What to do when you no longer trust your computer ....

[jeckyll]

So my computer died the other day. I feel lucky that I was not in the water at the time, though I was with 2 buddies that I had been diving with a few times and we had spent enough time discussing signals etc that I'm sure I would have been alright to finish the dive by adjusting the profile and staying shallow.

But it got my thinking: While I carry a bottom timer in addition to my computer, I do not carry a spare depth gauge.

Off to ebay I went and found a new wrist mounted model for < $30 new (not capilary either). I figure this will make a worth while investment. I typically do not need to computer to calculate NDL's as our profiles do not allow me to exceed my NDL given my air consumption (shore dives with sloping bottoms and my best SAC's are around 0.70).

I was curious how many people here who carry a computer have both a backup bottom timer as well as a backup depth gauge and for those of you who do, if you've had your computer fail and continued diving the analog gauges

Thanks in advance

Bjorn

 

[Vie]

When my computer/bottom timer failed (luckily this has only happened once), my buddy was my timer/depth gauge.

 

[MoonWrasse]

I've an analog depth gauge along with my analog SPG. So that along with my Timex, I'm covered for such contingences

Just curious, what make is your computer?

 

[jeckyll]

....
Just curious, what make is your computer?

Here is the thread I posted on the failure, for reference

 

[Kevfin]

I do dive with a watch and analog depth gauge, in addition to my computer. If, by chance, my computer should fail, I could switch to tables.

I realize that if I switch to tables, my repetitive dive times/depths will become reduced and I may have to stop diving sooner than if the computer was working.

Still, switching to tables is better than packing up and going home.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

As a sometimes solo diver backups are standard gear for me. I wear a watch and carry an analog depth guage. I also carry a spare compass. Noting time in, starting pressure and keeping track of depth were taught to me as standard procedure whether diving with a computer or not. That way I can continue the dive. Coupled with the practice of planning it and sticking to the plan really I guess makes my computer the redundant back up. I also carry the wheel. Can calculate changes in profile during the dive if needed.(rare but did it once when discovered new feature that I wanted to spend more time at at depth.)

 

[ONESPEED]

Citizen makes a number of wrist watches with built in depth gauges. I've dove with one for years and found it to be a great back up and a lot less bulky than diving with a back up depth gauge.

 

[markfm]

Casio SeaPathfinder watch -- depth/timer (also a barometer and compass)

 

[SharkLover]

I carry 2 computers. A Vyper and a Mosquito. I very much like having a backup computer.

So my computer died the other day. I feel lucky that I was not in the water at the time, though I was with 2 buddies that I had been diving with a few times and we had spent enough time discussing signals etc that I'm sure I would have been alright to finish the dive by adjusting the profile and staying shallow.

But it got my thinking: While I carry a bottom timer in addition to my computer, I do not carry a spare depth gauge.

Off to ebay I went and found a new wrist mounted model for < $30 new (not capilary either). I figure this will make a worth while investment. I typically do not need to computer to calculate NDL's as our profiles do not allow me to exceed my NDL given my air consumption (shore dives with sloping bottoms and my best SAC's are around 0.70).

I was curious how many people here who carry a computer have both a backup bottom timer as well as a backup depth gauge and for those of you who do, if you've had your computer fail and continued diving the analog gauges

Thanks in advance

Bjorn

 

[spectrum]

I don't have my computer yet. I decided long ago that I will retain my current depth, pressure and time instruments. If I'm on a dive intensive trip I would consider strapping on a rental back-up computer as well as trip insurance.

Such in the nature of underwater electronics in an adventure sport.

Pete