Do I want redundant gauges with dive computer?

[davidbaraff]

I've now got everything I need except for gauges/dive computer. If I buy a hoseless AI dive computer, do I still want to get a console depth indicator/SPG/compass (possibly nice small size) to act as a backup?

I've read you should have backups, but what do people actually do in practice? I've been thinking that it would be great with an A/I wrist mount dive computer to have fewer hoses, but I guess if I'm using the console as a backup, I can clip it on the left side of my BCD and pretty much have it out of the way, unless the computer konks out.

In case it matters, assume purely recreational diving, and most likely not below 60'.

(My OW ocean dives just got held up until June, was supposed to be next week, so now I've got several weeks of "shopping time" on my hands...)

 

[Wiilldd1]

I have an AI computer. I also use a small SPG as a backup. I find it does not get in the way. I use a shorter hose to prevent drag. I clip it to my left hip D-ring to keep it handy.

I like having a backup for peace of mind.

 

[Noboundaries]

Wife and I both have AI computers (not wrist mount). Both have failed once on different dives. They were replaced under warranty, but I have installed mini SPGs on both our regulators as a back up. Definitely good for peace of mind.

 

[Dive Junky]

At a minimum you should have an analog spg.

 

[Sue Sue]

I've now got everything I need except for gauges/dive computer. If I buy a hoseless AI dive computer, do I still want to get a console depth indicator/SPG/compass (possibly nice small size) to act as a backup?

I've read you should have backups, but what do people actually do in practice? I've been thinking that it would be great with an A/I wrist mount dive computer to have fewer hoses, but I guess if I'm using the console as a backup, I can clip it on the left side of my BCD and pretty much have it out of the way, unless the computer konks out.

In case it matters, assume purely recreational diving, and most likely not below 60'.

(My OW ocean dives just got held up until June, was supposed to be next week, so now I've got several weeks of "shopping time" on my hands...)

Both DH and I have a small CRESSI Air/depth only gauge that we have as a backup. We simply tuck in under our cumberbund/bc belt and it remains out of the way. It is just there as a just in case item. And, we are glad to have it handy as DH's computer went out for some crazy reason on a dive. Sue

 

[davidbaraff]

Both DH and I have a small CRESSI Air/depth only gauge that we have as a backup. We simply tuck in under our cumberbund/bc belt and it remains out of the way. It is just there as a just in case item. And, we are glad to have it handy as DH's computer went out for some crazy reason on a dive. Sue

Where do you put your compass then? (I've not heard of dive computers also being compasses.)

 

[meesier42]

nope, I don't carry anything, I used to carry an SPG, but realized its not worth it. If my computer fails the dive is over unless I have an SPG, Depth Gauge, Bottom Timer, and my NDL's available. So carring an SPG is worthless as I would need the others as well. If the computer fails the dive is over, and I am heading up. Knowing how much air I have is pointless, as I knew when I had enough air to continue diving, so by definition I have enough air to safely ascend.

 

[meesier42]

Where do you put your compass then? (I've not heard of dive computers also being compasses.)

There are computers with digital compasses in them. I don't recall which ones, but I know they are out there. But I carry my compass on a simply retractor, find its more usefull there anyway.

Like this one
Buy Sherwood retractable compass RSC-N with reviews at scuba.com

 

[uncleavi]

I have a suunto D-9 and it has a compass in it.

 

[medic001918]

I'm not particularly fond of AI computers as the wireless link has the potential for too many failures for very little benefit. I use a Suunto D9 (which the compass tends to be questionable) that I don't have the transmitter for, along with a Suunto SK-7 compass that go on opposite wrists. I also use a regular SPG clipped to my left D-ring. This allows for me to always know how much gas I have which is far more important to me than my depth or bottom time. If I have a failure, I'll be going to the surface anyway. I can make a nice slow ascent without the use of a computer and make stops along the way.

That being said, if I were into deco diving, I'd have at least two depth devices and two timers in case one fails so that I can still make my required stops.

Shane