Looking at redundancy

[Hostage]

I have been thinking of getting some extra gear to make sure I don't have to sit out a dive due to something not working as well as additional safety. This weekend I did about 8 dives and I had my 13cu pony tank. My last dive I tested it and was able to get from 60ft to the surface with a 3min safety stop with 1500psi to spare out of 3k. While some people have told me get at least a 19cu tank or a 30cu tank, I think something is better than nothing and it at least allows me to get to a dive partner before I go OOO. Also I can't complain about a free tank that was given to me on permanent loan by a club member. I guess it is in his best interest to have someone else diving with him that has a pony tank. I also got a used reg (1st and octo) for $115 and a used SPG for $10. Granted I overpaid for a mounting bracket for $150, though that is another story.

Anyway, after my old man reg almost stopped him from diving, another person came to the rescue w/ a backup set. I also saw a couple of computer failures, a BC leak, and a couple of other issues. I would like to get some backups. I am thinking of getting a backup computer and a backup reg. I was thinking of getting an air integrated transducer used computer for backup and use my analog SPG and Zoop as my primary. I would dive with both and would hope to find a used transducer computer for digitizing air consumption and having backup if my main zoop goes out. Any suggests on an older used model that might fit this criteria, though still is good? Also i am thinking of getting a backup first and 2nd stage as my pony bottle are both unbalanced. I see HOGs get good reviews and are fairly inexpensive compared to similar ones that I own. Do most regs have standardized HP and LP ports? I know most regs are either yoke or DIN. All of my tanks, save my pony, are DIN w/ yoke adapters. I would like to have usable backups and I don't want to brake the bank doing it either.

Thanks in advance,

Hostage

 

[Steve_C]

Any air is better than none.

Do you usually only dive to 60 ft?

I am most frequently 80-90 and sometimes 100 or so. I went with a 19. Beyond 19 the size became too much of a nuisance and the pony I carry is more useful then the pony on the boat or in the car.

 

[AfterDark]

I do a lot of solo diving. My gear is setup with redundancy as a standard. I have 2 of everything I think I need to continue a dive or end one safely. Starting with independent double tanks right down to a mini-thermometer on my watch band. Additionally I have extra gear enough to equip about 2 others divers. The only thing I don't bring in the water is an extra pair of fins. I do however wear fin keepers to prevent their lose.

This season I started to sling a 19cuft pony when diving with buddies in case they need air. Even if I am using IDs, the back gas is for me.

 

[Hostage]

I planned on using it on the last dive, which happen to be 60-70ft from the bottom of the anchor. I wanted it in case I needed it. I have been to 132ft deep, once though again I am thinking something is better than nothing and i seldom go past 100ft.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you want back up for your computer get a simple bottom timer and tables if you are on a budget. Forget the transmitter and get a spare SPG and hose.

99% of all modern regs use the same HP and LP fittings. No issues there.