Perdex/petrel w/ a suunto backup? Pointless?

[Jack Hammer]

So when in Error state it will still work in gauge mode? I thought it was completely useless then?

Dave

The Suunto goes into gauge mode with essentially all functions except NDL info working when "locked out", it becomes a bottom timer that logs your dive info.

 

[dberry]

A bit off-topic regarding Suunto, but I dove a Sherwood Amphos (Pelagic Systems) as backup to a Perdix during a 10-dive / 5 day AN/DP wreck course and the Amphos never locked out or complained. Well, it complained once because I didn't switch the Amphos over to 50% EAN during deco when I switched the Perdix.

 

[Dave Bevan]

I run this exact set up. Perdix as primary and Viper in Gauge with either wetnotes or ratio as back up.

I used to lock out my Suunto all the time...

 

[scubafanatic]

I'd expect many dive ops to make you sit out dives, if not ban you from diving altogether, if they catch you 'bending' your computer.

 

[Hatul]

I used a Vyper as a backup to my Galileo in Cozumel, and in one dive the Vyper went into deco due to a slightly short surface interval and when I exited the Vyper locked out for 48 hrs. So,no the Suuntos do not make good backups.

 

[TT_Vert]

Thanks guys.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Just saw this thread. For DM-led tropical vacation type diving I have been using my old Suunto D6 as a backup to my Petrel. I used the Suunto on such vacations as my primary (sole) computer for many years without issue; how those dives are conducted has not changed, even though I now have a computer with gradient factors that would allow me to bend myself if I wanted to.

 

[_Ralph]

I assume it is given that the suunto and it's conservative algorithm will probably lock out on some of the dives I do that the perdix/petrel won't even blink at. Anyone use a suunto as a backup? I really like the computer aside from it being like a nagging wife wanting to go shopping and would not mind having it as my backup clipped to a D ring but I really think that I may lock it out. Opinions?

Dave

First off, what kind of dives are you doing?


_R

 

[TT_Vert]

Pure rec. diving. Maybe 3 dives a day. Max depth is 100' but most are in the 60-80' range.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Pure rec. diving. Maybe 3 dives a day. Max depth is 100' but most are in the 60-80' range.

If you give your Suunto at least a 1-hour surface interval between the first two dives, and something like 2 hours between the second and third dive, it won't balk at that kind of diving. That's just typical vacation-type diving. Suuntos do have a reputation for being conservative, but they are not THAT conservative. Don't fear the Suunto!