#28736
RAWalker - 3/14/2015 8:34 PM
I’ve been diving wireless for many years and dare say I know more about the ins and outs, plus’ and minus’ than the average diver. The reason is in addition to being a diver I’m also a electronic tech with a knowledge of metrology.(calibration technologies) as well as a computer programmer. I’ve been involved in a fair number of debates on this subject that always end the same way. From a failure standpoint the wireless air integrated computer have no greater failure rate if the batteries are replaced at the first sign of weakening or at regular intervals based on age since installation or a given number of hours of dive time which ever comes first.

Next question becomes that of accuracy of the electronic transducer vs. Brass and glass pressure gauges.
This effect all air integrated dive computers and nut just wireless but also hose type. It seems that although B&G pressure gauges are preferred by the majority of divers it is without the knowledge that the electronic transducers are far more accurate and their failures are more obvious and fewer overall.
A transducer is considered accurate +-50 psi while B&G gauges the requirement is only +- 150 psi and the gauges only have to meet that requirement at one point on the scale as dictated by the manufacturer.
The Transducer nearly always fails catastrophically and makes the diver aware of its failure. A B&G gauge is a failure when not performing to spec but because it continues to read although inaccurately the diver may be at risk.
The wireless does bring with it the reality of another battery and the transmitter attached to the transducer. Failures do happen but are rare and most often due to user failure (failure to replace the battery or not cleaning the O-ring seal properly when doing so) and are as mentioned catastrophic but without risk to the diver as they are aware of the failure and can respond as indicated by their training and the dive computers recommendations.
I do recommend the use of the technology but doing so you should understand the differences and requirements involved with it.