AI VS SPG Debate Split Off from Regulator Setup Thread

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Scuba Client

Banned
Messages
516
Reaction score
77
Location
Australia
# of dives
500 - 999
You are correct. I would like to order everything to put together my own regulator setup. Will need to buy a first stage, second stage, SPG, hoses, etc. I don’t want to just buy cheap parts. I’d like input from folks on which components I should buy (based off of others’ experiences).
I wouldn't trust a transmitter nor would I trust a button SPG to be accurate.
 
None, but in technical diving it's frowned upon (maybe on a CCR it's ok). At depth I want to know exactly how much gas I have left. Relying on electronics is throwing all your eggs in one basket.
 
None, but in technical diving it's frowned upon (maybe on a CCR it's ok). At depth I want to know exactly how much gas I have left. Relying on electronics is throwing all your eggs in one basket.

How do you see your surroundings and your gauges at depth? How do you know your SPG is accurate and calibrated? What happens if the needle is stuck? Do you have a backup? Are you diving tables? What about your bottom timer?
 
How do you see your surroundings and your gauges at depth? How do you know your SPG is accurate and calibrated? What happens if the needle is stuck? Do you have a backup? Are you diving tables? What about your bottom timer?
Divers under stress may only see the depth on their computer. I have a timer and wetnotes. I have 2 or 3-lights if needed. If my needles sticks ( I know I forgot to open the isolation valve). I know my SPG is accurate from the moment it is connected to the tank, and at depth the needle is moving down. If my computer failed, I know my turn pressure on the SPG. I also sync with my buddie's computer.
 
Both electronic or mechanical devices do malfunction for various reasons.
How much redundancy one can carry to cope with the possible event is debatable.
I once asked an commercial airline pilot about the accuracy of the gauges inside the cockpit. He just said he has to trust them because there is no reason not to.
AI or spg? I only have experience with spg and see no reason to alter my view on this device. Others have different idea but that is none of my business.
 
None, but in technical diving it's frowned upon (maybe on a CCR it's ok). At depth I want to know exactly how much gas I have left. Relying on electronics is throwing all your eggs in one basket.

I did cavern/intro to cave a few months back with a well regarded Midwestern instructor. Transmitters only for SM was no problem. Had a classmate who did the same.

Under the Jungle in Tulum (MX) allows the option of transmitters only (a friend trained there and we compared class gear requirements).
 
Maybe once apon a time. I recently done Advanced Nitrox and Helitrox with one of the top Tech instructors in Australia with nothing but AI.
Back gas only or deco tank(s) as well?
So 3 transmitters( 2 for deco tanks)! A bit expensive.
 
I agree that relying only on a transmitter is not a great idea. Weird stuff can happen with electronics, the battery might go bad and you don't have a spare or tools on hand to change it, etc.

SPGs, button or full size are only so accurate. Especially at the ends of the gauge.

I'd argue that in this day and age a transmitter is no more unreliable then any other piece of kit, and possibly more accurate the full pressure drop of a tank than an SPG
 

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