EVERY Diver Should Use Air Integration

[@CircleHScuba]

Shearwater Tern TX & Swift Bundle 👉 geni.us/TernTXBundle Shearwater Tern TX 👉 geni.us/TernTX Shearwater Peregrine TX & Swift Bundle 👉 geni.us/PeregrineTXBundle Shearwater Peregrine TX 👉 geni.us/PeregrineTX Shearwater Peregrine 👉 geni.us/ShearwaterPeregrine Shearwater Swift Transmitter 👉 geni.us/ShearwaterSwift How To Choose A Dive Computer ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/iom6qYuDqdKil6s Shearwater Peregrine TX - First Look ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3qcpomMqrB6paM Shearwater Tern TX ▶ First Impressions - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHyQXneNr7CniKs 5 Dive Planning Secrets Not Found In The Manuals ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKrZimRseqdnpZo Secrets of Better Air Consumption ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eISXnJ2QqNuhp80

[@MarkHorningJazzer]

I'm a new diver and I was advised by a friend who is a long time dive instructor to go with AI when I decided to buy a dive computer. I now have 80 dives with one and I can unequivocally say it has made me a better diver faster as I'm completely aware of my breathing with it. My computer/transmitter gives me SAC rate data real time as well as heart rate as well as records the information in the app/software on my phone and computer.

[@CircleHScuba]

What an awesome testament to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@mellamodiego8458]

i have the GARMIN mk3i....its absolutely amazing i highly recommended it....has so many features including gps which will show you where your entry was and your exit....super awesome.

[@CircleHScuba]

Fantastic dive computer too!

[@punkw7852]

I love Tern TX & have completed 28 dives so far with it. Just paused your video to looked up my SAC rate. I’m learning a little more each time I watch you. Thank you for great information on all the different features on the app via my Tern TX!! My husband liked mine so much he purchased a Peregrine TX & we’re on our way to getting his 1st dive on it while we’re doing our checkout dive for navigation!! 🎉🎉

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome, wow you’ve hit the ground running with the new Tern TX! Good luck on your nav course!!

[@elejaces]

Outstanding video! Love that you kept it clear and straightforward ! I also happen to be a Dive Pro, and have two Perdix2 computers, and a few AI transmitters for them. I have been using Shearwater dive computers for more than 5 years. I have had other brands too. Why Shearwater? I appreciate all the USEFUL, visible information I get at one glance of the screen, the ease of navigation of the options, configurability, and one thing that to me is VERY important: CUSTOMER SERVICE. Shearwater will go out of their way to provide PROMPT, reliable service shall you ever need it. In this world of disposable tech, being able to count on a critical piece of gear that you use on every dive is a major advantage.

[@CircleHScuba]

I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the comment, and welcome to the channel! I don’t recall seeing your name in the comments before!

[@robertjames-life4768]

I agree, I don’t wear watches because I don’t like having something on my wrist. I’ve always had an integrated computer connected by hose. I keep it on a retractable leash against my chest. Love it.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s a great option too!

[@wkolcz]

Couldn't agree more. I am only mad that I just upgraded my Mares Quad Air to a Perdix 2 a month ago for sidemount mode and the compass...and then Shearwater launched the Peregrine TX with both those features for $400 less...lol. Awesome video as always!

[@CircleHScuba]

I get that! If you don’t need all the features of the Perdix the Peregrine TX is awesome. That said, that Perdix 2 will do anything and everything you’ll ever want to do basically! Haha

[@wkolcz]

@@CircleHScuba Agreed! But I could have bought a third transmitter with the price difference 😭🤣😂

[@CircleHScuba]

@wkolcz 🤣 true!

[@jkowall]

I always dive with a shearwater (Nerd or Perdix), but the Garmin is usually my second computer. The Garmin also calculates cuft/min which the shearwater doesn't (however Dive+ app does this). This does require you enter the tank size and working pressure of the tank into the computer. Good vid!

