Mac help: Compatible Bottom Timer/Dive Computer including software?

[John_B]

So I'm in the process of having that, "No, really, its not you, its me!" talk with Windows as far as my home computers are concerned. I'll never get away from Windows at work, etc. But navigating a path 32-bit to 64-bit on XP and/or Vista for all my toys -- four licenses with four incompatible sets of drivers -- finally pushed me down the escarpment.

I've been doing a dry run of a total migration to an Intel Mac (currently using a borrowed Macbook). Aside from a few solvable 10.5 vs. 10.4 issues, I think I've got viable OS X corollaries for most of my Windows software (with Cisco VPN and the RDC 2.0 Beta I can even get to the Windows servers at work without schlepping a laptop back and forth). So that covers almost everything except... dive logging.

What I'm looking to find is what combination of bottom timer/gauge-mode dive computer with download software the Mac types here are using without resorting to some sort of Bootcamp/Parallels/vmware work around.

I'm familiar with DiveLog for OS X. It seems to be well written software, but only supports Suunto dive computers. That means the Vytec or Vytec DS to get a decent gauge mode, and from my last Vytec experience its hardly state of the art without an average depth function. Also, using XP I came to despise their &*$^# serial download cable (with or without a USB-to-serial adapter). Even with the USB version of the download cable, I can only imagine how painful this could be without Suunto support for OS X...

The new Uwatec TEC 2G has all the features I want, but I don't know anyone who has one that uses it with a Mac. Supposedly comes with J Trak software for OS X (I couldn't find it on Scubapro.com) but information is sparse as to whether its a universal binary app for Intel Macs or what kind of Pandora's Box would be opened in using a 3rd party USB-to-IrDA adapter under Leopard. I had heard rumors that the new Digital 330m BT had dive logging, but that's local to the memory on the BT itself and not something downloadable.

That seems to be about it. Do any of the Mac users here have experiences they can share? Excluding Bootcamp, are there other options I'm overlooking?

Thanks in advance!

John

[Benthic]

First off, congratulations on making the move to Mac. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Heather and I did it about a year ago and we've been saying things like "why didn't we do this sooner?" ever since. I find it interesting that there seems to be a lot of Mac types here on the Matrix. Hmm....

Anyway, on to your logging problem. I should probably start by saying that I'm the world's worst dive logger--and if I'm not Heather is. There was a time when I kept very detailed logs, but that time is long gone. All that to say that I don't know what kind of information you expect to be able to store in your log.

We use Sensus Pro/Ultra data loggers. I'm sure you're familiar with them so I'll spare everyone the run down on them. Suffices to say that they work very well with the Mac and provide a means to record dive data and enter an appropriate (for us at least) amount of location information and notes. They're cheap and reliable. Then you could use whatever kind of dive computer you wanted.

Brian

[limeyx]

Once you go Mac, you never go back

For me, it was OS/X + a 3-button (USB) mouse that was the tipping point a few years back and I have never for a second regretted the move.

Now if only the Linux/KDE/Gnome people would just copy OS/X for Linux instead of trying to make up all new (mostly non-working) stuff, I could have mac @ 1/2 the price

I use DiveLog + a Suunto Vyper. I dont need average depth or seconds, and use the Serial-USB converter and it works "well enough"

DiveLog is just good enough to use but not quite bad enough to make me want to write my own It has no real knowledge of any tech stuff (gas switches) etc. and likely never will, but I can live with that.

The one thing I'd like on the Suunto is a better backlight for when I video in caves, but that's not the Mac's fault

[limeyx]

We use Sensus Pro/Ultra data loggers. I'm sure you're familiar with them so I'll spare everyone the run down on them. Suffices to say that they work very well with the Mac and provide a means to record dive data and enter an appropriate (for us at least) amount of location information and notes. They're cheap and reliable. Then you could use whatever kind of dive computer you wanted.

