However, this dive instrument offers a further array of functions, which include a 3D self-compensating compass, an altimeter with automatic compensation for altitude diving, a thermometer and a barometric pressure gauge. Again, these functions aren’t unique in the dive-computer world but the iDive range goes beyond that and includes a current moon phase mode in which full, new, waxing and waning phases of the moon can be predicted. Then there’s a pitch & roll function indicated on both a vertical and horizontal axis and, for the diver who has everything, a magnetometer to help out if you’re looking for something big and made of iron. For the fitness enthusiasts among us there’s also a pedometer to record steps, mileage and burned calories during those early-morning jogging sessions. Modes & FunctionsThe iDive Easy has Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge, Planning and Logbook modes, standard fare on nearly every available timepiece-style dive-computer, as are Watch and Chronometer modes. Safety-stop depths can be user-set, as can the choice of deep stops in a customisable menu system. The AlgorithmThe Easy model is a two-mix air/nitrox computer employing a real-time Buhlmann ZHL-16B algorithm to calculate tissue-saturation status and accurately and safely formulate repetitive dive-profiles. You’ll have to manually set the analysed mix into the computer, however, as current Health & Safety rules don’t allow this to be done automatically. This simply connects via the bayonet charging port and automatically calibrates and validates its oxygen sensor. The iDive Easy is available in eight colour schemes, and a Sea Jewel version with Swarovski crystals set around the periphery of the face is also available. A dedicated nitrox analyser can be added for the entire range of Ratio multi-gas computers. As soon as the sensor detects movement, the display is switched on. The strap is a heavy-duty silicon buckled version supplied with a separate extension for use over bulky exposure suits. The display is switched off if the iDive is still for five minutes, which allows for claimed battery burntimes of up to 25 hours in Dive mode, two months in Watch mode and up to six months in Total Sleep mode.
Charging is done via a USB interface cable with gold-plated terminals that bayonet into the iDive’s connection terminal. The computer has an automatic sleep mode. Menus and functions are accessed via three of four spring-loaded buttons at the 2, 4, and 8 o’clock positions, while the button at 10 o’clock activates the backlight. A single long-life USB rechargeable battery similar to those used in smartphones and tablets powers the iDive range. This solid case gives the computer a depth-rating of 220m. The 40mm-diameter 80 x 80-pixel matrix LCD backlit display has oversized graphics. The iDive Easy is a wristwatch-style instrument with a 47mm-diameter x 16mm deep polished 316L stainless-steel case and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass face. The iDive Easy computer from Italian designer Ratio is being distributed in the UK by Liquid Sports and has more functions than I could wag a stick at, as I found out during a dive trip to the island of Mauritius. WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM A DIVE COMPUTER? I know what I want, and that’s a tool to let me know what my current depth is, how deep I’ve been, how long I’ve been down and, most importantly, how long I can stay under water without any deco penalties. Every modern dive computer does exactly that, but some models offer more, much more.
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