Is an SPG necessary with a wireless computer?

[DiveMaven]

I used to say the SPG wasn't really necessary, until the day I changed the batteries in my computer and transmitter, and the transmitter went dead. I didn't know it until we were on a dive boat gearing up to get in the water...no signal. Honestly, after diving that computer and transmitter for nearly 4 years, I never considered it wouldn't work, but there it was....DEAD! We quickly connected a console to my regs and I went diving.

I bought a console the next day and sent my transmitter off for replacement, and when I got my transmitter back, I simply left the console attached. I still prefer using my AI computer, adn generally don't bother to look at my console, but it's a huge peace of mind since realistically the transmitter or computer could die at any moment (they are electronics after all!).

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

I would never be without a bulletproof monitor of my life support gas. Just common sense. A transmitter (which I am looking forward to getting) will be a great convenience tool, but, can you take even a 1 in 1000 chance that you will unknowingly run out of gas? Also, why call a dive if the transmitter fails? What if it's a once in a lifetime dive while you are in some exotic location?

However, for streamlining, you can ditch the console and just buy a compact spg without any casing. Or, just remove the spg from your console and connect it to the HP hose, and clip it near your hip on your BC. It is so light and small you will not even know it is there, out of the way but instantly available if the transmitter fails.

I

 

[hypertech]

I've been diving a wireless computer since the beginning and don't have an SPG. I'm still hear to talk about it, so you definitely won't die doing that.

An SPG in bag isn't a bad idea, but I've not had a problem so long as the battery check passes and they link up before the dive. Its part of my pre dive check to pressurize the tank, turn on the computer, and make sure I read a pressure.

A lot of people over react about this. Your air won't suddenly disappear from the tank if your transmitter quits. Am I going to end the dive - most likely. Am I going to freak out and do an emergency ascent - no. I know about how long that tank should last and not being able to read it isn't an instant emergency. Its an inconvenience that can be calmly dealt with.

 

[A34735]

Thanks Hypertech - your approach is along the lines I was thinking.

I'm 37 years older than when I first dived, no longer do any deep dives - generally 20m max. I only use a single 300Bar 12L cylinder which typicaly gives me 1.25-1.5 hours before get cold or hit red. If the computer contents crapped out, I think I'd be able to deal with it (slow ascent, hang at 5m and or 3m for 5/10 mins or until the gas ran out, then float up).

Yesterday (in my living room) the VyperAir readout seemed pretty erratic - flicking between FAIL and 209Bar in a way that didn't seem related to distance. I'll play somemore, but the SPG stays for now!

Thanks guys...

I've been diving a wireless computer since the beginning and don't have an SPG. I'm still hear to talk about it, so you definitely won't die doing that.

An SPG in bag isn't a bad idea, but I've not had a problem so long as the battery check passes and they link up before the dive. Its part of my pre dive check to pressurize the tank, turn on the computer, and make sure I read a pressure.

A lot of people over react about this. Your air won't suddenly disappear from the tank if your transmitter quits. Am I going to end the dive - most likely. Am I going to freak out and do an emergency ascent - no. I know about how long that tank should last and not being able to read it isn't an instant emergency. Its an inconvenience that can be calmly dealt with.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

If I had a wireless set up I would retain the spg in a "hog" cofiguration. Brass and glass spg, no console, cliped off the right side waist d-ring.

Just curious why you decided to clip it off on the right side?

 

[Chugwhump]

I dive with 3 second stages.
See if you can figure out where I come down on this one.
Chug
Super-Stroke.

 

[fdarden]

I too own an air integrated computer, but mine is not wireless. Which means I have one battery to worry about not two, and no wireless issues to tackle. I added a small Hollis analog spg to my regulator anyway. I clip it off on the lower right D-ring of my BCD, and really have never used it other than to verify its operation before each dive and compare it to the computer. I have watched enough computers freeze and lock up, and do weird inexplicable things, that I would NEVER dive without an analog, tried and true backup. I have not personally experienced any lock ups with my dive computer, but if it happens I am still good to safely abort the dive. If you rig it correctly, it is very unobtrusive, and you can still streamline yourself almost as well as if you didnt have it. My personal opinion, for what it is worth is that it is mandatory gear.

 

[Pedro Burrito]

Just curious why you decided to clip it off on the right side?

I too clip my SPG off on the right side because the transmitter is on the recommended by Uwatec left HP port of the first stage. I started off with no SPG but I've had some problems with my AI computer. Once I was doing a 15 foot buoyancy check at the end of the dive. I needed to empty the cylinder to 500 psi so I purged my secondary second stage. My wireless pressure gauge stopped working, either because the cylinder emptied too quickly or my pressure got too low. The transmitter on the HP port will also turn off if there has been no pressure change in the past minute. It will also stop registering if the cylinder gets below about 250 psi.

I like my Uwatec Galileo Luna, I can see my dive buddy's pressure and she can see mine if we stay within 5 feet of each other but I will put an SPG on her first stage too.

 

[Ausdiver55]

Hi just my $0.02 on this

I have a Vyper and love it but I also use an SPG for two reasons:

1. My Vyper has "failed" a couple of times ie not telling me air pressue it still works on depth time etc just no air data. At least once was operator error, I had not noticed it had timed out on the boat before I jumped in Doh! So I do not have to thumb the dive.

2. I like to keep an eye on my buddy's air and they on mine if they like (it depends on relative levels of experience etc) as I dive with my 17 yo daughter or "intsa buddies" a bit and a standard SPG is easier to read than a wrist mounted computer.

Cheers

 

[craig chamberlain]

I would suggest that you keep the SPG just as a backup. i know tht you said you are streamlining your kit but it isnt really that bulky and is part of standard gear. good to have if your computer decides its had enough for one day!