Digital Computer AND Analog Depth Gauge

[sytech]

Is it commonplace for someone who has a Digital Computer (which shows depth) to also use an Analog depth gauge as a backup?

Certainly sounds prudent but wouldn't you then want an analog backup of every instrument?

Sy

 

[Diver Dennis]

I dive solo a lot so I use a back up mini SPG and depth gauge but I also use two computers, one air integrated.

 

[sasscuba]

Is it commonplace for someone who has a Digital Computer (which shows depth) to also use an Analog depth gauge as a backup?

Certainly sounds prudent but wouldn't you then want an analog backup of every instrument?

Sy

I use analog depth and pressure as a backup to my computer. It's a good idea.

 

[miketsp]

Yes, because unfortunately digital instruments are not as reliable as analog ones.

 

[Matsya]

I bought a hoseless air integrated computer with the intention of getting rid of my analog SPG. Somehow I have not got around to doing it. I did try to find some statistics on failure rates of computers compared to SPGs. But I did not get any data to make a decision.
Most experienced divers would advise carrying an analog back-up for digital instruments. I do not know if this advice comes out of bitter experience with failures or a tendency to not place much faith in anything electronic.

You are right. Using that logic you probably need to have redundancy for all digital instruments (including analog, in my opinion). But practically, other than the SPG, bottom timer and depth gauge what other instruments does one use in diving?

I am now considering buying a back-up AI hoseless computer to get rid of my analog SPG.

 

[Jason Ooi]

You dive Solo double setting is advantages for your safety concern

I dive solo a lot so I use a back up mini SPG and depth gauge but I also use two computers, one air integrated.

 

[MasterGoa]

I use a Tusa 343 console with IQ700 and a Citizen Aqualand with
analogue depth guage.

Both always agree to 1 ft so I am happy!

Aqualand watches are available cheap
on ebay and can be rechecked for about 40$
at Citizen.

 

[Jason Ooi]

computer can failure anytime backup is necessary.
I use analog depth and pressure as a backup tool.

 

[bperrybap]

Yes, because unfortunately digital instruments are not as reliable as analog ones.

Do you have any links to papers/reports/studies that have been
done that show this that I can read about?

--- bill

 

[sytech]

I use analog depth and pressure as a backup to my computer. It's a good idea.

Suppose you were not using a computer but instead had a regular analog console. Would you have redundancies for that?

Seems a lot of people are skittish about the reliability of electronics underwater. I know I am but not sure why. Maybe battery failure, electronic interference etc.

Thanks