pDiveLog

pDiveLog is a dive log program for Windows CE palm top computers and Pocket PC computers. It is currently designed to interface with the Uwatec Aladin and Suunto Vyper and Vytec dive computers, and the ReefNet Sensus data logger to download and display dive profile information. The software stores the dive data in the standard Uwatec Aladin .LOG file format so the files can be transferred to a PC and viewed using software such as UWatecs DataTrak, or WLog.You can also use pDiveLog without a dive computer by manually adding dives into the log.

You can also download your Suunto Dive Manager (SDM) log files. If you export your SDM log using the ASCII CSV export, it can be imported into pDiveLog. You must make sure that the units are set the same in pDiveLog as they are in SDM.


The above image shows the main window. This provides general information on the dive including average depth, maximum depth, dive duration, water temperature, decompression information and computer alarms. Additionally, information entered by the user such as dive position, buddies, and dive description is displayed.	This page shows the gas loading and decompression information for the dive. The program uses either the ZHL16B or ZHL16C decompression models for these calculations. This causes some minor discrepancies with the decompression data shown in the dive profile plot since this information is from the Aladin dive computer which uses a modified model (which Uwatec haven’t made available).

A third page displays the list of dives and allows you to display the profile and information for the dive.


Pocket PC dive edit window	Pocket PC log statistics

pDiveLog allows you to download profiles directly from the dive computer using a simple (and cheap) interface that can be constructed by most people. This is great if you’re travelling and don’t want to carry a laptop and your dive computer PC software with you on your dive holiday.

You can import your dive logs from the Suunto Dive Manager software into pDiveLog. SDM exports in ASCII CSV format, and places the information into 4 files. These files need to be copied to the PPC and you can then import them into pDiveLog. Note that when exporting the logs from SDM, the metric/imperial setting must be the same in SDM as it is in pDiveLog or your profiles, depths and temperatures will not be correct. This does take a considerable amount of time on the Pocket PC, but since it is only required once this should not be a problem.

Bugs and enhancements

I make no guarantees that this software is bug free, that it will do what you want, or that it won’t destroy all the data on your palm top computer. That said, I have not experienced any serious problems with the program and have had positive comments from many users.

Because the program currently only supports the Uwatec log file format, it is not possible to save information such as boat name, position, visibility etc even though provision has been made in the edit screen for these fields. When I get time I hope to come up with a new format that supports these (I will support import and export to and from the Uwatec format).

Software and Installation

The current release 1.0.1.29 and is dated 7th December 2004.

I've personally tested this on four computers - a Cassiopeia E-105 (CE2.11), a Cassiopeia EM-500 (PocketPC - CE3.00), an iPAQ 5450, and an iPAQ 4150. The program functions well on these platforms. I've had reports that it works fine on other computers.

The handheld version has received the least amount of work (since I don't have one to test it on!). I welcome any comments on how to improve this version, and given the constraints of not have a handheld device I'll try and do this where possible.

You can either download the installation program for your device (approximately 500k) or you can download the zipped EXE files. The installation program is a larger download however it provides a simple installation method. However, if you are familiar with your PocketPC device you may prefer to download the individual EXE file.

Installation Program

Download the setup package for your device (approximately 500k).

Handheld PC Pro 2.11
Palm PC 2.11
PocketPC 3.00
PocketPC 2002 and 2003

Individual device executables

You may download the individual executable for your device (approximately 80k). Ensure that you get the correct type, AND the correct processor.

The following table has all the EXE files for the different computers.

Palm PC 2.11
MIPS	DiveLog-PPC211-MIPS
SH3	DiveLog-PPC211-SH3
PocketPC (Palm PC 3.00)
MIPS	DiveLog-PPC300-MIPS
SH3	DiveLog-PPC300-SH3
ARM	DiveLog-PPC300-ARM
PocketPC 2002 and 2003
ARM	DiveLog-PPC2002-ARM
Handheld PC 2.11
MIPS	DiveLog-HPC211-MIPS
SH3	DiveLog-HPC211-SH3
SH4	DiveLog-HPC211-SH4
ARM	DiveLog-HPC211-ARM

Installation Instructions

If you download these ZIP files, the installation must to be done manually by following these steps -:

Download the correct file for your computer from the table.
Unzip the EXE file from the installation ZIP file.
Bring up the Microsoft ActiveSync window. This can normally be done by double clicking on the icon in the task bar.
Click the Explore button.
Change directory to the \Windows\Start Menu\Programs directory.
Copy the EXE file to the Palm device.
Copy your LOG file into the \My Documents folder.

Note that some directory names may be different for different languages.

