yes, another SPG question.

[din]

so I'm getting ready to purchase a combo SPG/depth gauge, but I've read that most are manufactured by one or two companies. is there really any difference aside from how the face is decorated? and what are the benefits to a wrist-mounted compass vs. a console mount?

[Vercingetorix]

By "wrist-mounted", are you referring to the wireless SPG? If not, then the SPG hangs off a hose, so it may be part of a "console", which may include the computer and/or compass. Or, the SPG can just hang on a hose by it's own self; mine does (snap-bolted to my left-hip D-ring).

[pir8]

With a console mounted compass , its easier to set it up so that you can read your depth at the same time as your direction

[din]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

By "wrist-mounted", are you referring to the wireless SPG? If not, then the SPG hangs off a hose, so it may be part of a "console", which may include the computer and/or compass. Or, the SPG can just hang on a hose by it's own self; mine does (snap-bolted to my left-hip D-ring).

sorry, I was just referring to a wrist-mounted compass, not the SPG on the console. most of the consoles I've seen are available as 2- or 3-gauge, and I'm curious about the quality/benefits of compasses that come attached to the console, in addition to wondering about differences between console SPGs that are more than cosmetic. I'm sure I'm being about as clear as mud, sorry about that.

[DMWiz]

I know of one italian company that makes brass and glass SPGs for a number of companies and just puts their corresponding logos on the SPGs. Aside from the small cosmetic & price differences these are exactly the same.

As far as compasses go, it depends on what your needs are. If all you're doing underwater is out and back from a boat or shore it doesn't really matter where you have the compass. If you're doing anything above that I find that having it on your wrist is more convenient for navigation. Also, depending on which compass you have it may be more difficult to level off the compass to get an accurate heading on a console than when it's on your wrist.

My recommendation would be to skip the console and keep the compass on your wrist. Buy a cheap computer or depth gauge/bottom timer for the other wrist and carry a small spg clipped to your side.

[din]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

I know of one italian company that makes brass and glass SPGs for a number of companies and just puts their corresponding logos on the SPGs. Aside from the small cosmetic & price differences these are exactly the same.

As far as compasses go, it depends on what your needs are. If all you're doing underwater is out and back from a boat or shore it doesn't really matter where you have the compass. If you're doing anything above that I find that having it on your wrist is more convenient for navigation. Also, depending on which compass you have it may be more difficult to level off the compass to get an accurate heading on a console than when it's on your wrist.

My recommendation would be to skip the console and keep the compass on your wrist. Buy a cheap computer or depth gauge/bottom timer for the other wrist and carry a small spg clipped to your side.

thank you. I was kinda thinking about getting an integrated depth gauge/SPG and skipping the computer for now, just to get more accustomed to planning with tables. also, I'm vain and don't want to look like I have six watches strapped to my wrists.

[DMWiz]

As you wish... just 'cause you have a a wrist puter doesn't mean you turn off your main CPU!

I never really liked the combo spg/depth gauge, but that's just moi!

I guess I'm not vain I carry a compass, one computer and one watch all on my wrists. I does look geeky!

[din]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

As you wish... just 'cause you have a a wrist puter doesn't mean you turn off your main CPU!

I never really liked the combo spg/depth gauge, but that's just moi!

I guess I'm not vain I carry a compass, one computer and one watch all on my wrists. I does look geeky!

one upside to having all those instruments on your wrists is that you never need to carry a signal mirror.
I'm still getting all of my gear sorted, so thanks for the advice!

[Vercingetorix]

I have my compass and computer on the wrist. It's easier to navigate with the compass, because I can hold it out in front of me in line with the direction I'm swimming. The computer and compass are on my right wrist, so I can monitor both simultaneously while navigating.

I don't like a lot of dangly things. That's why I got rid of the console, even thought it was attached via a retractable holder.

Oh...go for the computer. It will give you longer dives. Carry the table with you as back-up.

[Straegen]

My instructor let me in on a little navigation secret that isn't a secret to people who use a compass on land. Line your compass up with where you want to go, find a landmark that is in that direction and swim to it. Now this doesn't always work underwater or in a fog bank, but it actually keeps most people in a much straighter line than if they try to keep the compass dead on. This style navigation also pretty much means a compass can be just about anywhere since you won't need to refer to it nearly as often and that doesn't mean not at all.

With a console mounted compass , its easier to set it up so that you can read your depth at the same time as your direction

It is easy to read your depth if you are using a wrist mount computer/compass setup as well. I don't think a console is any easier at least in my configuration. Now watching the pressure that is a different story.