Do I need a Backup SPG/Console?

[CPTOZZY]

I just got an Aeris Atmos AI. My plan was to sell my still relatively new SPG/Depth guage/Compass Console that I removed from my High Pressure port....but I was wondering - do those of you that have an integrated digital SPG/Guage Computer maintain an analog spg/guage on your extra high pressure port as a backup?

Thanks

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by CPTOZZY

I just got an Aeris Atmos AI. My plan was to sell my still relatively new SPG/Depth guage/Compass Console that I removed from my High Pressure port....but I was wondering - do those of you that have an integrated digital SPG/Guage Computer maintain an analog spg/guage on your extra high pressure port as a backup?

Thanks

I do.

Common topic, however. Several other threads on this.

Here's one: Backup computer & SPG for rec diving

[fireflock]

Plenty of people do, and plenty of people don't.

As long as you're comfortable doing a safe ascent if the computer has trouble, you'll be fine. You can dive for a long long time without having any problems. The wireless versions can be a bit more flaky (or prone to user error) I think.

[johnyringo]

I carry my spg console as a back up in case of computer failure. It's a quick swap and could save the day.

[SHAGGY]

Originally Posted by CPTOZZY

I just got an Aeris Atmos AI. My plan was to sell my still relatively new SPG/Depth guage/Compass Console that I removed from my High Pressure port....but I was wondering - do those of you that have an integrated digital SPG/Guage Computer maintain an analog spg/guage on your extra high pressure port as a backup?

Thanks

I use an AI SmartCom and I recently purchased an Atmos AI for my son to use and I dont use a backup spg on either, and I dont see any need for me to use one. Basically, its just which ever makes "YOU" feel comfortable. I make it a point to always keep an eye on my gauges so if by some chance mine fails I have a very good idea how much air that I have anyway, and I end the dive and make a safe ascent. Bottom line,... if you have a failure with a console AI computer I think you should call the dive anyway even if you have a spg with you.

shaggy

[Aussie]

On my single cylinder setup I have a Brass/Glass SPG as my primary gauge and also a Suunto transmitter for my wrist mounted Suunto D9 and Vytec.

On my Doubles I just have a single Brass/Glass SPG.

Well the highland brass/glass is only $34.95 and less with forum discount there is no reason to not add a good Bras/Glass spg. Hey buy two cause they are cheap.

Aussie

[Draq]

I have a small 1.5" or 2" spg as a backup to my wireless computer. Have never needed it, and periodically think of taking it off, but if the transmitter battery dies or my computer crashes or something weird happens, I can continue my dive (I also carry a backup computer).

Without a backup spg, it would really be no big deal...I would just have to end the dive, but I suppose if I was on the first dive of a 2-tank boat dive and my computer or the transmitter failed, it could be irritating.

[No Misses]

I dive an Aeris Atmos AI. I do not have "redundant gauges". I prefer to streamline my setup, not add more drag with unnecissary stuff. It is a good idea to keep your old regs in a save a dive kit. If your DC craps out, you can reinstall the gauges and keep diving.

There has only been one time that I wished that I had spare gauges with me. It was the first day of lobster season and I forgot my DC at home. I ended up diving with no timer, SPG, or depth gauge (dumb). If I had gauges in my save-a-dive kit, I could have used them that day.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by No Misses

I dive an Aeris Atmos AI. I do not have "redundant gauges". I prefer to streamline my setup, not add more drag with unnecissary stuff. It is a good idea to keep your old regs in a save a dive kit. If your DC craps out, you can reinstall the gauges and keep diving.

So how much drag do you really think is actually added by a bare SPG on a 22" hose, clipped off to a waist D-ring?

[mwhities]

I recommend to the OP that you should get a back up SPG. My buddy dives the Oceanic VT3 with the wireless transmitter. He also has the SPG. Thankfully nothing has happened yet...