Wireless transmitters and backup gauges

[Viscya]

Personally, I would not go out and buy an Air Integrated computer. However, since I got a great deal on one, I have been diving one lately. I like having the pressure on my wrist rather than having to look at the SPG on my hip. Since you already have one, dive it.

I also carry an SPG and a bottom timer. I have had two separate computers fail on me in the last three years. One was on a dive vacation to Bonaire. I'm glad I had my bottom timer and tables, since I did not have to miss a dive.. (I also have a watch, in case the BT goes).

Keep in mind, ALL gear can fail at any time. Yes, you can abort the dive, and then what? According to "the rules" you sit out of the water for 24 hours. If you've paid several hundred dollars a day to go diving, then why not carry a backup? At least a bottom timer, or watch, and an SPG. We carry redundant Second stages for our buddy. Why not carry redundant gauges for a high failure item like an AI computer?

 

[mikeguerrero]

I just bought an Oceanic VT3 with the wireless transmitter setup. I've only heard good things from people who have them. Of course, if the computer dies u/w I'm without information. I always dive with a watch so I'll know my dive time but common sense says get a SPG and depth gauge. Any thoughts? (although I think I just answered my own question).

Marc

Marc,

I also purchased the VT3 two weeks ago and began asking everyone the same question, "Do I need to purchase a SPG for added security etc".

The answer I got are all being repeated again on your thread as were on mine; so what does this tell me?

Well, first of all what type of diver are you? I'm recreational, beach diver, occasional boat. I'm not a technical diver.

The whole purpose of the wireless AI for me was to rid myself of an extra hose. Second I prefer having my wrist tell me all that is going on.

If I do lose my wireless connection, then it's time to check in with dive buddy and make my ascent to abort the dive.

I agree with a lot of divers that the spg hose is great and should be in your diving bag in case your wireless craps out while on vacation or a beach dive, attach it and enjoy your dive for that particular day of failure.

My setup is simple, instead of purchasing the long SPG hose I went with a Oceanic Pony gauge that hooks right up to my first stage and allows me to see my total air prior to me linking my wireless; I check that both numbers match and then I make my dive.

Under an extreme failure of losing both my buddy and my wireless, I could remove my BC as taught in OW classes and see my pressure and make my ascent and abort the dive.

I rattled like you for days trying to figure out if I was going to dive both the hose and wireless and decided against it.

In the future if I do become a tech diver, you bet I will have a backup ready....

I know another diver that dives the wireless and Pony gauge on the first stage; look into it and see if you feel comfortable. It's all about your comfort zone which yields better psychological functioning as a safe diver.

MG

 

[dkatchalov]

If you have to ask if an AI computer should be backed up with an SPG it is likely that:

a) you need to buy an SPG as a backup; and

b) you just blew $600 on an AI computer and $100 on an SPG when you could have bought a $200 computer and a $100 SPG.

 

[UncleJoes]

Mike is 100% on target.

I like the idea of the pony guage.

I still say if you want a backup keep it in your bag. IMO computer failure is not that big of an issue. Failure is usually only found in newer computers, but respectable companies like oceanic put their products through rigorous tests before releasing them to their customers.

I love my Atom.

 

[The Kraken]

OK, the reason I dive an air intergated computer is to give me the geeky stuff that comes with air intergration.

Another reason for diving a computer is for multi-level diving.

Now, at this point I must state, plan you dive and dive your plan. The personal dive computer is an ENHANCEMENT to a PLANNED multi-level dive.

If you assemble your rig, check your pressure, jump into the water and then rely upon your computer to tell you when to end your dive, YOU HAVE NOT PLANNED YOUR DIVE, you are simply flying by your computer.

We've all had the basics, I don't feel the need to repeat them.

the K

 

[UncleJoes]

Thank you K! well put

 

[Scared Silly]

OK, the reason I dive an air intergated computer is to give me the geeky stuff that comes with air intergration.
the K

Ditto ... I like the geeky stuff as well. I can get some of it with just my SPG but as I posted I am too lazy so I let it record it for me and use my SPG for the serious stuff.

I think the real point with this topic (which gets discussed ad nauseum) is that people should understand the pros and cons on each piece of equipment used.

 

[Jrock1062]

Let me ask a question why wouldnt you buy a AI computer and just use it as a computer not using the air intergration untill you feel comfortable with it or use the AI on rec dives and use it as a regular computer on tech or deco dives i would think you could use it like that best of both worlds

 

[dkatchalov]

Let me ask a question why wouldnt you buy a AI computer and just use it as a computer not using the air intergration untill you feel comfortable with it or use the AI on rec dives and use it as a regular computer on tech or deco dives i would think you could use it like that best of both worlds

Unless you're made of cash, the reason is: cost (i.e. cost of AI vs. non-AI computer).

 

[amitsi]

I agree with most of the posters.... I use a Suunto D9 and a aeris depth guage ....so I always know at least how much air I have...plus a cheap guage on the liesurepro website is like 150bucks or so....worth it!