Wireless transmitters and backup gauges

[The Kraken]

OK, I'll 'fess up . . .

. . . the real reason I carry an SPG is so that if my computer craps out on me during the dive (it's never done it yet, but I'm sure it will one of these years), I can revert to the basic dive plan and continue the dive.

Let me state here and now that I have a dive watch that also gives me my depth, so now I have a complete redundant system; depth, time, gas pressure.

I know, some will jump in here and say,"If your computer dies on you during your dive you have to abort the dive and not dive for 12 hours!!!!"

Sorry, I don't agree with that premise.

You plan your dive and you dive your plan. You know your NDL, you take note of the time of your descent, you're doing your dive, you haven't exceeded you NDL, your computer craps out, you revert to your analog gauges.

Just that simple.

the K

 

[Jrock1062]

yes but here is the rub if you buy a non AI and decide to go that way you need a new computer if you buy an AI with out the transmitter and decide to go AI all you need to do is get the transmitter which would save you money

 

[jeckyll]

jrock: I realize that cool gear is part of the sport. But really, for new divers, I think the best thing is to make sure the basic skills get practiced and perfected. Dive plans worked out, tables used and understood.

Adding "cool high tech gear" can be done at any time. Start with the basics, become proficient and work towards being a good diver.

Don't get too worked up about the nifty stuff. It will only get niftier with time. And probably cheaper too

Just my $0.02.

 

[dkatchalov]

jrock: I realize that cool gear is part of the sport. But really, for new divers, I think the best thing is to make sure the basic skills get practiced and perfected. Dive plans worked out, tables used and understood.

Adding "cool high tech gear" can be done at any time. Start with the basics, become proficient and work towards being a good diver.

Don't get too worked up about the nifty stuff. It will only get niftier with time. And probably cheaper too

Just my $0.02.

I've done 20 dives and I agree with this post 100%.

 

[njd3rph]

If a computer failure in recreational diving is life threatening to you, then I suggest you either stop diving immediately or get retrained to understand concepts like buddy diving, not ascending faster than your smallest bubbles, and staying out of mandatory deco during OW rec diving. Jeesh...

To Mattboy;

First, I'm not a "recreational" diver, I'm a technical, solo, and decompression diver (and no, I don't dive solo on deco dives). But even if I were a "recreational" diver, I would certianly be glad I had an spg and watch if I were doing a "recreational" dive at 100 feet and my computer died, as it would make it much easier to finish my dive (or abort my dive) acording to my dive plan (you do belive in actually having a dive plan, don't you), and safely making my ascent and doing my "safety stop" (that is what recreational divers call a manditory 3 minute decompression stop isn't it) thus avoiding dcs injury and or death.

Happy Holidays

 

[njd3rph]

After all, how many divers do you see who wear a second SPG because they are convinced that their "primary SPG" may fail during a week of diving?? Doc

I only know of one.

To vladimir;

I certainly don't use redundant equipment because my dive computer may fail during a week of diving, I use it because I'm an intelligent person who knows that it isnt a case of if a dive computer will fail, but when. And if you look up at my previous response to Mattboy perhaps you may see that there are times when having a watch and spg could come in handy. Redundant equipment should be used while engaged in a dangerous sport such as diving, after all, how many skydivers do you know who don't bother to pack a secondary chute (yeah, I skydive too)?

Happy Holidays

 

[Jrock1062]

jeckyll : It has nothing to do with buying cool new gear, IMHO its about trying to buy the best gear just once and not buying the same gear over and over again. How many people have bought something withhout the forsight to see that they were going to outgrow what they bought. All i am trying to do is buy what i believe i need now and have something that will grow with me as a diver

 

[jeckyll]

jeckyll : It has nothing to do with buying cool new gear, IMHO its about trying to buy the best gear just once and not buying the same gear over and over again. How many people have bought something withhout the forsight to see that they were going to outgrow what they bought. All i am trying to do is buy what i believe i need now and have something that will grow with me as a diver

I understand that.

But what I'm saying is that the "best gear" may well change. It is a relative term, not only about the gear itself, but also within your progression as a diver.

Many folks bought the "best gear" only to later on change the way they dive and then re-purchase gear anyways. Some folks even (god forbid!) change their computers into gauge mode and dive just fine. Some would say they dive better than before...

If you believe you need to have a computer that's fine, just make sure it doesn't interfere with your learning and thinking. It's very easy to defer to the "bright shiny object" instead of engaging the brain.

Best of luck.

 

[Jrock1062]

jeckyll : I agree with you that the best computer sits between your (our) ears and that good fundamentals are key to a successful diving. If I in any way made it look as though I think we should defer to the computer, i am sorry that’s not what I meant. I believe we are probably on the same page just saying it differently. First we as the divers is the best piece of gear we own, second every thing else should support the type of diving you are going to do. I think our only disagreement is on how to decide what it is to own and when we should get it .My whole premise was get a piece of gear you believe is expandable in a direction you might want your diving to go.