backup computer

[rhwestfall]

next discussion:

the 120 rule...



For some reason, the older I get, the less I'm interested in "risks"...

 

[steinbil]

You are at depth when your computer fails. Where do you find your average depth?

True, this will be the limiting factor for most divers. But some divers are actually trained to do this, so for the divers used to keeping a running track of average depth it is possible. For most divers, they would need at the very least a backup bottom timer that would keep track of the average depth.

 

[rhwestfall]

For most divers, they would need at the very least a backup bottom timer that would keep track of the average depth.

And, with the really low cost of many modern PDC options, why bother?

 

[Centrals]

In my experience when diving with 2 or more computers which give different results, the most conservative computer, when in deco, clears upon ascent without a need for a stop.

It won't be any Cressi, Mares and Suunto using RGBM.

 

[Centrals]

And, with the really low cost of many modern PDC options, why bother?

Indeed.
SP 300m bottom timer is more expensive than some basic computers. Battery changing is not even an option.

 

[boulderjohn]

True, this will be the limiting factor for most divers. But some divers are actually trained to do this, so for the divers used to keeping a running track of average depth it is possible. For most divers, they would need at the very least a backup bottom timer that would keep track of the average depth.

Yeah. I was trained to do this myself, as were my dive buddies in our UTD training group, including the ones who got bent after a dive in which their math on that calculation (and other parts of the dive) was not all that it should be. Call me crazy, but when I am on a NDL dive, I prefer to focus my attention on what I am seeing during the dive rather than doing a constant mathematical calculation of my average depth so that I will be prepared in case my computer goes bad (which has never happened).

Or you could buy a bottom timer for the price of a cheap computer. Just remember that the battery is not replaceable, so you will have to throw it away when it dies. When mine died, I never replaced it.

 

[Chrisk919]

Query to the group whether ditching the console in favor of a lollipop SPG and backup computer is the right way to go?

Ditched the console for a brass&glass SPG clipped in at the hip, and keep the computer on my wrist.

I have a second computer but since it’s algorithm isn’t as configurable as my Shearwater and I’m still REC I usually just leave it in the spares bag and only plan to engage it after a 24h pause if my primary breaks.

 

[ToneNQ]

No clue what this means but it sounds wrong.

Have you ever done a dive where the Surf GF never drops below 99? If not your horizons are narrow, which is fine, but you're ignoring how a lot of people enjoy their diving.

Fringing reefs, even getting up onto a barrier reef, your main limits are air consumption, thermal comfort and the boat skipper. In these cases dissolved gas is irrelevant. You hit sand at 7m, maybe even 12m, you have to navigate 150m to a wall that drops down to 18m. The dive ends when you're low on gas, cold, bored, sun burnt, or the skipper says so. The only things that matter to check are your SPG and the clock. The bulk of divers on the GBR can safely dive this way. Solo photographers, artists, they'll do 90mins, barely move, most only carry a computer because our Recreational Diving Code of Practice mandates a computer for each diver. Whilst I own four and by personal choice I always dive with two Shearwaters, I did learn to dive before computers. A diver can be safe with an old computer with almost no features, or with two vastly different computers and using barely 5% of their functionality. Whilst that isn't my style of diving its fine for many.

 

[LFMarm]

You are at depth when your computer fails. Where do you find your average depth?

I would recreate in SubSurface a profile that is close enough and see what the average depth is. You can always apply a safety factor to the calculated avg depth to be on the safer side.

 

[34109411]

hey guys

so as i start to look into more tec and solo diving i got into the discusion on having a backup dive computer and got curious what peoples opinion were on it
in hopes of starting a helthy discusion why and why. not i wanted to ask what do you do dive

• no backup computer
• with a cheep (sunto zoop or anything like that)
• diving the same computer for primary and backup
• using you old computer after upgrading

is it a overrated thing or is it most important thing in your kit mby its only used for dives below 30 meter or when a deco dive is intended?
hope to here some of your guys thougt on the topic and learn some now things!

don't go crazy about it just get an extra one and stuff it in your pocket. over the year i have a total of 3 computer. I bought a mares quad air 2 years ago and my back up is a mares m1 that i bought in 2006 ! I l also have a zoop that sit in a drawer.