Dive Computer PC Interfaces (Protocols/SW/Issues, Spec: Oceanic)

Kevin Grover wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> First, some questions:
>
> Can the Ocean Pro Plus be easily downloaded to PC or Palm/PocketPC?
> Are the protocols open? Are there specs available?
> I looked quickly on Oceanic's web site and it appears that an
> interface kit costs around $100 AND the software costs around $100.
> That seems ridiculous for a device that costs almost $900 in some
> places.
>
> Are there any lists the indicate the capabilities of the various dive
> computers, availability of the software? (In know that the specifics
> for building interfaces for some older Aladdin computer are out there.
> I also have the protocol used by the Citizen Hyper Aqualand ---
> although, I think that someone reverse engineered it)
>
> Second, some comments:
>
> I'd be interesting in other peoples experiences and comments. Some
> time ago (way way back before most people knew what the web was), I
> put together a list of dive computers (hosted at the UNLV web site),
> where I assembled reviews and comments (by real people) about dive
> computers. It was called the IDCR: Internet Dive Computer Review.
> Once www.scubadiving.com started publishing more detailed/real world
> reviews, I sorts of lost interest. However, at this time, I would
> not be adverse to collecting information capabilies not really covered
> elsewhere: download protocols (open/closed), software (free/$$$),
> updated (free/$$$), etc, as well as more advances/obscure features not
> normally mentioned in other reviews. Any interest/desires/comments?
>
> Some things I've noticed when I started looking into getting a new
> dive computer:
>
> Uwatec
>
> The Uwatec software is free and the protocols are standard (for the
> SmartCOM/PRO anyway). They work with the IR port on PocketPCs (I've
> seen someone use them). In fact, I downloaded the software from the
> website and looked at it. I'm seriously considering getting a Uwatec
> just because they seem to open with the software and protocols.
>
> Oceanic
>
> I have two Oceanic computers (Pro Plus and DataPlus). I'm not even
> sure if I can download from the Data Plus, but I know, when I last
> looked, the software for the Pro Plus with the interface was
> ridiculously expensive.
>
> Sensus (and Sensus Pro)
>
> I also use the Sensus Pro (reefnet). The software is free (but could
> use some user interface improvements). However, they only have
> Windows, Mac OS (9 and X) , and Palm versions. I'd like a PocketPC
> version for traveling. The protocols and developer documentation is
> available online. I applaud this company. One suggestion: put the
> dive software out as open source: perhaps someone would take the
> initiative to integrate the software with a nice widget library (like
> www.wxwidgets.org) so that it would work on many platforms (and have a
> better UI).
>
> Citizen
>
> I've used a Hyper Aqualand for that last 10 years. The software is
> terrible. The original version came with the watch. However,
> updates were NOT free (and not really much of an improvement). I
> __believe__ that the newest version is available for download (because
> the watch has been superceded by the Cyber Aqualand). Unfortunately,
> the software for that watch is not available for download. I was
> seriously considering getting one of these, but, as I mentioned
> earlier, I think I may just get a Uwatec for traveling.
>
>
> Things I would like to see in dive log software:
> * the ability to import/export to/from a common format: XML for
> example using something like the UDCF (Universal Dive Computer Format)
> (google udcf for details).
>
> * open protocols, so Linux, BeOS, and other non-common OS users can
> write there own software for downloading.
>
> * software for portable dives (Palm, PocketPC, Smart Phones?, etc) so
> that travelers don't need a laptop to have their dive log and down
> load dives. Open protocols and interfaces would help with this.
>

Screw all that and buy a Sensus Pro from http://www.reefnet.on.ca

Sorry, I didn't read <G>

FWIW, the protocol for downloading data from the device is entirely
open, so anyone is welcome to write whatever software they want for it.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 23:42:01 GMT, Jon C <news@jonnythan.com> wrote:

>Sorry, I didn't read <G>
>
>FWIW, the protocol for downloading data from the device is entirely
>open, so anyone is welcome to write whatever software they want for it.

Actually, I didn't really read your first reply either. However, just
because the protocol is open does not mean people will write anything.
I'd like too, but I'm lazy. It would be nice if there a Pocket PC
interface.

Hi All,

First, some questions:

Can the Ocean Pro Plus be easily downloaded to PC or Palm/PocketPC?
Are the protocols open? Are there specs available?
I looked quickly on Oceanic's web site and it appears that an
interface kit costs around $100 AND the software costs around $100.
That seems ridiculous for a device that costs almost $900 in some
places.

Are there any lists the indicate the capabilities of the various dive
computers, availability of the software? (In know that the specifics
for building interfaces for some older Aladdin computer are out there.
I also have the protocol used by the Citizen Hyper Aqualand ---
although, I think that someone reverse engineered it)

Second, some comments:

I'd be interesting in other peoples experiences and comments. Some
time ago (way way back before most people knew what the web was), I
put together a list of dive computers (hosted at the UNLV web site),
where I assembled reviews and comments (by real people) about dive
computers. It was called the IDCR: Internet Dive Computer Review.
Once www.scubadiving.com started publishing more detailed/real world
reviews, I sorts of lost interest. However, at this time, I would
not be adverse to collecting information capabilies not really covered
elsewhere: download protocols (open/closed), software (free/$$$),
updated (free/$$$), etc, as well as more advances/obscure features not
normally mentioned in other reviews. Any interest/desires/comments?

Some things I've noticed when I started looking into getting a new
dive computer:

Uwatec

The Uwatec software is free and the protocols are standard (for the
SmartCOM/PRO anyway). They work with the IR port on PocketPCs (I've
seen someone use them). In fact, I downloaded the software from the
website and looked at it. I'm seriously considering getting a Uwatec
just because they seem to open with the software and protocols.

