Will Air Integration in dive computers replace the SPG?

[DevonDiver]

I think there's a difference between 'checking' and 'assimilating' knowledge. It's easy to glance at a computer, but when that computer displays a lot of info - how much of it is actually assimilated consciously?

In contrast, an SPG is a source of singular info. No data overload. The analogue needle presents info in a foolproof manner. Psychologically, it is easy to process.

Note how Shearwater simplified the date presented, when they introduced the 'rec mode' on the Petrel. An acknowledgement that less experienced/trained divers benefit from reduced information loading on a screen...

I can appreciate how some divers like being 'data heads'; but isn't this info best preserved for post-dive analysis.... rather than swamping the diver in-water?

 

[lowviz]

...//... Ever since I was a dishwasher making $1.80 an hour (and saving for a dry suit).. my priorities have always been to spend money on diving rather than dive gear. ...//...

Ha! I know you have NE roots. Just saw this.

If you ever ate at the Pleasant Valley Howard Johnson's on the PA tpke during the night ('65 to '68), I most likely cooked your meal. And we always got the cleanliness award. Grace, (The Dragon Lady) was my boss. Grew to truly appreciate her over time...

On topic: Yes, I love how the tekkies have it both ways. It IS and it ISN'T about the gear...

 

[undrwater]

Oh! Now we're talking about MY gear!

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Sorry I was a little too young for that. I learned to dive in some quarries and then on the wrecks off Brielle on a private boat with a couple instructors and crazies who would take a 14 yr old kid out and let him dive alone.. after a 6-8 dives.

I got a lot of crap for buying that suit and I hated wearing 40 lbs of lead, but I was pretty warm. I think I got it when i was 15 yrs old.

 

[CuzzA]

Andy, I have to disagree. Perhaps for the senior diver, they may have trouble assimilating info, but younger generations have grown up on computers. My 3 year old can operate an iPad better than his grandmother who still needs assistance switching the tv input to the DVD player. Hell, everyone is glued to their smartphones 24/7. Assimilating and comprehending data on a small computer screen is second nature for most people these days.

And I've yet to hear the story of someone going OOA because they couldn't comprehend their tank pressure on their AI dive computer. If there is an incident, please share.

 

[lowviz]

I learned to dive in some quarries and then on the wrecks off Brielle on a private boat with a couple instructors and crazies who would take a 14 yr old kid out and let him dive alone..

Joe Turzouli, maybe?

 

[doctormike]

ever heard of drive by wire? and steer by wire? Rack and pinion seems to be on its way out for some MFG's

Yup, heard of it, discussed it upthread.

 

[DevonDiver]

As I mentioned, Shearwater simplified the data display for their rec diving mode. That was for a reason. The data removed is equally beneficial to AI. So why add AI and add complexity again?

I don't particularly know about generational adaptation to data overload - but I do know how dives react to task-loading at varied stages of their development. I don't care how tech-savvy a diver is, when they are task-loaded their ability to assimilate information decreases.

To me, critical and life preserving information needs to be fool-proof. An SPG is very fool-proof and simple.

Then again, I routinely experience dives that are very high in demand... so I understand the benefits of K.I.S.S. A diver yet to have their task loading stressed, or make mistakes because of over-complication, would probably be mystified as to the argument.

 

[Bennno]

Why would AI ever replace your SPG? I think AI is more like a toy that seems to be more popular with new divers. It doesn't do anything better a SPG and will always be less reliable.

 

[lowviz]

Would fiber ever replace the two copper conductors that no longer run to my house? Ask the biggest of the big boys, Bell Tel.