Good points! I'm in camp SPG. I like having a backup for the reasons you mentioned. I haven't had a transmitter die during a dive, but I have had the battery die on a surface interval and would've had to call it a day were it not for having an SPG.

Nice to have one on a liveaboard. Even if it's left on the boat, since "end the dive" becomes "end the DIVES" when / if the transmitter fails for whatever reason.

People talk about potential reliability concerns of transmitters, as if SPGs can't also fail.

The never ending debate :) I stopped using SPGs two years ago. I use transmitters only on all my tanks, whether technical dives or recreational. I change the battery as soon as my computer tells me it's low (which means it still technically has several hours of diving to go). So, two years ago I did an accuracy test. I still keep that data :) Two transmitters on one 1st stage - discrepancy was 1 to 2 bars. The discrepancy holds all the way down 5 bars. Two same SPGs by brand and age on one 1st stage - discrepancy was 5-15 bars. The discrepancy did not hold at several different testing points: - 200 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 205 bars - 180 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 186 bars - 150 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 152 bars - 130 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 135 bars - 100 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 107 bars - 80 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 88 bars - 50 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 60 bars - 30 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 45 bars - 10 bars SPG 1 : SPG 2 25 bars One transmitter and one SPG on 1st stage: Discrepancy was 5-15 bars. The discrepancy did not hold at several points. SPGs are reliable. The discrepancies are normal. BUT, they start to become seriously inaccurate at 40 bars and below, and no one should still be diving at that point anyway. Always analyze and check the pressure of your gas (using a pressure checker).

@larlario289

22 күн бұрын

3-2-3

@miks8

22 күн бұрын

How did you make such a kickass profile pic? It looks like you are in a full face mask, but you're not. Is it just fortunate lighting/shadows or are you wearing some type of face cover?

@MrNeobuxer

22 күн бұрын

@@miks8 lol, part of it was luck wth the angle, wave splash, and lighting. The rest is a hood, large 2nd stage, and uv lense facemask

I must be the unlucky one. The Jonas of computers & transponders.When I got my new dive computer & transponder 4 years ago. I had 3 transponders fail within a few months of each other. Must have been a faulty batch!! They would intermittently fail to link before the dive so I was really pleased I had my spg. It always buy top quality computers and transmitters and rinse them after every dive. I brought another new computer 6 months ago and that failed but they replaced it. I dive every 2 weeks. No matter what happens I have always been able to dive as I have 2 computers, one transponder and a spg. I like redundancy 😊

An analogue SPG should be a backup to your brain. Spend some time on your SAC to bar per minute at depth. Based on your average depth, then you should be able to roughly determine what gas you have remaining and confirm it on the SPG. If something is unexpected then deal with it. You can also check an SPG is working smoothly every time you turn on/off gas. Ditch the costly transmitters and invest in some quality training instead.

I always like having the "brass and glass," even though I've never experienced (yet) a transmitter or receiver failure.

Hi I am a instructor and have always dived using an air integrated computer with transmitter but still have a spg. My opinion is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Can tuck it away neatly n can argue more failure points but with good maintenance n serving should not be issue

I have both, transmitter and SPG. When I do my buddy check I watch my SPG for deflection, when I take air from my 2nd stage. This could indicate an issue with my regulator/s. When diving my SPG is clipped to my backplate out of the way and I use my transmitter and computer (shearwater teric) I was going to get rid, but mate of mine had a digital pressure gauge in a SPG pod, the battery was new, 10 dives in, it worked the night before, worked on the boat out to dive site, dropped into the water and it stopped working 5 mins into the dive. Luckily we hadn’t gone too deep so surfaced, swapped to a dial SPG and carried on the dive. Winner. Love the channel and the information. 👍🏽

After having multiple Dive Computers Fail, I'll keep my SPG. April 27 I participated in a Lake Cleanup. Unfortunately I only had 1, 80cf Aluminum. Water Temp was a Balmy 55F.

The SPG is a backup to the computer T/R. It is also easier to for a buddy to look at an SPG instead of trying to get a good angle to look at the computer. Yes, the computer T/R are very good but can fail. The odds of both a computer and SPG failing during the dive are low. I did once have an SPG on my Sidemount setup develop a tiny leak at the o-ring. My buddy alerted me to the fault. Fortunately, I could shut down that tank and I finished off the dive on my second tank.