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks! I have a Mk3i I need to finish testing still and want to check that out now too, thanks for the tip! Side note: how do you like your nerd? I haven’t tried one yet

[@twoknife]

I have been using AI on Shearwater Teric for my whole diving career. I really like it from a SA point of view. I feel like having all relevant information (compass heading, tank pressure(s), depth, and deco) with one glance at the dive computer makes diving both safer and more enjoyable. Particularly if some of your attention is already diverted to working with a camera. I have seen so many firm believers in analog SPGs finish dives on my long hose due to not looking at their SPGs frequently enough. These days I just use two transmitters on my Sidemount setup. I always pack a replacement battery and two button SPGs in my bag just in case. I typically have an analog backup when diving backmount. Transmitter failures are quite rare on Shearwater, but it is good peace of mind. Not a factor on Sidemount though as that setup is redundant anyway. You can quite easily feel how much air is in a tank relative to the working transmitter due to buoyancy changes (assuming your trim is really good, but why would you sidemount if it is not...).

[@CircleHScuba]

I keep a backup SPG for now but have been considering dropping that as well. When I’m in sidemount I run two transmitters and two little lollipop gauges just to have them still. But if I ever felt a need to drop them it wouldn’t be that bad of a choice for me.

[@mikedugan3253]

Great video, I agree that air integration is more than just a cool and fun feature. I'm not in any way an anti-Shearwater person, but at 3300+ PSI you're lucky the OPV on the swift didn't pop. I hope it's something Shearwater fixes soon because it's happening way too often these days. I know of at least 4 cases now, most recently with another diver on the boat in the Caymans. I highly recommend turning the tank on very very slowly and if you're in a very warm and sunny place (think Bonaire) do what you can to keep the tank shaded. And I always dive with a button SPG just in case my air integration fails.

[@CircleHScuba]

Ah that’s so interesting! I have 4 swift transmitters and 1 of their OGs. I dive HP steel tanks usually at 3500 psi, and never had an issue or heard of one. Something I’m going to look out for though for sure!

[@ABCDiver]

Excellent video! I have just one suggestion: put your transmitter on a short (6") hose instead of directly on your 1st stage, otherwise someone could lift your entire rig by the transmitter and snap it off.

[@CircleHScuba]

The pros of that also include sometimes decreasing any “no comms” due to being a bit too far from your transmitter. The con is you introduce another failure point. I’ve never had to worry about people making that mistake but I know people bring this up and have said it’s happened to them. I think it’s a personal choice and I don’t recommend or not recommend it. Like, if you want to, go for it, if not, that’s fine too. I don’t feel strongly either way and for myself I currently choose not to. Thanks for the comment and compliment on the video!

[@peterpanci78]

Hi thank you for the video? i am looking to buy a Garmin its worth it to have one? or i should buy a shearwater for scuba and watch for day to day. i dive 2 to 3 time a year Thank you

[@CircleHScuba]

I actually am working on a video for the newest Garmin dive computer, the mk3i, but don’t have enough experience with it to say to go with it over a dedicated dive computer. I know a lot of people that love their Garmins but idk if I’d rank it higher than shearwater just yet since I haven’t dove it myself.

[@peterpanci78]

@@CircleHScuba Thank you verry much.

[@peterpanci78]

@@CircleHScuba I was looking on G1 us well because of the price

[@CircleHScuba]

@peterpanci78 no problem, sorry I don’t have a specific answer yet! I think they’re great, but idk if they’re worth it yet. Thats what I wanna look into more before I make my own video, haha

[@pedroluis151]

​@peterpanci78 I can't give you a complete review for the garmin mk3i for diving, i only used it for diving once and was exactly to test the air integration, wich workd flawlessly, i must say. What I can say though is that the mk3i is an amazing everyday smartwatch/sports watch. I use it daily to monitor sleep, to track my exercises, it counts my steps and calories burned, it can GPS track my walks... everything my wife's garming does and plus is a dive computer. Once I only dive a few times a year, i feel this was the best option for me. I got to spend a hefty sum to have one of most modern air integrated dive computers and not feel guilty to leave it laying around most of the time. Plus, the battery lasts 3 weeks which is very nice.

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿🇵🇭! Great one Thomas! I will be updating my dive computer soon and YES it will be a Shearwater! Don’t know which one yet but of course my friend it will have air integration! 👍

[@CircleHScuba]

They’re a great choice! Good to see you Joseph!