Brian

Interesting. I might do this if I ever have to move off of the Suunto. I dont record very much at all, but I do like to see the profile so I can see how close my avg depths are and if we screwed up the profile too badly.

[Mark Vlahos]

I know it's not exactly what you are looking for, but I use Parallels with Windows XP Professional and it connects very well with my new Liquivision X1. I was using it with my older Cochran and the only problems I had related to the serial to USB device and getting the speeds set just right.

I would love to not need to ever use a Windows computer, but that is just not possible for me. Parallels gives me the best of the Mac world with the relatively easy option of using Windows when I need to. It is certainly not free, or fast, but it does work for me. Frankly, the only thing I have had any problems with is that older Cochran software, and one other application that also uses a serial interface to an external device.


Good luck in your quest,

Mark Vlahos

[amascuba]

The new Uwatec TEC 2G has all the features I want, but I don't know anyone who has one that uses it with a Mac. Supposedly comes with J Trak software for OS X (I couldn't find it on Scubapro.com) but information is sparse as to whether its a universal binary app for Intel Macs or what kind of Pandora's Box would be opened in using a 3rd party USB-to-IrDA adapter under Leopard. I had heard rumors that the new Digital 330m BT had dive logging, but that's local to the memory on the BT itself and not something downloadable.

Scubapro.com -> Uwatec Products -> Software

I'm not on a mac yet. I'm about to purchase a macbook, but I've been using a generic IrDA reader for the past two years with my Tec and Tec 2G and haven't had any problems with it. I don't think you will have any problems with the mac as long as the mac reconizes the IrDA reader.

[Mo2vation]

Mac DiveLog will not work with the Sensus Ultra, despite claims to the contrary. I'm sure Mac Dive Log is a fine program if you have a Suunto or something. But it simply won't work with a Sensus Ultra.

I've contacted Mac Dive log a number of times - received one reply stating he'd look into it, but nothing so far.

the Senus works great on the Mac. Mac dive log won't inport Sensus Data. I've very disappointed. If anyone has another solution for a "full featured" dive log that will work on a Mac AND import Sensus Ultra, I'm listening.

---
Ken

[LG Diver]

I know this isn't what the OP asked for (or rather he specifically asked not to recommend this) but I'm also using Parallels with Vista and Suunto Dive Manager. I had to go this route as I have other similar devices (downloadable Polar HR monitor and Ergomo bicycle power meter) that have windows-only apps. Plus, I have a brother-in-law that works for the evil empire so I got a killer deal on Vista. FWIW- Suunto dive manager works fine inside Parallels/Vista, and downloading via the serial cable with serial/USB adapter is seamless.

[CompuDude]

I've used JTrak with my Uwatec SmartTec, and it works fine (and thus so should the Tec 2G), the biggest trick is getting a USB adapter that has the right chipset assuming you don't want to pay the absurd price for the Uwatec IR adapter (precise chipset info can be hard info to obtain for white box adapters).

That said the Mac version of the software, JTrak, is not nearly as full-featured as the Windows version, so while it's fine for basic logging, I prefer to the use the Windows software. The windows software works fine on a Mac under Parallels. Not what you were looking to hear, I know, but dive software is such a small market that frankly there's just not much really great software out there at all, let alone software aimed at the smaller Mac market.

[rongoodman]

I must be missing something--why is the inability to use the Sensus Ultra with Dive Log a deal killer? I just took a quick look at Dive Log, and while the Sensus software may not have as many bells and whistles, it works, with plenty of room to store dive information along with the data the recorder collects.

