Hoseless computers: are they necessary?

[mozzy105]

What do you guys think about hoseless computers? Are they necessary since the technology is so new and expensive if you need a redundant pressure guage that has a hose to the tank for safety? Would it just be smarter to go with only a wrist computer like a vyper and a pressure guage or to get the transmitter which is much more expensive?

 

[Scubaroo]

The transmitter is definitely a luxury - but convenient. I use a Vytec, with transmitter and backup SPG. If the Vytec was not around I would probably have just the Vyper and SPG.

Anyone using ANY brand of hoseless AI should have a backup SPG - the batteries in the SPG rarely go flat

 

[turnerjd]

What do you guys think about hoseless computers? Are they necessary since the technology is so new and expensive if you need a redundant pressure guage that has a hose to the tank for safety? Would it just be smarter to go with only a wrist computer like a vyper and a pressure guage or to get the transmitter which is much more expensive?

I would say that they are not necessary. However, they are a luxury that some people like.

IMHO an computer isn't necessary, but nice to have. If mine died tomorrow, I would dive tables. For every dive I do I plan it on tables, so that I have a good idea as to what is reasonable.

So, if you have the cash for a hoseless AI computer, then they are nice to have. If you are stretching your budget for one, get one that is either attached via a hose, or a non AI computer.

I don't know what the official party line is on backup SPGs for your computer is, however, I would strongly suggest that you take an old fashioned SPG with you, and possibly some form of timing device as well.

For my personal preference, I dive with a simple wrist mounted computer (not air integrated), and have a tripple console (compass, depth guage and SPG). If my computer craps out on me, I can either continue on my table plan, or call the dive. My watch, SPG, depth guage and tables haven't crapped out on me yet.

The nice part of the Uwatec computers is that you can buy just the computer, and then add the transmitter later. This might be an option for you, start with the computer and guage, then add the transmitter later. (Diveinn sells them seperately)

Jon T

 

[Mark Vlahos]

What do you guys think about hoseless computers? Are they necessary since the technology is so new and expensive if you need a redundant pressure guage that has a hose to the tank for safety? Would it just be smarter to go with only a wrist computer like a vyper and a pressure guage or to get the transmitter which is much more expensive?

I agree with the earlier posts that an air integrated computer is a luxury and not a necesity. Having said that I do dive with an air integrated computer (with a backup) and a backup SPG. My system has complete redundancy. One thing I learned early on was that a backup is a good idea, when I dive straight tables (square profile or multi-level profile) and use a watch I write the dive start time on a slate because I sometimes bump the bezel on my watch.

A computer can make multi level diving easier if you are not already familiar with the dive site topography, and an air integrated computer can make it even easier. But you need to remember that it will never replace a proper dive plan. An air integrated computer will not magically put more air in your tank, but it can help you manage the air you do have by showing you your air consumption rate and the direct relationship that has to your total dive time remaining.

Any piece of dive gear can and will eventually fail, it is just a matter of time. Computers and particularly air integrated computers (especially the hoseless variety) are more likely to suffer from failures than a dive table, watch, depth guage, SPG setup but even these simple systems can fail.

Having all of the information on your wrist is really nice, it makes checking your time remaining really simple, and for me is definitely a good thing. It makes recreational diving more enjoyable.

Happy and safe diving,

Mark Vlahos

 

[5615mike]

I do not use an AI computer. Personally don't believe that they are necessary but if I did use one, I would certainly never use it without a backup SPG. Not only can your batteries go, the unit could malfunction. They don't often but it can happen. Redundancy in my book is a requirement, not an afterthought.

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Oops, In my earlier post I forgot to mention that if you plan on using an air integrated computer AND an SPG you better make sure that your 1st stage has two high pressure ports. You have probably already considered this, but is an important point to remember.

I guess if your first stage has only one high pressure port there are add on devices that can give you a second high pressure port, but these types of add on gadgets can be problematic.

Mark Vlahos

 

[dnhill]

I use an air integrated computer and have a backup spg. I use a little pony bottle spg on the high pressure port and make sure my buddy knows where it is and how to read it if necessary. However, if I lost signal (has not happened in over 100 dives) I would abort the dive to be on the safe side. The computer is very conservative in measuring the amount of air time remaining. I also utilize a backup computer on every dive and backup bottom timer.

dnhill

 

[Warren_L]

I, like just about everyone else has mentioned, use a wireless AI computer (vytec), which I find to be very convenient. But I do run a backup SPG. But even the backup SPG is probably not all that critical than a backup computer (vyper on a console). Losing my pressure reading is not really all that critical as I generally have a good idea of what it should be - if it craps out, then I just finish the dive. But what is more critical to me are my N2 levels and that's where the backup computer would come in handy.

 

[wwunder]

First, hoseless AI is not necessary, but is a nice feature if you want it. I have been diving with a hoseless Ai comp for over 100 dives and have never had a computer failure. When considering using this type of computer you must consider the mechanism of failure.

Most people fear that loss of signal is very dangerous and you must have a backup SPG. I disagree. While it will cost you the rest of the dive, you should know roughly how much air you have left and be confident that you can make a safe ascent with the air you have remaining. If you do not know this, no fancy computer is going to help you. When you discover the loss of signal you must abort the dive and make a safe ascent. If you have only lost pressure signal, your depth and time information are still valid and you can complete subsequent dives with that information.

I keep and extra SPG in by save a dive kit in case i have a problem, but do not dive with it. I bought my hoseless computer because i don't want that spg all the time.

In my opinion, backing up your depth and time information is more important because a failure of your computer (not transmission) will leave you without depth and no-stop time information, and can have a more direct impact on your safety.

 

[Mark Vlahos]

...snip

Most people fear that loss of signal is very dangerous and you must have a backup SPG. I disagree. While it will cost you the rest of the dive, you should know roughly how much air you have left and be confident that you can make a safe ascent with the air you have remaining.

...snip

I keep and extra SPG in by save a dive kit in case i have a problem, but do not dive with it.
...snip

Please don't take this the wrong way, I intend no malice.

I dive with my SPG attatched because I do not want to have to abort the dive I am in. Yes every diver should have the situational awarness to deal with an equipment failure, this might include the choice to end a dive immediately. But, if I have paid good money to go on a dive vacation, or even very little money for a shore dive. I do not want to abort my current dive (and end my buddies dive too) just because my SPG is in my kit on the surface.

The bottom line about backups can be to provide critical information that may be the difference between life and death (or at least a really bad day), but far more likely it is the little bit of insurance that can add to the continued enjoyment of a memorable dive under otherwise ideal conditions.

Mark Vlahos