I have always used it on the hose. No real reason I just find it easier.
Computers...On the wrist or On a hose?
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as unscientific of an explanation as I can: I just don't like them on my wrist..... personal choice...
I always put my instruments (except for my SPG) on my wrists and would never even consider a wireless data connection. Others have stated the reasons for these preferances.
I have found, however, that when renting or providing computers to students or newbies, it is better to use console mounted instruments. Newbies LOSE instruments that are wrist mounted.
I have found, however, that when renting or providing computers to students or newbies, it is better to use console mounted instruments. Newbies LOSE instruments that are wrist mounted.
themagni
Contributor
I've got a non-AI computer on my left wrist, light on my right wrist.
My console has a depth gauge, compass, and SPG. I also carry a basic watch on me so that when my computer fails I can complete the dive using the watch and depth gauge. (This has happened before.) Some (most?) computers (like mine) can be put into a console or wrist mount, so if you get one of those you can find out what you like. Not with AI though, unless that's wireless. If you're new to diving you can almost assuredly get a used computer for under $100.
FWIW, I'm an Electrical Engineer with a fair bit of RF experience and I wouldn't use a wireless AI computer. Wireless works great when it works, which is most (probably high 90s%) of the time, but subtle variances in ambient conditions can lead to a loss of signal. Or colloquially, it's just more stuff that can fail at the wrong time, and failures are always at the worst possible time.
As TS said, it's better to get into the habit of planning your gas consumption rather than relying on a technical device to show how much air time you have left. You've got to make sure you have enough to deal with an emergency and then switch to atmospheric. Plan your dive, discuss the plan, then dive the plan.
If you're going to rely on a computer, rely on the squishy one.
My console has a depth gauge, compass, and SPG. I also carry a basic watch on me so that when my computer fails I can complete the dive using the watch and depth gauge. (This has happened before.) Some (most?) computers (like mine) can be put into a console or wrist mount, so if you get one of those you can find out what you like. Not with AI though, unless that's wireless. If you're new to diving you can almost assuredly get a used computer for under $100.
FWIW, I'm an Electrical Engineer with a fair bit of RF experience and I wouldn't use a wireless AI computer. Wireless works great when it works, which is most (probably high 90s%) of the time, but subtle variances in ambient conditions can lead to a loss of signal. Or colloquially, it's just more stuff that can fail at the wrong time, and failures are always at the worst possible time.
As TS said, it's better to get into the habit of planning your gas consumption rather than relying on a technical device to show how much air time you have left. You've got to make sure you have enough to deal with an emergency and then switch to atmospheric. Plan your dive, discuss the plan, then dive the plan.
If you're going to rely on a computer, rely on the squishy one.
I have gravitated toward gauges on my non-dominant arm, frequently on the same band. It makes it easier to glance at them when the other hand is holding tools, a camera, downline, or reaching inside holes. It also makes it easier to get your arm through tank straps without snagging
especially if you also have a drysuit exhaust valve on the same arm.
Currently, I wear a backup computer and small push knife on my forearm. I cant comfortably align my arm to my centerline with a forearm mounted compass, especially in a drysuit with wrist seal rings. An integrated console primary computer is on a longer hose so I can align the compass more effectively. I have a bungee on the console so I can hang it on my arm during decompression. Not great, but sucks less than the other compromises.
Currently, I wear a backup computer and small push knife on my forearm. I cant comfortably align my arm to my centerline with a forearm mounted compass, especially in a drysuit with wrist seal rings. An integrated console primary computer is on a longer hose so I can align the compass more effectively. I have a bungee on the console so I can hang it on my arm during decompression. Not great, but sucks less than the other compromises.
I do not feel the reasoning of the additional safety net is warranted for the expense of an AI computer.
As a new diver, you just need to dive more, a 3-guage console with an SPG, Computer and Compass will serve you well through AOW and beyond.
the air/time you have left is not as relavant as the dive plan. As a new diver, make a conservative dive plan and you will have more than enough air. As you dive more and in similar conditions you will be able to guage with good accuracy the time you have remaining. The biggest problem I have with air time remaining on those computers is that people will go to the limit, much like the driver who figures they can drive for another 35 miles when the low fuel light comes on in the car. These are the same divers that will use all the NDL time on a deep dive.
Do not get sucked into all the hype; the longer you can stay down the better diver you are, people like to point it out all the time, and it is a guage of your diving progression, but everyone is different.
All the technology in world won't make you a better or safer diver, use the stuff between your ears, remember your training, review it as necessary and you will be just fine.
good diving too you.
brian
Agreed, I forgot to mention that I stuff the console computer in a thigh pocket, as I would if it were an SPG & compass only. Mileage varies widely here. The top of the pocket must have just enough elasticity to it hold it securely, yet not require two hands to insert the console back in. A closing flap is annoying for this application, especially since I despise Velcro on dive gear.
Just a thought, but with the new, much maligned, flexible Miflex HP hose, you could have air integrated mounted on your wrist, without a transmitter. Just need to rotate the display 90 degrees. I like the idea of wrist mount, but dislike the idea of a radio connection, this way you could get the best of both worlds. Currently I use a console air integrated, what appeals to me is that I have 1 thing to look at and get depth time bar compass. Can't neglect to look at the SPG in my pocket!
I use an SPG. computer on right wrist, compass and bottom timer on left. In fact since I'm not actively scootering I wear the compass in a bungee mount on the back of my left hand. Easier to hold level and in one continuous line I have heading, depth, time, and above that a wrist slate to record data. Right hand is free for light, writing, and signalling with light. None of this gets in way. Never had an air integrated computer and see no need for one. My next comp upgrade will be trimix capable.
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