Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 Diving Computer Review

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Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
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The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is a premium, highly customizable dive computer designed for advanced technical divers, offering precision, flexibility, and a vibrant high-resolution display.

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build5.0/50.150.75
Display and Readability4.5/50.200.90
Features and Functionality5.0/50.251.25
Ease of Use4.0/50.150.60
Battery Performance4.5/50.100.45
Value for Money4.0/50.150.60
Total4.55/51.004.55/5

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.55/5)

Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is a premium technical dive computer designed for divers who prioritize precision, customizability, and cutting-edge technology. Featuring a high-resolution color display, open-source firmware, and support for advanced decompression algorithms, the OSTC 4 is tailored to meet the needs of demanding technical divers.

Its robust construction, extensive connectivity options, and user-driven design make it an ideal choice for those seeking a highly adaptable and reliable dive computer. Whether you’re navigating complex dive profiles or exploring extreme depths, the OSTC 4 provides the tools and flexibility to dive with confidence.

Best For: Tech-savvy technical divers who value advanced customization and top-tier performance.

Design and Build

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 combines premium materials with a sleek, functional design, making it a durable and stylish choice for technical divers.

Key Features

  • Robust Construction: The body is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring resistance to corrosion and impacts in extreme diving environments.
  • High-Quality Glass Screen: The bright color display is protected by a scratch-resistant glass surface, offering clarity and durability for long-term use.
  • Compact Design: The streamlined profile is ergonomic and sits comfortably on the wrist, minimizing bulk during dives.
  • Depth Rating: Rated to 120 meters (394 feet), it meets the needs of most technical dives, though it falls short of competitors like the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti in extreme depth capability.

Aesthetics

The OSTC 4 boasts a modern and professional appearance with clean lines and a vibrant, high-resolution screen that enhances its visual appeal.

Durability

Built to handle the demands of technical diving, the robust casing and scratch-resistant screen ensure reliable performance in challenging underwater conditions.

Score for Design and Build: 5.0/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 impresses with its premium materials, ergonomic design, and exceptional durability, making it a standout choice for tech-savvy divers.

Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4

Display and Readability

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 features a high-resolution color display that ensures exceptional readability and clarity, even in challenging underwater conditions.

Key Features

  • High-Resolution Color Screen: The display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making critical dive metrics easy to read.
  • Wide Viewing Angle: Maintains excellent visibility even when viewed from the side, ensuring clear data presentation in dynamic diving situations.
  • Customizable Layouts: Divers can configure the screen to prioritize key metrics such as depth, time, and decompression stops, tailoring the interface to their preferences.
  • Brightness Control: Adjustable backlighting ensures optimal visibility in both bright and low-light conditions while helping conserve battery life.

Strengths

  • The screen’s clarity and high resolution make it one of the most readable displays among technical dive computers.
  • Customizable layouts provide flexibility to adapt to individual diving needs.
  • The wide viewing angle is particularly beneficial in multi-tasking scenarios, such as monitoring during complex technical dives.

Limitations

  • While highly readable, it doesn’t feature AMOLED technology, which provides even greater contrast and sharpness in competitors like the Shearwater Teric.

Score for Display and Readability: 4.5/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 excels in providing a vibrant and customizable display, though it lacks the AMOLED screen quality of some competitors.

Features and Functionality

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is packed with advanced features tailored for technical divers, emphasizing precision, customizability, and innovation.

Key Features

  • Advanced Dive Modes:
    • Air, Nitrox, and Trimix: Handles complex dive profiles, including helium-based gas mixes for deep technical dives.
    • Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR): Fully supports constant PO₂ monitoring for rebreather divers.
    • Gauge Mode: Functions as a precise bottom timer for divers relying on external tables.
  • Decompression Algorithms:
    • Includes Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors and optional custom algorithms, offering flexibility for tailored decompression planning.
  • Open-Source Firmware:
    • Divers can customize and update the software, making the OSTC 4 one of the most adaptable dive computers on the market.
  • Customizable Interface:
    • Screen layouts can be tailored to prioritize metrics such as depth, decompression stops, and gas pressures.
  • Connectivity:
    • Features both Bluetooth and USB options for seamless syncing with dive logs, performing firmware updates, and accessing additional settings.

Strengths

  • Open-source firmware provides unmatched customization options for advanced divers.
  • Multiple dive modes cater to a wide range of technical diving styles.
  • Reliable connectivity options ensure easy data management and firmware updates.

Limitations

  • Lacks air integration, which may deter divers who require real-time tank pressure monitoring.
  • The interface’s depth and customizability may be overwhelming for less tech-savvy divers.

Score for Features and Functionality: 5.0/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 delivers outstanding functionality, particularly for divers who value customization and precision, though it lacks air integration found in some competitors.

Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4

Ease of Use

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is designed with advanced divers in mind, offering a customizable interface and robust features that prioritize precision and adaptability.

Key Features

  • Four-Button Navigation:
    • Intuitive and responsive buttons ensure accurate control, even when wearing gloves.
  • Clear Menu Structure:
    • The menu system is well-organized, providing logical pathways to essential settings and features.
  • Customizable Display:
    • Divers can configure the display to prioritize critical metrics, reducing distractions during complex dives.
  • Pre-Dive Configuration:
    • Advanced tools guide divers through gas mix setup, decompression settings, and pre-dive checks.
  • Firmware Flexibility:
    • Open-source software allows divers to tweak the interface to suit their individual needs.