Downloading dive profiles

Uwatec Aladin Downloading dive data from an Aladin computer to a Windows CE device is basically the same as downloading to a PC. The one major difference is that (normally) both the Windows CE docking cradle, and the Aladin interface are designed to connect to a computer. To connect the two devices together, you need to build or buy a "NULL Modem" adaptor. The link below shows what connections are required. I expect that most people will require a 9 Way D male on both ends. Without the "NULL Modem" adaptor, the Windows CE computer will not be able to download since the data line from the Aladin dive computer will not be connected to the receive data pin on the Palmtop computer. For information on building an interface to download data from your Aladin computer, try this site. NOTE: This software does not support the MemoMouse. If you have a Windows CE computer, there is no reason to spend a significant amount of money buying a MemoMouse as you can perform the same function (only better of course!) with this software on your Palm PC/Handheld PC
Suunto Vyper Suunto Vyper support has been added, although since I can't currently test this it has received very minimal testing. The only test that it's had seems to indicate that it doesn't work with a Suunto interface, but does work with a home made interface such as the one that is described here. The Suunto computers can be set to sample data at a number of rates, however the Aladin log file format only allows logging of data at 20 second intervals. pDiveLog will sub-sample the data to ensure that it the logging is consistent, however I recommend that you set your Suunto to sample at 10 or 20 seconds to make this a little neater. If you use a rate such as 30 seconds, there is insufficient data to produce a high quality profile graph. You will need a "NULL Modem" adaptor between the serial cable on the Palm computer, and the Vyper interface. Please let me know if this works for you! (There are bound to be problems with it). If you do have a problem, please try and provide as much information as you can - it will increase my chances of finding the bug. Don't forget to tell me what type of interface you're using.
Citizen Aqualand The release on 15th May 2002 added support for the Citizen Aqualand watch. This has been tested as far as I can given that I don't have an Aqualand watch. The current implementation will only add dives that are newer than the last dive in the log. So, you will need to transfer the dives in the correct order or they won't get added! If this is a major inconvenience, then I'll modify this, but I'm not sure how many people use the Aqualand so it may not be worth the time (??).
Sensus "Divers Black Box" The Sensus stores its data in a 32k byte memory which takes around 30 seconds to download. Since the battery in the Sensus will discharge quicker with the PC interface connected, it is best to leave it disconnected as much as possible. Connect your Sensus unit to the PC interface and connect it to the Palm PC. Once you click on "Download", pDiveLog will automatically start to download the dive data. When the download is complete, pDiveLog will add any dives that are more recent that the most recent dive in you log. pDiveLog will store the data into the Aladin log file format. Since the Aladin samples data at a 20 second rate, the Sensus data will be sub sampled from the default 10 second period that the Sensus uses. pDiveLog will also process the data to provide an indication of ascent alarms and surface interval - data which is stored in the log, but which is normally provided by the Aladin computer. If you have the Sensus interface that connects to the PC, you will need a "NULL Modem" adaptor between the serial cable on the Palm computer, and the Sensus interface.

Null Modem

A "NULL Modem" allows you to connect two devices together when both devices have been designed to connect to a PC. This is the case with the interface for your CE computer, and also the interface to your dive computer. The "NULL Modem" crosses over the transmit and receive data lines, along with the handshake lines. Some "NULL Modem" adaptors simply connect the transmit and receive data lines, and not the handshake lines. This may be OK for some applications (I suspect that the Sensus interface may work with such a cable) however this will not work with the Aladin. The Aladin interface uses the handshake lines to provide power to interface, and without them, it will not work.

Building a "NULL Modem" adaptor is simple - for wiring information, click here. You will normally require a 9 way D male connector on each end, but it may pay to double check your cables before doing this.

Alternatively, you can buy a small, robust "NULL Modem" adaptor at electronic stores. I managed to break my home made cable on a live-aboard so have purchased a "NULL Modem" connector and "Gender Bender" (to get the correct sex of connector on each end) from Radio Spares in the UK. The part number for the "NULL Modem" is 243-0374, and for the "Gender Bender" is 218-239.

Registration

pDiveLog is shareware and requires a registration code to unlock the full potential of the software. Please try pDiveLog first, and if you like it, and intend to use it, please register your version. Please ensure that the software works correctly with your PDA and dive computer prior to registering. Registration is only required once and will unlock the software for all future versions. The unregistered version has the following limitations -:

Unregistered dialog box appears at startup and when various functions are selected during the program.

If your log contains more than 50 dives, you can not perform the following functions -: View statistics, Download profiles, Export logbook. To trial these functions, you will need to create a new logbook which contains less dives.

You can only import 1 dive from Suunto Dive Manager (SDM).

The unregistered version will timeout after a few months.

By registering your copy of pDiveLog you are supporting the future development of the software. I am happy to add additional dive computer types if you can supply me with the protocol information required to interface to the computer.

Click here to purchase pDiveLog by credit card using a secure online server. You will be prompted to enter the "Owner Name" for your Pocket PC. This is shown on the registration window when pDiveLog asks for your registration code. It must be entered exactly as shown in this window and it is case sensitive. Once your purchase is complete you will be given a registration code immediately and automatically which can then be entered into the pDiveLog software to instantly unlock it.