Capillary Depth Gauge - anachronism or reference...

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I'm still trying to understand why I might want one of these. I agree it is a cheap reliable way to tell me my approximate depth. I agree that might be helpful to hold a safety stop if my computer should fail. But I see no value to allowing me to do a repetitive dive; it does not tell me my max depth so I can't use tables to plan the next dive, and I would need a timing device in addition anyway to know my bottom time. And if I had my max depth (which I wouldn't) and my BT, the multi-level dives we do today would likely put me off the table for my current/aborted dive and unable to plan for the next one.

Other than a modern version of an obsolete device, what value does it provide?
 
I'm still trying to understand why I might want one of these. I agree it is a cheap reliable way to tell me my approximate depth. I agree that might be helpful to hold a safety stop if my computer should fail. But I see no value to allowing me to do a repetitive dive; it does not tell me my max depth so I can't use tables to plan the next dive, and I would need a timing device in addition anyway to know my bottom time. And if I had my max depth (which I wouldn't) and my BT, the multi-level dives we do today would likely put me off the table for my current/aborted dive and unable to plan for the next one.

Other than a modern version of an obsolete device, what value does it provide?
I think:
1. The capillary does not replace a computer - it just might come in handy when everything goes dark! And won't be a burden - weighs only 0.3 ounces
2. The main purpose is snorkeling, spearfishing and the first depth gauge for beginners to learn how to control the dive..
 
I think:
1. The capillary does not replace a computer - it just might come in handy when everything goes dark! And won't be a burden - weighs only 0.3 ounces
2. The main purpose is snorkeling, spearfishing and the first depth gauge for beginners to learn how to control the dive..
My first depth gauge was a capillary gauge. It provided little value then, less now, but I'm thinking of scuba applications. I need more than "might come in handy." How?

Seems like snorkeling/freediving is off topic for this board.
 
I have to applaud the OP on his efforts -- and haven't seen a capillary gauge in quite some time; and least of all, that design.

Elegant.

I have always carried analogue equipment as back-ups, from watches, on down -- having had serial electronic breakdowns over four-some decades; but only negligible problems ever occurred with analogue gear, which typically only involved the quick replacement of a hose or maybe spool within a few minutes of returning to the water.

I'd buy a few . . .
 
I'm still trying to understand why I might want one of these. I agree it is a cheap reliable way to tell me my approximate depth. I agree that might be helpful to hold a safety stop if my computer should fail. But I see no value to allowing me to do a repetitive dive; it does not tell me my max depth so I can't use tables to plan the next dive, and I would need a timing device in addition anyway to know my bottom time. And if I had my max depth (which I wouldn't) and my BT, the multi-level dives we do today would likely put me off the table for my current/aborted dive and unable to plan for the next one.

Other than a modern version of an obsolete device, what value does it provide?
1. This is first key: "if my computer should fail". See Murphy's Computer Law: "That's not a bug, that's a feature!". Now think about whether you are ready for such a development of events! Are you ready to trust your life to a computer assembled on a Chinese assembly line at the end of a long working day?
2. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but every dive must be planned - time, depth and return! If necessary, you can/should add an extra 10 minutes for an unexpected meeting with mermaids or for collecting doubloons from a accidentally discovered Spanish galleon. Diving without a plan - looking for trouble while walking through beautiful surroundings.
 
My first depth gauge was a capillary gauge. It provided little value then, less now, but I'm thinking of scuba applications. I need more than "might come in handy." How?

Seems like snorkeling/freediving is off topic for this board.
Ask the F-35 pilot why he takes a parachute with him
About scuba application's: "
  • If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization."
 
Ask the F-35 pilot why he takes a parachute with him
You either do not understand my question, or you refuse to answer.
Either way, I see no point in trying to have a reasonable discussion with you.
 
I think a better question regarding the F-35 pilot is, why doesn’t he take a propeller with him? 😉
Because an F-35 doesn't have a propeller?
Perhaps the right analogy is taking a spare wing....
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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