[@scubaeb]

Well said on so many points. It's fun to be old enough and have been diving long enough to see things come around. This industry is so resistant to new tech. When AI first came out the "old guard" wasn't having it. The arguments held no water and it always came back to "This is the way we have always done it....." Ridiculous. Now, with AI and airsource/inflators we dive rigs with 2 hoses. Super streamlined and less failure points. Even tech is leaning toward AI, finally. Next step, hoseless regulators......🤣

[@CircleHScuba]

😂 it’s true. This has been controversial in the comments and I don’t think people like change at the end of the day. I do love the DA AquaMaster I dove though, restoring one now too 😅

[@dustinsearle8173]

When using gtr and sac rate. Is there a difference in tanks. Does the computer use that as a factor Al 80 vs hp 100?

[@CircleHScuba]

That depends on the computer. Some let you input tank size, but a lot don’t from what I’ve seen. There are pros and cons to that. For Shearwater, they don’t and the manual explains how the calculations work. The manuals are freely available online if you do a quick google search and want to read about it 🤙

[@timothykelley832]

I have a quick question for you if you don’t mind. Fist off lat me start out by saying I’m kinda new to scuba diving. I just got my shearwater predix2. Should I leave my manual gauge on my first stage or is it safe to remove it? Thank you Tim Kelley

[@CircleHScuba]

Hey! First of all, questions are always welcome, I never mind. Second, congrats on the new Perdix 2! I love mine! You can definitely remove the SPG if you’d like, however some people like to have them as a redundant back up just in case of the computer failing. Personally I’ve kept mine on for now, but I may remove it in the future as I never use it and trust my computer. If my gauge failed before air integration, I’d end my dive safely. So if I only had my air integrated computer and that died, it’s the same thing I’d end my dive early. Having the SPG for me isn’t a big deal so I’ve kept mine on, but it comes down to personal preference on if you want it “just in case” or not.

[@timothykelley832]

Thank you so much. I actually had my local dive shop to remove it yesterday when I got my new Computer, but I was just sitting here thinking I might should’ve left it on. I like the idea, not having it in the way and actually getting rid of a little bit of extra weight.

[@timothykelley832]

But yes, sir anything happens goes wrong with the computer or my swift transmitter I will immediately get with my buddy and end the dive just like if I had a gauge malfunction

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s completely fine. It’s one of the “great debates” in diving haha. Some folks swear you don’t need it, some swear you do. I think do what you like and as long as you know the right thing to do if it does fail, I think you’re ok.

[@howardjones1955]

For years, I've used an Atomic Cobalt 2 with a Cressi wrist computer as backup. My Cobalt 2 just failed and I'm looking into AI. My main question is - what happens if you lose pairing underwater? Does that happen? I'm just now starting to look and do research on which one to purchase and that was the first thing that popped into my head. Thanks -

[@CircleHScuba]

Great question. Occasionally the distance from the transmitter to your wrist computer may make the screen say it can’t find the signal, but that corrects itself pretty much instantly. I’ve never seen a full loss of signal unless the battery dies on the transmitter. A lot of folks keep a SPG as a backup in case of computer/transmitter failure, but if you don’t, you treat it like your SPG broke. End the dive immediately with a safe ascent.

[@CrazyGuyBlahBlah]

Garmin MK2i integrated user. Can monitor kids' air so easily and their usage gets added to the Garmin dive logs so we can compare.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s a great use case!

[@yonasngaturi8805]

Ooof I thought this was gonna be a hot take but you made a few sensible points! I think the ability to track your SAC rate, diving progress and have data-backed answers to questions are big reasons to get AI. I’ve got half a mind now on the Garmin MK3i as Garmin watches satisfies my above water needs the best but it’s one that puts a crater in my bank account. I’ve eyed that if the long shot possibility of becoming an instructor comes to fruition, but your video convinces me as a rec diver to consider AI

[@CircleHScuba]

I think it’s a hot take still up to a point 😂 Some folks in the comments felt it’s over exaggerated but I do think AI just makes sense. I have been testing the Garmin’s out a little but need to do way more before I make a video on them. It’ll come sometime though!

[@mojo2131]

Off topic but what do you think about split fins ?

[@CircleHScuba]

They’re easier to flutter kick with if you have knee problems or some other mobility problems. However they basically make it impossible to frog kick and do other maneuvers so I really don’t recommend them to folks usually. They’re a tool for a specific purpose imo, people that have issues propelling themselves otherwise.

