Do I need gauges if I use an Air Integrated Computer?

mckinness · Nov 13, 2008

Just purchased my own equipment I picked up 2 Smart Z's new and reasonably priced. Do I need gauges as a back up? Are they required by dive charters? Should I just buy a pressure gauge or get the whole setup including a compass. Pretty new to diving so be gentle!!!

StreetDoctor · Nov 13, 2008

I would definitely at least have a pressure gauge.

Web Monkey · Nov 13, 2008

mckinness:
Just purchased my own equipment I picked up 2 Smart Z's new and reasonably priced. Do I need gauges as a back up? Are they required by dive charters? Should I just buy a pressure gauge or get the whole setup including a compass. Pretty new to diving so be gentle!!!

The Smart Z already contains a pressure gauge. You don't need to use an additional pressure gauge with it.

Terry

shark_tamer · Nov 13, 2008

Get a gauge. Better yet as you stated, get a console with air/depth/compas.

Right in the middle of your next trip, your computer battery runs out ... :shakehead:

Web Monkey · Nov 13, 2008

shark_tamer:
Get a gauge. Better yet as you stated, get a console with air/depth/compas.

Right in the middle of your next trip, your computer battery runs out ...

The OP already bought the computers.

Terry

Lucy's Diver · Nov 13, 2008

No no no.

Does the computer give you PSI readings? That's a guage. If it fails you abort the dive, just like you would if the computer fails.

Damselfish · Nov 13, 2008

your air integrated computer is your gauges. No charter is going to require you have a second set of gauges. That said, some people think having a mechanical SPG as a backup is a good idea when using a hoseless AI computer, because of the somewhat greater possibility of failure. Backing up depth and time is not so important - you can always look at your buddy's gauges to get those - you can't look at their SPG and tell how much gas you have!

You should get a compass, but whether you should wear it on your wrist or have it in a console depends on your preferences, and maybe on where you dive or how much you use it.

Scared Silly · Nov 13, 2008

As said above your computer is a DIGTIAL gauge. Now do you need a back pressure or depth gauge or bottom timer? Do they need to be digital or analog? No, not really but if you want I am sure a shop will sell you either.

BTW The only time a back up depth gauge and bottom timer is required is when you have deco obligation.

RAWalker · Nov 13, 2008

The computer is a digital gauge. Only 1 catch... If the computer fails you could be done diving for 24 hours unless you have some kind of redundancy. That can be a second computer, a gauge set or not recommended but do-able if you stay real close to your buddy you can use their max depth and bottom time to figure out a worse case profile for yourself and based on that continue diving after repairing or replacing your failed computer.

String · Nov 13, 2008

Divers shows have a backup depth and backup timing device for certain. I like the simplicity of an analogue gauge that relies on simple physics not electricity to work too.
Then again i really can't see the point of an AI computer what so ever.

Do I need gauges if I use an Air Integrated Computer?

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