Poll:Wireless AI Computers Users-What backup do you carry?

[LJinFLA]

For all of us wireless air integrated computer users, what backup devices, if any, do you carry. A traditional SPG backup? An SPG and depth gauge backup, a backup computer, a watch with depth, or nothing?

I think I need a backup, but don't know how far to take it. I have a watch that does depth, but while I am under it only shows me current depth, not max depth. If i push the max depth button while under, the instructions say the watch may flood. It is a Citizen Eco Drive. I also do not have a backup SPG if my computer fails. This makes me uncomfortable. So do I get a mini SPG, SPG with Depth gauge, or another computer. IF the other computer is not also AI then I still don't have an air reading, so I am leaning toward a mini SPG with depth gauge to just clip off on my side. I know that if my computer fails I abort the dive, but if it fails near the end, i have no way of knowing how much air is left for ascent.

I know some will say then don't use air integrated and just use my gauges, but i am an avowed gadget guru and it is fun (as long as it works).

LJ

[PerroneFord]

Just a question here. Are you cutting your dive times so close that the failure of an SPG would put you in peril? I tend to like to be in sight of the exit at 500psi or so and hang around in the shallows.

I guess having a backup would come down to how you plan your dives and who you dive with. If you follow the "your buddy is your backup" then you have a built in redundant depth monitor and timer. And if you are planning your dives such that you are getting back on the boat with 500psi or more, then the failure of the SPG shouldn't cause panic, but would simply cause you to termnate the dive.

Again, these are just my random thoughts as a new diver who's tried to imagine these failures underwater.

[HowardE]

I agree wit PerroneFord here. I only dive in Open Water with my AI SmartCom. If I had a failure, I would surface with my buddy. I do wear a watch to time my dive.

If I were in overhead environments like a cave... I would certainly carry a backup SPG.

[LJinFLA]

PF,

I agree that a buddy is the backup. Assuming of course that you have the same SAC rate, no failure of equipment, or some other loss of buddy assistance.

You are right in that the risk may be somewhat remote in most circumstances, but in my mind redundancy planning is not about what can be foreseen, but more about what can't. What if my computer fails and my buddy is too low on air to assist or some other strange combination of events or failures.

I really don't dive to depths that would be a serious risk if I had to make a direct ascent, but if I had a backup I might be more able to do a safe ascent if I knew what the facts were.

LJ

[PerroneFord]

I understand what you're getting at here I think. All I am trying to say, is that as I see it, if my SPG failed during the dive, I'd move toward the exit. Knowing what's there really isn't going to make much difference if you're following your dive plan toward the exit.

I don't have a regualr dive buddy so I can't compare SAC rates and such. I try to compare gauges after about 10 minutes and again at about 30 minutes. This gives me some estimate on a basic dive of where I am in relation to my buddies. I am fortunate (or unfortunate) to be the hoover since I am a big guy with relatively little experience, so people are matching to me. Given that I know that, and that I stay above 65ft most of the time, I know that I am going to getting near time to go after 40 minutes. I am well inside NDL limits so I know I could just leave if I had to.

In terms of carrying a backup, in your situation, I'd probably be carrying an SPG. I don't use a computer, but picked up a depth guage on Ebay for under $20 that I keep on my right arm. Its simple to see and helps me keep an eye on what I am doing. Maybe something like that would work for you. I also have a cheap wal-mart watch that I use on my dives. Cost about $7. This combination would give you backups for everything for under $100. It is three more things to look at though.

[Tamas]

I have an AI PDC and an SPG that I use, as well as a Dive watch that tells me current depth, dive time, max time (Citizen Hyper Aqualand). So in essence it's redundancy once over.

AI computers have come a long way since the early days and are more and more reliable, but it seems that some people still do not trust them. Which is fine since a mechanical pressure gauge is still more reliable then any piece or electronics, so fear not and use the AI but think of attaching a small SPG as well, never hurts to be safe.

[Chad Carney]

I didn't vote because I sometimes wear no back up, for shallow dives, and on other more serious dives I wear a back up computer with the same program as my AI computer. There's no better way to know if the computer has goofed up. I prefer a two gauge console with PSIG on a 24" hose, this keeps it tight just clipped under my BC wing.

Chad

[ClevelandDiver]

I pack an spg in my gear bag in case the transmitter dies when I am doing multiple dives, haven't used it yet. My tank is an E8-130, so I have plenty of reserve if the transmitter were to fail. I usually have 1500 to 2000 psi after my first dive and 500 to 1000 after my second dive on the same tank. For boat dives I go deeper, but only use each tank for one dive and typically surface with 1000-1500 psi. The NDL usually become a factor before air availability with my set up.

[LJinFLA]

Not getting a lot of response here. Maybe i should have posted this in the basic scuba section since it is really a topic more about redunancy than about computers. How much redundancy is too much?

LJ

[Tamas]

Not getting a lot of response here. Maybe i should have posted this in the basic scuba section since it is really a topic more about redunancy than about computers. How much redundancy is too much?

LJ

Relax, you gotta give it time....it takes people time to discover the post.