Scrap The SPG - Scuba Tech Tips: S17E18

With today's sophisticated and reliable dive computers, is there a need for the SPG?
Alec suggests it maybe time to scrape the SPG except for some special uses.

***** Alec Peirce Scuba *****

SCUBA TECH TIPS playlists

VINTAGE SCUBA playlists

SEA HUNT REMEMBERED playlists

SEA HUNT COLLECTOR

[AdamHelb]

I use a small SPG in addition to a wireless AI computer. Aside of a backup when I'm gearing up and turn the tank valve on I can see the tank pressure right away, as at this stage my computer is still turned off.

[Bluewave]

Cool video. I scrapped my SPG years ago after getting my Teric + transmitter. In order to still have a "spare tire", I opted in for a mini 1" screw-on gauage that my dive buddy can look at in the unlikely unevent of a dive computer failure. Been enjoying how light I feel underwater since!

[ScubaFinds]

It tells you “ dummy your run out of air” 😂😂 I’ll never forget that phrase from your older video 🤣

[laminar]

Boy, Alec Sir.. I was hoping this video would get me off that fence for certain 😂!! But all points well taken. Pros and cons for each side on this one… still trying to figure it out. But thanks!

[henrymaxfield]

Good perspective! One point to add is that a backup SPG shouldn't be necessary from a safety perspective: in the event of a transmitter failure you have to end the dive, but you know (hopefully!) that you have enough gas to safely ascend and complete stops. I typically run one or the other, even for technical/decompression dives, with the philosophy that carrying both is just adding extra O-rings etc to possibly fail.

[M.M.M.M.M]

I like your no-nonsense, easy-going approach even to (for some) controversial topics :)

[jacquespoirier]

Even if new generation of computers are a nice add on to diving gear, I always keep my mechanical SPG.
I totally hate relying on electronic equipment when a reliable mechanical equipment is available, the SPG is a very good example of that.
It is the same with automobiles where idiot lights and electronics have took over, I by far prefer gauges, they are a good diagnostic tool and that speak so you can take the corrective actions before being stranded in a very uncomfortable situation.
very good topic

[maxtorque]

IME, it's rare for a transmitter to fail during a dive, more likely to fail before hand, due to not being used for a while (flat battery, been dropped/damaged etc) So, yes, take your mech SPG off your rig, but don't throw it away, simply put it in your "save a dive" kit and take it with you. Then, when you kit up, should you find your flashy wireless pressure monitor has gone south, no worries, it's one quick spanner job to pop the old mech SPG back on, and of you go on your dive as normal!

A failure "in the water" of any pressure monitor, should NEVER become an issue if you are diving within your limits and are paying attention. What would be potentially dangerous is failing to notice your SPG/Transmitter has failed, but that's not an equipment issue, it's a "you" issue, and here, a computer, unlike a mech SPG is going to be beeping it's little head off in the event of a loss of reliable air pressure

[srenb]

I love SPGs….now I have 2 that are stuck arround 70 bar… so never out of air any more!
My Suunto EON Core with transmiters on tank and stage just works perfect, for years now… Alec, you are right, scrap it - before it leaks, also!

[diverdave]

I have yet to have any problem with a dive computer !
perhaps because I don't trust a battery operated toy ...
the Ole school SPG's and a dive table still rule !!!

[greglyon]

Mr. Alec, The spare tire analogy is great. If I was only doing shallow dives in The Bahamas with a sandy bottom at 40’, I would ditch the SPG, otherwise I’m taking my spare tire.

[amadeuss]

Currently diving in Cuba, 3 days ago my transmitter blowed up due to internal failure. Port plug is easier to find here then a new transmitter.
So back up spg for now.

[keif_mn]

I am a recreational diver and exclusively have been using my AI and wrist computer. It's awesome and works flawlessly. Of course you need a back-up plan for if it breaks. I'll always be with a buddy and if any of our gear is not working well, we will abort the dive and head up for our safety stop. Pretty unlikely that both divers will both have their means of monitoring air pressure croak at the same time.

[charg]

I'm a recreational diver and I always use an SPG, on my recent overseas trip on a liveaboard I discovered my computer and transmitter were damaged, luckily a fellow diver had a spare transmitter and I had my backup AI computer, so I'm always comfortable having my SPG in case those other devices fail and I have nothing else to use.

[kevindavison]

Ill never say never but im keepnig my SPG for a long time for several reasons. 1. I don't trust electronics much 2. Its attached and I can't forget it at home. I don't use a wrist computer 3. The fancier you get the $$$ adds up and I'd rather spend it on traveling to actually dive rather than have fancy equipment sitting in a closet.

[josephdracula]

👍🤿😎🇵🇭! Don’t care what other divers think I still use both!

[DonWarfield]

1- on my last 3 foreign liveaboard trips at least one of my group have encountered computer problems/failures. for that reason i use 2 computers, one on my wrist and one on my SPG console. And now tell me why would i want to combine the SPG function with the electronics of the computer?
2- mounting gauges on the SPG means that's one less item to leave inadvertently on the boat -because it's attached to my reg/tank/BC.
3 -personally, I find that analog gauges are easier to read in reduced visibility. did you ever wake up trying to make out what 88:88 means on the hotel alarm clock?

[StefanoPrezioso]

I have had issues with wireless transmitters in the past (Suunto D4i) and have been happy to have an SPG as a back up. That being said, I upgraded to a Garmin Descent Mk3i, and the transmitter seems to be much more reliable (and has a user/field replaceable battery). I am considering ditching the SPG and HP hose and just keeping them in the dive bag with me. Worst case scenario would be a single aborted dive if the transmitter fails on a dive. Can always add the SPG and HP Hose back on between dives to make sure I can keep diving that day if needed.

[pablorivera]

I prefer an SPG, with a transmitter you have to worry yet about another battery for something vital as your air pressure. It is fragile and easy to lose. I am a recreational diver who likes to rely on electronics as less as possible. I use a computer but also a mechanical automatic diver's watch and even consult my decompression table. Most new divers don't even know how to use a decompression table anymore so if their computer fails they cannot dive, but I do!

[chrisphilhower]

I have had multiple dive computers fail. I'm sticking to the SPG