Project    
OSTC in the pressure tank
 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 us:

  • 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.

Although the idea of an OSTC has been on our minds for a few years now, the project was put on hold for a long time – mostly due to the time-consuming and costly tooling. 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 we were satisfied with its functionality as well as its design. In all this, we took care to leave room inside the case, room for additional modules with the corresponding interface already applied.