I have been using these for years. They are pretty darn solid and reliable. And only $15.
Mini-SPG { 1 in | 2.5 cm } Face
I use them on all my deco/bail out cylinders.
I used to use them on my back mount tank regulators as well, since I have AI transmitters on all of those. But, I took the button gauges off and now only use AI for my primary breathing gas (BM single, BM doubles, SM, and even my CCR). No SPGs of any type (other than AI transmitters) on any of those.
Having the button gauge on my main breathing gas meant a few things:
- the button gauge was a potential snag hazard.
- the button gauge was a potential failure point. Not likely, but more likely than a port plug.
- the button gauge allowed me to assemble my rig and verify "cylinder(s) full" without having to pull out my computer and turn it on.
That last point is what sealed the deal for taking the button gauges off. I WANT to have to pull my computer out when I assemble my rig.
First, it ensures that I didn't forget my computer and leave it in my truck, only to figure that out after the boat is already well offshore. When I assemble my rig to make it ready for diving, I get out my computer and turn it on to verify tank pressure. Then I will attach my computer(s) to my BCD harness somewhere, so that it stays with my rig until I actually put it on my wrist. That way, it doesn't matter whether I assemble my rig on shore and carry it onto a boat, or carry the pieces to the boat and assemble it there. Either way, once it is ready to dive, I can move it anywhere and not have to worry about forgetting to bring my computer.
Second, it ensures that my AI is working - again, before I leave the dock. If I assemble my rig on a boat and just look at a button pressure gauge, then I don't know if my AI transmitter battery is dead or if my computer battery is dead, or whatever.
Just do remember that if you're not about to splash, turn your gas off and depressurize your reg(s) after you check everything. Otherwise, the AI transmitter stays on the whole time (e.g. while on the boat ride out to the dive site) and runs the AI battery down prematurely.
Mini-SPG { 1 in | 2.5 cm } Face
I use them on all my deco/bail out cylinders.
I used to use them on my back mount tank regulators as well, since I have AI transmitters on all of those. But, I took the button gauges off and now only use AI for my primary breathing gas (BM single, BM doubles, SM, and even my CCR). No SPGs of any type (other than AI transmitters) on any of those.
Having the button gauge on my main breathing gas meant a few things:
- the button gauge was a potential snag hazard.
- the button gauge was a potential failure point. Not likely, but more likely than a port plug.
- the button gauge allowed me to assemble my rig and verify "cylinder(s) full" without having to pull out my computer and turn it on.
That last point is what sealed the deal for taking the button gauges off. I WANT to have to pull my computer out when I assemble my rig.
First, it ensures that I didn't forget my computer and leave it in my truck, only to figure that out after the boat is already well offshore. When I assemble my rig to make it ready for diving, I get out my computer and turn it on to verify tank pressure. Then I will attach my computer(s) to my BCD harness somewhere, so that it stays with my rig until I actually put it on my wrist. That way, it doesn't matter whether I assemble my rig on shore and carry it onto a boat, or carry the pieces to the boat and assemble it there. Either way, once it is ready to dive, I can move it anywhere and not have to worry about forgetting to bring my computer.
Second, it ensures that my AI is working - again, before I leave the dock. If I assemble my rig on a boat and just look at a button pressure gauge, then I don't know if my AI transmitter battery is dead or if my computer battery is dead, or whatever.
Just do remember that if you're not about to splash, turn your gas off and depressurize your reg(s) after you check everything. Otherwise, the AI transmitter stays on the whole time (e.g. while on the boat ride out to the dive site) and runs the AI battery down prematurely.
