Profundimeter

CAPILLARY TUBE PROFUNDIMETER

Although currently fallen into disuse, the simplest and cheapest is that of capillary tube, which however gives very accurate readings in small depths.

Water enters through the end of a transparent capillary tube and depth is indicated as the water line moves within the tube along the depth scale.

The graduation is very spaced at the beginning (the first 10m occupy half the scale) but gradually compresses so that the accuracy decreases as the depth increases.

BOURDON TUBE PROFUNDIMETER

Bourdon tube mechanical profundimeters, although without the same precision in the first meters, have the advantage of being more precise at greater depths.

In this equipment, the depth is indicated by a pointer, which moves on a scale that can have uniform graduation or exponential evolution.

On aircraft journeys without a pressurized cabin, these profundimeters must be transported in a watertight box, as they may be damaged.

ELECTRONIC PROFUNDIMETERS

Digital, electronic-devised profundimeters are very accurate at any depth, and depth indication is read on a digital display. The profundimeters of this type memorize the data of the last dives, namely the maximum depth reached during the dive, the length of stay at the bottom, the temperature, whether the rate of ascent has been respected, the time interval between dives, the longest depth recorded by the device, among other information. Although these devices warn you when the battery starts to be low, we must take into mind the level of the battery charge, so that we do not have the unpleasant surprise of us being without any kind of information dUrante the dive. As depth is one of the fundamental information for the diver, the profundimeter should not be used as a simple object of adornment, but to be read with some frequency. This device can be worn on the wrist, like any watch, or installed on a multi-instrument console.