The OSTC is a robust, easy to use dive computer. It's designed to acccomodate any changes in your diving, whatever you decide to do.
The bright, easy to read screen displays all the relevant information at a glance. The OLED screen makes the display easily readable in all light conditions, without having to press any buttons.
The OSTC is rapidly gaining popularity in Europe. The low cost, combined with modern screen technology and free upgradable software makes it a viable option for many divers.
Main Features
The OSTC is an Open Source dive computer. This means that the hardware schematics and software is available for everyone to view, and if you are so inclined, modify. The software is constantly being reviewed, updated and tested to add extra functionality to the unit. This is available to all users at no extra cost.
All OSTC's come loaded with the latest approved release of the software. It uses Gradient Factors to calculate decompression. These are user definable to adapt the decompression profile to suit you and your diving. Other standard features include:
- CNS tracking
- Ascent rate display
- Battery warning
- Battery Voltage
- User settable Acoustic alarm
- Status, Warning and No-Fly indicators
- 5 Programmable gases (Nitrox, Trimix or Heliox)
- User definable last stop depth
- Gauge/Apnea mode
- Max depth: 100m
There are many customisable functions including the rate to sample depth, warning settings, Gradient factor settings and so on. For a full list please refer to the Online manual as these are upgraded as new software features become available.
The OSTC can currently be used in 6 different modes.
- ZH-L16 OC: Buhlmann ZH-L16 decompression for Open Circuit
- ZH-L16 Constant PO2: Buhlmann ZH-L16 decompression for Closed Circuit
- ZH-L16 GF OC: Gradient Factors decompression for Open Circuit
- ZH-L16 GF Constant PO2: Gradient Factors decompression for Closed Circuit
- Gauge mode: No decompression is calculated
- Apnea mode: No decompression is calculated and depth is sampled every 1 second.
Dive profiles can be downloaded using the supplied USB Hub and appropriate software. The USB hub is also used to perform any software upgrades.
Battery Life and Battery Changes
The OSTC battery lasts for approximately 40 hours of dive time per charge (around 2 years in standby). The battery is rated for 500 full cycles which equates to a total of 20,000 dive hours.
The battery can be replaced when necessary. It is advised to return the unit to us for the manufacturer to replace the battery. We will supply you with a loan OSTC to keep you diving while your computer is away for battery replacement.
Software
JDiveLog is an Open Source Logbook with the capability to download OSTC profiles. It can also be used to upgrade your OSTC software. It is Mac and PC compatible.
Diving Log 4.0 is a PC compatible software program with the capability of downloading OSTC profiles. It can be installed as a Shareware version that allows a maximum of 10 dives to be stored, or it can be upgraded to the full version.
O2 Cell Monitoring
The OSTC has a 5-pin Fischer connection which is used to connect the computer to the USB hub. The computer can also be linked to the O2 OEM monitoring board to read up to 3 rebreather oxygen cells via the Fischer connector. This would allow the computer to continually calculate decompression based on the PO2 of the gas being breathed.
For a detailed specification of the hardware and software, please visit the OSTC site.
Please note, this computer is a platform for divers who have an understanding of decompression theory and who believe in transparency in the decompression algorithms being used. As with all software, the stable version supplied with the OSTC may have bugs. Remember - always have a back-up for decompression calculations.