Will Air Integration in dive computers replace the SPG?

[Diving Dubai]

I'm glad others responded before me...

The hard fact of the matter for the reason in the post above, make WAI on all computers a certainty. Whether you chose to use that facility is a personal choice. Just like I don't use half th e functions on my smart phone. Doesn't stop me buying one.

The manufacturers will seek to add perceived value to their products with additional functions. The first purchase of a good proportion of new divers after the mask is a computer. Whether they really need it or not. You are already seeing some computers offering the function to monitor your buddies air. A shiney new diver diving with their partner might want this for piece of mind and then the manufacturer has sold 2 computers and transmitters rather than 2 basic models etc

The manufacturers are going to target dive centers, give then a bunch of computers and transmitters to allow the instructor the ability to keep an eye on their students air more easily. If the said instructor had the top of the line model from brand X the students just need a basic model. - They all get to dive with that computer and a good percentage buy it.

I do find it sad that a minority on here do like to make the discussion personal and push their personal choices as the only option.

I think WAI has taken the top spot away from split fins as the most divisive subject

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Yeah, so maybe a AIW unit is a toy, so what? All of scuba is a toy designed to be enjoyed and have some fun. I've been doing this long enough with analog tools that I pretty much know how deep, how long, how much gas, blah blah blah. I don't tech dive, I don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore. Arguments here are always the same. Not much ever gets resolved or changes. At this point it all becomes entertainment.
One thing that has changed is my attitude towards computers and specifically AIW. I was once in the camp of "If you cant do all the math in your head, put duck tape on your SPG so you cant see it, and run tables on the fly you have no business diving". Yeah I remember those days...sigh.
Really? who cares? computers are here to stay.
I see great value in a unit that combines all features in one, and I'm sure over time they will become better and better.
I'm over it, you guys have fun arguing over wagon wheels vs whatever.
Out

 

[Charles2]

When the mechanical SPG became reliable and cheap enough to replace the J-valve, it did. There is no question that the electronic SPG will replace the mechanical SPG when its perceived value rises above its cost. For many of us, that time has already arrived. For others whose traditional diving is completely unhampered by the progress of technology, it will be a while longer. To each his own - let's go diving.

 

[Zeagle Eagle]

I have been AI for 10 years or so. My whole family is electronic. The SPG will go the way of the analog watch. That being said. If you like an SPG use it. I just prefer AI or wireless. It's like automatic windows. Once you get rid of the crank you never look back.

 

[Lorenzoid]

The SPG will go the way of the analog watch. . . .

The digital watch analogy occurred to me some time ago (no pun intended), but I don't think it's a very good analogy. Mechanical watches have a huge number of fans, and the watches that connoisseurs consider the finest in the world are invariably mechanical. I wear a digital watch to do outdoor activities, but for daily wear I enjoy a mechanical watch. There's just something visceral about seeing the hands move and understanding (more or less) how the mechanism works and appreciating how intricate it is. But few would argue they are more reliable than digital watches. There is no logical reason for them to continue to exist. But people love them. I wonder if SPGs have something of a similar appeal?

 

[lowviz]

Yeah, so maybe a AIW unit is a toy, so what? All of scuba is a toy designed to be enjoyed and have some fun. ...

Ah, but I see two classes of toys. Those that serve the PHYSICS of diving and those that serve the INFORMATION of diving.

IMHO, the arguments and justifications are very different for either class of toy.

A Freedom Plate with a WAI display for my A2150 Dacor 8CL 70+ PST? (DOT 3AA2250)

Very Sweet. (and very fun)

 

[Zeagle Eagle]

The digital watch analogy occurred to me some time ago (no pun intended), but I don't think it's a very good analogy. Mechanical watches have a huge number of fans, and the watches that connoisseurs consider the finest in the world are invariably mechanical. I wear a digital watch to do outdoor activities, but for daily wear I enjoy a mechanical watch. There's just something visceral about seeing the hands move and understanding (more or less) how the mechanism works and appreciating how intricate it is. But few would argue they are more reliable than digital watches. There is no logical reason for them to continue to exist. But people love them. I wonder if SPGs have something of a similar appeal?

That's a point well taken. As a matter of fact, my Samsung Gear 2 watch/telephone has an analog face on it right now. More reliable,maybe, in the sense that it can last 50 years or more. It's certainly not more accurate. I do love a good looking high end watch though, more for the jewelry aspect than anything else. I am not giving up my power windows!

 

[agilis]

The digital watch analogy occurred to me some time ago (no pun intended), but I don't think it's a very good analogy. Mechanical watches have a huge number of fans, and the watches that connoisseurs consider the finest in the world are invariably mechanical. I wear a digital watch to do outdoor activities, but for daily wear I enjoy a mechanical watch. There's just something visceral about seeing the hands move and understanding (more or less) how the mechanism works and appreciating how intricate it is. But few would argue they are more reliable than digital watches. There is no logical reason for them to continue to exist. But people love them. I wonder if SPGs have something of a similar appeal?

Yes, except that mechanical SPGs are more reliable than battery powered wireless electric SPGs. They also provide more information than a simple abstract number glowing on a screen. Watching that needle instantly snap back after taking a deep breath from the system just before rolling in is quite useful feedback.

I have quite a few mechanical analog watches, and one digital. I'm a fair hand at watch repair. I can adjust a good mechanical watch to within plus or minus a second or two a day, but that's not as accurate as my digital, a Casio DW1000 I've had for decades. Elegant little thing, for a digital.

 

[stuartv]

Yes, except that mechanical SPGs are more reliable than battery powered wireless electric SPGs.

Except that nobody yet has been able to provide ANY actual data to back that claim up.

All I can recall is anecdotal evidence that 18 year old WAI wasn't that reliable.

And anecdotal evidence that HP hose and spool leaks or failures are WAY more common than WAI transmitter failures. (that, from NetDoc, may have been in the Shearwater/AI thread that is going on right now, too)

So far, all signs point to modern WAI being more reliable than mechanical SPGs (when both are maintained properly - transmitter batteries are annual (or less) maintenance).

 

[lowviz]

... They also provide more information than a simple abstract number glowing on a screen. ...

Not so in sidemount.

The difference between your two independent tanks is most important, rec or tech, no matter. Your turn pressure is also a function of both and I'd bet that emergency donation strongly favors one cylinder.

Nice to have all that in one place.