Diving with multiple computers?

[mongoose]

Hello,

I currently own a Suunto Cobra and love it. I have not had any problems with it. I am wondering, however, what some of you do regarding the potential for computer/gauge failure. Since the Cobra is an air-integrated all-in-one device, I would lose a lot of functionality if it failed. One of the instructors at my LDS dives with two computers for this reason. Do any of you do this?

Regards,

jsl

I am a newb, but three things occur to me:

-- I concur with a previous poster who mentioned that if your computer fails, unless you've been paper-logging your dives & SI's, you won't know what letter group you're in. And even if you do log them, if you do more than a one or two dives, the tables will probably show you to be dead.

-- If you don't want to buy another computer, and you don't mind missing a few dives, get a depth/SPG combo(about $120-130), and wait 12 hours to get into the 'A' group (on the NAUI tables), or 24 hours to completely offgas, and then start diving tables.

-- If you want make sure you catch every single dive, and can afford a few extra nickels, get another inexpensive non-air-integrated computer(preferably same manufacturer/algorithm), and a mini-SPG. I've seen atmos 2's at scubatoys, for about $250. Mini-spg, another $60-70, maybe. If you are only ever going to dive air, the Atmos 1's can be had for much less. Just make sure you carry the spare with you a=on all your dives, so it knows your dive history.

Just my 2psi, worth exactly what you paid for it.

--'Goose

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

I currently use a TUSA IQ-700 dive computer as my 'primary', and a Dive Rite NiTek3 as a 'backup'. If DC failure of some sort happens, I've still kept all my N2 & O2 loading info on at least one of the two units. I'm assuming a simultaneous failure of both DC's during a dive trip to be a statistically small enough probability for my tastes.

The newer dive computers appear to be much more energy-frugal than older models, so battery life and warning of end of battery life should be less of an issue than in the past, but still something to consider. Usually, the DC's memory log is wiped when the battery 'dies' (falls below a certain voltage) or when the battery is removed for replacement. Having battery issues occur in the middle of an extended dive trip is another reason to consider using redundant DC's.

And, the more remote the dive location, the lower the odds are that you can procure replacement batteries locally, so consider keeping some 'spare' batteries in your save-a-dive kit, unless your DC doesn't have user-replaceable batteries. If your DC doesn't have user-replaceable batteries, all the more reason to consider redundant DC's on dive trips, especially to remote locations.

 

[shadowr69]

I don't use a second dive computer, but when I got my reg, I made sure that it had 2 hp ports so as to at least have analogue gauges. I also keep a watch with me(velcro wrist type that I fasten to a ring on my bc.) to note the dive start and end. I figure that the analogue gauge setup is a good backup, with the tank pressure ,depth and max depth. At that point, I have the info that I need to go to tables. Anyone else do this as a backup setup?

-Mark

 

[artusor]

I am also using a Cobra. I dive with 2 computers. One of them happens to also be my wrist watch. My backup is a Suunto Stinger watch/computer. I have had problems with the pressure readout on my Cobra and had to borrow an SPG from the boat. It was nice to have the Stinger as a backup. I have also heard several people complain of various computers giving eroneous depth readings. By having both computers I can compare their readings on any deep dive I do.

 

[m7scuba]

I don't dive 2 computers, but I do carry a Timex Helix DM to act as a backup depth gauge and bottom timer. Eventually I will get another computer (right now I like the D9...).

 

[widiver]

I dive two computers, a vyper and an old skinny dipper. I would hate to lose out on a day of diving if my first computer dies on me.

John

 

[jonnythan]

Well I wear my OMS bottom timer and cheapo Timex Helix bottom timer (I'm starting to find that the stopwatch feature of the Helix is actually pretty handy for timing ascents). One dies I keep on going with the other one.

And I have a spare SPG around most times... so if something dies I'm still OK.