stupid question alert

[cra2]

Hi,

we're newbie divers who rent most of our gear. We just got Nitrox cert'd and looking for an entry-level computer (ie. $400 or less).

If we get a 3-gauge console w/ quick-disconnect, will we be able to easily attach it to the rental regs we get from the LDS? Or is that something you only get when you own your own regs? Maybe we should stick to a wrist-mount for now and use the rental regs (gauges) as our backup?

Thanks,
cra2

 

[MechDiver]

I'd get a wrist unit. That way it will work with whatever you are using for a reg.

MD

 

[downunderjenn]

The guages should fit in the shop reg, but it also depends on if the shop permits this. It's also a pain, and can lead to stripping outside of the hose to your console. I'd go wrist mount and save the trouble. Plus, I began with console, and prefer wrist mount to decrease drag.

 

[cra2]

So,... IF... the shop allows it, I (or they) have to unscrew their current console with a wrench or something? And then, I have to use the quick-connect to throw my computer console on?

Is that the big pain in the arse? Or is that commonly done?

Basically, you're saying - at the very least, until we're ready to buy our own regs, we need to use a wrist computer? There is no easy way to pop their console off and mount our computer?

 

[MechDiver]

Is that the big pain in the arse? Or is that commonly done?

Basically, you're saying - at the very least, until we're ready to buy our own regs, we need to use a wrist computer? There is no easy way to pop their console off and mount our computer?

Yes
No
No, you NEED do nothing. We suggested that you use the wrist computer.
Yes, there is a way, that was already shown.
I thought the answers were fairly simple and straight forward.

 

[Kestrell]

Given the choice I'd get a wrist computer over a console anyway.

Also, I'd generally rather rent a computer and own my own reg/octo rather than own my computer and ret a reg.

Just my $0.02

 

[nativenarcosis]

I would have to agree with everyone else on this one. Get the wrist mount and forget the console. It will always be there exactly where you expect it and no hunting. How often do you lose your arm?

 

[yknot]

Just imagine the extra wear and tear to your console threads if you were to have to attach them every time you rented a reg, kind of like putting your own spark plugs in a rental car. Some people don't like wrist mount gauges at all and you have to decide for yourself what you want. I found as I dove more that I could fairly accurately predict how much air I had. This means my SPG stays clipped off most of the time but I do check my depth and time a lot more frequently. As there are LDS's that will match an internet price and give you a warranty, look at something like a Suunto Vyper wrist mount. For pricing, start with LeisurePro. With your $400 budget, you'll have enough left over to buy a Suunto wrist mount compass. There are certainly other brands available but I haven't seen anything as long term reliable. These also aren't really entry level, lacking only air integration and ability to dive and switch mixed gasses.

 

[downunderjenn]

So,... IF... the shop allows it, I (or they) have to unscrew their current console with a wrench or something?
YES

And then, I have to use the quick-connect to throw my computer console on?
NO- they unscrew their hose with the console, attach your hose. The quick-connect is only a feature that makes it easy to download, copy information, and not carry your reg around, or to store in a safer place. It is not a feature that makes it compatible to switch a console with another. -Would you put Mac RAM in a PC? Popping the console out is only taking off the cover to a console that is ATTACHED to the hose.

Is that the big pain in the arse? YES and not good for gear
Or is that commonly done? NO I've done it on occaision for specific reasons, but not as a policy.

Basically, you're saying - at the very least, until we're ready to buy our own regs, we need to use a wrist computer?
NO options:
you may rent your reg and analog guages or computer from a shop
if you use a wrist computer, it would still need air integration, so if you are using shop gear, I recommend using their pressure guage on their console.
If you are seeking to purchase gear for use, and you want a console for your reg, why do you not buy the reg first? or do a rent to own policy with a shop? or buy a wrist mountable computer?

There is no easy way to pop their console off and mount our computer?
NO

 

[The Kraken]

In other words . . .

For you to use YOUR computer with it's dedicated quick disconnect, the guy at the dive shop will have to unscrew the high pressure hose that has the console on it and remove it from the 1st stage regulator.
The guy at the dive shop then has to take your high pressure hose that has YOUR computer's quick disconnect on it and screw it into the 1st stage regulator.

Then after you come back from your dive, the guy at the dive shop has to unscrew your high pressure hose from the regulator and re-install the high pressure hose that has his console on it.