dive computer placement

[kravi]

Okay, so I like to play the "let's shop" game without actual buying. It's fun, as I'm sure we'll all agree, to window shop and see what's available. But it got me thinking. I'm also making a disclaimer here. I'm a bit of a Luddite (ironic that I work in the technology sector). I'm also a devoted subscriber to the KISS philosophy. Oh, and this post is kinda stream of consciousness.

My first gear purchase is going to be a dive computer. So, like everyone else (I think) I've been reading scuba lab reviews, poking around on the internet, etc.

So first I thought "Hmmmm, howabout a rist mounted dive computer". You know, one less thing to secure, easy to use. And who needs a digital PSG anyway, analog works just as well.

But then I realized that if you are going to have a PSG/depth gauge dangling from the regulator anyway, wouldn't you end up saving space by making your dive computer take their place. One device rather than three?

And then I spoke to a mate who's wife just bought him a dive computer/PSG/depth meter that straps onto the wrist. It has some sort of radio/blue tooth/whatever-tech which connects to the PSG mounted on the first stage. That's too newfangled for me. Not comfortable with it (Luddite alert).

So basically, what I'm trying to do, is solicit peoples' thoughts on dive computer placement. Not which dive computer to buy, just dive computer/psg vs wrist computer. And why.

Thanks!

--Adam

 

[PerroneFord]

Mine is on my right forearm. Easy to see, not in the way.

 

[SparticleBrane]

http://www.gue.com/Equipment/Config/index.html

Right arm.

 

[hollywood703]

I use a Pro plus 2......Strapped in the conventional left lower side of my BC. I am also wary about a wireless transmitter. I love my digital computer and wouldnt trade it for analog any day of the week. I keep my analog in my bag as a backup in case of computer failure.

 

[csaba]

Without telling you what I am using ... I'll tell you why I came up with the configuration:

I have a 3 device console coming from my first stage. pressure gauge, (simple) computer and compass. It comes from the left and clips to a D ring on my right side. I can reach for it with my left hand and while I am looking at the computer ... might as well check the air-pressure while I am looking at it. Compass comes handy, hold it straight in front of you and while you focus on what direction to go ... why not check my depth just to make sure I am not off .... and might as well check the air pressure while I an looking at it.

The device itself is simple, not too much gizmos (not because I don't like gizmos, but I can't afford them all), can be user for air or Nitrox and has never let me down.

 

[scarefaceDM]

Simplify. That word has its rewards and pitfalls. To each his/her own

My version of simplistic: Wrist mounted computer on the right wrist. and a bottom timer aswell. Compass on the left with a watch.

Why the right? a computer is best read this way. Because if you manipulate your inflator to control your acent or decent, how to you check you computer. Or if you have to dump your air. You raise your left hand high over your head. This again, how to you check the computer. even if you have a hose mount. You still are doing a multi task load and for some it gets troublesome.

SO the easiest way I found was to place it on the wright wrist. Along with the bottom timer. And I place the compass on the left with a watch. I only have a pressure guage hooked to my left hip d-ring. No retractors that can fail. or get hooked as I am diving. no hoses blowing in the current that may get hooked on a rock, tree-coral-wreck, what ever the environment I am diving. I am streamlined to the max.

Many will argue. but again. To each his own.

Have you ever seen tropical divers. Silting up the bottom, hoses hanging here and there. Octos dragging in the dirt....nice way to dive is it not?. Retractors snap and break. get hooked up, can cause entanglement issues. I seen it and I even done it. multiple guages on the same hose is a failure point. That is why many folks whom stream line break apart there cluster and move it to either arms. Less chances of breakage.

safe dives

 

[scubatexastony]

Adam, I have my computer on my right wrist and compass on the left, it makes for easy veiwing of both when swimming/ navigating with the hands together. Also, when busy working the b/c exhaust or inflator I can easily check my depth, ect. on the right wrist.

I do have a air integrated computer than stays clipped to my left shoulder D-ring, where it makes for an easy glance to check air pressure or a double check of deco information of the wrist computer. If I decide to use the analog pressure guage, it can be clipped to the left hip or shoulder in the same manner, but I like having the second computer as a backup.

~tony

 

[WetFatCat]

Computer on my right wrist and mechanical SPG with a depth gauge on the hose. This redundancy makes peace in my mind.
Well, modern sophisticated airplanes have mechanical gauges next to their multifunctional displays.

 

[Guba]

Seems I'm with the majority of those responding...computer on right wrist; spg, depth gauge (with bottom timer), and compass on console. I wear a watch (with timer) on left wrist, and I have a second compass in my "emergency gear" in a pouch on my harness.
I like the redundancy of the system, along with its convenience. The only touchy part is night diving. My computer face doesn't light up, so I have to juggle the light in order to see the computer face during surfacing (slow ascent gauge, etc...). Other than that, it works well for me.

 

[AevnsGrandpa]

I guess I'm like the rest. my Aeris Atmos2 on my right wrist so my left hand is free for adjusting the air in my BC on descent and ascent. My console with my compass and air gauge is connect to a D right on my BC. Just your average set up.

Jeff