[@mojo2131]

@@CircleHScuba I'm 58 and go to start scuba lessons next and they recommended split fins so I was wondering your opinion Thanks .

[@CircleHScuba]

Ah okay. They are easier to kick in for sure so definitely don’t feel like you can’t use them. Also, fins are one of the cheaper things to buy so it’s not too terrible if you decide to replace them later. I own 4 pairs now 🤦‍♂️😂

[@shekhawatharshofficial]

Thank you! 🙏

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome!

[@paulkim9318]

Where do u teach ?

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m in the Raleigh, NC area and currently teach through Carolina Dive Center, a PADI shop 🤿

[@tvelocidad]

How does air integration extend bottom time?

[@CircleHScuba]

I was referring to GTR and knowing exactly what your SAC and GTR/TTS is. Planning this all ahead is great, but just like a computer helps give you more time over tables because it tracks actual depth, adding a transmitter can do this as well so you may stay a few minutes longer knowing you can.

[@EnergiZeScuba]

you can also use the aqualung Transmitter. its cheaper then the swift

[@CircleHScuba]

You can as long as it’s the same frequency but of course it’s “not recommended” in the manuals

[@Teampegleg]

@@CircleHScuba You look for FCC ID MH8A on the transmitter that indicates it is made by PPS, who originally made the transmitters for SRI until the Swift.

[@bobs12017]

AI is really good for ease of access, integration with other computations and dive logging. However I'd never, ever rely 100% on a radio transmitter underwater. Mine has (briefly) lost signal at least half a dozen times while using it. Not an issue because it reconnected within seconds, but if it didn't and I wasn't also running an analogue SPG I wouldn't not be happy.

[@CircleHScuba]

The manual for anything I’ve seen with shearwater recommends a backup still

[@Quebolas]

I just got an AI transmitter for my teric a month ago. Best decision I've made in diving equipment. It is accurate to the PSI and like @circleHScuba said it's great for a night dive!

[@CircleHScuba]

So awesome to hear that! Honestly, I’ve been spoiled by AI and the times I’ve taken it off for whatever reason or I’m using someone else’s reg or a rental from our shop, I REALLY miss it 😅 Thanks for being the first comment too!! 🎉🎉

[@jakeh3077]

Agree that AI is great if you can swing the $! I got mine more for data nerd purposes but found it very useful while diving as well. Any opinion on using a short hose on the transmitter? Backup SPG or not?

[@CircleHScuba]

Agreed the price part stinks sometimes, but I do think they’re worth it! The opinions I’ll share may change over time, and you picked two debated topics haha. Short Hose: I think it’s a smart idea, but personally haven’t done it. I am not against it, but I haven’t felt a need either. I think some folks would say extra connections like the spindle for the HP short hose connecting to the transmitter is an extra fail point but I’m not really in that camp, I just haven’t found a reason to move mine to a hose. I get signal no problem, so don’t need length to better position it, and personally I’m not overly worried about someone confusing it for a valve on my cylinder or it getting banged up or something 🤷‍♂️ Backup SPG: Also highly debated haha. I do use one, I prefer to and the extra hose bothers me in no way shape or form. I like the idea of one less hose but I’ve been diving with a SPG forever so it’s kind of like an “accepted hose” config for me if that makes sense? Shearwater manuals say to use a backup SPG, though honestly that is likely more for liability than necessity. Just in case something went wrong on my computer/transmitter and I’m in deco (either planned or something went really wrong and it was unplanned), I’d like a backup SPG just for my own sanity. Regardless it’s a dive ending scenario to not read your gas pressure imo.

[@jakeh3077]

@@CircleHScuba Thanks for the detailed reply!! My very first time using my transmitter I cranked on the transmitter instead of the valve during a final gear check 😅 Never did that again (partially because I moved it to the other side) but that’s what first got me thinking about a short hose. Never had a connection issue either (using a Teric). I didn’t know the Shearwater manual states to use a backup SPG. Interesting! I’ve been considering the button gauge idea just for surface breath test. Not too worried about losing that signal at depth with my usual profiles.

