual and a waterproof quick reference card. Also, IPhone owners can download the new Oceanic App at http://divecomputertraining.com/OceanicApp.php, which includes a product overview video and classes for all Oceanic computers including the B.U.D. for portable learning and easy reference. So, the B.U.D.’s basics are simple. Set it up, attach it, and just know that it’s there waiting if you need it. Find out about this newest in dive safety technology at http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/us/bud/.
Also, IPhone owners can download the new Oceanic App at http://divecomputertraining.com/OceanicApp.php, which includes a product overview video and classes for all Oceanic computers including the B.U.D. for portable learning and easy reference.
