convenient yes, but is it safe?

[freewillie]

I recently bought a wrist dive computer as a back up. I had one bad experience with a rental computer when I thought it would activate in the water but didn't and would have had to abort that dive except my SPG still worked and I knew from previous calculations what my NDL time was with my watch.

Now I love having the computer on the wrist while diving as makes it very easy to see depth and time. So I'm thinking I'd like to eventually upgrade to a computer with wireless transmitter so I can get my PSI on my wrist computer as well.

Question is, "how safe are the wireless transmitters?" Has anyone had to abort a dive because the transmitter failed? (I mean completely stopped working under water, not that it took few seconds to reacquire the signal) Or, if you do dive with a wireless do you also use an analog SPG as a back up "just in case?"

Thanks.

Fun and safe diving to all

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I used to be think there would be reliability issues with wireless transmitters, so I never bought this type of computer. My wife wasn't concerned about any potential reliability and bought one, and Aeris Epic.
She has had it for 4 years, and has never had a single issue with signal acquisition or anything else. My observation is only one data point, but based on what I have seen I wouldn't be too concerned with reliability issues.

"How safe are the wireless transmitters?" I would say they are very safe.

I still don't use one due to cost, and it's a feature I don't need. But They are a nice tool to have, so I wouldn't let reliability worry you.

I'm curous to read other responses.

-Mitch

 

[Indy Diver]

I have an air integrated wrist computer, but I always operate under the assumption that anything electronic will fail at the worst possible time. So, I dive with a Tusa mini-console that has a 2" spg and a 2" depth gauge on it.

I have had the battery die once in the middle of a dive (my fault for not checking it) and I have had the depth sensor go bad once (half way through a dive trip). I have known only one person that has had one flood during a dive. So overall, they are pretty reliable, but I still like having a mechanical backup clipped to my BC.

 

[cloudflint]

A couple of the guys i dive with use them, all of them have an analogy SPG as a backup. One of them had a problem but that was after they left their kit lying for months. They cleaned down their computer and transmitter and then it worked fine. Another guy had his transmitter go wonky and it started constantly saying it had 400 bar (5800psi) Overall they seem to be fairly reliable in general.

 

[rhwestfall]

Still to this day (22 years of certification) a computer to me is an accessory...... my analog instruments and my dive plan are primary. AI doesn't thrill me.....

 

[Krazytomdiver]

As a dive guide,I have seen a lot of different dive equipment. I prefer the 'old style' SPG mainly because I can tell about how much gas I have just by feeling the "stiffness in my hose". I've had SPG's wear out,leak,become inaccurate,but they never needed a special battery or mail in OEM servicing. I dive a lot all over the world so easy service or replacement is a must. I currently use a wrist & console computer/SPG/compass on every dive. (also have a back up SPG in my save-a-dive kit)

"living life without a hard bottom"
KT

 

[Codiak]

I've been diving wireless air integrated since '07 without issue for open circuit.

 

[tstormdiver]

I have a Suunto Vyper Air & HelO2 that read off of 1 transmitter. I have never had it lose the pressure reading during the dive.. They do occasionally lose it during long periods of time when I am out of the water. It is no big deal to reset it. I also have a brass & glass SPG as a back-up,... since I also dive 2 computers, I never have to abort a dive for an inoperable computer.

 

[rhwestfall]

I currently use a wrist & console computer/SPG/compass on every dive. (also have a back up SPG in my save-a-dive kit)

huh? Do you use both?

 

[knowone]

With time and diligent spg monitoring you will attain a basic understanding
of how much air is required considering conditions, for a particular portion
of a dive and you will be able to maintain a controlled response in the very
unlikely event of a failure if you also maintain diligence with your dive gear.