Gauge or computer back-up

[Suther2136]

Hi folks, I'm fairly new here but one subject I don't see any discussion on is redundancy with regard to gauges. We all own an octo as a back-up for our main 2nd stage, but how many folks dive with a back-up SPG ?

[thesmoothdome]

Not I. If my computer takes a dump, which has never happened to me, the dive is over. No harm, no foul since all my diving is of the recreational variety.

[MxDiver]

Watch and depth gauge. But for deco diving (when I get my certification) I will be using a second computer for back up.

[cummings66]

I did dive with a backup analog gage, but when I switched regulators to the Apeks DS4/XTX50 I gave up the analog. When I get the H valve up and going I'll add the SPG back into the mix.

I trust the computer enough I don't worry about it, and in a year of diving the AI computer it's not once gave me a reason not to.

[tedtim]

Originally Posted by thesmoothdome

Not I. If my computer takes a dump, which has never happened to me, the dive is over. No harm, no foul since all my diving is of the recreational variety.

Same here, especially the recreational part. Dive with a buddy, ascend together, change the battery on the computer, wait 24 hours, and you are good to go.

[Suther2136]

Surely there are more than eight of you with an opinion on the subject...

[deepdiver47]

I do not see the need for a backup SPG. It is an analog pressure gauge and they are reliable. Besides, how much of an issue would it be at depth? Before I would spend money on a backup SPG I would have the following backups:

1) Computer
2) Spare Air
3) Mask
4) Fin strap

[Ted S]

I dive a d9 as my primary and a vyper with spg as my backup. The vyper and spg are in the same console which makes them convenient and ads a really nice level of redundancy that I like. If they weren't together, I'd probably just do two computers rather than having 3 different hoses, I'm not particularly worried about two computers failing at the depths I dive.

[Suther2136]

Originally Posted by deepdiver47

I do not see the need for a backup SPG. It is an analog pressure gauge and they are reliable. Besides, how much of an issue would it be at depth? Before I would spend money on a backup SPG I would have the following backups:

1) Computer
2) Spare Air
3) Mask
4) Fin strap

I agree, just wanted to cover the possible combos of equipment (without giving too many choices).

[subsur]

well, octo is a bad back-up to begin with. we all dive with it but if you're out of air, octo won't help. a separate tank (like a stage bottle) with itsown regulator is a much much better alternative.
with respect to spg redundancy - i only have analog spg but i often check my buddy tank pressure and compare the rading with his spg to make sure it works well.
if i had lots of money, i'd buy wireless diving computer so i'd have 2 pressure gauges. in the mean time, i'm saving for my non-AI, hoseless DC.