Backup/redundant gauges

[TartanFrog]

thanks for all the input. It was seeming like a lot of overkill when I was talking with some of the people. I guess I can chalk that one up to being a noob.

 

[BDSC]

For recreational diving I would not worry about it.
Although others may have had different experience, in 40 years of diving I have never
had a gauge fail underwater (including some fairly extreme dives).
Just dive, gain experience then if a gauge does fail it is no big deal (assuming clear ascent to surface, ect).

I agree. In 20 years of diving I've never had any guage/computer fail. I realize it can happen but the chances are slim. Save your money.

 

[cloudflint]

Ive had a computer fail but that was in fairly extreme cold. I generally just have a wee computer and an analog depth gauge and watch. I use the depth gauge and watch as my primary and my comp can serve as a backup watch/depth gauge if one of them dies, though ive never had problems with them.

I find it quite handy having backup gauges since i can check them against each other and if one off my buddies gauges breaks or they forget one i can hand one of my gauges off. I wouldn't say its necessary though, if my computer wasn't so small i probably wouldn't bother carrying backup gauges since they would take up to much space.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Your backup gauges are with your buddy. Your buddy also provides a backup brain which is more critical than any gauge.

I cannot think of a case where a spg failed. Computers do need periodic battery replacement nut all of them that I have used have an indicator to tell you if you are getting low. Other than occasional pressure sensor failures they are fairly reliable.

 

[BDSC]

Your backup gauges are with your buddy.

Good Point!

 

[TartanFrog]

Okay all good points. Thanks to everyone!

 

[retro-steve]

I'm trying to think of a situation where some loaner gear or a dive shop would be unreachable within 24 hours to get you a rental to replace what broke, fix your stuff or where you can just buy new stuff within a reasonable timeframe of when you need it.

 

[Booyakasha]

When I am going on a dive trip. I carry an extra Computer and analog SPG unit. I dive with my son who has an air intergrated computer and I dive with a watch/transmitter. Should any of these units fail on the boat or get damaged we can still dive by installing the back up. I started doing this when my son's analog SPG flooded on the 1st dive and we had to sit on the boat for the second dive.

B/