I have both. I have paid for my diving (on holiday), I don't want to lose a dive if there is a problem with the computer/transmitter. I know they are very good nowadays but I like to have the redundancy built in so I can switch to the SPG and not lose precious dive time 😊

@nickd8052

22 күн бұрын

If you have a problem with your computer I presume you're calling the dive anyway unless you brought your dive tables and are doing a box dive profile.

I guess it comes down to what type of diving you are doing. Personally I have two computers and a transmitter and an SPG. Complete overkill for a nice fish spotting dive, but if you go deeper there is redundancy. I have had two computers fail in the water over the years and if the one attached to my transmitter failed at least I have the other one and an SPG.

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

I had a scuba pro that had 10 dives on it. luckily it died after my last dive in Turks and Caicos. I asked one of the master dives at The Beaches Resort if that has ever happened to her. She told me that a lot of divers make fun of her for having two computers.I have had a SPG as a back up with my integrated computer. After I was sent a new computer I went diving in Cancun. My computer would not paid with the new computer but I had my SPG. I

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

I have since bought a Garmin Decent MKi. So now I’m redundant plus.

@saraha3958

21 күн бұрын

I read your comments after I wrote mine. Totally agree. I even brought one of those computers that attaches to your mask. It gives you a heads up display. It lasted one dive and the whole thing scrambled itself. They gave me my money back. I will get one again when the tech improves

@paulriley5842

21 күн бұрын

To give context. I have had 2 computers fail in 650 dives so a failure is pretty rare.

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

@@paulriley5842 I had one fail in 10 dives!

I use 2 dive computers when on live aboards. One with transmitter. If that were to die the SPG non transmitter computer allows me to continue to dive. It has occured so I can continue multiple daily dives as I then revert to the SPG. Cheap insurance. That way I do not have to have a 24 hour break.

Old school. I use both. Batteries die, I’ll take the failure point. Actually had the transmitter hose fail already and the spg was fine

I use transmitters because I like having all the data on my computers, and they're more accurate than a traditional SPG. But I also have SPGs because its a lot easier for that quick check after a fill.

Good points. My current set up is designed for travel w/ HydrosPro, Air 2 and Teric w/ integrated air. I questioned the need for an SPG but was told I should have it. So, I did. Integrated air I believe to be more accurate than the SPG but thought if Teric or transmitter cut out I don't have to quit the dive in a group dive situation. Warm water recreational diving is my preference with a specific interest in flora & fauna.

I don't have a transmitter, eventually will get one when I'll replace my dive computer, but still I think having a SPG is a must. It is surely nore reliable than an electronic wireless device, doesn't need a battery, can't have interference or coupling issues, and its way, way less expensive, also it works with any cylinder, disregarding the model of dive computer you're using. The best backup is always analog.

I bring my 2 SPGs as part of Save-a-Dive kit. I dive sidemount twinset and setup my watch to remind me every 20 bar to swap (Thanks Teric for the amazing feature). If there's anything wrong, I would just end the dive. Well, that is the plan. Have I used that plan yet? Nope. None of the transmitters have failed me so far. Dive is a calculated risk. If you can justify why you don't need an SPG, then go for it. For me, bring SPG as S.A.D kit and never do a deco/ cave dive without SPGs. I never ever use a 15cm HP hose on my transmitters too; stop letting other people (dive centers) prep your tanks. That's my 5c anyway on this matter.

Why does the dive end if your transmitter quits working? If you have an spg and a functioning dive computer minus the transmitter portion you should be able to safely continue the dive. I have a transmitter fail early on a dive and relied on the SPG for the remainder. I would have had to miss an hour of the last dive if I didn't have my SPG.

@enochsimo

22 күн бұрын

Thought the same. Makes no sense to end the dive, yet only the transmitter has eg run out of battery and yet you have an SPG

@enochsimo

22 күн бұрын

​@@aliasincognito0you don't make any sense with your reply 😒

@mrstihl16

22 күн бұрын

@@aliasincognito0 so cave and technical diving was impossible before the invention of air integrated computers?

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

@@mrstihl16 I was certified in 1972. We had a watch, a primitive depth gage, spg, a very primitive buoyancy device that was manually inflated and a weight belt! Somehow we manager to dive quite nicely!

@mrstihl16

21 күн бұрын

@@bugman9787 I'm totally fine with that. I was responding to the person who seems to think you can't finish a tech or cave dive with a fully functioning SPG if your transmitter dies, and is trying to act all special by pretending the answer is obvious without actually trying to justify why.

