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The Sopras Tek dive computer range currently features the DB-01 — a watch-format dive computer from DIVEBRAIN supporting recreational, technical, and freediving modes. At 399 €, the DB-01 runs the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with gradient factor settings, accepts up to 5 preset gas mixes including Trimix, and displays depth, decompression, and navigation data on a colour LCD with Gorilla Glass lens. GPS, Bluetooth dive log transfer, and the DiveStory PRO app are included.
DB-01 — Technical and Recreational Dive Computer
The DB-01 (SKU 541000, 399 €) is a wrist-mounted dive computer designed to cover all diving modes in a single unit — recreational scuba with Nitrox up to 100% O₂, technical diving with up to 5 preset gas mixes including Trimix, freediving, instrument/gauge mode, dive planning, and navigation. It is rated to 10 ATM (100 m) and weighs 75 g, making it wearable as a daily watch between dives.
Algorithm and Gas Handling
Decompression calculations use the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with a 16 tissue compartment model and user-configurable gradient factor settings. Gradient factors allow the diver to adjust the conservatism of the decompression schedule — a feature essential for technical divers who need to match their computer’s deco output to their training and planning approach. The DB-01 supports Air, Nitrox (EAN 21–99%), and Trimix, with 5 gas mix presets that can be designated as bottom gas, travel gas, or deco gas, each with an individually configurable PO₂ ceiling. Gas switching is managed through the preset list during the dive.
Display and Interface
The display is a 1.22-inch (3.1 cm) colour LCD at 240×240 pixel resolution. The LCD is specified as sunlight-readable with automatic backlight activation — readable on the surface in bright conditions and during night or cave dives without manual backlight management. The lens is Corning Gorilla Glass, the same high-hardness aluminosilicate glass used in premium smartphones, providing scratch resistance substantially above standard mineral glass. The user interface uses 5 buttons — the DB-01 has no touchscreen. In-water operation with gloves remains reliable, and the button layout is described as intuitive for first-time users.
The ring and case material is fibre-reinforced polymer. Colour is black/red. The strap is a nylon webbing quick-release system.
Navigation and Connectivity
The DB-01 includes a built-in GPS receiver and electronic compass for surface and dive navigation. GPS position is logged at the start of each dive, allowing dive sites to be associated with GPS coordinates in the log. The computer contains a database of 9,000+ dive sites worldwide and can store 1,000+ dive log entries onboard. Dive log data is transferred via Bluetooth to the DiveStory PRO app (available for Android and iPhone) — the app displays dive profiles with depth and temperature curves, GPS location, and allows dive site photo attachment.
Battery and Charging
The DB-01 uses a rechargeable internal battery — no user-replaceable cell. Charging uses a proprietary 4-pin magnetic connector with mini USB cable (included). Battery life is rated at up to 25 dives (based on 45-minute average dive time) per charge, and up to 14 days in standby. The battery is rated for 300+ charge cycles before significant capacity loss. Warranty is 1 year global.
Dive Safety Alerts
The DB-01 supports 3 depth alarms and 3 time alarms in all diving modes, configurable independently with sound and/or vibration notification. In freediving mode, a surface interval alarm is also available. Alarms can be used to mark gas switch depths, maximum operating depth (MOD) limits for specific mixes, or planned bottom time limits.
What to Look For
- Gradient factor configuration: The DB-01’s GF setting allows divers trained in gradient factor use to match the computer’s deco conservatism to their personal approach. New divers should use the default settings until they have received instruction in gradient factor interpretation from a technical diving instructor.
- 5-gas Trimix support: The 5-preset gas system covers the typical technical gas planning structure: 1 bottom Trimix, 1–2 travel mixes, and 2 deco mixes. For dives requiring more than 5 switches, the computer is not the appropriate choice. For most technical dive profiles within recreational technical training agency curricula, 5 gases is sufficient.
- Battery management: 25 dives per charge is adequate for most dive trips but should be managed actively on liveaboards or remote locations. The magnetic charging connector should be kept clean and protected from debris — a blocked pin will prevent charging. Carry the charger on all multi-day trips.
- Gorilla Glass durability: Gorilla Glass is highly scratch-resistant but not impact-resistant in the way sapphire crystal is. Protect the lens from direct impacts against rock or metal — these can chip the edge of the glass even if the surface is scratch-free.
- Freediving mode: The DB-01 is a legitimate multi-modal computer for divers who both scuba dive and freedive. The freediving functions display surface interval, last depth, last dive time, and stopwatch with configurable alarms — appropriate for pool or ocean freediving with depth monitoring.
FAQ
What is gradient factor and why does it matter?
Gradient factor (GF) is a parameter that adjusts the conservatism of a Bühlmann decompression schedule. It is expressed as two values — GF Low (the depth at which the first decompression stop is initiated) and GF High (the conservatism at the final stop). Lower GF values produce more conservative, deeper, and longer deco schedules; higher values produce shallower, shorter schedules. The DB-01’s GF setting allows technical divers to match the computer’s output to their training agency’s protocols and their personal risk tolerance. Using GF settings outside the range recommended by your training agency or instructor is not advisable without appropriate experience and understanding of the implications.
Can I use the DB-01 for CCR diving?
The DB-01 is an open-circuit dive computer — it calculates decompression based on the gas mixes preset by the diver, not from a real-time PO₂ feed from a rebreather loop. It is not a CCR-integrated computer and should not be used as the primary decompression computer on a closed-circuit rebreather without understanding this limitation. On a CCR dive, the DB-01 can serve as a backup gauge-mode instrument or as a secondary computer running in OC mode with conservative GF settings, but CCR divers should use a computer specifically designed for rebreather operation as their primary deco instrument.
How do I transfer dive logs to my phone?
Install the DiveStory PRO app on your Android or iPhone. Enable Bluetooth on the DB-01 and on your phone, then connect the devices through the app. Once paired, dive log data — including depth profiles, temperature, GPS location, and gas information — transfers to the app automatically. The app stores the dive history and allows you to add notes, photos, and dive site details. The app is available free of charge; confirm current availability on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Is the DB-01 suitable as a first technical dive computer?
Yes — the DB-01’s combination of Bühlmann ZH-L16C with gradient factor, multi-gas Trimix support, and an intuitive 5-button interface makes it an appropriate first technical computer for divers completing entry-level technical training (TDI/PADI TecRec/CMAS technical levels). The price point (399 €) is accessible for divers transitioning from recreational to technical, and the freediving mode provides additional value for divers who cross-train. Read the user manual thoroughly before the first dive — gradient factor settings and gas programming require understanding before in-water use.