backup computer

[Wants2divemore]

When on a trip by myself I dive 2 Shearwaters running identical algorithms (Perdix AI, Peregrine) so that if one fails I can still keep diving for the rest of the trip (I've never had either fail yet, however). When diving locally I just use the Perdix AI, as my 2 sons (my dive buddies) are using Peregrines (they each have their own, I use one of theirs for my trips).

 

[Nemrod]

I started using two computers of same or similar type when a few years ago my computer failed at a most inopportune time. Two is one, one is none. Besides, on a multi-day dive trip, diving many times per day, if your computer quits you will probably lose some dives and there is not always a store handy to grab another. The actual cost of each dive when traveling international is far more than the immediate dive fee, all the lodging, air fares, taxes, tips and on and on. Loose a dive or two or a day and the computer is then cheap travel insurance. Currently I have a Peregrine TX (because it has a compass as I do not use AI) and a standard Peregrine for back up.

 

[Scuba fryd]

I dive with 2 identical computers with all settings matched. I do this for the obvious reasons stated above but also to make sure that I have the muscle memory to use the secondary computer properly in the event of a failure. Not all failures are equal and if it happens on a very bad day, then your mental abilities will be impaired due to the stress induced

this is sumthing i strongly belive in too it might be a bit over kill but going from a top of the class computer to a computer that needs to have a backlight to show an imeige is not sumthing i would want to experience on that one day were it realy counts

 

[LFMarm]

One important thing I read once. If one fails, and you’re doing multiple dives, you might be done for the day. If you have a backup then you should be able to finish dives for the day. Like someone else pointed out, if you were on a liveaboard.

If I was rec diving with just one computer and it failed, I would use tables or planning software to know the time/depth limits for NDL and keep diving.

 

[Ronreg]

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!

The tech divers I know have the same type of computer for primary and backup.

 

[Pressurehead]

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

Same.^^
Only once [since I have been using 2 computers, for years now] have I splashed with one computer.
So excited to do this dive I hit the water without my Perdix AI on my right wrist, bugger, but not a problem though.
The Shearwater Peregrine clipped off in my tech shorts is used, as is the SPG still attached.

Two Shearwater computers whether solo or not.

Ditto ^^.

 

[boulderjohn]

If I was rec diving with just one computer and it failed, I would use tables or planning software to know the time/depth limits for NDL and keep diving.

So let's say you are doing a multi-level dive (for the sake of argument, on air). Your maximum depth was 91 feet, but you were there only about 8 minutes before beginning a multi-level ascent. You are at 36 feet when your computer fails after 36 minutes of dive time.

Tell me what you do next, both on that dive and the dive coming up after a 60 minute surface interval.

 

[rhwestfall]

For the last 10 years, I've dove 2 computers. My current favorite "generic" diving setup is a Shearwater Perdix AI with a Deep6 Excursion as a backup (same algorithm, small size so no real estate issues). If it is a tech dive, two Shearwaters... I still have an SPG (mini) on a splitter block on a hose off the transmitter (idea from @rsingler ).

 

[rhwestfall]

So let's say you are doing a multi-level dive (for the sake of argument, on air). Your maximum depth was 91 feet, but you were there only about 8 minutes before beginning a multi-level ascent. You are at 36 feet when your computer fails after 36 minutes of dive time.

Tell me what you do next, both on that dive and the dive coming up after a 60 minute surface interval.

Hint - something about sitting the next 24 out....

 

[boulderjohn]

Hint - something about sitting the next 24 out....

but...but...but...he said he could "keep diving."