I run both but I’ll probably drop the SPG from my first stage (but still pack it for dive trips). Debating about the button gauge. Still like analog for setup and teardown.

I mean I completely get why people would say no, with computers nowadays and transmitters etc. But for me personally, if for whatever reason the computer / transmitter failed I would have comfort knowing that the SPG is there as a backup.

The primary reason I keep an SPG on my rig is so that if the transmitter dies on the boat, I don't have to skip the dive.

Integrated for me, thanks.

I started carrying mine again. I had a big issue with the Garmin T1 transmitter after it updated. The transmitter would read out of the water but soon as it was submerged the transmitter wouldn't connect. (this issue happened in a pool) Garmin ended sending a new unit but i still carry my SPG

I have a shearwater teric that the receiver in the computer broke. I had to get a new circuit board. Having and spg allowed me to keep diving until I could get home and send the teric in for repair.

Using a console computer (like Oceanic Pro Plus X) solves all the redundancy issues. One hose for console and one hose for the second stage if one uses Scubapro Air2 octo inflator-integrated. Very streamlined and minimalistic

@ScubaDiverMagazine

17 күн бұрын

Yeah, they're not very popular here in the UK. You see a few divers with them but most are wrist mounted. If you only dive one set of regs they're a good option.

@nicfab1

14 күн бұрын

Then you have to deal with a console computer though. The entire point of transmitters is that unclipping, moving and reclipping an SPG is effort and that you won't do that as often as just taking a quick glance at your wrist, which you can do every minute or few minutes no problem. With a console computer you'll not only look less often at your pressure but also less often at your computer as well.

@HelgiRu

14 күн бұрын

@@nicfab1well, no need to unclip it. I attach it on my left lower d-ring with retractable lanyard. Checking is easy. Same ergonomics. Less fail elements

I use both. Mainly because I dive with two DC's. (As well as a back-up depth gauge and bottom timer.) One of the DC's I use is AI compatible, one isn't. I wouldn't always want to end a dive straightaway just because the AI DC failed as I would if an SPG failed. Also, I have had a Transmitter OPV (Over Pressure Valve) fail on me during initial pressurisation on the surface. As I had a traditional SPG in the other HP port I was still able to go diving by removing the transmitter and putting in the HP Port plug which I carry in my DC case. (I wouldn't necessarily have a spare SPG with me at all times, though there is one in my Save A Dive Kit.) Also, having a traditional SPG in place allows a buddy to keep an eye on the gas levels if I have to hand off a stage to them for use.

Had a bad experience with a Garmin Transmitter that was off warranty , the Trans was reading 500 PSI more than the SPG , thought that was pretty dangerous , sent it to the local dealer , they said since it was off warranty my only option was to buy a new one ! . My SPG stays for now

Technology will go forward and it will become more reliable. I still have a spg, it came with the set. But as an IT engineer i see myself switch to digital one day. But until then I'm redundant in my setup.

Have a Suunto cobra 3, and have yet to use a transmitter.

Context: I dive recreational open circuit only, and I use both a transmitter and an SPG currently, but I'd really love to ditch the SPG. On my old dive computer (Suunto D4i), I had connection issues with the transmitter somewhat regularly, and so the SPG was a must simply due to the lack of reliability in that transmitter/computer. I've recently upgraded to a Garmin Descent Mk3i and am excited to test that out and see how it does. The other problem with the Suunto transmitter was the battery was not technically field replaceable, and there was no great way to check the remaining battery life. With the Garmin T2 having a field replaceable battery, assuming the connectivity is more reliable, I'll feel much better ditching the SPG. Might go to button gauge as an interim move, and keep the SPG and HP hose in the dive bag in case of emergency.

@jamiemorris7688

20 күн бұрын

Frustratingly the suunto transmitters used to have user replacable batteries but for some reason that stopped that through what in my opinion was a rather underhanded recall.

I'm a proponent of redundancy, but I only carry an SPG on backmounted singles and doubles. I have a transmitter and SPG on the first stage, or the transmitter on the right post and the SPG on the left. In sidemount I don't bother with an SPG. I have two isolated fully redundant systems. If one transmitter fails, I still have the other cylinder with its own first stage and transmitter. I will breathe the cylinder without a transmitter down, and then switch to the other one. I do have spare SPG's in my SADK, so if a transmitter does become defective I can replace it with an SPG so I can continue to dive.

