Dive with ONLY computer?

[nomoreno]

I just rent a VYTEC for the coming Sunday dive, and I figure out that if I want to use the wireless transmitter, I have to get rid of my analog gauges since I have only one high pressure port on my MK 16.

I am wondering how many people are there dive with only computer and no backup gauges? Is it SAFE if one dives with only computer without any analog gauges under the water?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Gilligan]

Aloha nomoreno,
You are likely to get dozens of responses and configurations on this question. Here is how I dive (recreational diving).
I have a Suunto Cobra with a compass attachment and that's it.
No watch, no backup gauges, no backup computer.
:shades:

 

[Charlie99]

I've seen lots of divers that use an air-integrated computer without a separate analog SPG.

You check your air often enough that you always know you have enough air for a safe ascent don't you? If so, then if you have failure of computer, you just do a normal ascent. Keep your SPG in your gear bag so you can change it out during the SI.

 

[nomoreno]

I am thinking if I have two sets of gauges using two different mechanism, I have double security against any failures to one or the other, isn't it?

 

[Charlie99]

nomoreno once bubbled...
I am thinking if I have two sets of gauges using two different mechanism, I have double security against any failures to one or the other, isn't it?

If you don't trust the AI computer, then don't use it. Why clutter up yourself with extra gear?

The real problem that leads to OOA is not the gauge, it's the diver failing to choose an appropriate turnaround pressure, or failing to adhere to the chosen turnaround pressure.

 

[Diver0001]

nomoreno once bubbled...
I just rent a VYTEC for the coming Sunday dive, and I figure out that if I want to use the wireless transmitter, I have to get rid of my analog gauges since I have only one high pressure port on my MK 16.

I am wondering how many people are there dive with only computer and no backup gauges? Is it SAFE if one dives with only computer without any analog gauges under the water?

Thanks for your input.

You're asking two questions

- who does it?
I used to but I added the spg back again because I think it would suck to have to abort a dive because my computer bit it. Since I put my spg back on I've nevre looked at it. I also dive with two regs so I put my computer on one and the spg on the other. Maybe it's a minor point but if I did have to turn off one of my regs then I would still be able to see my pressure.....

- is it safe
yes. completely. provided you keep an eye on your gauges and you do not incur an overhead (including a deco obligation) that would require you to keep diving even if the computer crapped out. If your computer were to "dzztht" on you then you would have to abort the dive and revert back to tables for subsequent dives. I'd also suggest putting your mechanical spg in your "save a dive" kit.

R..

 

[nomoreno]

Charlie99 once bubbled...
If you don't trust the AI computer, then don't use it. Why clutter up yourself with extra gear?

The real problem that leads to OOA is not the gauge, it's the diver failing to choose an appropriate turnaround pressure, or failing to adhere to the chosen turnaround pressure.

I do trust it but I do want to prepare for the worst scenario. I don't want to abort a dive if I find out my computer goes bad under the water. If I have gauges, I can continue my dive... My compass is with my analog gauges too, so I have to figure out where to put my compass once I install the VYTEC.

What is OOA by the way?

 

[TRIG]

OOA means Out Of Air, OOG means Out Of Gas ( Nitrox or
some other mix.

TRIG

 

[Charlie99]

Oooops. Unecessary jargon. OOA = abbreviation of out-of-air. Sorry.

So how are you going to mount both transmitter and SPG with just 1 HP port on your MK16?

Don't forget that an extra SPG is an extra failure point ---- HP hoses and spools on SPGs have been known to fail. It's not a great danger, but you need to think about whether you are actually improving your odds by having 2 gauges (I think you are, but it's just a guess).

 

[nomoreno]

Charlie99 once bubbled...
Oooops.
So how are you going to mount both transmitter and SPG with just 1 HP port on your MK16?

Well, no way to mount both unless I upgrade my first stage to MK25.

You are right that I want to improve my odds... So you are saying that my analog gauges will provide addtional failure points. How likely?

BTW, I am a newbie, got my OW early this month so please forgive me if the questions that I ask are very naive...