[JimA]

Hi Mark,
I'm configuring a new MACBook OS10.5.2 using Parallels 3.0 and WIN-XP professional. I'm trying to connect a Sherwood Wisdom dive computer to the USB port on the MAC. I've gotten the software to work and transfered my data to the new application. The Sherwood application sees the USB port with their driver. When I attempt to download, I get a -USB cable not compatable with Wisdom- message. I've installed the 2002 Design, USB Download interface for XP.
This set up works on a PC laptop using WIN2K and the proper USB driver. Since you mentioned you had been using Parallels, I was wondering if you had any issues with USB communication?
Thanks in advance
JimA

I know it's not exactly what you are looking for, but I use Parallels with Windows XP Professional and it connects very well with my new Liquivision X1. I was using it with my older Cochran and the only problems I had related to the serial to USB device and getting the speeds set just right.

I would love to not need to ever use a Windows computer, but that is just not possible for me. Parallels gives me the best of the Mac world with the relatively easy option of using Windows when I need to. It is certainly not free, or fast, but it does work for me. Frankly, the only thing I have had any problems with is that older Cochran software, and one other application that also uses a serial interface to an external device.


Good luck in your quest,

Mark Vlahos

[do it easy]

Another vote for the Sensus Ultra and Mac!! I clip it off in my drysuit pocket and then just dive! Lately, I've been bad about logging dives, but the Sensus Ultra is diligently recording all the pertinent details so that I can log them when I feel like it.

You can download the software for free to test it out!

Edit: I have the USB-serial adapter which seems to have a weird software bug- Sometimes the USB driver is available, sometimes it's not. If it's not available I get an error, but it works on the second try. In hindsight, I probably should have skipped the USB driver since my Mac probably has it built in somewhere. I think the USB driver is a Windoze throwback

[Mark Vlahos]

Jim,

The only issues I have had are directly related to the speed / timing issues directly related to the Serial to USB devices. Of course I assume that you are allowing the USB device to connect directly to the Windows side and not "through" the Mac OS. Look at the "Devices" menu at the top of the screen when Parallels is running.

To get my configuration to work on my old Cochran computer, and one other non diving related device I used simple older USB 1, serial to USB adapters. Once I had the hardware and software installed I needed to tweak the speed settings in the end user software as well as the hardware settings in windows. There was a lot of trial and error involved in getting the settings right, once I got it, I wrote it down on a piece of paper. I need to make sure those settings are verified each and every time I download the devices.

I believe that most of the issues with Parallels and USB devices have been resolved, but there were several issues with USB 2 compliance. If your interface with the Wisdom is USB 2 you might try plugging the dive computer in to an older USB 1 hub, and then connecting that older hub to your Mac.

Good luck,

Mark Vlahos

Hi Mark,
I'm configuring a new MACBook OS10.5.2 using Parallels 3.0 and WIN-XP professional. I'm trying to connect a Sherwood Wisdom dive computer to the USB port on the MAC. I've gotten the software to work and transfered my data to the new application. The Sherwood application sees the USB port with their driver. When I attempt to download, I get a -USB cable not compatable with Wisdom- message. I've installed the 2002 Design, USB Download interface for XP.
This set up works on a PC laptop using WIN2K and the proper USB driver. Since you mentioned you had been using Parallels, I was wondering if you had any issues with USB communication?
Thanks in advance
JimA

[JimA]

Mark,
That hint on USB-1 vs USB-2 seemed to solve the problem. I pulled out an old Keyspan USB-1 hub and put it between the Dive computer and the MAC. It took forever to find a driver for this really old hub. I finally found a generic driver that worked from the XP disk. Once I got it installed and restarted several times I was able to communicate with the Wisdom.
On a lark I tried the Wisdom directly into the MAC/Parallels with the new driver/set up and it now works properly.
Thanks for the help.
Jim

[LAJim]

JTrac using the UWATEC IrDA dongle. This works more than acceptably for me right now. I'm pretty good with MACS and couldn't get another dongle to work. The "computer" is UWATEC Smart-TEC in gauge mode.

I'm setting up a new 8-proc killer Mac Pro at home for work-related video editing and some scientific computing. I've got Parallels and one other virtualization solution and once that's up I'm going to run the gamut of Windows-based logs.

Jim