[@CircleHScuba]

I think a button gauge is a great idea too, someone else just said that actually in another comment earlier. I should’ve mentioned I also keep my transmitter on the other side usually which helps haha. But yeah, so far no erroneous cranking on the transmitter vs a valve, (knock on wood)

[@amadeuss3341]

AI is a must, it's 2024 man. I don't understand why people even looking at non AI computers. I removed my spg completely, and installed a button gauge on 1st stage, i use it to check new tank pressure, without wiggle with computer.

[@CircleHScuba]

Ooooo a button gauge is a good idea! I do keep my SPG just in case now but idk, I may change it some day haha. Thanks for all the recent support! Keep seeing you in the comments! 🤙

[@laminar0886]

WOW! What a great idea! A button gauge on the 1st stage! Do you find it interferes with the transmitter itself while attached to the 1st stage? I’ve been debating getting rid of my SPG and hose for it… now it makes even more sense.

[@amadeuss3341]

@laminar0886 nope , but my 1st stage have HP ports 180 degrees apart. Yeah, and you can always take the bcd off to look at it in case or real need while on the dive. Funny part is that my wife have same setup , and i can see her aprox pressure 10ft away 🤣

[@anthonydegazon5710]

One to remember is that the sac rate calculated by the computer doesn’t take in to consideration the size of the tank you are breathing on.

[@CircleHScuba]

Yes you’re correct. That’s definitely something to look at too

[@moonshroom13]

wish I could!...can`t afford it!

[@CircleHScuba]

I’d try to look at least at the ones that support AI and then purchase a transmitter later, but I do get that they can be more expensive

[@Teje.wheels]

SAC calculations can be made underwater if you pay attention frecuenly to your spg and your dive time. The example that you mention about ascending with one hand is a good but let be honest, if you are not in an emergency you will ascend slowly and look to your SPG before ascending. Also you can always let air out with your left hand while your are looking to your computer on the right hand to manage deph easyly. i like tecnology but i think if the transmiter have a malfunction it could be really dangerous. i think that the mayority of this functions are really nice but is really worth it? do you have the malfunctions rates of the computers or the AI transmiter? this information is really valueble if you really think every diver must have AI.

[@CircleHScuba]

Let’s be honest, most divers aren’t doing math to calculate SAC regularly except as they start getting into tec. The example on ascent is one example, and looking to your computer on your right instead of left doesn’t really matter. The point was letting air out while trying to fumble with a SPG too, which yes, could be more of an emergency situation but may not be too. As for malfunctioning transmitters, I don’t have any numbers at hand but if you’ve heard anything about Shearwater specifically (I can’t speak for others to the same degree as I haven’t had as much experience with others), their known as “most reliable” in the dive community. Idk if there are specific reports proving that, but anecdotal evidence is absolutely there if you look anywhere online or ask anyone.

[@Teje.wheels]

@@CircleHScuba i think SAC rate is basic awareness and i'm not into TEC. as we all know it's used to plan the dive so then u can dive the plan. every time you look your SPG you should look your dive time too, but as you said the mayority doesn't do it so changing negligence for tecnology for those ones could be beneficial short term but we really want every diver to rely their life with bluetooth ? i think a good diver is the one that doesn't need supervision and this habits just make it worst. IMO if we really want to push tecnology we first need to push good education so everybody can plan a dive, is basic.

[@CircleHScuba]

I think dive planning needs more focus in training as well. Recreational diving is for recreation though, and I do think it can be “less fun” if instead of enjoying a dive you’re doing math to figure out your SAC, looking at your fully written dive plan with dive tables, and looking at your dive watch to check dive time. Dive Computers are generally accepted and it’s replaced table planning for recreational divers almost everywhere. Air integration is just like that, it’s moving the needle forward in diving. I mean I have an old double hose Aqua lung DA-AquaMaster I’m restoring and I’ve dove friends’ old school gear too. It works just fine, but I’m glad I have a modern BCD and reg set up vs a j valve, old horse collar, etc. Technology moves things forward and I truly think sometime in the near-ish future (pending price going down since that’s a factor), AI/transmitters will 100% be the norm.

[@Beets1e]

Im currently looking for another computer after a horrible experience with Scubapro Luna 2.0 getting a refund. Im not convinced with A.I truly apart from not looking at my spg and a rough countdown of how long the air will last thats all the benefits mainly. Honestly, I think I'll be going for a non A.I dive computer im not convinced by A.I, but to each is own.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s totally fine too, there are great computers without AI. I do think once you’ve had AI it’s hard to go back though, personally.

