SPG for use with wrist computer

[galvanni]

I'm committed to a wrist computer at this point - non AI at that. I'm now looking for the SPG and was looking for some suggestions. I want backup depth as well as the SPG, so I'm considering some options like getting one of the "mini" combo SPG/depth gauges or just the mini SPG and some sort of wrist or other depth instrument to stuff in a pocket if the comp goes south. So that means I would also have a watch, which brings me to the point of should I just use mini SPG and do depth/time on a wrist unit stuffed in a pocket

Could use some suggestions on nice SPG as well - with or without the depth. I like the size of the minis in my hand but never tried anything other than full sized gauges.

 

[Scared Silly]

My suggestion would be to find a nice brass and glass SPG. They are very robust compared to the plastic ones. You can find B&G SPGs in the standard 2.5" or 2" faces. Mine are 2" faces.

As for backup depth - to be honest having just that is not going to do you much much good if your computer goes tits up as you also lose time info. If you want a back up having both depth and time is needed. For that I suggest a good dive watch that also functions top side. We have Suunto D3 (no longer made) which work great for that.

 

[nwflyboy]

I'm (perhaps) in a similar situation. I'm planning to buy a very basic, non-AI wrist-mount computer to use for just a few years while I wait for the high-end "iPad-style" color screen wrist computers (i.e. Mares Icon HD, Uemis Zurich SDA) to mature, proliferate and (hopefully) come down in price a bit. I need a computer for a fall dive trip and while I would love the full air-integrated whiz-bang unit, I'm just not prepared to shell out all the money for that right now. So I'm going with a very basic (inexpensive) wrist computer as a short-term solution. In 2-3 years, I'll replace the basic computer with a nice AI one.

I'm currently looking for a console with pressure and depth gauges, which will ultimately serve as a backup for my eventual air-integrated wrist computer, and which will also serve in the short term with my non-air integrated computer.

Getting to the point of your question....

Cressi sells a compact 2- or 3-gauge console, and I'm looking seriously at getting that. According to the reviews I've seen, it seems to be nice and compact but also easily readable, and it's pretty inexpensive (which, coincidentally, are my three primary criteria). You might want to check out those.

Hope that helps.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'm equipped with one analog SPG and a non-AI wrist computer.
I was trained for open water recreational buddy diving...and that's the kind of diving I do. My buddy's computer is my backup depth gauge and timing device.
If I were solo diving, deco diving (beyond recreational depths), cave diving, or wreck diving (penetration), then I'd carry redundancy in this regard.

A good-quality, easy-to-read brass and glass analog SPG (HOG, Dive Rite, OMS, Scubapro, Halcyon, Oxycheq, etc.) would be a very nice choice. A depth gauge would be optional since the computer should already display depth/time. Personally, I don't like the combo depth gauge-SPG consoles because they're larger and more expensive than SPG alone. I also prefer the depth display to be on my wrist. YMMV.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use an Oceanic Veo 200 and an OMS bottom timer. Analog brass and glass spg. I also usually have a watch just because. This combination has served me well for 4 years now on everything from recreational to 155ft dives in 38-40 degree water on Helitrox. I see no need to waste money on AI, heart monitors, fancy color screens, etc.

 

[donnad]

I too use a wrist computer and I have the Tusa mini spg/depth gauge and love it. I tuck it right into my cummerbund and I can easily pull it out to check my air. I have a dive watch as well. I recently put a flexible hose on the spg and it is so thin and sweet!

 

[galvanni]

Some good ideas here - and a few of the points I was hinting at - a small gauge that you don't sacrifice ease of reading (I don't ever want to make a mistake reading the SPG) so I will check out some of the models. I'm down with the whole "buddy" thing so that's not the point - the reality for me is I NEVER plan on diving without a buddy or the guide at my side but like everything else I do in life - I learn to be self-sufficient just in case. Not to mention I want to be able to compare the computer against the gauge and address any deltas between what the two are reading from time to time just in case one of them goes flaky - I may not know which one but at least I'll know something is up.

I've noticed that getting both SPG and depth in one glass/brass set can get up there in price. What I was hoping I guess was to find an instrument either digital or analog that covers both time and depth and at a reasonable price. I never wear a watch normally - I hate having stuff on my wrist so buying an expensive watch that does that does not make much sense to me. I'm still kind or torn on the combo analog though.

Donnad,

What kind of flexible hose - Miflex? I think I saw someone's BP/W sitting on the floor at a local shop with a very very thin diameter braided looking hose connected to a single SPG. Looked like it would "dangle" too much when it wasn't secured because it's not stiff like the rubber.

 

[galvanni]

Well, I just dug up an old multi-sensor Origo watch that I used for hiking way back when and it still works - reads good to 50M on the back so that solves my timer problem - just use the dual stop-watches - one for total time and one for stop timer. So at this point - I guess I'll just get the mini two gauge set SPG/Depth.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'm down with the whole "buddy" thing so that's not the point - the reality for me is I NEVER plan on diving without a buddy or the guide at my side but like everything else I do in life - I learn to be self-sufficient just in case.

What's your plan if you have an issue with your backgas? If it's a pony bottle, what size do you intend to purchase? Just curious.

Yeah, I understand why you want to be able to double-check the depth/time on your primary computer with an analog gauge. Another option is to ask to see your buddy's computer periodically throughout the dive. FWIW, I've found it pretty easy to sneak a peek at it even without my buddy knowing. On a later dive, you could just borrow a second computer if you think your computer is a little off and dive both computers side-by-side.

I've noticed that getting both SPG and depth in one glass/brass set can get up there in price. What I was hoping I guess was to find an instrument either digital or analog that covers both time and depth and at a reasonable price. I never wear a watch normally - I hate having stuff on my wrist so buying an expensive watch that does that does not make much sense to me. I'm still kind or torn on the combo analog though.

Hmmm. A digital bottom timer would do exactly what you want. It displays depth and dive time. Many modern dive computers have a "gauge" mode which functions as a bottom timer. I have an old Suunto Vyper that has air, nitrox, and gauge modes. It can be wrist-mounted or mounted in a console.

So one possible setup for you is an analog SPG, a non-AI wrist computer (primary computer) and a bottom timer/computer in "gauge" mode. That setup would give you the redundancy that you desire.

What kind of flexible hose - Miflex? I think I saw someone's BP/W sitting on the floor at a local shop with a very very thin diameter braided looking hose connected to a single SPG. Looked like it would "dangle" too much when it wasn't secured because it's not stiff like the rubber.

There have been a number of reports of Miflex HP hose failures on SB and other Internet boards. Miflex HP hoses haven't even been out in the marketplace that long, so a few defects may pop up here and there. Something to keep in mind, I suppose. Good luck with everything.

 

[donnad]

yes, it's a miflex extreme hose......very very thin indeed. i paid about $100 or maybe $110 for the tusa mini guage and $42 for the new hose i just got put on it. i keep it tucked in right in front of my tummy and so it never dangles. i can easily pull it out, look at it, stick it back in. love it.