My transmitter link failed on the only thistlegorm dive of the trip. If I didn't have a backup SPG then I would not have been able to complete the dive and totally missed out. I'd never call a dive just based on a transmitter failure. That solidified it for me, I love the AI but I'd always want a backup.

@nodidog

22 күн бұрын

This isn't an argument for SPGs though, just for redundancy. A backup transmitter would've been just as good

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

@@nodidog what happens if the computer craps out?

@nodidog

21 күн бұрын

@@bugman9787 the same as any piece of equipment - you either have a redundant backup, or you don't. Unless your whole group will accept diving box profiles with tables, the dive is over if a computer fails. You make a good point in that it's only a single point of failure, rather than two. That's true, but i'd have to seriously question how I treat my gear if both a transmitter and computer fail on the same trip

@bugman9787

21 күн бұрын

@@nodidog my scuba pro computer died after 10 dives, shit happens! Just when you think it can’t happen, it does!

@nodidog

21 күн бұрын

@@bugman9787 That doesn't really change anything that I said - but that is pretty shocking (presuming the computer was brand new). Why did it fail, did it flood or something?

If I had redundant pressure monitoring equipment on a single (or every) regulator I personally would not end the dive if one failed. Most people have one to start with, so why should I then end the dive with still that one left? You end the dive when redundancy is required and it's gone, not necessarily if you choose to have redundant redundancy. Would I have redundant SPGs on my regs if I had loose money for an AI computer and transmitters? I do not know. I dive sidemount so buttons on top of the regs if anything.

For me, it depends on the configuration I am diving with. If I am doing single tank backmount, I usually have an AI transmitter and SPG. The SPG mostly gets used to check the tank is full at the start and is a just in case thing. It is mostly there to not ruin a dive for my buddies if the transmitter somehow doesn't work. This has happened a grand total of never in a few hundred dives. When diving sidemount, I just carry a transmitter on each tank. I have button SPGs in my save a dive kit just in case they break in a way I can't fix during the trip. That said, I would probably do the same if I were using traditional SPGs. Just takes someone to drop a tank on your SPG and it is done for. Without a backup in your kit, your trip is ruined.

Team spg but it dose depend on what diving you do if just basic ow then whatever you want but for myself i dont trust them all my sets are spg

for me, always an spg as a backup my dive buddy has experienced frequent disconnects between the transmitter & his computer. Almost always it will reconnect if he moves the computer closer to the transmitter, but twice we've had to abort dives because the computer failed to reconnect, even after taking the computer off his wrist and me holding right next to the transmitter (the computer was still functioning normally otherwise). After that experience, he added an spg backup (and, as things go, he his computer hasn't lost connection to the transmitter since then).

@enochsimo

21 күн бұрын

😂 if his spg fails as well, look for a new buddy, that one might be full of bad luck 😅 what could happen next if for both of you to be eaten by a shark 😂

I only use a spg on my pony bottle.

#askmark Hello, I just bought the helix compact pro regulator from aqualung. Aqualung says you only have to overhaul the reg every 2 years. If I were to hook up a regular octo to the compact pro regulator would I have to service the octo more frequently then the primary compact pro?

@ScubaDiverMagazine

16 күн бұрын

Technically yes, you should take your octo in for a service once a year if that's required by its individual guidelines. Certain seals will degrade over time and need replacing. The seals on your Helix regulator will be made from an improved material that lasts longer. While your Helix regs are in for an annual inspection your octo can be serviced. If you leave it over the year the octo _may_ malfunction.

I dive backmout single at work and I do have an spg clipped to my d-ring, I just can't even remember when I took a look at it last time since I also have a shearwater with swift transmitter. When diving sidemount I have transmitters as primary and little button SPG's just as a backup but I'm scared of them getting damaged especially when hauling tanks to cars or in to the Caves or mines. That's why I always carry a couple of spare buttons on my SDK just in case. Question: Has anyone seen a button spg cover or protector that could be removed only in case the stage pressure needs to be checked or when the transmitter fails and analog spg is needed. Just a little something to give protection for the glass, or do I have to buy a 3d printer to overcome the problem. 😅 #askmark

@ScubaDiverMagazine

20 күн бұрын

I've never seen one myself. Button Gauges come in a couple of shapes and many divers consider them disposable compared to a full SPG. My mind goes to a rubber hose cap, find one that's the right diameter and that should protect it a little...

