Computers: Watch vs Console?

[fnfalman]

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

Adam

Not necessarily. I know how long my tank lasts me underwater. If 40-minutes were to roll by and my tank still shows 2000-psi instead of 1000-psi, something is wrong and it's time to go up. Not only that but if one were to pay attention to the echo in the tank when one takes a breath, when the tank runs low, it has more of an echoing effect than when it's fuller. Not that I'm advocating the use of a timer and noise in lieu of an SPG, but there are lots of ways to know how much air your tank should have than just a gauge because gauges can get stuck too.

 

[RonFrank]

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

Adam

I don't use a wireless AI computer because I want to eliminate a hose. I do so because it's nice to have everything I need to see (minus a compass), on my wrist using one display. I can review my depth, time, pressure remaining, and even remaining time at depth based on either air consumption, or NDL on one display.

Let's face it, if wireless AI computers cost $250 most of the diving world would be using them. The only factor that comes into play is cost.

There is a diehard in every hobby or recreational sport that choose to go old school for whatever reason. The majority of the population choose the best option based on cost. The only reason NOT to consider an AI wireless computer is cost.

 

[mikemill]

I don't use a wireless AI computer because I want to eliminate a hose. I do so because it's nice to have everything I need to see (minus a compass), on my wrist using one display. I can review my depth, time, pressure remaining, and even remaining time at depth based on either air consumption, or NDL on one display.

Let's face it, if wireless AI computers cost $250 most of the diving world would be using them. The only factor that comes into play is cost.

There is a diehard in every hobby or recreational sport that choose to go old school for whatever reason. The majority of the population choose the best option based on cost. The only reason NOT to consider an AI wireless computer is cost.

Don't forget features The reason I don't use my AI wireless is because of one feature (IR interface)

 

[carrielsal]

The problem arises when the computer does not synch with the wireless transmitter. My understanding is that this is the number one failure with AI computers. I now have about 20 dives on my Viper Air. On the first dive I have to pair the computers with the transmitter (which is not something you are suppose to have to do.) I currently keep a second puck type computer in by BC pocket and a the console for it in my bag as a fail save.
I was wondering if anyone had one and had experienced any problems pairing the computer with the wireless transmitter?
Carrie

 

[fnfalman]

It seems like loss of signals or pairing up with transmitters happen more to UWATEC and Suunto computers than Oceanic/Aeris computers. Granted I only had ten dives with my Aeris Elite T3, but thus far I have yet to experience signal loss during a dive or not being able to synchronize the computer to the transmitter on the surface. And I don't recall reading about loss of signals from many Oceanic/Aeris owners (these dive comps are made by Pelagic).

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

The fact that often gets overlooked in these discussions about new technology, in this case wireless AI, is that mechanical SPG's can, and often do, fail. So whichever you choose to use, it's always prudent to carry a backup. After having a computer fail, I now dive with 2 computers. My primary wrist mounted wireless AI and a second non-AI strapped to my BC. I also carry a standard SPG in my dive bag in case of transmitter failure.

I'm just saying. . .