Gear configuration: SPG vs. Console

[Van Isle]

Here are some thoughts:

a) manual gas consumption is easy to figure post dive. On-the-fly computer-based instantaneuous consumption rates aren't worth much.

b) wireless is unreliable.

c) wireless transmitters can look like great handles to those trying to help you move your gear. SNAP!

d) having your Cobra clipped off to your hip as your only depth gauge would limit your precision in times where holding depth/monitoring ascent rates is critical.

I would favour option 1: spg, wrist-mounted computer.

 

[fnfalman]

I trust the accuracy of my wireless AI computer's pressure readings more than the accuracy of an analog SPG. YMMV.

 

[elmer fudd]

Here are some thoughts:

a) manual gas consumption is easy to figure post dive. On-the-fly computer-based instantaneuous consumption rates aren't worth much.

b) wireless is unreliable.

c) wireless transmitters can look like great handles to those trying to help you move your gear. SNAP!

d) having your Cobra clipped off to your hip as your only depth gauge would limit your precision in times where holding depth/monitoring ascent rates is critical.

I would favour option 1: spg, wrist-mounted computer.

I agree with all your points, but the way I see it he already has the the Cobra and a wrist mount computer. So he doesn't have to rely on the Cobra clipped to his waist as his only depth gauge and it actually costs him more and gives him less features if he switches from the Cobra to an SPG. To me it seems that the only real downside of using the Cobra clipped at his waist is that it's likely less reliable than a mechanical gauge.

 

[doctormike]

Wow, what a great community! Thanks so much for all your help..

Option #1 is the simplest, least expensive, and most reliable.

If you get a dive computer that logs average depth, calculating gas consumption rate for the dive is simple enough to do on your own ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

True, Bob... but it's nice not to have to record it for each dive and then enter it into my log later. With an AI computer upload, all that data is automatically logged.

Here's a really dumb question; have you considered just moving your retractor to a d-ring on your right hand side and just bring the hose in closer to your body? That's what I do and there's nothing dangling nor hoses protruding (except my lp inflator for my wing - I need a shorter hose)

Yup, that was option #4.

I think there's a scuba myth in play here, that being that a console style computer causes significantly more drag than a brass SPG. The reason consoles typically drag more is because people either let them just dangle or they mount them on retractors up near their chest. Clip it off at your waist on a short hose and any additional drag it produces compared to a SPG will be negligible.

I agree with this... and I wonder if I can get a smaller boot for just the Cobra if I move the compass to my wrist. Shouldn't really be any bigger than the SPG then.

It IS quite possible to get a shorter hose and put a boltsnap on the Cobra (minus compass or whatever other stuff is part of the console setup) and have it be quite neat. That's what Peter has done. The compass went on his wrist.

Yes, exactly... that sounds like a good idea...

 

[TSandM]

If you have the Suunto console, removing the compass is just a matter of unscrewing the part of the console that contains it, and screwing on a small plastic cover plate for the end of it. The compass can then be removed from the console, and if it's an SK-7, it can be put in one of the DSS boots and worn on your wrist as well. Doing this makes the console quite a bit smaller and not really obtrusive at all, especially if you put the shorter quick-disconnect hose on it.

 

[doctormike]

If you have the Suunto console, removing the compass is just a matter of unscrewing the part of the console that contains it, and screwing on a small plastic cover plate for the end of it. The compass can then be removed from the console, and if it's an SK-7, it can be put in one of the DSS boots and worn on your wrist as well. Doing this makes the console quite a bit smaller and not really obtrusive at all, especially if you put the shorter quick-disconnect hose on it.

Right, the boot has the compass on the end, and I believe that it just detaches... THEN the question is do I minimize more by getting a wrist mounted computer with a compass, or just save money and put the computer and compass on my wrist next to each other...

 

[Divedoggie]

Right, the boot has the compass on the end, and I believe that it just detaches... THEN the question is do I minimize more by getting a wrist mounted computer with a compass, or just save money and put the computer and compass on my wrist next to each other...

There are advantages to wrist mounted gauges, but you should configure your gear the way you like. Experiment a bit.

It sounds like you are trying to rationalize buying some new and different gear. The simple answer it seems, would be to attach the AI computer somewhere in the middle of your torso. Now its streamlined, super accessible, and you didn't spend any $.

I recently removed my compass from a wrist boot and hooked it to a retractor on my lower right shoulder strap. It seems that the older I get, reading small numerals requires holding things a bit further from my eyes.
The compass on the wrist made for some occasionally suspect navigation. The compass on the retractor solved that problem.

I recently borrowed my wife's reg with her Wisdom AI computer. It has the compass mounted above the computer console. It was very ergonomic, easy to read, and easy to monitor heading, depth, pressure and DTR at the same time.

 

[RJP]

3) Wrist mounted wireless air integrated computer, compass, PLUS a brass and glass SPG. Too much?

This is what I use on most dives.

Vytec DS w/transmitter + SPG. On tech dives I also wear a Uwatec bottom timer on the other wrist.

Though, I rarely (never) carry a compass. Not much need/use on a wreck. When I do carry one I clip it into a pocket and pull it out when I need it.

 

[doctormike]

It sounds like you are trying to rationalize buying some new and different gear.

You got me. Option #5 was going to be "hire someone to swim next to me and tweet my tank pressure, which I would then read via a twitter app built into the heads up display on my mask..."

 

[FireInMyBones]

I dive number one and run the math to figure my breathing rate. Just simple and keeps me in a relaxed mode during the dive and a sharp mind overall.