AI computer vs computer & mechanical spg

[Nemrod]

Correct. It’s more common than you might think.

I would be okay with AI (wireless) in an open water environment but not in technical. This past summer I spent over a month of diving in SoFla and over the time I saw four computer failures. One was mine (non AI), two were AI senders and one was unknown, a brand new SP AI computer with (3?) dives just quit. But, I made my last cave dive around 1980 and have no intention of doing any ever again, just no interest, my cave diving era was 1973 to 1980 and we did not have AI . I have two non-AI computers as back up to each other (for open water) so I guess I would have to have four AI computers today if cave diving with IDs! Just teasing!

Speaking of consoles, I miss those old Penneform modular pieces and I think Aqua Tech had a modular platform that could be home modified intentionally to accept alls sorts of wonderful gizmos. No, I do not use a console today, not for many years. But I am occasionally tempted. I like this but for the price!

https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/computers/console-computers/aladin-h-matrix-wqr

If that thing gets updated with a color display I may get one, AI without a battery powered sender!

James

 

[Marie13]

I run two Perdix. I wouldn’t touch Suunto or SP computers. Never had any issues with either my computers or transmitters. I am proactive with transmitter battery changes.

 

[DirtFish]

I have had Mares AI and Suunto AI and had failures and lost dives with both. I finally purchased a Perdix AI and have had zero issues ever since, (over 500 dives). I do not use a SPG, just the wireless AI computer, but I keep an SPG and hose in my save a dive kit just in case. For the OP's question, I would NOT buy a cheap AI computer. Get a good SPG attached to your left hip and a seperate independent wrist computer. Save your money and buy a Perdix later. Buy once, cry once

 

[SlyStrat]

I don't have any problem glancing at my SPG once in a while.
I just use a simple Aqualung i200C wrist computer.

 

[Gone for diving]

Kinda like this, if I had lots of money that I didn't know what to do with,
But I am old school and do like things mechanical if possible,,
My first brass and glass gauge is still in use, at high pressure it's out by 200-300 psi but very accurate at the low end,

Computers & Consoles-DIGI 2 Digital Console DIVE CENTER

With DIGI 2 Cressi proposes a high precision instrument. Designed for the harshest conditions, his extremely precise console is also easy to be used. TECHNICAL FEATURES - Automatic activation with...

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[tursiops]

two were AI senders

I'd be curious what the brands were. Anecdotally, Suunto had a lot of failures with their Gen 1 transmitters, perhaps fewer now. SP has been variable. PPS (Oceanic, Shearwater, Aqua-Lung, etc) has been rock solid, with any failures usually having been forgetting to change the battery, or changing it ineptly and water gets in.

 

[scubadada]

I'd be curious what the brands were. Anecdotally, Suunto had a lot of failures with their Gen 1 transmitters, perhaps fewer now. SP has been variable. PPS (Oceanic, Shearwater, Aqua-Lung, etc) has been rock solid, with any failures usually having been forgetting to change the battery, or changing it ineptly and water gets in.

Nothing's perfect. I had an Oceanic PPS transmitter that I purchased in 2010. It worked perfectly for 7 years/ 860 dives, and then abruptly quit transmitting. Oceanic replaced it for $120. This transmitter is working perfectly after 4 1/2 years/810 dives.

 

[Nemrod]

I'd be curious what the brands were. Anecdotally, Suunto had a lot of failures with their Gen 1 transmitters, perhaps fewer now. SP has been variable. PPS (Oceanic, Shearwater, Aqua-Lung, etc) has been rock solid, with any failures usually having been forgetting to change the battery, or changing it ineptly and water gets in.

My failed non AI computer was an Aeris Atomos. The mystery total failure was that square looking expensive SP unit. Of the two AI transmitter failures one may have been a battery (SP) and the other was never diagnosed in my earshot. It was a new Suunto unit. These were just divers I met on the various dives and so I do not have all of the full story on these units. And, you know, there is often a story!

I am not anti-AI, I am just not going to buy one, lol. And, if I have to carry a mechanical spg as back up to an AI, given the near 100% reliability of the mechanical spg, as a Minimalist, I am only going to carry one and it will not be an AI. But I do think that wireless AI does have some cool and useful features and is overall sufficiently reliable to be counted upon except perhaps certain types of extreme diving. Reliability nor money is keeping me from buying an AI computer, I just am happy with my simple, functional and relatively inexpensive mechanical spg.

 

[Still Kicking]

Not even Shearwaters are immune to failure. I had the screen die on me after about a year. They took care of it (great service) but it would have left me hanging had i been relying on it during a trip (or a big dive).

Analog pressure gauges are far less prone to problems. I carry a cheap backup computer in my pocket and have a second spg on the boat.

I am not into caves or orther overheads but if i were, i would want the most reliable technology for monitoring gas supply.

 

[broncobowsher]

What time frame are you planning on owning this stuff?

If you are planing on get by for a short time, I have one route that I would suggest. Analog SPG and cheap used computer in just about any flavor. It will get you in the water right away. And if you are planning on upgrading when the funds present themselves, nothing to worry about. Sell it off to another person in the same position for a little loss.

But if you are planning on getting gear and plan on keeping it for a decade plus. I have a different route. SPG on a hose is still there. But spend the coin on a good computer now. You can get a wireless AI computer and not get the transmitter(s) right away. Do the transmitter upgrade down the road. When you do the SPG will go into the save-a-dive kit. When the transmitter dies (yours or someone you are diving with) pull the gauge out, screw it in, keep the trip alive. The gauge will still have value after going to AI.