Computers on hose vs hoseless

[serambin]

In looking at various dive computers, I notice a few that are hoseless. Some simply do not offer the pressure and air usage information, while others offer what appears to be a wireless version with all the bells. Can someone help me understand the pros and cons of hosed versus hoseless? Also I wonder how much information produced by the topend units you need or use?

Thanks,

Stan

 

[TeddyDiver]

In looking at various dive computers, I notice a few that are hoseless. Some simply do not offer the pressure and air usage information, while others offer what appears to be a wireless version with all the bells. Can someone help me understand the pros and cons of hosed versus hoseless? Also I wonder how much information produced by the topend units you need or use?

Thanks,

Stan

Last question first. All!
And the first. If there's a posibility you are going to use more than one regulator setup buy a hoseless! Otherwise it doesn't matter.

 

[Kriterian]

In looking at various dive computers, I notice a few that are hose-less. Some simply do not offer the pressure and air usage information, while others offer what appears to be a wireless version with all the bells. Can someone help me understand the pros and cons of hosed versus hose-less? Also I wonder how much information produced by the top end units you need or use?

Thanks,

Stan

Hose-less Pros:

- Air information (Remaining PSI, remaining bottom time based on consumption, set alarms to alert you when your tank reaches a certain level)

- No need for hosed gauge, unless you want redundancy

Hose-less Con's:

- Wireless signals may have trouble travelling underwater. This could leave you without some information.

- The transmitter that attaches to the first stage can be hit and broken off, possibly damaging the regulator.

- Conflict with other people diving the same system. I'm sure it's unlikely, but it's kind of scary to think you may receive someone else's air information, or vice versa.


Personally, I don't think the pros outweigh the con's, but that's just me. I'd let other users that have extensive hose-less experience chime in before making a decision.

 

[CIBDiving]

In looking at various dive computers, I notice a few that are hoseless. Some simply do not offer the pressure and air usage information, while others offer what appears to be a wireless version with all the bells. Can someone help me understand the pros and cons of hosed versus hoseless? Also I wonder how much information produced by the topend units you need or use?

Thanks,

Stan

last question first - almost none. underwater you only need 3 pieces of info - how deep am I, how long can I stay here, and how much air do I have left , all the rest is pretty useless During the dive.

there are 2 types of computers - air integrated and not.
there are 2 types of 'hoseless' computers - air integrated and not.

a hoseless computer can be worn on the wrist giving the same access to the info as a wrist watch, you don't have to unclip it, wonder where it floated off too, what it going to get entangled in next, or what reef it is mangleing.

a computer attached to a hose is the same as that analog gauge set you learned on.

An air intgrated computer not only gives you dive info but other info as well - this varies with the unit but can be from simply tank pressure to rather more elaborate info such as 'Time to empty' ect.

Pros of air integrated - all info in one unit.

cons of air integrated - all info in one unit! any failure fails all. ( except in the hoseless air integrated were a failure of the pressure sending unit *should* only fail 'contents' functions )

 

[DA Aquamaster]

One of the disadvantages of a hoseless computer not already mentioned is that the expensive end of the system is held on only by a strap, or in some cases a clip, and if snagged could be lost, perhaps without you even knowing it.

The other hoseless disadvantage not already mentioned is that you need two sets of batteries - one set in the sending unit and one in the computer and both can and will go bad, usually at different times and almost certainly while diving if you dive in cold water.

If you want a downloadable air integrated computer and/or will be switching it between more than one regulator, a good compromise is to get a non-hoseless computer with a quick disconnect. This will let you disconnect it for travel, downloading, etc, but will still offer the security and reliability provided by having it attached to the HP hose.

 

[RICHinNC]

Go with a wrist mount. Hoseless seem to be liked on this board a lot...but I constantly read about signal failure and other problems with them.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Although I fail to see how multiple reg sets would influence the decision (you'd still have to move the transmitter unless you paid $$ for multiple transmitters).

I think hoseless would be fine. Probably the reason that we hear so much about hoseless problems is people come here to get problems solved a lot more than they come here to tell how they don't have problems.

 

[pete340]

Conflict with other people diving the same system. I'm sure it's unlikely, but it's kind of scary to think you may receive someone else's air information, or vice versa.

I'm pretty sure it's not a problem. With Aeris, for example, the transmitter uses its serial number as an ID code. You have to enter that serial number into the computer so it will know which signal to listen to. I haven't checked other manufacturers, but it's an obvious problem with a straightforward technical solution.

 

[ClassAction]

I'm not sure how many people giving advice have one or have dived one, but I do! I have the aeris atmos elite. At first, I did have problems with signal loss. I think it was a design flaw. But Aeris repaired it and it's been great ever since. I always have a signal and it always accurate. There really is a huge convenience in being able to just raise your wrist when you want to see your air, depth, etc. Granted, you're supposed to closely monitor your gas whether it's easy (hoseless) or not as easy (hose), but I think it's reasonable to assume you'll check it more often if it's not as hard to do (e.g. you don't have to look for or feel around for your hosed guage). Do I want to put all of my eggs in the hoseless backet? Nope! I have a small hosed spg clipped off on my waist as well just in case of emergency. I think this setup is the best of both worlds. It's just not the cheapest setup...

 

[shooter226]

I do not like the hose less computers. I had one of the first Uwatec's and did not like having to strap it on. I use a Smart Com now with quick release and couldn’t be happier. The software to download is free and uses a standard IR port that my laptop already had so there was no other expense.

I zip tied a small knife to the back and when I am going to dive I just put on the BC and jump in, I never forget the computer.

Mark