[@Chewbacca10]

Would love to dive AI! Any chance you’ll have a giveaway soon? I think that’s my only shot at it…

[@CircleHScuba]

Nothing planned yet but I don’t mind trying to see what we can do in the future!

[@laurentbardassier2074]

i don't agree ... Everyone should know how to plan !! Plan a TTS and a take-off pressure that depends on the TTS. It's easy, even for decompression dives with Air or Nitrox

[@CircleHScuba]

I agree people should know how to calculate these. But knowing how to do math and then using a calculator to make it easy is fine. I’d say a computer is similar. Just like I use my computer over dive tables.

[@laurentbardassier2074]

​@@CircleHScuba No need for a calculator, you just need to know how to add and multiply by 3. During the briefing, team members define the amount of mandatory stops they wish to make during the dive, e.g. 5 minutes. And the maximum depth, e.g. 40 meters. They can then calculate the maximum TTS : 5 minutes of ascent to surface (10 meters per minute + 1 minute to slow down when approaching the surface) + 5 minutes for mandatory stops = 10 minutes of TTS. To ensure ascent and stops, you need gas. With a 15-liter tank and a surface air consumption of 20 liters per minute, this corresponds to 3 bar per minute of TTS. So you need 10 x 3 = 30 bar to finish the dive. If you set a safety pressure of 50 bar, you need to leave the bottom at 80 bar, which is the take-off pressure. Underwater, the diver monitors the TTS as it evolves during the dive, and his pressure gauge. It doesn't matter what the dive profile is: at the first of the two parameters, TTS or take-off pressure, the diver leaves the bottom. Plan your dive, dive your plan. Even if a transmitter is a plus, every diver needs to know how to simply plan his dive.

[@CircleHScuba]

@laurentbardassier2074 or you can glance at a single number at any time. Again, knowing how, yes. Doesn’t remove the ease of a glance.

[@askingdiver]

0:35 "It may extend your bottom time." How? Having air integrated device changes my SAC? 4:10 GTR is optimistic value, because it is based on TTS and TTS is it self optimistic. It counts with fast ascent at maximum speed.

[@CircleHScuba]

Extending your time is explained through GTR, as in recognizing you have more time potentially than you initially thought. Otherwise yes, knowing your SAC can make you recognize you’re breathing heavier and quite often people realize and slow down in my experiences. GTR is exactly as I explained, read almost verbatim from the manual. You can google the manual if you’d like, it’s available on Shearwater’s website.

[@Marius752]

this was just an add for transmitters with weak reasoning to buy. I can note my pressure before and after a dive, have my not air integrated computer to tell me dive time and average depth and ssi app will calculate my sack rate. And I can see if it improves

[@CircleHScuba]

I think I did mention in the video that you can note your air before and after. Unfortunately a lot of divers skip that in their log if they log at all (versus syncing their computer and not editing anything) At least an air integrated computer can also log this part when you use a digital sync for your log. I stand by the notion that air integration is where diving is going and just as we use a computer over tables now in most all cases for recreational diving, air integration will be the norm too.

[@CrazyGuyBlahBlah]

comment disliked because you have no idea what you're talking about

[@victorkochkarev2576]

Computers with no AI make sense only if you need the simplest and the cheepest one like Suunto Zoop or Cressi Leonardo - theese computers are better then nothing and cost less then a Shaerwater switch transmitter.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s a great point and I didn’t emphasize that enough unfortunately. In my “how to choose a computer” I think I mention the non AI versions (or TX with new Shearwater branding) make sense to save cost and if you don’t own regs, too, for example. But I’d also argue if you dive often enough or long enough, you’ll want to replace the cheap dive computer you started with as you expand your diving. I personally like the “cry once buy once” approach to a lot of things, in that I’ll cry when I pay for it but I’ll be happy it lasts forever and does everything I need vs potentially replacing multiple times with cheaper options. If budget is a concern, non AI may be the only option and I’d do that over dive tables 🤣

[@victorkochkarev2576]

@@CircleHScuba just realised, that with all the modern computers I will never learn how to use multi stage dive tables like "PADI wheel". :-)

[@CircleHScuba]

