SPG or Console?

[ferris213]

Hi everyone,

I'm curious to find out the best option for setting up your gauges. Do you use a console with SPG, depth gauge and compass. Or just and SPG on its own, relying on you computer to give you depth and a compass clipped off to your BCD (or wrist mounted)?

I know it would be nice to have a redundant depth gauge but I'd thumb the dive if my computer fails anyway so is it really necessary?

I can get a good deal on a Mares abyss 42 from my LDS and am thinking about keeping it light and cheap with just the SPG and having a compass on a retractor clipped to my BC, but would like to hear others thoughts/opinions.

Thanks,
Pat

 

[Bhtmec2]

You are going to get a lot of opinions on this one.

For me I believe in the old adage that we used in the military, one is none and two is one. Things always break and I like redundant systems.

I dive with a analog console with compass. I have a wrist computer and a back up compass in my emergency items in my right BC pouch. I also do the dive tables and note it on my board in my pouch. If the electronics fail I can drive on after checking my gear.

I still like the console and check it always as I am a creature of habit and have done it since I went to dive school.......

This is just me and I am an old Boy Scout, Always be prepared.

 

[herman]

You are going to get a lot of opinions, all.....well most... of which have valid points. In the end, like most of the ways to dive it's mostly a personal preference. I like a SPG/compass/analog depth gauge or inexpensive computer in the console and my main computer on my wrist. Having the 3 in a console ensures I will not forget one of them and keeps them all together. I don't like clipped on things, they dangle and are subject to get hung or pulled off. My main computer is on my wrist mainly for convience, it's easier and quicker to read.

 

[MichiganScott]

...I know it would be nice to have a redundant depth gauge but I'd thumb the dive if my computer fails anyway so is it really necessary?...
Pat

Why would you want to thumb your dive if your computer fails? You know how to use tables, you should already have pre planned your dive, carry analog back-up's, and enjoy the dive.

I use a console and have an old computer that works just fine, and I check them against each other.

 

[Diver0001]

Ok, to put this in perspective a bit, you really need these:

spg,
depth gauge
timer (or computer)
compass (most likely)

As long as you actually have all of those on you then where you place them is a matter of personal preference.

Some years ago someone decided that it would be a good idea to put them all in one console (like a dashboard) where all of the information you need is in one place. There's something nice about that but the problem was that the consoles were large and kind of clunky.

Some divers (before "consoles" as well, but certainly after that) decided that moving some of the instruments to the wrist was a good idea. There's something nice about that too because it takes care of the problem of the console being a big bulky and it "feels" natural to, for example, look at your computer in the position where you usually carry your wrist watch, etc.

How you decide to do it is a matter of choice. I'd suggest trying both and seeing what works for you.

Having said that, there are a couple of things you might want to keep in mind:

1) if you think you might want to get into technical diving then you should forego the console. When you add a bunch of other gear to the equation, like stage cylinders, then the console isn't just bulky.... it simply isn't an option.

2) If you dive in an area where you look at your compass as much as your computer (yes, these places do exist) then you should consider moving at LEAST the compass to your wrist. having it on the console is, in my experience, a pain.

As for redundant depth gauges, I don't see a need for them as long as you are staying within the NDL's. The chance that they will fail is low and like you said, you can just thumb the dive without consequences. Once again, this changes if you start technical diving because thumbing the dive might not always be an option.

That might not be the answer you were looking for but I hope it helps put things in perspective for you.

As for what I personally do, I strongly prefer to have only the spg on the "console" and to have the computer and compass on the wrist. But like I said, that's a personal choice. In my case, that's driven partly from the fact that I'm tech trained and partly driven by it feeling natural.

R..

Hi everyone,

I'm curious to find out the best option for setting up your gauges. Do you use a console with SPG, depth gauge and compass. Or just and SPG on its own, relying on you computer to give you depth and a compass clipped off to your BCD (or wrist mounted)?

I know it would be nice to have a redundant depth gauge but I'd thumb the dive if my computer fails anyway so is it really necessary?

I can get a good deal on a Mares abyss 42 from my LDS and am thinking about keeping it light and cheap with just the SPG and having a compass on a retractor clipped to my BC, but would like to hear others thoughts/opinions.

Thanks,
Pat

 

[Diver0001]

Why would you want to thumb your dive if your computer fails? You know how to use tables, you should already have pre planned your dive, carry analog back-up's, and enjoy the dive.

I use a console and have an old computer that works just fine, and I check them against each other.

it's nearly impossible to map a "computer" dive onto "tables", especially on the fly if the computer happens to die. If you have a thorough understanding of both then it's possible in some but not in all circumstances.

His idea to thumb the dive is the most prudent course of action.

R..

 

[emoreira]

Hi everyone,

I'm curious to find out the best option for setting up your gauges. Do you use a console with SPG, depth gauge and compass. Or just and SPG on its own, relying on you computer to give you depth and a compass clipped off to your BCD (or wrist mounted)?

I know it would be nice to have a redundant depth gauge but I'd thumb the dive if my computer fails anyway so is it really necessary?

I can get a good deal on a Mares abyss 42 from my LDS and am thinking about keeping it light and cheap with just the SPG and having a compass on a retractor clipped to my BC, but would like to hear others thoughts/opinions.

Thanks,
Pat

I use this setup.
SPG
Wirst mount compass
Wirst mount PDC
Watch

 

[Lee Taylor]

It really mattered to me, in the beginning.

Now days it only matters that it is attached to me somewhere. It is not my focus any longer. The interesting thing is, I still use them of course, but I can fairly accurately guess what they are going to read.

I personally feel that, in the beginning it should be located where it is easy to access frequently.

 

[MC]

A few of my family members are new to diving. While getting their equipment, all seemed to want to go with the minimal amount of equipment, which basically came down to the following:

regulator and second stage
octo/inflator combo
SPG only (no console)
Wrist mount Computer for depth and time

If money was no object, they'd probably option out of the SPG and go with one that integrates with the wrist mount computer.

Not sure you need an extra depth gauge. My thoughts-f you are diving with a buddy, aren't you both at or near the same depth anyway?

99% of our diving will be drift diving w/ a boat following, so a compass is not really used, but usually someone in the group will have one.

 

[TSandM]

I think Diver0001 covered it pretty well, but I'll add that I found buoyancy control on ascents to be MUCH easier when my depth was on my wrist, where I could easily see it all the time. I check my pressure only every five minutes or so, so having it clipped off at my waist is fine, but I check my depth (and dive time) constantly, so having it on my wrist, in front of my face, works better for me.