Will Air Integration in dive computers replace the SPG?

[TMHeimer]

I don't know. Of course SPGs can fail as easily as AIs or any DC (mine did a while back). For deep dives (deeper than you feel you can get to the surface if OOA with a CESA or whatever), I will always use computer and SPG. If I had $ to throw around I'd trade my Puck for an AI I suppose. I guess it's possible the SPG will disappear in another decade or so, who knows. The money issue may be the factor. Then again, in 2030 an SPG may still be buyable but at a very high cost. Anybody check the price of audio cassette tapes lately? It's like when they first came out in the '70s. But you still can find them if you hunt--especially on the internet..

 

[Aguablanco1]

AI already has replaced the SPG for me. However, I have mine on the hose as I don't like the cost or possible problems with wireles. I suspect that over the next decade or so the vast majority of rec divers will be AI. There will most likely always be a market for analog but I believe it will diminish with time.
RichH

 

[DevonDiver]

My first AI was a Suunto Eon... not the new Eon Steel, but the old hose-mounted 'brick'. Didn't need it then, didn't ever bother with AI again.... never needed it.

 

[AJ]

AI will possibly become standard in rec. Why: because all the rec computer suppliers copy each other in their offerings and new divers think it's great to have AI. Nothing wrong with that. If you like it, you like it. Will SPG's disapear. Not, don't think so. There are more applications than just diving for these SPG's. There will also always be a place in diving for SPG's. Maybe the market will decline, but I don't see it disapear.

For me: I have no need for AI, but I'am not against it. It has it's uses and convenience, but I don't see it as a excuse for lacking skills. A good diver can dive with AI and with SPG. He or she may choose one or the other because he or she likes it, but not because of 'safety' reasons imo. That's really dangerous thinking.

 

[CuzzA]

Yeah, I'm not suggesting AI is safer than an SPG. At the end of the day, you better be checking your gas no matter the device used.

I brought up satelite GPS earlier and it got me thinking. This is a question for active duty military, particularly those in the field or those with knowledge working with our solders... Has GPS replaced paper maps for soldiers deployed? It doesn't get more reliable than a physical paper map for guys on the battlefield, not to mention your location on the battlefield is critical to survival and completing the mission, but I suspect they are becoming obsolete in favor of battery powered GPS devices. If that's the case, it's just one more example of electronic tech replacing older tech.

 

[Bennno]

CuzzA, I think you missing the point. New tech replaces old tech when there is an advantage; fiber is faster than copper, GPS has many more functions than a paper map, smartphones have many more functions than flip phone. However, all AI does is show you the tank pressure while adding potential failure points and requiring an extra battery. If AI was better, almost everybody would be using it by now.

 

[agilis]

I don't know. Of course SPGs can fail as easily as AIs or any DC (mine did a while back). For deep dives (deeper than you feel you can get to the surface if OOA with a CESA or whatever), I will always use computer and SPG. If I had $ to throw around I'd trade my Puck for an AI I suppose. I guess it's possible the SPG will disappear in another decade or so, who knows. The money issue may be the factor. Then again, in 2030 an SPG may still be buyable but at a very high cost. Anybody check the price of audio cassette tapes lately? It's like when they first came out in the '70s. But you still can find them if you hunt--especially on the internet..

SPGs will be the standard until AIs are clearly superior. They are very far from that now. SPGs come up the winner in every respect other than appeal to techno junkies. When that changes preferences will change. Other than computers, there have not been too many major technical revolutions in scuba equipment, primarily only refinements in design and materials.There has been nothing in scuba equipment change that compares to the continuing revolutionary advances in photography.

I'm an audiophile from way back, and I know exactly what you mean about cassette tapes. There would not be such a great demand for the old high quality blank tapes if they did not have some highly desirable qualities. I stockpiled dozens of metal tapes when they were discontinued and an extra Nakimichi deck, along with belts and other parts. When I bought a new pickup truck a few years ago i immediately installed a good cassette deck. Good vehicle decks do not seem to have been hit by the same wave of demand that has caused quality tapes and decks to skyrocket in price.

 

[rivers]

Cost of a transmitter: £225+
Cost of a new SPG: £40

My sources tell me no

 

[lowviz]

SPGs will be the standard until AIs are clearly superior.

I disagree a bit. I think that it is more about utility than quality. Audio peaked somewhere around the turn of the millennium. I remember gold plated contacts, monster wire, shibata diamond needles, frequency locked turntables, and amps with more peak power than Princeton’s contemporary Tokamak. Speakers were truly things of wonder.

Are iPods and MP3 encoding superior? They now rule. There has to be a reason. http://www.npr.org/2011/03/05/134256592/whatever-happened-to-the-audiophile

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not on the AI bandwagon, but I do see one real use for me. Even more importantly, I would hate to attempt to deny AI to those who want it. Let them use it, stuff is learned that way. Unintended lessons. Let it fail.

I could see AI’s real utility (for me) in Sidemount Cave. Years ago I blew through full cave with an academic instructor who was all about karsts, caves proper, hydrology, North Florida water supply, and not so much on technique. I’m going back for form and technique. I’d love to have both pressures (and the difference in psi) glowing on my wrist to be had with a glance. Reduces task loading. Lollipops suck. But forget that, no AI with this instructor…

I am curious though, what is your interest in this war? I would presuppose that you have no use for a Petrel either. No disrespect intended, we share the same wonder from diving the same back bays and inlets. Maybe dive together this year when the tropics arrive?

To borrow a line from one of my favorite ladies, “Can we talk.”

 

[Centrals]

Supply and demand.
I can't seen the Italian will pack up on spg any time sooner as long as there is money to be made!!
How many dive operators use AI on their rental gears? BTW, most of them are still using jacket bc as well.