Transmitter with Gear Rentals

[rjmd]

I am new to scuba and am considering getting a dive computer with AI. I don't really intend to get any other scuba gear for the first year or so beyond mask, wet suit, and fins. Seeing I will be renting my gear, is it reasonable for me to bring an AI transmitter to a dive op and ask them to attach it for me? Or will they generally allow me to attach it to the rental gear myself?

Deciding on whether it is worth getting the AI transmitter if I mainly plan on using rentals initially.

 

[mar2112]

I would think that most will or you could bring the tools and do it yourself. They may not want you to remove thier SPG, but I can't imagine a dive op objecting to you adding your xmitter.

 

[Scared Silly]

Perfectly reasonable. I would suggest you learn to attach it to regulator yourself. Do to that you will need an hex (Allen) wrench and an adjustable wrench. Why do it yourself? so you know it was done correctly.

One thing to consider, the first stage might have only one HP port. In that case, you will need to remove the rental SPG and replace it with your transmitter. If the first stage has two HP ports then just attach the transmitter to the extra port.

 

[Pressurehead]

If the first stage has two HP ports then just attach the transmitter to the extra port.

And that in almost all cases is on the right hand side where again, most people have their dive computer, on their right wrist [or up the arm a little].
I have seen people attach their transmitter on rental regulators here and the SPG is still on the left.

I don't really intend to get any other scuba gear for the first year or so beyond mask, wet suit, and fins. Seeing I will be renting my gear,

Noted, but.......

Another reason to buy your own regulators, imagine driving away and remember, darn, I left the transmitter on the rental gear, and that shop is now 100 miles away [or worse, another country].
A local dive shop has mailed one transmitter back to a diver [that I know of], could be more.

 

[rongoodman]

It seems like a good reason to buy your own regulator set and configure it as you like.

 

[arkstorm]

My experience is that most dive centers don't want you messing with their rental gear and will not allow you to attach a transmitter but ymmv. Something about liability.

You can still use your AI computer with a rental spg, the most important features will still work, you just don't benefit from the integration.

 

[Pressurehead]

My experience is that most dive centers don't want you messing with their rental gear and will not allow you to attach a transmitter

Yes, that is true, some just do it and don't ask.

 

[gmerick]

Remember to bring a replacement HP O-Ring and O-Ring lube. The rental HP port plug (or SPG hose) has been in place for up to a year of frequent rentals. It may be crusty or even corroded.

 

[rjmd]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like it will vary by dive center, which in understandable as it’s their gear after all.

Remember to bring a replacement HP O-Ring and O-Ring lube. The rental HP port plug (or SPG hose) has been in place for up to a year of frequent rentals. It may be crusty or even corroded.

This is a great insight, thanks for the tip!

 

[hedonist222]

Remember to bring a replacement HP O-Ring and O-Ring lube. The rental HP port plug (or SPG hose) has been in place for up to a year of frequent rentals. It may be crusty or even corroded.

Was going to suggest this. Instead of bringing lube, just lube the o ring at home and store in a plastic bag(gie).