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Review: Ratio iX3M 2 Dive Computer

There are many ways you can review a dive computer, but wearing it on your arm for one or two dives does not constitute a proper test—at least, not a meaningful one. This review is therefore based on the use of the unit over a six-month period, where around 65 dives were conducted in different locations and water conditions. Lelle Malmström puts the Ratio’s new dive computer iX3M 2 through its paces.

Ratio iX3M 2 Dive Computer
Ratio iX3M 2 Dive Computer

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Factfile

RATIO iX3M 2 DIVE COMPUTER

Display

Colour, IPS, 2.8-inch, 320x240 pixel, 144 dpi, 100% matrix

Wireless Air Integration (Transmitter, Sender)

Compatible with Ratio Colour Coded Wireless Transmitter

Multi Transmitter

Up to 10 wireless transmitters

Mix

10 mix (+ 3 diluents) (O2: 05% - 99% / He: 0% - 95%)

Deco model (Algorithm)

Buhlmann ZHL-12 + Buhlmann ZHL-16 B + Buhlmann ZHL-16 C + VPM-B

Algorithm adjustment

User settable Gradient Factors (GFL/GFH) for Buhlmann and user-settable Bubble Radius for VPM

Water type

Salt water / fresh water / EN13319

Deep Stop

Standard method + Pyle method

Alerts

Vibration + acoustic + visual

Dive Planner

No Deco Limit + Full Deco Planner

Compass

3D Compass, 1° resolution, +/- 1° accuracy

Battery

USB rechargeable Li-ion (~20 hours of diving)

Weight

220gr / 7.7oz

Logbook

~160 hours of scuba (sampling 10 seconds)

Max Depth

220m / 721ft

When the parcel with the computer arrived in the mail, I was initially surprised not to find any instruction manual. In the box, there was just the computer and a charging cable. However, on the box, it showed how the manual could be downloaded from Ratio’s website, which I did. Saving paper not only benefits both the environment and me, but the online download also ensures that I can always access the latest edition, which includes all the latest updates. One can also study and get familiarised with the computer before deciding whether to purchase it.  

The first thing that struck me was how large it was and how strong and solid it felt. The computer had four buttons below the display, which, at first glance, appeared a bit small; however, in practice, I found that the buttons were quite easy to operate, as I navigated through all the menus, even while wearing thick dry gloves.

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Ratio iX3M 2 dive computer in the box. Photo by Lelle Malmström
Ratio iX3M 2 dive computer in the box.
Photo by Lelle Malmström

Once I got the computer out of the box, which was made from recycled cardboard, I switched it on and began exploring all the menus. The structure and operation were quick to learn, as it was clearly stated in the display what each button did when you were in a sub-menu.

Diving

The wide elastic straps, which were also equipped with quick-release buckles, made it easy to put the dive computer on the arm even when wearing a drysuit. Alternatively, bungee cords could be used instead of straps, if so preferred. Since I have drysuit rings on my suit, I prefer the straps, as they made it much easier to take the computer off after a dive.

The computer started automatically when I entered the water, and the display was very easy to read, even in bright sunlight. During the dive, time, depth, time to surface, nitrox mixture and pO2 were displayed in very clear numbers. That was all the information one really needed during the dive. However, if needed, a large amount of additional information could be accessed by scrolling through the menus, using the buttons.

At first, I did not like the menus the computer brought up underwater. I felt there was too much information and too many settings that I did not need during the dive. But after 10 to 15 dives, it grew on me. I came to grips with it and no longer had to look at the computer while pressing the buttons.

Now, I think the menus are logically structured and easy to navigate. In a simple way, the Ratio iX3M 2 shows how many minutes I have at the current depth, and at the safety/deco stop, the computer shows with clear numbers what depth I should stay at, as well as the time left until the next stop. If I want to see the entire decompression table, it can be accessed with a few button presses.

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The compass on the Ratio iX3M 2 dive computer shows direction on and off course. Photo by Lelle Malmström
The compass on the Ratio iX3M 2 dive computer shows direction on and off course. Photo by Lelle Malmström

The compass

I just love its compass! Why don’t all dive computers have a compass like this? Choose the compass heading, press a button and the compass heading is locked. If you swim in the correct direction, you will see two arrows pointing straight ahead on the display. If you get off course, an arrow will point to the right or left, indicating the direction to take to get back on the right course. It could not be simpler.

Many new functions

The Ratio iX3M 2 comes with many features that you probably did not know you wanted or needed. It can connect to up to ten wireless transmitters to obtain tank pressure, and if you dive sidemount, the computer will automatically switch to display information about the tank from which you are breathing.

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Gas Blender display. Photo by Lelle Malmström
Gas Blender display. Photo by Lelle Malmström

Another function, which I find superb, is a simple gas blender programme, which lets you see what kind of mix you end up with in the tank if, for example, you top it up with air after a dive. Once you know the mix by using the gas blender programme, it is easy to use the built-in deco table to provide times for the next dive.

Furthermore, with an accessory that connects to the computer via cable, the diver can analyse which nitrox mixture is in the tank; the measurement is then simply saved to the computer with the push of a button. Visit Ratio’s website (ratio-computers.com) for loads of videos on many of the functions and explanations of how to use the iX3M 2.

The dive log

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Ratio iX3M 2’s Logbook display. Photo by Lelle Malmström
Ratio iX3M 2’s Logbook display. Photo by Lelle Malmström

The logged dives are easily reviewed on the computer’s large display and transferred to a desktop computer or laptop. Ratio uses a logging program called Subsurface (subsurface-divelog.org). The software is open source and free to download and use. The programme supports most computers on the market, so you do not need to have your logs in several different programmes when you have upgraded to an iX3M 2, and it is fine to import entire backup files into the programme.

Updating the software

Updating iX3M 2 is quite easy. Download the ToolBox programme from Ratio’s website, start the programme, press “Upgrade,” wait a while… and hey, presto! It sounds simple enough, but I initially had a bit of trouble using it with my Mac computer. However, instructions are given on the same website, and after following them, I soon had the programme up and running.

Summary

Do you need such an advanced dive computer? That is not a simple or easy question to answer. But my response would be YES! The iX3M 2 not only has all the features that I currently need, but I will never “outgrow” this computer either. The iX3M 2 suits all divers from beginners to technical divers.

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The author testing the Ratio iX3M 2. Photo by Peter Symes
The author testing the Ratio iX3M 2. Photo by Peter Symes

Yes, it is a big computer, and not one you would wear at a bar to show off that you are a diver. However, its large and clear display makes the information easy to read, even if you are older and feel that the numbers on your little watch computer are getting hard to read.

The manufacturer states that a fully charged battery lasts approximately 20 dive hours. In any case, I never worried about the battery not having enough juice, as the dive computer automatically charges when it is connected to a desktop or laptop computer as you download the dives to the log programme. Most USB chargers can also be used, but I found that my iPad charger charged the iX3M 2 the fastest.

Are there any features I feel are missing? Not really. But I would like to suggest perhaps adding some games, which can keep me entertained during long decompression stops. Hopefully, the manufacturer will consider including one in a future update.

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