backup computer

[Scuba fryd]

hey guys

so as i start to look into more tec and solo diving i got into the discusion on having a backup dive computer and got curious what peoples opinion were on it
in hopes of starting a helthy discusion why and why. not i wanted to ask what do you do dive

• no backup computer
• with a cheep (sunto zoop or anything like that)
• diving the same computer for primary and backup
• using you old computer after upgrading

is it a overrated thing or is it most important thing in your kit mby its only used for dives below 30 meter or when a deco dive is intended?
hope to here some of your guys thougt on the topic and learn some now things!

 

[steinbil]

It depends on your training and approach to diving.

If you are trained to use the computer as a tool, but plan the dive ahead of time and know the parameters of the dive, you can get by with 2 bottom timers, or a primary computer and a backup bottom timer – or even with just 1 computer/bottom timer + a team. This is the approach of GUE divers, who also always dive in a team, so even with 1 computer that fails, you will be able to complete a technical deco dive by holding the depth and time of your team mates for your pre-planned deco schedule, and you will get out of the water without problems. However many GUE divers, myself included, like to bring a backup bottom timer (or computer) on tech dives to have more resources in the team in case of failures.

Many (most?) agencies teach technical diving with a different approach, leaning more into trusting/following the computer as a primary means of executing tech dives. For those divers, it's important to have 2 computers that are able to run the same algorithm, so that they can continue following their backup computer if the primary fails.

Using a cheap computer or an old computer not running the same algorithm as your primary seems like a bad solution.

 

[BoltSnap]

I always dive with two computers: one primary and one backup. Sometimes I dive with 3

I can't imagine going on a dive trip, traveling, or spending a few hours away from home without a backup dive computer. I make sure that the computers have the same algorithm and track each other very well.


You need to have your backup plans as taught by your dive agency.

 

[coldwaterglutton]

I have carried my old computer (Aqualung i300) as a backup in the past but as I've tried to streamline my gear I have ditched it for recreational diving. Instead I still keep a console with SPG and depth and in the event of computer failure so I can still manage to abort the dive safely and make a 15-20 foot deco stop.

Query to the group whether ditching the console in favor of a lollipop SPG and backup computer is the right way to go?

 

[grantmac]

Two computers, one algorithm

 

[Still Kicking]

I started wearing a Garmin G1 a few years ago. Not only is the Garmin a backup to my Perdix (malfunction, dead battery, forgotten etc.), it also provides smartwatch/fitness functionality. The deco profiles match up nicely.

 

[Racer_X]

Two computers, one algorithm

Yup, for serious diving like liveaboards where it's dive til computer says no. When I'm on vacation with the wife, it's not necessary as it's 2 tanks max with a second dive that's super safe as per my dive plan and 22 hours between dives 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, etc.

 

[rongoodman]

Two computers, same algorithm.

 

[tursiops]

Two computers, same algorithm.

Definitely first choice. Other options exist, all useful in some way(s), but are compromises.

 

[Scuba fryd]

Query to the group whether ditching the console in favor of a lollipop SPG and backup computer is the right way to go?

i would say yes
i dont like to have much dangling so to be able to remove it and make it more streamlined would be my first choice. there is also some kind of failure point to consider with most being able to read your gas pressure and having it dangle mby hitting some things on the ground and so on