| Uses | Monitoring decompression status of a scuba diver |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Craig Barshinger, Karl Huggins, Paul Heinmuller |
| Manufacturer | Orca |
| Model | Edge |
The Orca Edge was the first commercially viable recreational diving personal decompression computer.[1]
The Orca Edge was an early example of a dive computer that ran a real time algorithm.[2] Designed by Craig Barshinger, Karl E. Huggins and Paul Heinmiller, the Edge did not display a decompression plan, but instead showed the ceiling or the so-called "safe-ascent-depth" and a graphic display of calculated tissue gas loadings. A drawback was that if the diver was faced by a ceiling, he did not know how long he would have to decompress. The Edge's large, unique display, however, featuring 12 tissue bars permitted experienced users to make a reasonable estimate of their decompression obligation.
In the 1980s the relevant technology improved rapidly. In 1983 the Orca Edge became available as the first commercially viable dive computer. The model was based on the US Navy dive tables but did not calculate a decompression plan. However, production capacity was only one unit a day.[3]
The Edge was introduced to the diving industry at DEMA in January 1983, while testing was still ongoing, with mixed reactions. Some thought it was a good tool for diver safety and convenience, others considered it dangerous. Over time it developed a good record and reputation.[1]