BT, computer..crazy idea?

[crpntr133]

I am new to diving and don't want to end up buying something that I don't want. I know sooner or later I will end up doing this but with some help I think I can avoid most of it.

When talking to my LDS about using a BT I keep getting told "you don't need that". They seem to like the way I think but I am not sure if they are trying to save my butt or if they just don't want to hassle with something they don't have in stock. FYI, they aren't trying to sell me something more expensive.

I am thinking about buying a bottom timer and use the SPG for now (I know I could buy a $10 watch from Walmart). Later on down the road after getting the use of RDT in my head I am thinking about moving to a computer. This is were the BT timer comes in, in my head at least. I am using the computer and BT as a redundant. The computer fails underwater and I have to scrub the dive, no problem. With the BT I can see how fast I am ascending, more or less, and also see when I am at 15' for my safety stop. Without it I have to rely on my buddy. With the watch I don't know how deep I am.

Worst case senerio!! Diving using the computer and BT and I get seperated from my buddy. The computer also goes out on me. Without the BT I have no way of telling when I am at 15'. I know this is a worst case senerio but in actual life it can happen. I am just looking out for my own self.

Is this the wrong idea or not feasable? What am I missing?

 

[Boogie711]

If my BT craps out, that's what my buddies BT is for. IMO - just save the money and practice team awareness.

 

[crpntr133]

Boogie, you somewhat confused me by going down a different road.

So what you are saying is buy the watch and forget the BT? I am also reading that you dive with a BT, correct? Me thinks me is totally lost already.

Keep in mind that I am thinking of the worst case senerio NOT the normal dive.

 

[gj62]

You can use a watch and a depth guage, or a BT (which is usually both). If an instrument craps out, you normally would scrub the dive, but you would have a backup on your buddy (they should have a watch/DG or a BT too).

You can use a computer, rather than a BT, but that will depend on personal preference and the type of diving you plan on doing. If you aren't ready to buy a computer now, no sense going into the pros and cons...

 

[will_tekkie]

Boogie, you somewhat confused me by going down a different road.

So what you are saying is buy the watch and forget the BT? I am also reading that you dive with a BT, correct? Me thinks me is totally lost already.

Keep in mind that I am thinking of the worst case senerio NOT the normal dive.

I think buying a BT and later a computer is OK...in your case very likely i´d buy a watch. A computer later won´t be a problem...if fact i think that wear a BT like a uwatec one and a computer together is a good idea...maybe if you´re going to dive just rec a diving watch is a better idea...

 

[Boogie711]

Boogie, you somewhat confused me by going down a different road.

So what you are saying is buy the watch and forget the BT? I am also reading that you dive with a BT, correct? Me thinks me is totally lost already.

Keep in mind that I am thinking of the worst case senerio NOT the normal dive.

If I were you, I'd get an Uwatec Bottom Timer, which has ascent warnings, depth, time and a short dive history all built in. That's it. If it ever craps out, you have a buddy with all that information right beside you.

Done deal.

 

[crpntr133]

thanks for the advice everyone!