Backup Pressure Gauge ... thoughts?

[NudeDiver]

On a related note - I think - I recently had a wireless AI computer experience that was annoying.

On the trip I was on - the DM/boat captain kept turning on my tank air before the dive, but of course, my computer was not on and "ready" for the signal - so I had to turn the air off, and then back on again, and sometimes off, and back on AGAIN, and sometimes a THIRD to get it to link up right. It was fairly annoying. Sometimes I could get him to leave me and my stuff the hell alone - and I could turn the air on when *I* was ready - and of course, computer linked up on the first try.

I wish DMs and their ilk would ASK their customers if it was OK to touch their customers' stuff before they put their paws all over it.

 

[Matt S.]

My opinion? Yes, use a backup. Minimal expense, minimal weight, minimal hassle on your rig, minimal chance of it being a failure point. Check it when you pressurize your system, then clip it and forget it. If you happen to need it, you'll be glad you have it.

Coincidentally I started a thread on this recently because I had an experience that made me a believer in backups. I was surprised at how many people were not only not in favor of a backup, but actually opposed to it!

 

[RAWalker]

My opinion? Yes, use a backup. Minimal expense, minimal weight, minimal hassle on your rig, minimal chance of it being a failure point. Check it when you pressurize your system, then clip it and forget it. If you happen to need it, you'll be glad you have it.

Coincidentally I started a thread on this recently because I had an experience that made me a believer in backups. I was surprised at how many people were not only not in favor of a backup, but actually opposed to it!

I don't think it's that people are actually opposed to a backup as much as they realize that it is not essential. I myself decide whether to use backup based on the importance to me of completing the dive as planned. For training dives that I am taking with professionals I don't want to waste my time or theirs. For dives in locations I may not get to revisit again I'll use backup. For a fun dive at the local lake with my wife or friends I may opt not to use backup.
So it can be said that I am a believer in backup but my choice of backup is not a SPG it is a second computer. Granted the cost is higher but the weight is less, chance of getting loose and being dragged is less than that of a SPG, I consider the hassle even less than that for the SPG, the accuracy is higher for a computer as opposed to a SPG and as for failure points there is some room for debate.