To integrate or not to integrate

[dmaziuk]

I guess the real question now is hose less or not. I really like the idea of less clutter to carry and pack.

Well, you'll probably want to pack a slimline spg in case the transmitter craps out, transmitter and spg is the opposite of less stuff.

 

[scubadada]

Well, you'll probably want to pack a slimline spg in case the transmitter craps out, transmitter and spg is the opposite of less stuff.

Not really. I dive an Oceanic VT3 as my primary computer with the transmitter off the right post. I dive a Nitek Q as a backup (GF hi of 95-100) and a spg off the left post attached go my left chest D-ring. This is very compact. I have never needed the back up computer or the spg, but I could. To each their own

 

[gassed]

Well, you'll probably want to pack a slimline spg in case the transmitter craps out, transmitter and spg is the opposite of less stuff.

Agreed. As noted, most dive ops have spare SPG's or at least rental regs I can pull the hose and SPG off. Worst case scenario. But that is "most ops". Murphy says that my would fail at a location sans rental.
It does have me think though. I have never had a hose fail but have seen it. Seen more transmitters fail than hoses but that was years ago.
Maybe I am getting all fired up about buying into "new tech" but loving the idea of 2 hoses, less re-tractors and clips, one gauge (pressure/compass/comp).
I would tie in a SPG and backup comp for more tech diving but for standard warm water stuff......

 

[dmaziuk]

Agreed. As noted, most dive ops have spare SPG's or at least rental regs I can pull the hose and SPG off. Worst case scenario. But that is "most ops". Murphy says that my would fail at a location sans rental.
It does have me think though. I have never had a hose fail but have seen it. Seen more transmitters fail than hoses but that was years ago.
Maybe I am getting all fired up about buying into "new tech" but loving the idea of 2 hoses, less re-tractors and clips, one gauge (pressure/compass/comp).
I would tie in a SPG and backup comp for more tech diving but for standard warm water stuff......

I'd put the transmitter on a short hose on a quick-disconnect fitting, maybe tied off to the inflator hose. Have the spg on a hose w/ the same fitting in the dive bag: if the transmitter packs it, swap in the spg for the next dive (maybe the way it's on tbone's photo?) -- for vacation warm water stuff, obviously.

 

[Centrals]

I would tie in a SPG and backup comp for more tech diving but for standard warm water stuff......

I use one system regardless of type of diving that I am doing. There is no need to change my packing list.

 

[DevonDiver]

transmitter and spg is the opposite of less stuff.

Not really. I dive... with the transmitter off the right post... a Nitek Q.... and a spg off the left post

Point of clarification:

3 is definitely more than 1.

 

[bmbeaty]

AI is a convenience factor- it comes down to do you want to pay the extra money for the convenience. I did. For other people it's not worth it. I'll tell you what though- it's hard to beat how streamlined your rig can get with AI. I have a low pressure inflator alternate, so I have hose running to my low pressure inflator and my regulator hose- that's it. It wouldn't be a bad idea to carry around a spare SPG in your save a dive kit in the event your transmitter craps out on you, but I've never had the need. For me, it's worth the (very low) risk of having to call a dive early to not have to deal with the extra hose.

 

[Hatul]

Hey all,
After 11 years and over 2000 dives I am upgrading computers.
Part of the reason is finally making a jump to Nitrox. The science was rather new when i bought my last Suunto and I was doing a lot of deeper dives then so I never bothered. Now I find I am hitting deco way to early on 4 and 5th dives. That and at 11 years i figure I am pushing my luck with the good old puck.
In my early searches everything is based on watches and wireless. I personally have no issue with a hose and console. Even more so when boat mates complain about signal issues.
At the moment I am looking at the cobra3 and looking for someone to talk me out of it.
Am I out of my mind by forgoing wireless? Has it become more consistent.
Any known problems with the Cobra3?
Any reasons to fear AI in general?
Other options to consider?
My primary diving is warm-temperate. 4-6 dives a day. Mostly photo work.
Thoughts? Opinions?

I like AI as has been mentioned it provides all info in one display, the remaining air time is a really useful piece of info provided you know what it means, and it works out your air consumption when linked later to a PC.

I use a wireless Galileo, but if I were to go for hose console I'd definitely get the Atomic Cobalt 2.

 

[gassed]

Okay, so it December now and I am not seeing a flood of exciting new info from DEMA.
Hate to bump my own post but whats new?

 

[stuartv]

You mean, besides Shearwater and Ratio adding air integration to their lineups?