There are many gauges on offer. There are various types of gauges on the market, including digital, analog and pneumofathometer versions. A gauge that is right for you is key to a safe dive. Also, calibrating your gauge is crucial for decompression safety, especially at high altitudes.
Analog gauges
Analog gauges used for gauge diving are useful in helping divers determine the depth of water. They work by having a needle pivot around a graduated scale to indicate the depth. These gauges can either be worn on the wrist or integrated in the dive computer. While the analog gauges are more reliable than digital ones, they may not be as accurate. An analog gauge has one advantage: you won't run out of batteries.
The gauge's front is simple to read. The gauge has numerical increments that range from 10' to 40’ and 20' up to 150'. It also has a pressure gauge. It displays pressure ranging from 0 up to 5000psi. The screen displays reserve air and the green screen main air.
Digital models
Many divers want to stay long and dive deep, but a digital gauge won't help them do this. Temperature changes can cause the difference in pressure between gauge and ambient water to change. A mechanical gauge is more reliable than an electronic device. A mechanical gauge is safer than an electronic gadget. It can track your dive time and depth as well as calculate your Nitrogen retention. This will help to prevent decompression illnesses.
There are two basic types for digital gauge dive computers. The hose method is a simple method, using a hose to connect the dive computer to the high-pressure port on the first stage. Wireless mode uses an electronic transmitter to communicate with the computer. This type of computer can also be found in console and wrist-mounted versions.
Pneumofathometers
Pneumofathometers allow you to determine the depth of oxygen supplied to your diver. These devices measure surface air pressure and indicate depth in meters or feet. These devices were once mounted on a hand crank air pump, which supplied breathing air to the standard dive suit. The air supply was completely free-flowing, and there was no back-pressure.
Divers who want to use gauge diving should purchase a gauge with a range of 130 to 160 percent of the maximum operating pressure of their diving system. This range is sufficient for systems operating at 3,000 psi and more.
Submersible pressure gauges
Submersible pressure gauges (SPG) are devices that allow divers to monitor their air pressure. It can also display the current depth and direction of the diver's movement. The SPG connects to the regulator using a high pressure line. This arrangement is useful for divers to avoid getting confused about the location of the gauge and helps prevent it from being lost. The SPG indicates the remaining air pressure, in pounds per sq inch. It can be used for air supply monitoring while diving.
Scubapro makes an oil-filled analog depth gauge that measures up to 200 feet. It has a Bourdon tube design and is oil-filled. For greater versatility, it also includes a C1-compass that attaches to its console boot. This gauge is best suited for beginners because it is simple and easy to use.
Compass
It is important to be able to read the compass easily when gauge diving. It should be large enough to be easily read underwater and have the appropriate markings for your requirements. Look for a compasse with a bezel that includes indicator marks and compass headings.
A compass for gauge diving should also have a side view window so the diver can see the direction that the compass is pointing. This allows the diver's to see the direction the compass is pointing even when it is dark.