AI Computers and Backup Analog

[nv]

Good evening All,

After reading a fellow SB's post I wanted to ask for fellow diver input. I have a mares puck air computer, but purchased an Oceanic Analog Combo system while I waited for it to arrive. I got the combo for $100 and was considering using itt as a back up analog system in the event of computer failure. A fellow diver posted that his computer wasn't reading accurate pressure. Although his case is probably rare, is a combo analog system too much to add as a back up vs traditional standalone spg? The prices are pretty much the same for standalone and the combo, at the price that I got it at anyhow.

Thanks!

 

[toddthecat]

There is no such thing as having too many backups. Redundancy will not only keep you alive, it'll keep you from having to abort a dive due to a failure of a piece of equipment if you have a suitable backup for it.

 

[MtnPlayVA]

My husband and I have backups for our backups

 

[RJP]

There is no such thing as having too many backups.

Of course, that's just not true.

For most things "Two is one, one is none... and three is too many."

 

[Lorenzoid]

By "backup" are you suggesting to attach the Combo (console) in parallel with your air-integrated computer? If so, I think that is unnecessary.

Now, if by "backup" you are suggesting to keep the Combo in your dive bag and, if your AI computer fails, surface and swap it out for the Combo, then that seems like a fine idea.

 

[beaverdivers]

By "backup" are you suggesting to attach the Combo (console) in parallel with your air-integrated computer? If so, I think that is unnecessary.

Now, if by "backup" you are suggesting to keep the Combo in your dive bag and, if your AI computer fails, surface and swap it out for the Combo, then that seems like a fine idea.

This idea is OK, if you are willing to abort your dive when your AI computer fails to give you tank pressure and you are doing a casual rec. dive.

Any advanced or Tech. dive have the extra gauges.

The other problem that you are going to need to deal with is your nitrogen load. Is the AI computer hose-less or not? Did just the transmitter die or the whole dive computer? Do you have a back-up dive computer?

If you do, then make sure your back-up computer is diving w/you on every dive. If not, abort your dive & stay out of the water for 24 hours.

 

[moody s]

Good evening All,

After reading a fellow SB's post I wanted to ask for fellow diver input. I have a mares puck air computer, but purchased an Oceanic Analog Combo system while I waited for it to arrive. I got the combo for $100 and was considering using itt as a back up analog system in the event of computer failure. A fellow diver posted that his computer wasn't reading accurate pressure. Although his case is probably rare, is a combo analog system too much to add as a back up vs traditional standalone spg? The prices are pretty much the same for standalone and the combo, at the price that I got it at anyhow.

Thanks!

My suggestion for AI computer users is to have an spg as well. it can be a small 1.5" one clipped off to your waist or chest that you only need to use to verify that your computer is reading the correct pressure prior to starting your dive or in the event that your transmitter fails, link is lost, or you have a complete computer failure. Carry a watch with depth gauge (even timex make one now for $200 or less) or bottom timer as back up with tables and you should be fine, no need to sit out 24hrs especially if you are doing NDL diving.

 

[beaverdivers]

Carry a watch with depth gauge (even timex make one now for $200 or less) or bottom timer as back up with tables and you should be fine, no need to sit out 24hrs especially if you are doing NDL diving.

The 24 hour rule is conservative and an easy rule of thumb to go by. If you did only one shallow, short dive you may be able to get back in after 12 hours. Yes, you may be able to use your tables as a back-up in this case.

However if you have done multiple dives and/or deeper, longer dives, then how do you stuff those dives into a dive table?

For example, 1st dive - 121' for 51 minutes, 1 hour surface interval ( SI ); 2nd dive 101' for 61 minutes, 2 hour SI; then at 10 minutes into the 3rd dive your dive computer stops working at 91'. What are you going to do on this dive?

What about dive #4 that is 2 hours after dive #3?

Please tell me how you can possible plug those dives into a dive table?

What if your dive computer is toast midway on a live-aboard trip?

 

[nv]

By "backup" are you suggesting to attach the Combo (console) in parallel with your air-integrated computer? If so, I think that is unnecessary.

Now, if by "backup" you are suggesting to keep the Combo in your dive bag and, if your AI computer fails, surface and swap it out for the Combo, then that seems like a fine idea.

by back up I am referring to clipping it to a rear d-ring on my bc.

 

[RJP]

For example, 1st dive - 121' for 51 minutes, 1 hour surface interval ( SI ); 2nd dive 101' for 61 minutes, 2 hour SI; then at 10 minutes into the 3rd dive your dive computer stops working at 91'. What are you going to do on this dive? ?

End it.