Gauge/Computer Info for the Newbie

[eweingarden]

I'm getting ready to take my OW certification course (this is a new venture for me), so I've been doing a lot of reading about equipment. I'm a bit confused by the different combinations and permutations of gauges and computers, wrist computer vs manifold, pressure gauge vs no pressure gauge, etc. I would greatly appreciate some info to help sort out this area of equipment, which is somewhat confusing to me as a newbie. Thanks.

Ed

 

[Scuba_Noob]

You'll probably learn it all from your books and your instructor.

The SPG (i.e., pressure gauge) shows you how much pressure you have in your tank (i.e., how much air you have) - it's usually attached by a hose to your air tank. Depth gauge is self-explanatory (some are analog, some people just use their computer). For many people, the pressure gauge and depth gauge are located on something called a console.

Now onto computers. Computers should give you time you have left at a certain depth before you reach your NDLs (non-decompression limits - you'll learn this in class). Computers should also give you your bottom time and depth. Computers can either be on your wrist (like a watch) or mounted on your console with your depth gauge and pressure gauge.

Some computers are able to read your air pressure through either a hose or a wireless connection. Most computers have other options - like dive planning, warnings, dive logs, or being able to use different types of gasses (e.g., Nitrox or trimix - probably don't need to know this yet).

 

[g1138]

Wrist computer VS manifold is are not in the same category to compare.
Manifold usually refers to the crossbar connecting two tanks to form a set of doubles.

Computers & gauges can come in wrist and console varieties.
Computers are electronic with computer algorithms. Gauges can be analog or electronic, but don't use algorithms. They just list what they're supposed to without calculations into nitrogen loading. Some computers can be set into a gauge mode.

The debate between having an analog pressure gauge VS an Air integrated has been brought up many times here. Try a googling
site:scubaboard.com backup SPG AI
Or something along those lines


Since you're confusing terms, I think it would be best to wait for your certification class to start and even then wait until the topic has been discussed in class. A lot of this will be discussed and defined in your class. Just be patient for the class to start if you're still confused right now.

We could explain these things to you in depth but in doing so would have to define new terms you may or may not have heard before. It would do your instructor a disservice if we did his or her job. After each class if you still have questions, then feel free to ask your instructor and post a question here on the board.

 

[eweingarden]

Wrist computer VS manifold is are not in the same category to compare.
Manifold usually refers to the crossbar connecting two tanks to form a set of doubles.

Computers & gauges can come in wrist and console varieties.
Computers are electronic with computer algorithms. Gauges can be analog or electronic, but don't use algorithms. They just list what they're supposed to without calculations into nitrogen loading. Some computers can be set into a gauge mode.

The debate between having an analog pressure gauge VS an Air integrated has been brought up many times here. Try a googling
site:scubaboard.com backup SPG AI
Or something along those lines


Since you're confusing terms, I think it would be best to wait for your certification class to start and even then wait until the topic has been discussed in class. A lot of this will be discussed and defined in your class. Just be patient for the class to start if you're still confused right now.

We could explain these things to you in depth but in doing so would have to define new terms you may or may not have heard before. It would do your instructor a disservice if we did his or her job. After each class if you still have questions, then feel free to ask your instructor and post a question here on the board.

Thanks for pointing out my misuse of manifold; I did in fact mean console.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I was fascinated by all the equipment anfd various types. Since you are "getting ready to take your certification course," I suggest you go to the dive center through which you are doing it and talk equipment with them. Many (but not all) shops give discounts on equipment to students who certify with them, and its a good time to buy some basic items of gear , or even a whole package. Don't rely on 200 word summaries (though Scuba_Noob gave you a good one).
DivemasterDennis