I think they are going to be taught still for awhile because PADI and other agencies typically don’t endorse specific brands (well, some agencies do when they’re owned by them haha), and therefore likely won’t cater their open water curriculum to a specific dive computer. This would mean writing curriculum for all computers or just sticking to dive theory and tables and mentioning computers and reading the computer’s manual like we have now. I’m not sure how they’d get rid of tables completely as of right now

[@SummersideDiver]

Even if tables were “gotten rid of” - I think it’s a very good idea for every diver to know how to use the tables to calculate multiple dive profiles, and even multi day-multi dive profiles. We really should have a good idea of what makes sense, just on the off chance the computer fails completely, or even if it is throwing weird readings (failure or wrong set up). Reading the tables should be just as important as knowing how to do any other skill in or out of water.

[@CircleHScuba]

@SummersideDiver agreed!

[@mikeadam6776]

Sure I'll use air integration when I can afford to pay the 1000 for the computer and another 500 for the sending unit

[@CircleHScuba]

They have air integrated computers for much cheaper now. I do wish transmitters would come down in price but seriously look at some of the options out there nowadays if you’re looking to upgrade soon. They’re much better than it used to be.

[@mikeadam6776]

@@CircleHScuba I can't justify the cost. I just spent 900 on a zipper and seam seal on my dry suit. SPG works just fine.

[@tobiashartung856]

"Once you dive with air integration, you'll never go back" that make me laugh out loud thinking about the two transmitters in my dive locker that have been out of battery since before the pandemic. I get the convenience argument, but that's really not worth the money for me. Checking SPGs is not that cumbersome that I care to waste a few hundred bucks on not having to look. The safety argument of the end of the dive is really stretching it. If you are that inexperienced that you have to permanently leave your inflator raised, then your entire ascent cannot take more than 6 minutes, safety stop included. 6 minutes at an average depth of about 6m uses up about 20 bar from a 12L cylinder. Even without checking your gas at that point, you're not going to run out unless something else has seriously gone wrong. And if you are any more experienced than just about recently qualified, then you don't need to (or should) have your hand continuously on your inflator. Not being able to read the SPG is a really bad example. This points to an underlying issue that needs to be addressed with proper training and practice in diving. Using air integration doesn't solve the issue, it's masking it, thus arguably making the diver less safe because they have removed a feedback mechanism telling them that something is wrong. Gas predictions and calculations ... this is an example of bad practice. I shouldn't look at my SPG to see how much gas I have left. I should plan my dive. That means that I know how long I have left on my dive based on my plan. I should know how much gas I should have left at all times. I look at my SPG to *confirm* that what I planned for is true. If I dive to 20m, say my SAC rate is 20L/min, and I am breathing off a 10L (to make the numbers easier), then I should be using 6 bar every minute. If I start my dive with 210 bar, I have 11 minutes until I hit my third and 23 minutes to 2/3s. If I am 5 minutes into my bottom time, I should have used 30 bar and I should have 18 minutes left until I need to surface, and 30 minutes until I run out. I don't need my computer to tell me this if I have properly planned my dive. I only need to check my SPG to confirm that I have used the amount of gas that I should have used. In addition, if I do a proper plan, I can see if I use up gas too quickly (which could indicate a problem or simply an unexpected change in conditions that I want to likely react to) or too slowly (which could indicate a broken SPG/transmitter). Plan the dive, dive the plan. I can go on like this about pretty much everything you named as advantages/safety features. Many of these "safety features" I would argue make you less safe because you rely on the computer to tell you this information on the fly rather than properly planning a safe dive. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't mind people diving transmitters. I own transmitters too. I don't dive them, because I consider them more hassle than they're worth. That doesn't mean that they can't be worth it to others. However, I strongly disagree that everyone should dive with air integration. It's like saying everyone needs to have a TV. It's a convenience tool, and a pretty expensive one at that. Using it to shortcut proper dive planning though is not a safety feature.

