Waist or chest strap mounting for instruments?

[aa777888]

Hi all,

In general, most instrumentation is either wrist-mounted or located on a "console" that is clipped off to a retractor or similar device. Both mounting styles require you to move an arm to bring the instrumentation into view.

What I'm wondering is does anyone mount their console/computer/etc. to either a waist belt or chest strap such that you only need to glance down at it to read it? If so, how did you arrange it so that the console would stay in a stable, readable orientation? Are there any commercial mounts for such an arrangement?

Thanks,

aa

 

[lairdb]

Hi all,

In general, most instrumentation is either wrist-mounted or located on a "console" that is clipped off to a retractor or similar device. Both mounting styles require you to move an arm to bring the instrumentation into view.

What I'm wondering is does anyone mount their console/computer/etc. to either a waist belt or chest strap such that you only need to glance down at it to read it? If so, how did you arrange it so that the console would stay in a stable, readable orientation? Are there any commercial mounts for such an arrangement?

If (as I recall from your other thread) you're diving a conventional cummerbund BC and conventional console, you've got all the gadgets you need already to accomplish exactly that.

After velcroing the cummerbund but before buckling the waist strap above it, grab the console and hold it against your tummy, positioned so that the top is toward your head (in other words, hose leading down and back under your left arm.) Buckle the waist strap over the hose, immediately below the console. Rotate the console along it's long axis so that the right side of the console is against your tummy, i.e. the gauges face up.) Presto, instant dashboard, glance down to read. The usual console hose length does a fine job of putting just enough tension to keep it facing the right way throughout the dive.

It is a little further from your face, so it's a little harder to read precisely, and obviously this won't work for using a console-mounted compass or in near-zero vis, but it's a good quick trick that works even on scuzzy rental gear to keep from dangling.

Of course, I'd be betraying the Scubaboard Oath if I didn't chant "left wrist compass, right wrist gauges, clipped off SPG". (Which, seriously, really is more pleasant than a console. (Especially with wireless SPG. Ssssh.))

--Laird

 

[nwdiver2]

Computer on wrist spg clipped off to right shoulder strap on BC.

 

[aa777888]

If (as I recall from your other thread) you're diving a conventional cummerbund BC and conventional console

We're talking Transpac II. No cummerbund.

aa

 

[lairdb]

We're talking Transpac II. No cummerbund.

Whoops. Well, might still work, but might not be as comfortable without the cummerbund to pad between the hose and tummy.

 

[bwerb]

Get a shorter hose and clip it off to your left hip D-ring.