Computers: Watch vs Console?

[Nemrod]

ok- when you guys talk about clipping the SPG to you- does that mean using a retractor for it? If that's the case, don't you just pull it out, look at it, then let go of it and it pulls it back in? Or, is there actually a 'clip' you have to deal with? Any pics so I can see what you're talking about?
Thanks guys!

Many experienced divers go with a B&G spg and clip it via a snap to the D ring on their left side waist strap. I might only check air two or three times during a dive, I reach down and unclip, read the gauge and clip it back.

"Watch" style computer is a misnomer, I don't think I would wear a computer to a business meeting or cycling or boating or around the house but I would wear a watch. Computers are not watches. Most are quite large by comparison and many experienced divers actually wear them up on the left forearm--not on the wrist. I made a bungee mount for my computer but in the end put it back into it's housing, I prefer the belt and buckle latch to the bungee mount. I use a plain Jane nitrox Aeries Atomos II I got for dirt cheap at Scuba Toys and I just got my wife a air only Aeries XR1 from Scuba Toys for like 140 dollars, cheaper than dirt. Neither make very stylish watches, my wife would look funny wearing it in the hospital but they are nice computers, work fine, were both inexpensive and have liberal engines.

Most of the times I use tables and compute on the fly using my brain anyways.

N

 

[fnfalman]

ok- when you guys talk about clipping the SPG to you- does that mean using a retractor for it? If that's the case, don't you just pull it out, look at it, then let go of it and it pulls it back in? Or, is there actually a 'clip' you have to deal with? Any pics so I can see what you're talking about?
Thanks guys!

The plastic retractable tends to break a lot. When I first started gearing up, I thought that they were the cat's meow until they start to break just from the regular banging around a dive boat.

For me, if I have to attach things I use bolt snaps, and zip ties which is how I attach my SPG to my waist belt DRing. Bolt snaps offer the advantage of low cost, longevity, lightweight, and easy to add to an item at the last minute if necessary. I carry a few extra bolt snaps, and zip ties around, and I've loaned these to many a diver who is dragging their junk around in the mud or sand!

I also prefer wrist mounted gauges.

What he said.

 

[Hatul]

So, somehow checking your SPG is fine, but a console is a PITA? Sounds like one can either argue for a totally wireless air-integrated wristmount, or a console, but this something in between seems the worst of both worlds.

BTW, I did my early dives with a borrowed wristmount and SPG, then switched to console, so there's at least one who went the "other" direction. I did look at wireless units but was unhappy with the frequency of battery change and reports of delays/missed synchronizations, not to mention cost; but I still wanted air-integration, so that leaves a console computer with a Q/R to the HP hose.

Again, personal preference rules, so if having two instruments in different places to do the job of one is your idea of simplicity and non-PITA, have at it. Meanwhile, I'll stick with my all-in-one console.

The wireless air-integrated wrist mounted is a nice idea, in theory, as it gets rid of the annoying high-pressure hose. The problem is most people using this end up back with the high pressure hose, as they attach a pressure gauge as a backup. So now you have an extra problem-- the transmitter, which you don't have with a simpler air-integrated hose computer like the Cobra.

Adam

Adam

 

[fnfalman]

The wireless air-integrated wrist mounted is a nice idea, in theory, as it gets rid of the annoying high-pressure hose. The problem is most people using this end up back with the high pressure hose, as they attach a pressure gauge as a backup. So now you have an extra problem-- the transmitter, which you don't have with a simpler air-integrated hose computer like the Cobra.

Adam

Adam

When I use my wrist mounted AI dive comp, I don't use an SPG backup. The whole point of using a hoseless AI dive comp is to eliminate the hose. Otherwise, why bother with the extra cost for the exact same reason as you've said. Might as well go with a console mount AI dive comp.

 

[jbb]

When I use my wrist mounted AI dive comp, I don't use an SPG backup. The whole point of using a hoseless AI dive comp is to eliminate the hose. Otherwise, why bother with the extra cost for the exact same reason as you've said. Might as well go with a console mount AI dive comp.

Well, I have the SPG (short hose) as a back up to my AI dive comp. It has come in handy when my dive comp has conked out - once on vacation. One bennefit of the SPG - my buddies have liked my back up as they can see my air supply status without asking me.

 

[fnfalman]

Well, I have the SPG (short hose) as a back up to my AI dive comp. It has come in handy when my dive comp has conked out - once on vacation.

I have an SPG/depth gauge backup on a hose. If my AI computer were to conk out, I'd unscrew it and put the SPG setup on. But it's a personal decision. Some people like to dive with double redundancy on everything and some people don't. I prefer the one less hose, but that's me and my reason for going with a hoseless AI computer.

 

[RonFrank]

On my dry setup, I use both the AI wireless computer, and an SPG. On vacatioin, I carry my spg, but don't put it on the first stage. If my computer were to conk out, I have a backup.

This kinda depends on where I'm diving. If I'm mainly doing areas I've dove before, or shallow reefs, the SPG is not all that important. I come up with plenty of gas. If I'm doing deep dives than having a backup UW is a bit more important.

 

[carrielsal]

I just got a wrist mount Viper Air. I was looking for a larger display and wanting to get rid of that hose. I've heard many stories of missed dives on AI computers. I think for now I'm going to keep a backup computer in my BC pocket and carry a spare console in case there is ever a problem.
I've only had the Viper for a week only had a chance to use it once. Anyone out there have more than a couple of dives on a Viper Air?
Carrie

 

[fnfalman]

I've heard many stories of missed dives on AI computers. Carrie

How's an AI computer going to cause anybody to miss dives more than a non-AI computer? If the battery were to die, then the battery is going to die, AI or non-AI. If the casing is damaged because of banging around, then that's going to happen to a dive computer or a gauge.

 

[Hatul]

I just got a wrist mount Viper Air. I was looking for a larger display and wanting to get rid of that hose. I've heard many stories of missed dives on AI computers. I think for now I'm going to keep a backup computer in my BC pocket and carry a spare console in case there is ever a problem.
I've only had the Viper for a week only had a chance to use it once. Anyone out there have more than a couple of dives on a Viper Air?
Carrie

Eventually you'll want to get a SPG as a backup and "that hose" will be back.

Adam