Does everyone really need an SPG? (w/transmitter)

[CanadaDan]

What brand transmitter/computer?

Currently Suunto but it happened with my Mares. After thinking about the signal interference this morning I reached out to the local FB dive group and it turns out it happens to other divers as well. One Shearwater diver can get his wireless AI system running setting up on a grassy area further inland, then looses connection when he crosses the rocky area shoreside, it reconnects once he's started diving and about 10m off shore. It's also an area where cell service disappears but if you head a bit inland over the sand and grass it reappears. It's an iron rich rock area and a meteor strike crater lake... makes for some odd magnetic properties.

 

[gopbroek]

I like the redundancy and have had my transmitter fail in the middle of a week long dive trip. My SPG allowed me to continue diving without issues. The other thing to remember is most gauges accuracy is better at the top of scale. I am more interested in the bottom end accuracy. About once a year when I have the opportunity I hang out at about 10' and suck the bottle down to test it. My last SPG read zero with about 250 remaining, I replaced it 3 years ago and a couple weeks back checked it again. It reads 0 with about 200 actual remaining. My 10 month old transmitter reads 0 with about 60 -100 PSIG remaining. My point is mechanical and electronic pressure sensors can drift over time, its a good idea to occasionally test them. (probably smarter to have them checked against a calibrated gauge on a bench, but that costs money)

 

[scubadada]

I keep a mini-SPG on my first stage. Lets me check tank pressure pre-dive without turning on my computer/s.

Ditto.

Of course, that does not help you underwater unless you have someone to read it for you . Most of my diving is solo.

 

[tursiops]

Of course, that does not help you underwater unless you have someone to read it for you . Most of my diving is solo.

I don't need it underwater; its purpose is to ensure my tank is full at the time of putting the first stage on it. If my MH8A transmitter or both of two receivers should fail during a dive, it is time to surface...and there is no hurry to do that.

 

[scubadada]

I don't need it underwater; its purpose is to ensure my tank is full at the time of putting the first stage on it. If my MH8A transmitter or both of two receivers should fail during a dive, it is time to surface...and there is no hurry to do that.

I have two AI computers running off of one transmitter and a SPG. If my transmitter failed, I would use the SPG. My system is just a little more flexible than yours.

 

[tridacna]

I have two AI computers running off of one transmitter and a SPG. If my transmitter failed, I would use the SPG. My system is just a little more flexible than yours.

True but never had an issue in over 500 dives since I got my first transmitter. Used to worry about it. No more. My first car, a 1973 Ford Escort seldom started without WD-40 on the carb. Things have gotten better since then too.

 

[scubadada]

True but never had an issue in over 500 dives since I got my first transmitter. Used to worry about it. No more. My first car, a 1973 Ford Escort seldom started without WD-40. Things have gotten better since then too.

As posted, I used my SPG on a whopping 0.8% of my dives, but that's 11 dives that were totally uninterrupted, I'll go with it. Does everyone really need an SPG? (w/transmitter)

 

[Mike1967]

I took mine off about eighty dives ago last year.
I still have it in my dive bag back at the dive center.

Seems like you already knew the answer to your own question a year ago

 

[GreggS]

It depends on which dive computer you have. Not all make this information available. If it is, you'll find it under "Extra Info" with every dive.
For example on every Shearwater dive computer. Or on newer Suuntos (EON Steel, Core, etc).

That's what I had assumed. I've never had a computer that showed anything other than the serial number under that tab.

 

[Bigbella]

I would always go with an SPG -- and have, for years. I have an ardent distrust of electronics in saltwater, which hasn't been misplaced, having seen serial failures of AI computers and transmitters (most every brand), over the years, whether from various forms of interference; mechanical failures; or physical damage -- sheered off -- while handling on boats.

I have yet to experience a failure with my analogue equipment -- which still jibes with the electronics -- that didn't simply involve a hose or spool replacement, and five minutes or less with a wrench . . .