@epikarhu

20 күн бұрын

@@ScubaDiverMagazine true, that's why I have a save a few extras in my save a dive kit. On the other hand maybe this is the problem I can solve by finally getting a 3d printer on top of all the other junk in my Cave 😅

#askmark why do dive computers, even tech computers such as the Perdix, have inaccurate surface intervals like 172 days? Can you also explain the relationship between a surface interval and the computer between dives?

More than 10 years diving with a transmitter. never lost signal or died. I think it's time for me to say goodbye to my SPG.

On a recent dive my Shearwater swift blew its over pressure valve at 30 metres creating a high pressure leak. My back up SPG was my only way to monitor cylinder pressure as we ascended having ended the dive. Essential redundant equipment that I would never dive without.

Hi Mark, unrelated question but I am trying to find a pair of fins which are positively buoyant. Currently I am on my second pair of Seawing Nova’s but unfortunately the hinge is starting to tear again. Looking for a good and sturdy alternative. Do you know of any alternatives?

@ScubaDiverMagazine

20 күн бұрын

Deep 6 Eddy's are buoyant from what I've heard. Standard Apeks RK3 fins are also fairly buoyant. The new Scubapro S-Tek fins are positive but, you can add metal plates to adjust their buoyancy. Those are all tough fins and buoyant from my recollection...

❤❤🎉

Well I’m not rich enough to afford an AI computer so I’ll be sticking with an SPG for now.

@willsmooth45

22 күн бұрын

Don’t need to be rich just need to be willing to live on the cheaper side elsewhere in your life like eat out less or whatever😊

@bloodymarvelous4790

22 күн бұрын

@@willsmooth45 Don't need to be rich, to be my girl. Don't have to be cool, to rule my world. Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with. I just want your extra time and your........ Kiss.

@miks8

22 күн бұрын

Im sitting here with my brand new Peregrine, realising that I would need to get Perdix + Swift, which would come at a 3x the cost I just took with Peregrine just to have air reading on my wrist.... yeah, I feel ya.. one day.

Nope. Tdi let me use my transmitter for a class. If either one breaks guess what you’re doing anyways. 👍. Plus on my setup I don’t need hoses so less failure points

@mrstihl16

22 күн бұрын

Why would you end the dive early if a transmitter failed in a way that wasn't leaking air? This is assuming you have a functioning SPG.

@enochsimo

22 күн бұрын

I wonder, too. Why would you end the dive with just a fulty transmitter. Someone come make sense of this madness 😠

@nickd8052

22 күн бұрын

@@mrstihl16 I would assume if redundancy was so important to someone that they had to have it, they should call the dive when they no longer have it. That's generally how it would work with any other redundancy, otherwise why have the it to begin with? I dive recreational with transmitter only as I only dive on travels and don't want to lug around extra hoses / equipment.

@mrstihl16

22 күн бұрын

@@nickd8052 I don't know why it's hard to believe that my redundancy to to be able to continue the activity that I spent a lot of time, money, and effort to accomplish. A transmitter is a convenience that makes gives all my information in a single place, along with a few other bells and whistles I tend to prefer but don't need. I've never found an spg to be overly cumbersome or even take up too much space in my luggage when traveling. I have had a transmitter run out of battery on the 3rd dive after putting in a fresh battery. Sometimes things happen. I'm happy I didn't miss out on a significant portion of my diving that I traveled to another country to do as a result of that faulty battery.

@nickd8052

22 күн бұрын

@@mrstihl16 That's fair enough. I just keep a spare battery in my SAD. I also have an integrated inflater hose / octo which I know is fairly unpopular, but I hate lugging so much stuff across the world.

Redundant redundant shall we call it high available? 1 is spof 2 is redundant 3 is high available

I always made a point NOT to rely on anything battery operated as much as I can. Also electric/electronic under water. I have a analog console with air pressure, depth and compass. Works all the time.

@amazingtazz1579

22 күн бұрын

So I presume you rely on dive tables and a dive watch? Is stead of a dive computer?

@dacon1993

22 күн бұрын

@@amazingtazz1579 Most of the time I dive to eat. Don't care about corrals and underwater sightseeing. I check the analog air pressure and depth gauge only.

@nodidog

22 күн бұрын

Works all the time... except when it doesn't. SPGs can fail. They are less accurate too. It's all tradeoffs.