low tech or high tech in cave diving

[Jack Hammer]

I don't believe its really about whether or not something is considered high tech or not. I think it has to do with reliability and functionality. If it works and you can reasonably trust your life with it then it may get adopted, if not it doesn't

[victorzamora]

I voted "high tech" due to adopting certain things before other divers. I love technology, truly. I'm an Aerospace Engineer, I'm 24 years old, I grew up with and have continued to surround myself with high-tech electronics in every aspect I can. I'm moving towards home automation, (and hopefully embedded RFID chips for further automation) to give you an idea of the extent that I'm talking about.

But there are some things I can't/won't accept in my life because they add a level of risk that doesn't add up. I take tried and true principles and apply them to every high tech gadget in my life. I don't want any features that don't actively benefit me dramatically, because simplicity benefits me dramatically. It's why I've stayed away from AI and will continue to do so.

So I'm torn on this question, because I really think it depends on what you mean.

[TONY CHANEY]

The poll needs to include a middle ground for several reasons stated above. I seldom ever buy the lastest and "greatest" item when if first comes out. I have AI computers but in the caves I use brass and glass. I still use a slate but wet notes have been around for some time now. I use older tried and proven Poseidon regs. I have several LED lights but still use my HID very often. I know how to cut tables but rather use a computer program and yes I still have and can use the Wheel. So I am a middle ground tech diver

[tbone1004]

hey, those poseidons are still state of the art, especially if you have the MK3 first stages.... Nothing has come out that is actually "better" than the Cyklon or Jetstream, just different.....

People still use proper slates for surveying, so I wouldn't mark those out either.

[FW]

hey, those poseidons are still state of the art, especially if you have the MK3 first stages.... Nothing has come out that is actually "better" than the Cyklon or Jetstream, just different.....

People still use proper slates for surveying, so I wouldn't mark those out either.

If you are going with an Xstream 1st stage, why not just go with a complete Xstream reg?

[Jay]

Hi tech for convenience, low tech for safety.
I may use a trimix computer and a fancy light but I still have my tables in my pocket. My back up lights have all gone to LED.
And I do use nitrox and trimix.

[tbone1004]

Forrest, I prefer the Jetstreams, the dive-predive switch is nice and it just feels better to me. I also like the stupid deals that I can find on them, so there's also that.

I guess the high-tech low-tech thing has its pros and cons back to the original question.

I think there is a point where technology for the sake of technology is useless. AI is one of those, but having digital pressure gauges isn't necessarily a bad thing. The new DiveCan is a perfect example. That is leaps and bounds ahead of the technology curve than the analog CCR's, but it's also a major improvement in redundancy and diagnosis as well as reliability that wasn't brought to CCR's before. There's a thread on Scubaboard where they are wanting AI on the Petrel. I think that's pointless, but at the same time, putting a digital pressure gauge in the head and having the first stages QD into the head for pressure readings, then have that readout in a small section of the HUD isn't necessarily a bad thing. Doesn't have to be big, fancy, or anything, but by having that readout on the HUD it isn't adding any more failure points since the digital ceramic pressure gauges are really no more prone to failure than a spring, and since it is hard wired in, it is just an extra data point that the computer is reading. All of the other canbus modules in the breather are similar, you take all of the intricate bits and keep them locked up in the head where they are safe, and then output over a digital line. It just moves the digital conversion from the controller to the head, and makes for a more robust, more durable system.

That all being said, I don't see any real major technology advances coming in OC any time soon. Sure the computers will get fancier and fancier, but they are still just reading a pressure sensor, and keeping track of time, so that technology is still basically the same as it was 15-20 years ago, it just now does something with the info instead of just displaying it. Light technology will continue to get better, but it's all still variations on a theme, LED's have been around for decades, but technology finally caught up and now they are useful for lighting applications, but it's still output power from battery, convert to stable power for the light head, and a switch. LED is more high tech than HID or Halogen, but it's also cheaper, more reliable, and more durable, so it comes back to the Divecan, sure it's higher tech, but it's also better than the tried and true.

Other than that, there really isn't much technology in OC diving, we are no fancier than the pioneers were in the 60's with milk jugs and Poseidon Cyklons, just a bit more streamlined and efficient. It still comes down to reduce tank pressure to ambient, only so many ways of doing that, adjust so you are neutrally buoyant, and try like hell not to die in the advent of a failure.

[PfcAJ]

I opt for "High Reliability".

If that means the low tech option, I'll use it. If it means the higher tech option, I'll use that.

[Aotus]

i chose high tech, though my budget often dictates what I get in the end.

Even without adopting AI, rebreathers or force fins, I do see myself buying the ever so slightly "improved" versions of widely considered reliable gear when I can afford them...my Hog Zeniths are a good example. Even though by most accounts they are not improved, or nominally improved over the classic regs, I ordered the latest. Further, my SMS75 demonstrates that I am not always one to wait for everyone else to try it out first. I never regret the expense of the high tech equipment, but sometimes I do find there is some learning to go through, whether it's learning about a glitch in the new product or how it influences other gear choices - (the pull string on the 75 is too fat, and you won't find anyone online who will tell you that; if i get deco/stage regs now I'm committed to the more expensive zeniths & d3 to keep equipment standard; then there was my SMS100D debacle). That's always part of being on the front line of new innovations. Some of us grew up with that process with other technologies we use, so it's not new or annoying enough to avoid. The upside is that you have technology that (hopefully) is going to stay new for a while, will be supported by the manufacturer via parts and information for a while, and will have a higher resale value for longer if you change your mind.


....AND, if I were ready, in terms of experience, need and $$$, I would totally be looking into rebreathers.

[Garth]

I actually use youtube for diving which some may say is "high tech." That way I can cave dive without actually cave diving.. you know "internet diving."

Since implementing this "high tech" strategy I've been able to dive some of the coolest caves in the world without dying. It's great, then I can continue on with mediocrity in my real life...

hehe




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