Air Integrated Consoles - Opinions

[pw1981]

I have decided that the next scuba purchase is going to be an AI console. It will be a while because I need to save up for a while to get it.

I have done some looking and I really like the looks of the Aeris models, specifically the Elite and the AI.

But I have never used a wrist mounted computer so I am not sure if I like that idea. How does the transmitter work? does it have its own little battery inside? What kind of life does it get and how do you know when its low (if it has a battery)?

Do most people here use AI consoles or do you prefer the SPGs?

 

[scubatoys]

I have decided that the next scuba purchase is going to be an AI console. It will be a while because I need to save up for a while to get it.

I have done some looking and I really like the looks of the Aeris models, specifically the Elite and the AI.

But I have never used a wrist mounted computer so I am not sure if I like that idea. How does the transmitter work? does it have its own little battery inside? What kind of life does it get and how do you know when its low (if it has a battery)?

Do most people here use AI consoles or do you prefer the SPGs?

The elite is really nice - getting rid of the hose - but I personally don't like things on my wrist. They make a special retractor that replaces the wrist strap, then you can just hook it onto a D ring - and you're set. If you're going to get one of the computers - just call me - I'll toss in one of these retractors for you to check out.

As far as battery life - about a year + depending on how many dives you're doing - and yes, on the wrist unit, you will be an indicator that will let you know well in advance, when the battery in either unit is getting low - and they are user changable with just a quarter. The receiver takes a 2450 battery (looks like a flat quarter - they are 4 bucks) and the wrist unit takes a 1/2 AA 3 volt (about 10 bucks).

 

[jsbromley]

I have used a wrist mounted, air integrated console, for about the last ten years. I love it, and can't see myself going back to a hose attached console. Unfortunately, my Mares Genius, although it has always worked great, is lacking some of the nicer features that todays' computers come with. Personally, I'm leaning toward the Suunto Vytec, but regardless of which one I buy here are some features that I would be looking for in my next model.

1. User-replaceable batteries (very important)
2. Multi-Gas (Nitrox, Air)
3. Backlight
4. Temperature Display (my computer only shows the temp after it has been donloaded)

Hope this helps,

 

[Paul Evans]

Somthing else to think about is the conservatisum of the different makes of computer.

i.e. Aeris Liberal
Sunnto Conservative

Theres a thread about this.

It all depends how much of a saftey margin you want between you and DCS.

 

[JDostal]

As far as an Air Integrated computer goes....yech

I had a ScubaPro SmartCOM. I wasted around $800 on it. After diving for half a year with this big brick hanging off of my chest, and a pile of clips and retractors to hold it on to me, I dumped it.

I bought an SPG for a $100. Then I bought a Nitek Plus from DiveRite. It does more than the SmartCOM could ever hope to, and it's less than half the price. And SOOOOO much less crap hanging off of you.

Save your money - don't do the AI thing. It's a very overpriced "feature".

 

[azsilver]

...... Suunto Vytec, but regardless of which one I buy here are some features that I would be looking for in my next model.

1. User-replaceable batteries (very important)
2. Multi-Gas (Nitrox, Air)
3. Backlight
4. Temperature Display (my computer only shows the temp after it has been donloaded)

Hope this helps,

We use the Suunto Vytec which has all the above features and it is conservative.... which is important to us...safety first!


AZ Divers

 

[redacted]

I found AI to be a waste of money. But if you got to, enjoy.

You can always use a liberal computer in a more conservative way. When you use a conservative computer in a more liberal way, your in deco.

 

[PonyBottle]

I use a Suunto Vytec also, but without the AI feature (the transmitter), opting to use a SPG.

A great setup because the Vytec can switch mixes during a dive or be used as a bottom timer.

However...a AI computer whether console or wrist is a very good choice for anyone who does not do deco. It basically will come down to what is more comfortable, intuitive, and readable.

Also, as stated before, the algorithms used will be different between brands (conservative vs. liberal), but even this can be adjusted somewhat with most new computers.

I would recommend renting from your LDS the ones you are interested in and giving them a test dive to see what will work best for you.

Every computer looks good in the display case, its how you feel about it down under that makes the difference.

 

[DennisS]

I've had a Suunto Cobra for about 5 years and enjoy the air integrated feature. The thing to remember when it gives you time reamaining is that is for whatever you are doing when you read the gauge. If you are relaxed and doing nothing you will get a high number for the time remaining. Kick it in gear and swim into that current and that time remaining is going to drop. I've played games with remaining non deco time and remaining air time. Come up 10 ft and watch remaining non deco time go up. I plan my dives but enjoy using the flexibility in the computer. The cobra is one of the more conservative computers, which is one of the reasons I bought it. It has additional degrees of conservativism you can crank in but the default is adequate.

 

[pw1981]

I was wandering a couple dive shops today and developed a question that no one could answer.....

If I have, for instance, an Aeris Elite hoseless computer and so does my dive buddy, is there any problem with cross-communication? How does this work? Does it work?

Also, since none of the shops locally have these things in stock... how big is the transmitter?