Oceanic

I have two Oceanic computers (Pro Plus and DataPlus). I'm not even
sure if I can download from the Data Plus, but I know, when I last
looked, the software for the Pro Plus with the interface was
ridiculously expensive.

Sensus (and Sensus Pro)

I also use the Sensus Pro (reefnet). The software is free (but could
use some user interface improvements). However, they only have
Windows, Mac OS (9 and X) , and Palm versions. I'd like a PocketPC
version for traveling. The protocols and developer documentation is
available online. I applaud this company. One suggestion: put the
dive software out as open source: perhaps someone would take the
initiative to integrate the software with a nice widget library (like
www.wxwidgets.org) so that it would work on many platforms (and have a
better UI).

Citizen

I've used a Hyper Aqualand for that last 10 years. The software is
terrible. The original version came with the watch. However,
updates were NOT free (and not really much of an improvement). I
__believe__ that the newest version is available for download (because
the watch has been superceded by the Cyber Aqualand). Unfortunately,
the software for that watch is not available for download. I was
seriously considering getting one of these, but, as I mentioned
earlier, I think I may just get a Uwatec for traveling.


Things I would like to see in dive log software:
* the ability to import/export to/from a common format: XML for
example using something like the UDCF (Universal Dive Computer Format)
(google udcf for details).

* open protocols, so Linux, BeOS, and other non-common OS users can
write there own software for downloading.

* software for portable dives (Palm, PocketPC, Smart Phones?, etc) so
that travelers don't need a laptop to have their dive log and down
load dives. Open protocols and interfaces would help with this.

Kevin Grover wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> First, some questions:
>
> Can the Ocean Pro Plus be easily downloaded to PC or Palm/PocketPC?
> Are the protocols open? Are there specs available?
> I looked quickly on Oceanic's web site and it appears that an
> interface kit costs around $100 AND the software costs around $100.
> That seems ridiculous for a device that costs almost $900 in some
> places.
>
> Are there any lists the indicate the capabilities of the various dive
> computers, availability of the software? (In know that the specifics
> for building interfaces for some older Aladdin computer are out there.
> I also have the protocol used by the Citizen Hyper Aqualand ---
> although, I think that someone reverse engineered it)
>
> Second, some comments:
>
> I'd be interesting in other peoples experiences and comments. Some
> time ago (way way back before most people knew what the web was), I
> put together a list of dive computers (hosted at the UNLV web site),
> where I assembled reviews and comments (by real people) about dive
> computers. It was called the IDCR: Internet Dive Computer Review.
> Once www.scubadiving.com started publishing more detailed/real world
> reviews, I sorts of lost interest. However, at this time, I would
> not be adverse to collecting information capabilies not really covered
> elsewhere: download protocols (open/closed), software (free/$$$),
> updated (free/$$$), etc, as well as more advances/obscure features not
> normally mentioned in other reviews. Any interest/desires/comments?
>
> Some things I've noticed when I started looking into getting a new
> dive computer:
>
> Uwatec
>
> The Uwatec software is free and the protocols are standard (for the
> SmartCOM/PRO anyway). They work with the IR port on PocketPCs (I've
> seen someone use them). In fact, I downloaded the software from the
> website and looked at it. I'm seriously considering getting a Uwatec
> just because they seem to open with the software and protocols.
>
> Oceanic
>
> I have two Oceanic computers (Pro Plus and DataPlus). I'm not even
> sure if I can download from the Data Plus, but I know, when I last
> looked, the software for the Pro Plus with the interface was
> ridiculously expensive.
>
> Sensus (and Sensus Pro)
>
> I also use the Sensus Pro (reefnet). The software is free (but could
> use some user interface improvements). However, they only have
> Windows, Mac OS (9 and X) , and Palm versions. I'd like a PocketPC
> version for traveling. The protocols and developer documentation is
> available online. I applaud this company. One suggestion: put the
> dive software out as open source: perhaps someone would take the
> initiative to integrate the software with a nice widget library (like
> www.wxwidgets.org) so that it would work on many platforms (and have a
> better UI).
>
> Citizen
>
> I've used a Hyper Aqualand for that last 10 years. The software is
> terrible. The original version came with the watch. However,
> updates were NOT free (and not really much of an improvement). I
> __believe__ that the newest version is available for download (because
> the watch has been superceded by the Cyber Aqualand). Unfortunately,
> the software for that watch is not available for download. I was
> seriously considering getting one of these, but, as I mentioned
> earlier, I think I may just get a Uwatec for traveling.
>
>
> Things I would like to see in dive log software:
> * the ability to import/export to/from a common format: XML for
> example using something like the UDCF (Universal Dive Computer Format)
> (google udcf for details).
>
> * open protocols, so Linux, BeOS, and other non-common OS users can
> write there own software for downloading.
>
> * software for portable dives (Palm, PocketPC, Smart Phones?, etc) so
> that travelers don't need a laptop to have their dive log and down
> load dives. Open protocols and interfaces would help with this.
>

Screw all that and buy a Sensus Pro from http://www.reefnet.on.ca

Sorry, I didn't read <G>

FWIW, the protocol for downloading data from the device is entirely
open, so anyone is welcome to write whatever software they want for it.

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 23:42:01 GMT, Jon C <news@jonnythan.com> wrote:

>Sorry, I didn't read <G>
>
>FWIW, the protocol for downloading data from the device is entirely
>open, so anyone is welcome to write whatever software they want for it.

Actually, I didn't really read your first reply either. However, just
because the protocol is open does not mean people will write anything.
I'd like too, but I'm lazy. It would be nice if there a Pocket PC
interface.