OSTC Mk.2 - OLED dive computer

Listen to this article Standard dive computers and decompression algorithms implemented in them do not meet your expectations? Do you instead dive with a simple depth gauge and a plan written on a slate? And what would you say about a dive computer that you can program yourself? Just such a device has been developed

ByMarcin Pawelczyk

Published: December 27, 2010 - 16:04

Updated: February 9, 2023 - 01:25

Listen to this article

Standard dive computers and decompression algorithms implemented in them do not meet your expectations? Do you instead dive with a simple depth gauge and a plan written on a slate? And what would you say about a dive computer that you can program yourself?

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Just such a device has been developed by Heinrichs Weikamp. The OSTC Mk.2 computer is built on the open-source principle. It means that the code of its software is freely available and everyone can modify it according to their needs.
The manufacturer did not want to create a cheap computer for everyone. Instead, he managed to develop an experimental platform for experienced divers interested in diving and decompression theory.
Users of OSTC Mk.2 will primarily be those who value above all the clarity of the rules of the algorithm used and the maximum possibility of adapting the computer to their own needs.

When you buy a computer you only pay for the device itself. The software that is installed on it as well as patches for it are free. We can also resign from the software provided by the manufacturer and write appropriate programs on our own. Of course, this requires appropriate technical knowledge.

The OSTC Mk.2 is supplied with basic firmware and detailed hardware specifications. The computer allows the use of 5 pre-configured trimixes and one trimix configurable during the dive. For CCR users, there is a possibility to configure 3 setpoints and 5 bailouts. The device is powered by lithium-ion batteries. One battery lasts for 40h in dive mode with maximum display brightness. Charging is done by connecting to a USB port and takes 5 hours. The display itself is made in OLED technology, thanks to which we can enjoy the maximum backlight all the time without risking faster battery drain.

The computer functions are controlled by two large buttons on the side of the case which are easy to operate even with thick gloves. The computer has dimensions: 70x65x29mm (width x height x depth) and its weight is 160g.

Source: heinrichsweikamp.net
Photo: Divers24