A dive computer, individually configurable according to personal needs and preferences? A dive computer for which every user can write his own program and distribute it for others to use?

This computer is not: A competition for low cost mass products targeted mostly at occasional divers.

This computer is: An experimental platform for all experienced divers that are interested in theory and attach great importance to maximal transparency as well as the possibility of individual adjustment.

There are quite a few powerful dive computers on the market – maybe not a dime a dozen, but the array of products already offers quite a range to choose from. So why develop yet another one?

The original idea for the product stemmed from details of the established models that bothered the producer:

• Which mathematical model does the computer use for its decompression calculation, why isn’t it open for better examination and understanding?
• Why are additional functions such as trimix often fairly expensive even though it would be perfectly possible to implement them oneself?
• The research and development of new compression calculation models advances. Why can’t I integrate the new models in my old, familiar computer?
• Why is it impossible to adjust composition, size and position of the information shown on the display?
• Why can’t I write my own software modules and install them on my computer?
• Why can’t I use the rugged hardware of my computer as a basis for my own projects?

Of course there are some established dive computer that offer one or even a few of these functions, but there is none that leaves all details of all functions and modules open for configuration.

That’s where the idea of a new dive computer came in, a dive computer that discloses all information on its software – for better understanding, for making individual adjustments, for implementing additional modules, even for a complete rewrite of the program!

In other words, it’s the same idea that drives users of the operation system Linux.

And just like a Linux users needs a computer to profit from the system, an open source dive computer (OSTC) needs a basis: it needs a unit for the software to run. The unit is what you have to pay for; the software and all updates are for free, just like the possibility to implement self-written programs and functions.

At the beginning of 2007, the OSTC has been revived. A first prototype was designed, equipped with a program, tested, redesigned and tested anew, until the producer were satisfied with its functionality as well as its design. In all this, they took care to leave room inside the case, room for additional modules with the corresponding interface already applied.

The following functions are already integrated in the OSTC MK2:

Surface:

Display after start:

• Graphic display of 16 tissues and their saturation (separated by nitrogen and helium)
• Display of remaining time for complete desaturation
• Display of date, time, battery level, serial number and firmware version
• Air pressure
• Temperature

Menu:

• Logbook
• Gas Setup
• Time settings
• Reset
• Custom functions

Underwater:

Display:

• Current depth (large)
• Dive time (large)
• Maximum depth (normal)
• No deco limit / decompression information (normal)
• Temperature (small)
• Additional information depending on the situation, p.e. vertical velocity, gradient factor, gas setup

Reduced underwater menu:

• Overview of decompression stops
• Change gases
• Display setup

LEDs:

• Symbol for battery status (red): blinks when battery level is low, or when battery is being charged
• Symbol for USB-activity (blue)
• Symbol for no fly (blue)
• Symbol for warnings (yellow)
• Symbol for status display (green)
  
• Configurable accustic alarm 

Please see the news here:http://www.heinrichsweikamp.net/ostc/en/

we deliver the MK2 with firmware, USB cable, Neoprenbag, Description,

and with Bunjee Mount.

The difference between the old MK2 and the new N2 is only the housing, the software is the same.

We deliver the N2 with a display protection label!