[@CircleHScuba]

I apologize I don’t have time for a fully detailed reply right now, but I wanted to address a couple things. Maintain your gear - batteries are simple to swap, that’s not a reason to not use them. Everything you said about it basically being a crutch to cover poor training (sorry to simplify your response) - Do you pull out a calculator to do math that you were taught to do in school? Most of us Google search. I use a dive computer over tables for recreational diving, I assume you do as well? Tools are tools regardless, and they shouldn’t cover poor training but it doesn’t make the tool less useful. This video isn’t to address how training has gone from multi week very in depth and high standards to where it is today. If that was the angle, you could apply that to most educational type videos on diving since any “technique” should’ve been taught and learning off KZbin isn’t correct, and you should have learned all of this in your class. I’m not trying to minimize your comment, but with the time I had to reply I just wanted to say that you’re doing things at a level that the vast majority of recreational divers will never get to. There are levels of experience in a sport. Some people ride a bike for fun. Some people ride bikes downhill in urban areas for obstacles while wearing GoPros and being sponsored by Red Bull. I don’t need the skill or knowledge of anything close to that Red Bull athlete to enjoy a bike ride, and I don’t think people need to be held to a similar standard to enjoy basic recreational diving. I think improvements to courses can absolutely be made and are needed, but not as far as you’re saying for an average person who dives on vacation a couple times a year, but wants a computer and easier way to dive safely with tools that work well than trying to remember a RMV/SAC calculation

[@tobiashartung856]

@@CircleHScuba Hi Thomas, I know the batteries are easy to swap. My point is that I have not felt any need to do so. The hassle of doing even something this simple is not worth what the transmitter offer to my diving. ;) I also don't pull out a calculator for simple math because I can't be bothered with that when I can do it in my head quicker than I can pull out the calculator. A dive computer is different story entirely to the air integration though. A computer confirms my plan. If I am doing my dive and my computer has a very different opinion to my decompression obligation or NDL, then I know something is wrong. So I use a computer, but I also have my dive plan ahead of time. The air integration does not offer any such additional information to me. I agree that training is going down and that is not the point of the video. I agree that I am doing things at a level the average recreational diver isn't. Afterall, I am a tech instructor and I certainly don't think everyone should be tech diving. However, my point isn't that there shouldn't be any air integration. Far from it. If you like it, go for it. If you do a tech course with me, you will not use it and you will also not use your computer. You will properly plan your dives and religiously adhere to the schedule because I need to be sure that you can when I sign you off. I and almost all of my students use computers in addition to proper dive planning. And I would make the argument that the additional information it gives, makes your dives safer if you have also made your plans before. The fundamental difference, why I brought up the comment is that you are making an extraordinary claim in saying that "everyone needs air integration". Such an extraordinary claim requires some really good arguments. But none of the arguments you brought up justify this in my opinion. Had you said that "air integration is a really good and convenient tool for recreational divers", the story would be entirely differently, because now you are making an argument about quality of life and minor safety enhancements for people who don't adhere to proper safety protocols anyway. Where normalization of deviance is commonplace, making it easier for people who would otherwise deviate not to, is a good thing. But putting this as an inherently positive thing that everyone needs then is a fundamentally flawed argument.

[@SuperScubaTim]

Literally no divers should be encouraged to use them.

[@AdamHelb]

I agree with this advice for recreational divers. The GTR is not an exact indicator for it depends on gas consumption which changes minute to minute. Ironically Shearwater is one brand that has had a lazy implementation of GTR, for as soon as your computer enters deco mode, the GTR indication disappears. Correct me if I'm wrong. Other computers, such as Scubapro and Oceanic, include the deco stops in the GTR calculation.

[@DreadLordOfNaggaroth]

Diving instructor with a computer on the left wrist 💀💀💀

[@CircleHScuba]

There’s literally nothing wrong with having it on either arm. I wear one on each arm often.

[@DreadLordOfNaggaroth]

@@CircleHScuba it goes against the GUE standards. Your left hand is supposed to be on your inflator and your right hand with your computer in front of you to control ascend. It's a safety standard to protect you in case of equipment malfunction (broken buoyancy device - wing or dry suit).

[@CircleHScuba]

@DreadLordOfNaggaroth GUE is good for some reasons but absolutely ridiculous in others haha. In this case I think this is something they’re too hardcore about tbh.

[@DreadLordOfNaggaroth]

@@CircleHScuba depends on the circumstances I guess... In warm water with perfect visibility it's probably not the big issue. Where I dive, it's mostly poor visibility, dry suit etc.. it makes sense to me to be this careful.