Back up Computer

[Fishkiller]

ok so I own a AIR integrated computer and thought it would be nice to have a back up computer. what so you all recommend?

some of my thoughts are to get a console and have an extra hose with PG.

The new Aeris looks interesting

would an extra hose be problem-matic?

 

[Jonathan]

Are you suggesting an air integrated computer and a PG on every dive?

Seems to defeat the point - I use an air integrated computer and carry a spare PG in my spares kit. The plan is I would abort the dive should the computer go wrong during the dive and I can use the PG for the next dive together with a spare non air integrated computer - being very conservative if the dive is on the same day.....

I guess I could wear both computers and then that would eliminate the guess work on pressure groups - or I would really have to use those tables again....

Jonathan

 

[Fishkiller]

was yes carry a depth gauge and air gauge backup to my air integrated unit. so I turn to those with greater knowledge.



I can use the PADI wheel pretty well

 

[martinjc]

I have a Genesis console containing a pressure and depth guage and a wrist mount Suunto Mosquito. I really like the Mosquito - it would probably make a good back up to an air integrated computer.

 

[BillP]

Hi Fishkiller:

Couple of thoughts. If you use a backup computer, you must of course take it along on every dive in a series for the backup to be fully useful. If your primary computer quits on your first dive, a backup sitting in your dive bag won't have your nitrogen loading to calculate your no decompression limit (NDL) for the next dive(s). If the backup came along on the first dive, it could give you valid info for the subsequent dives.

And don't forget to consider the decompression algorithm that your backup computer will use. Its algorithm needs to be the same as or more "liberal" than your primary computer's. If you should dive your primary air-integrated computer to near its NDL on a dive or series of dives, a more conservative backup computer will be beyond its NDL and it will give you a decompression obligation. If you don't then satisfy the backup's deco obligation it will likely lockout and be useless as a backup for further dives.

HTH,

Bill

 

[Warhammer]

What I'd do is just get a non-air intergrated computer and either place it on your wrist, in a BC pocket, or elsewhere. And take along an analog SPG in your dive bag. If the air-intergrated computer dies on you during a dive, then abort that dive and put the analog SPG on your reg during the surface interval. That way you won't loose out on the rest of the dives and you won't have an extra hose to contend with. Course if you have a hoseless air-intergrated computer, the extra hose wouldn't make much difference.

 

[padiscubapro]

I always dive with at least 2 computers, for it to be effective you must carry your computers in the water, 1 computer left on the boat is useless if your main fails and you want to use the "backup" to finish out the day..
When I am doing deco diving I use 3 computers, my main computer is set for my normal concervatism, by backup is set a bit more liberal, and my third is set up in guage mode.. If my primary fails, I can finish my dive following my backup or bailout tables and still dive the rest of the day.. same goes if my "backup" fails I finish my dive as planned, and can still dive the rest of the day..

 

[Tavi]

I dive the Suunto Cobra (air integrated). I use a Suunto Mosquito for backup. Most of my dives have been at places were if I had a problem, a loaner SPG could be had. Since we're planning on getting out diving on our own more next year, I like the Idea of getting an SPG to keep in my save-a=dive kit.

Thanks

 

[CanyonDiver]

Normally I use a Comander Nitrox. It can do 2 mixes, but has to be told when to switch before the dive (not air integrated). On deep deco dives I add a Nemesis IIA (air integrated) that will automatically do gas switching. This computer is not user friendly to program for repeditive dives, so I only use it on deco dives.
PS. The Nem IIA is mounted on a retractor tucked way till deco.

Dive Safe...