Strengths

  • The button navigation is straightforward and dependable, even in challenging conditions.
  • Customizable layouts and menu paths enable divers to streamline their user experience.
  • Logical menu flow ensures easy access to key functions during dives.

Limitations

  • The depth of customization may feel overwhelming for less experienced or non-tech-savvy divers.
  • Requires a learning curve to fully utilize the open-source capabilities and extensive menu options.

Score for Ease of Use: 4.0/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 offers exceptional control and customization for experienced technical divers but may require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with advanced dive computer interfaces.

Battery Performance

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 offers reliable and long-lasting battery performance, ensuring it can support extended technical dives and multi-dive trips.

Key Features

  • Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery:
    • Built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 40 hours of dive time, depending on display brightness and usage.
  • USB Charging:
    • Convenient charging via USB ensures compatibility with standard charging setups, making it travel-friendly.
  • Battery Status Indicator:
    • On-screen notifications clearly display battery levels, helping divers prepare for dives with confidence.
  • Power Management:
    • Adjustable brightness and sleep modes help conserve battery life, especially during surface intervals or when the device is not in use.

Strengths

  • Long-lasting battery life supports consecutive dives and extended trips without frequent recharging.
  • USB charging eliminates the need for proprietary cables, adding convenience.
  • Clear battery status indicators enhance dive planning and reduce the risk of mid-dive power loss.

Limitations

  • The non-replaceable battery may deter divers who prefer field-replaceable options for remote expeditions.
  • Heavy use of high-brightness settings can reduce overall battery runtime.

Score for Battery Performance: 4.5/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 delivers strong battery performance and convenient charging options, though the non-replaceable design may limit its appeal for divers requiring extended autonomy in remote locations.

Value for Money

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 offers significant value for advanced technical divers who prioritize customization, premium materials, and cutting-edge technology, though it comes at a higher price point.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

  • Premium Build Quality: The robust casing and scratch-resistant glass screen ensure durability in harsh environments, justifying its premium price.
  • Advanced Features: Includes full trimix support, CCR functionality, and customizable decompression algorithms, catering to technical diving needs.
  • Open-Source Firmware: Unmatched customizability allows divers to tweak and update software, offering long-term flexibility.
  • High-Resolution Display: Vibrant and detailed, the screen enhances readability and functionality.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB support streamline dive logging, firmware updates, and pre-dive planning.

Considerations

  • Price Point: At approximately $1,500 USD, it is one of the pricier options on the market, which may deter budget-conscious divers.
  • No Air Integration: The lack of air integration limits its appeal for divers managing complex gas setups.
  • Learning Curve: Advanced features and customization may require additional effort to master, especially for less tech-savvy users.

Score for Value for Money: 4.0/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 provides excellent value for experienced technical divers who value customizability and premium performance, though its high price and lack of air integration may be drawbacks for some.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Premium Build Quality: Robust casing and scratch-resistant glass screen ensure durability in challenging conditions.
  • High-Resolution Display: Vibrant color screen with excellent readability, even in low-light environments.
  • Advanced Dive Modes: Supports air, nitrox, trimix, and CCR, catering to complex technical diving requirements.
  • Open-Source Firmware: Unmatched customizability for divers who want to tailor the software to their needs.
  • Decompression Algorithms: Includes Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors and supports additional custom algorithms.
  • Connectivity Options: Bluetooth and USB allow seamless data syncing, dive logging, and firmware updates.
  • Customizable Interface: Divers can personalize screen layouts to prioritize key metrics.

Cons

  • No Air Integration: Lacks the ability to monitor tank pressure, which may limit its appeal for divers using multiple tanks.
  • High Price Point: At ~$1,500 USD, it is one of the more expensive options in its class.
  • Complexity: Advanced features and open-source customization may be overwhelming for less tech-savvy or newer technical divers.
  • Non-Replaceable Battery: While long-lasting, the internal rechargeable battery may not suit divers in remote locations.

Summary

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is a premium dive computer ideal for experienced technical divers seeking advanced functionality and customizability. While its lack of air integration and higher price may deter some, it excels in precision, durability, and cutting-edge technology.

Comparison

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is a premium dive computer that stands out for its advanced features, customizability, and high-resolution display, making it an excellent choice for technical divers. To provide a comprehensive perspective, it is compared to two other best-in-class models:

  • Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti: Known for its rugged titanium build, user-replaceable battery, and advanced functionality, the Perdix 2 Ti is a reliable option for divers prioritizing durability and air integration.
  • Shearwater Teric: A compact, smartwatch-style dive computer that combines technical features with everyday usability, offering a vibrant AMOLED display, air integration, and stylish design.

Each model brings unique strengths to the table, catering to different technical diving preferences and requirements. For a detailed side-by-side comparison, including features, pricing, and best-use scenarios, visit our dedicated page:

Click here to compare – Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 vs. Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti vs. Shearwater Teric.

This comparison will help you determine which dive computer aligns best with your diving style, technical needs, and budget.

Overall Rating

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 is a highly customizable dive computer designed for advanced technical divers who prioritize precision, flexibility, and premium features.

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build5.0/50.150.75
Display and Readability4.5/50.200.90
Features and Functionality5.0/50.251.25
Ease of Use4.0/50.150.60
Battery Performance4.5/50.100.45
Value for Money4.0/50.150.60
Total4.55/51.004.55/5

The Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 delivers exceptional performance and customization, making it a top choice for advanced technical divers. While its lack of air integration and higher price point may deter some, its robust build, open-source firmware, and high-resolution display set it apart in the technical diving market.

Dive Computers