Advantages of “integrated” AI computer and back-up

[Doctor Rig]

After some research and thought, It makes sense to me to have more than just a wrist mounted AI computer. System failure is a possibity. A number of stand alone backup options are available but none that are integrated, as I’ve found.

Here’s a “new” integrated alternate proposal that I’d like to share to. Would you be interested?

Primary Source: Full function “rugged” AI console computer (via hose) with Bluetooth connectivity for both setup, dive profile downloads and RF communication for data sharing with the secondary.

Secondary: Wrist mounted watch and (read only) dive data display from primary. This wrist mounted secondary would be compact and would present full function data at a good price point. (This easy day-use wear watch would be the divers primary interface.)

Would you be interested in something like this?

Clarification due to reply comments:
1). Yes, I was wrong about Bluetooth communications with the secondary watch. As noted above, this connection should be RF, the same as used by computers and transmitter today.
2). The proposed integrated solution would address the following limiations/problems with current computer systems available today:
> All AI and non-AI watches are large/ bulky, and don’t lend themselves to every-day wear. The proposed watch could be sized for every-day wear and this would be especially helpful in preventing leaving your “computer” in the room or at home.
> The use of the proposed primary would NOT be the customary user interface, as that would be the watch, unless of watch failure or additional information is desired. Divers don’t like to use a console computer, just as was noted below. The console tucked away is protected and can easily be very robustly designed and not limited by available space as AI watches are today. Bigger batteries could easily be integrated, thus battery related problems would be minimized.
> The breaking of regulator mounted transmitters of today’s AI computers would no longer be an issue. When an AI transmitter is broken, then a back-up AI watch would not be of any value.
> The proposed integration would help with dive programming, as it’s done only on the primary or via one’s phone and a Bluetooth connection. Not the case on multiple AI computers, as they require individual programming.

 

[tbone1004]

I do not like console mounted computers at all.
The odds of total system failure are pretty minimal so long as you behave with changing the batteries

 

[dmaziuk]

Would you like something like this?

No. Bluetooth doesn't work underwater, for one thing.

 

[GreggS]

I do have a console mounted computer for backup, but it isn't air integrated. But I do have a SPG mounted in the console. I've thought about doing away with the console, but I stow it out of the way while diving so I just leave it were it is.

 

[KeithG]

It may help if you define exactly what problem you are trying to solve. Your solution is complex (you have already been told about the bluetooth issue).

I think you will find that most people prefer an old fashioned SPG as the solution for any AI problems.

I personally dislike the concept of hosed console AI as it creates an additional failure point in the computer disconnect fitting. And yes I have seen LOB staff trying to perform a midweek repair on someones gear.

A simpler solution is to use dual AI transmitters and dual wrist computers. Available off the shelf today.

But why bother? What problem are you trying to solve? Is it worth solving?

 

[kelemvor]

I believe in using the right tool for the job.

I use two "configurations"
1. For recreational (130' or less, within NDL) dives, I use one hoseless air integrated computer mounted on my wrist. No backup.
2. For technical (cave, deeper than 130, mandatory deco, etc). I use two wrist mounted computers. I don't use air integration, instead I use a mechanical SPG on each tank. AI is an option here, but a mechanical SPG as a backup is still a must.

I've used "console" computers such as the sherwood wisdom. I don't care for them. Too big, bulky, and in the way when compared to other options.

If you're going to go the route of having two computers, it's wise to ensure that they both are identical. If you can't or won't do that, then at least ensure they both use the same algorithm.

 

[tbone1004]

@kelemvor I'll disagree in WAI being an incorrect tool for the technical job. I use mine for doubles/sidemount cave diving as well as for bailout on my rebreather. No need to go back to SPG's for me. If they fail, the dive is over, no different than any other piece of gear I have on me. I change the batteries prior to any really critical dive, but that's it.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I am also not a fan of console mounted computers. I would suggest two wrist options.

You can do 2 wrist options with AI. Or, for myself, I have a primary wrist with AI and a backup wrist with no AI. I have a SPG as well.

If you stick with what you suggested, I would make your wrist AI primary and your console as backup. I find it easier to glance at wrist, especially when my hands are full or being used - but I also carry a camera rig. As I’ve learned in rescue, it’s also easier to watch and manage depth in some situations.

 

[kelemvor]

@kelemvor I'll disagree in WAI being an incorrect tool for the technical job. I use mine for doubles/sidemount cave diving as well as for bailout on my rebreather. No need to go back to SPG's for me. If they fail, the dive is over, no different than any other piece of gear I have on me. I change the batteries prior to any really critical dive, but that's it.

I haven't done AI on a tech dive yet. Primarily because my existing computers are 2x petrel (1) and 1x galileo luna (1). I don't like the Galileo for tech dives and my petrel 1's don't support WAI. I'm thinking of going to the Ratio iX3M Tech+ ($1149) , but that's an expensive computer - not to mention the cost of the transmitters. If I'm gonna go, I'd like to go all out - which for me right now means I'll want 3 transmitters (3x379=$1137). Plus I'll need another computer for redundancy or the wife in open water. $3,435+tx all together...and that's why I don't have them yet.

Yes, shearwater's a little cheaper but it's lacking several features I like in the Ratio computers.

On the upside, I could eliminate all the old computers. My wife and I could dive one ratio and one transmitter each for rec and i could use both computers plus all three transmitters for tech. Then I'm always using the same UI every dive and achieve better competency.

So.. I'm not against AI - it's just not what I'm using right now.

 

[KeithG]

And by backup wrist computer I really meant you should shove those extra computer(s) into one of your poodle jacket pockets.

I put my extra computers in my right pocket since my dive light is in my left pocket. Along with my backup camera. I reserve the extra space in my right pocket for storage of my mask and primary computer between dives. If I have to grab my gear and go (Whaleshark!) them everything is already in my BCD.

And no my computers are not AI.