forum.heinrichsweikamp.com

Which one would you buy and why (OC dives to 100m)?

As far as i understand the differences:
OSTC2 is a more experimental dive computer, with plenty of CustomFunctions (Settings) to try out

OSTC3 is a more consumerfriendly dive computer, with just few CustomFunctions to set up the settings.

Older OSTC2 have an OLED-Display which i really like. But meanwhile all displays are made with LCD. So this is not longer an advantage for the OSTC2. And because you'll never use all the CustomFunctions, i would recommend the OSTC3 for you...

OSTC 2N > 61 mm diagonal display
OSTC 3 > 51 mm diagonal display

so 2N is better for older divers ;->

I agree with Sailor
Ostc3 has smaller digits

A guy from our club sent his 3 back and swapped it for a 2c as the screen was too small.

I bought a 2C the 3 looks like to much of toy. Loads of problems also with the 3 (the one I tested went crazy in deco after a 50m dive and restarted on the next one)

I've owned both and think they both have their merits and their drawbacks.

To be honest, I bought the OSTC3 first, and after 3 failed units, all with depth sensor failures, I lost faith in the OSTC3 and returned it, buying an OSTC 2c as a replacement.

So far, the 2c has been fantastic.

Pros for OSTC3
- I prefer the Colourful screen layout
- I preferred the much (and it is MUCH) smaller unit size and alloy body

Pros for the OSTC2c
- I much prefer the Peizo buttons, compared to the 3
- I much prefer the rechargeable battery, which seems to last forever!
- I have to say, it's reliable, which in itself makes it a no brainer
- I like having all the customisable options, i may not use them all, but i can pick and choose what i want to use/change if i so wish.

Screen size, i think it's a lot closer than the dimensions would suggest. I still had a screen protector for the 3 left when i bought the 2c, and was hugely shocked that to fit it onto the 2c screen, i had to trim the protector!

The biggest down to the 2c is it's size. It's physically much bigger to wear than the 3, however this only stands out because i've had both. If i'd only had the 2c, this would not be an issue.

All in all, my perfect choice would be a hybrid of the two, with the size, layout and body of the 3, but with a rechargeable battery and buttons and reliability from the 2c..... I do ofcourse realise that this is not physically possible, as the battery etc is what accounts for the larger size of the 2c.

So, in short, having tried both, and having the choice, assuming both units to be reliable, I think it's a very close call. The size of the 3 may just swing it for me. However, in my experience, the reliability of the 3 is still an issue and as such, it's a no brainer.... the OSTC 2c wins hands down. If I can't trust my computer, what's the point in having it?

(I do think that once the reliability issues are resolved, the 3 will be a great computer, but in my opinion, it just isn't ready yet, and I'm not sure it will be for a little while to come. This is just my opinion.)

Hi Frapp
Why to you prefer the piezo buttons over the push buttons on the OSTC3?

swissdiving Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi Frapp
> Why to you prefer the piezo buttons over the push
> buttons on the OSTC3?

Hello Swiss,

I have a dryglove ring system on my drysuit and found that the position of the buttons on the OSTC3 meant they were not easily accessible, especially when considering the amount of travel the buttons needed to actually activate. They are quite heavily spring loaded and required a lot of pressure and travel before they would activate.

The Piezo buttons on the other hand are easily operated, with no travel, no major resistance and don't interfere with the dry rings.

For me, they are 100% better than the OSTC3, everything about their use is a more positive experience for my use.

@Frapp

Actually, the reason why I asked the question, is because I thought that the buttons are very close to the bottom of the OSTC3 an therefore close to the drysuit. This could be a problem with a Whites (for example) if the fabric bunches up while pressing the buttons. Of course with piezo buttons thats much less of a problem.

From my experience after 90min 6degree water event the piezo buttons can get tricky to use. I thought with the push buttons it might be a bit easier...

swissdiving Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Frapp
>
>
> From my experience after 90min 6degree water event
> the piezo buttons can get tricky to use. I thought
> with the push buttons it might be a bit easier...


I don't think they will be, as the spring loaded mechanism is really quite forceful. They require a good push and there is a LOT of travel before they action. The button has to be all the way in before it actions.

With cold hands, this I think would be more uncomfortable and therefore not as easy compared to the Piezo buttons.

I dive all year round, but didn't get chance to test this theory yet as I haven't owned either unit through a British winter yet