Console or no console?

[John Gulliver]

The thread on tank boots got me thinking about this issue too. We're told not to use a console because 1) it hides and encourages corrosion, 2) it increases drag and 3) you don't need it.

Leaving aside arguments 2 (because it's bullshit) and 3 (because it's up to me to decide whether or not I need something), I've had my SPG (silver-coloured, chrome-plated?) in a console for 15 years and it still looks almost new.

I have a double console with my spg and back-up computer and like having them neatly assembled in one place. Until someone can give me a plausible reason for not doing so, I'll continue to use a console. I do remove and inspect the spg about once a year though.

There, that feels much better

[And]

<font color='#0000FF'>Hi John

IMO its not the actual console, its the hose its on. The 36&quot; hoses usually supplied are far too long and will either hang from the plastic clip thing dragging and catching on everything or cause a large loop of hose if you choose to tuck it in a pocket or something, again potentially catching something. Even worse are those divers who choose to just let it dangle free and drag in the sand. Better to have a 24&quot; hose and a nice stainless boltsnap attached to a DRing. More secure and neater, especially if your diving wrecks or whatever.

The console itself usually gives info that is larger superfluous. A depth guage (which you will already have on your wrist) a compass (which is easier to use on your wrist IMO) or even a computer (same as before) but as you said thats your choice. I had read something about a HP gauge leak may be hidden by the rubber boot but that is a side issue IMO and not that likely. Lastly if you haven't already got a console then they are more expensive than a simple Pressure Gauge but this doesn't apply to you.

Oh, and by not having boots on anything I inspect the gauge automatically on every dive rather then having to remember once a year.

Kindest Regards

WL

[John Gulliver]

Thanks for your sensible comments, WL. My console is on a 24&quot; hose, clipped with a boltsnap to a D-ring on my TP II, just as you suggest. I have my primary computer on my wrist and just an spg and my back-up computer in the console. My compass (an ordinary Silva orienteering compass, price £10, works just fine) is in my TP pouch, on a string attached to another D-ring. I can get at it in a second if I need to and it is kept neatly out of the way when I don't. Of course, I could have my back-up computer on my wrist too but having it in a console with my spg is a neater set-up in my opinion.

[Mark Chase]

<font color='#000F22'>John M8

every one knows the reel reason to not have a console is its un coooool

All newbys get the standard kit: BCD, K-clamp regs and a console with all the bits and bobs in. The silly fools even get brightly coloured suits I meen I ask you.

Then when you get a bit more into it you note the coooool fashon trends and quickley strip the console bye a wing and spray everything black so as to gain the urber tec cool look.

Its all right for you retired types you can do anything you like you can wear those giant Y comfortable fronts and everything. Us younguns (cough) have to be fashon consious and I tell you those boxer sharts are bloddy uncomfortable.



&nbsp;


All the best dude

Mark Chase

[Dr Stevil]

My argument would be that SPGs are fine in a console as you don't really have to be constantly consulting them, whereas (for me) computer/Depth Timer/depth gauge etc would go on my wrist(s) as they get checked probably once every minute or two. My Compass is on a bungee on the back of my hand as when I need it I want to be able to put it on left or right had as my feelings dictate.
As for SPG, usually i use a small and compact Beaver one which is in a single console, sometimes I put my apeks one on, this doesn't have a console. As for the console hiding leaks, when you've got a leak the bubbles are going to come out of the console, it's not gastight so I don't think it's hiding anything. Plus the o-rings in the spg swivel are all brand new.

Either way the hoses are the standard ones which if WL is correct would mean they are 36&quot; (or 1 metre for those of us who think European), but there's no big loop as either one will be tidly clipped to my crotch-strap d-ring
I'll have to measure my hose when I get home (oo-er missus    )

WL, your post seems to assume that the console instruments are additional to wrist mounted ones, I think John was meaning &quot;either/or&quot;.

On a related note, I was trying to get 'er indoors to clip her console onto a d-ring on the front of her BC and she was insistent that I allow her to put it into one of those hose clip thingies, which I don't find very &quot;grippy&quot; , so before our next outing I binned her console, cable-tied a boltsnap to the bare spg and didn't say anything   How sneaky am I...    

[Lou]

You are truly Dr Evil.....

I have my console clipped up with a boltsnap too. &nbsp;in fact cable-tieing a boltsnap to my console for that purpose was my very first individual thought as a baby diver! &nbsp;i too found the hose clips to be more &quot;hose slips&quot; so I binned it and never looked back.

The depth gauge that happens to be in the console is my backup in case the computer goes kaput. &nbsp;One day that might go but today is is still useful to me so it stays.

Lou

[Richie]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Mark Chase @ July 09 2003,14:48)]John M8

every one knows the reel reason to not have a console is its un coooool

Even cooler is to buy one, rip it apart and bungy all the guages to wrists, D rings etc. Tidy up the ends with duck tape

Probably loose all circulation in the wrists by hey -  beats the shades &nbsp;

[Doug Parker]

<font color='#0000FF'>Boots on gauges and hose protectors are considered shite in some circles because you cannot see the last 2 inches of hoses as it's covered up. &nbsp;No covers mean you can check your kit in seconds just before you put it on. &nbsp;The 2 hoses i've seen burst, have both gone at the crimped bit on the ends. &nbsp;So in my opinion consoles and hose protectors are for muppets.

[Tim Ingmire]

I have a 3 pce console (Dacor) on my Mares regs and I will soon be replacing this, poss for just a SPG.

Why?

Well, the compass is knackered, the dpth gauge is ok if you want accuracy of +/- 5m or so, so really quite useless and its just too darn heavy.

Everything else I have on my wrists.

Thats just me tho. &nbsp;If I had a good console to start then I'd keep it.

[John Gulliver]

Well folks, somebody up there decided to punish me for starting this thread. I went diving this evening, did a giant stride from the boat as usual and BANG!! My high pressure hose burst. It was at the end attached to my first stage, though, not at the end inside the console.