Reliability Wireless gas pressure transmitters

[donovano]

I have been using a wireless air integrated for 5 years now and have NEVER had to use a backup SPG. The advantage of an wireless AI is to reduce the number of hoses so adding a SPG negates that advantage. If your computer dies so it can't read your pressure, you should be aborting the dive anyways. Most people rely on there computer for bottom timing, nitrogen loading, etc. so when the computer dies they lose a lot more vital info than just tank pressure.

Now, that said, if you really want to run a backup, get a small SPG and run the hose along side your low pressure inflator hose so it acts like one hose. The SPG will then lie just above your inflator. Readable but always tight along your BC.

As to losing link, I find that if the reciever is more than about 4 feet away (arms length) it will loose link but by bringing it a bit closer (near my chest) it re-links in a few seconds. No big deal.

 

[DWJ]

I just started with a new uwatec smart z. I did 7 dives with it in Key largo last week and the only time I had the transmitter dropout was when I had my camera strobe turned on. Once I figured that out I simply turned off the strobe and then back on as needed. Other than that it performed as advertised.

Dave

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I'm using the Uwatec SmarTec which allows deco diving and will keep track of gases on three seperate tanks. Different mixes in each tank too if you like. Zero problems with it and since my smart trak never gave me a problem I don't concern myself with the SmarTec either.

Fantastic software too I might add. The software is why I dumped my Suunto products.

 

[PalauDiver]

I have on of these tiny gauges attached to my first stage to cross check pressure with my computer before a dive.

 

[Dave in PA]

I have an oceanic VT Pro with maybe 60-80 dives on it. It would occaisonally lose the transmitter signal for the tank pressure. if I held it closer to the transmitter, it would start receiving the signal again. It went through 2 sets of batteries, which are user replaceable, but that also means if you don't seal it up properly and flood your computer, it's your fault.

I currently am diving with a Uwatec Smart Tec that will monitor 3 different gas mixtures and allow deco diving. I have not had a problem with it with over 200 dives on it. The transmitter batter is user replaceable with a small screwdriver, the computer battery must be returned to the factory for replacement, this is done at no charge as long as you bought it new through an authorized dealer. That battery is supposed to last 7-11 years.

A buddy of mine went through 4, yes 4 Oceanic Atoms before the shop said this is ridiculous and switched the computer out for a totally differant one and the shop will not carry the Atoms any more due to that trouble. What seemed to happen most of the time was we would be out of the water, swapping tanks or starting the grill and the Atom was still registering a depth reading.

They are also known as high drain devices and go through batteries very quickly, per the Oceanic rep at last years Beneath the Sea show.

On a brighter note about the Atoms, I understand they can be had pretty cheaply now! <grin> <wink>

No matter which air integrated computer I am running, If I am diving recreationally, I don't run a back up SPG. On my doubles, I do.

 

[Quarrior]

I have the Vytec with AI and love it. However, I always have an SPG as well.

My way of thinking is that if I manage to forget to sync the AI, at least the SPG is working. Or for some reason after I sync the AI I step out of range and it loses sync.

Just a lot easier having the SPG too. The extra hose is not a hassle if you have your gear configured correctly.

 

[victor]

I have on of these tiny gauges attached to my first stage to cross check pressure with my computer before a dive.

Who makes these, what a good idea. :10:

 

[victor]

I have the Vytec with AI and love it. However, I always have an SPG as well.

My way of thinking is that if I manage to forget to sync the AI, at least the SPG is working. Or for some reason after I sync the AI I step out of range and it loses sync.

Just a lot easier having the SPG too. The extra hose is not a hassle if you have your gear configured correctly.

I don't mind carrying a spare in my bag, the only reason to switch to a wireless connection would be to reduced my current 3 hoses to 2. I am used to the third which has a large console fitted, compass, preassure guage, dive computer. I control the first half of my depth and dive time with my dive watch. Normally I check my computer and air on my descent, insure all is working ok, then clip it to my waist. I check my air regularly but largly ignore my computer until my dive profile sugest that I might be approaching the limits or I am nearing the end of my dive.
Obviously I am diving air only.

It is the planned switch to nitrox and possibly multiple air mixes that is the push towards a different setup.
If I was going to stay with air and no deco then I would stick with my 15 year old sherwood and citizen watch.

 

[Quarrior]

I don't mind carrying a spare in my bag, the only reason to switch to a wireless connection would be to reduced my current 3 hoses to 2. I am used to the third which has a large console fitted, compass, preassure guage, dive computer. I control the first half of my depth and dive time with my dive watch. Normally I check my computer and air on my descent, insure all is working ok, then clip it to my waist. I check my air regularly but largly ignore my computer until my dive profile sugest that I might be approaching the limits or I am nearing the end of my dive.
Obviously I am diving air only.

It is the planned switch to nitrox and possibly multiple air mixes that is the push towards a different setup.
If I was going to stay with air and no deco then I would stick with my 15 year old sherwood and citizen watch.

Based on what you said, I'd do what I did, good nitrox capable computer wrist mounted, wrist mounted compass and an spg.

It's not like that hose is in the way if properly configured. It should just run down your left side and clip off to a D ring and out of the way.

 

[espenskogen]

Who makes these, what a good idea. :10:

Beaver makes one version - Check ebay here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Miniature-Butto...itemZ7221932753QQcategoryZ74000QQcmdZViewItem