V Planner

[Mark Weeks]

What is the general view of V Planner as a dive planning software tool. I'd be looking at using for planning both single day and multiple day diving, with both stop and no-stop dives. Only looking at using one bottom gas and deco gas (27,32,36 and 50); with probably no more than 20 minutes deco.

Thanks in advance for your views

[Chris Cherrington]

What is the general view of V Planner as a dive planning software tool. I'd be looking at using for planning both single day and multiple day diving, with both stop and no-stop dives. Only looking at using one bottom gas and deco gas (27,32,36 and 50); with probably no more than 20 minutes deco.

Thanks in advance for your views

I like and use it and find it OK for EAN and Tx to around 50m with accelerated deco.

Not sure if it is much different to other programes for this sort of diving. However, its not too expensive and the author is a bit more approachable than some of the others!!

Chris

[Neil Radcliffe]

There was a recent poll on which deco software people use in the Yorkshire Divers Forum, see link below.

V Planner was the clear favourite.

Make sure you don't get the old A version - the B version had a fix which makes it much less aggressive.

I have used V Planner for dives up to 70m - and have always been happy - although I do think it could be a bit more user friendly for generating tables (for bail-out options etc).

Final thought - if you're ever likely to get a VR3, the the directly equivalent Proplanner might be a better choice.

[Mark Powell]

Ross has recently released a new version (v3.60) which includes a number of new features
- VPM-B/E model variation is for exceptional, extreme, or extra long dives and exposures. This becomes effective with dives having bigger deco times - usually 1 hour deco plus. This variation provides a longer shallow section and will overlap with a basic Haldane output. The output is similar to a combined VPM-B and Haldane plan that RB divers like to use.

- Accelerated Stops. For those wanting faster deco times on He based deco mix. This will reduce the stop times when using specific triox & heliox deco mixes. This will push your deco stop times during the weak ppO2 periods just prior to a switch onto the next mix. It requires use of O2 to finish, and is very specific on the allowable gas choices used. In short it allows the diver vary the conservatism during the deco phases, and gives a plan similar to current "faster He deco" concepts.

- Multi Level planning has been rewritten. All prior step limitations have been removed. More consistent results between all plans.

- Set deco gas switch points to specific depths if required. Overrides the automatic ppO2 selections in config.

- IBCD (Isobaric Counter diffusion) checks and warnings.

- Tank capacity checks and warnings. Tank capacity now displays in various outputs.

- Insert descriptive labels into left column.

- Output files shifted to "My Documents" file section, to comply with Win standards, and allow better multi user usage.
Individual diver layouts (dive legs and deco mixes), now loads separate details for each Diver name.

- Plan display improved. Better column alignment, reduced redundant text.

- Printing improved into columns.

- Excel now retains its prior state after use.

- All known bugs fixed.

Mark Powell
Dive-Tech: Nitrox and Technical Diver Training
Tel: 07770 864327
Web: www.dive-tech.co.uk