There are many types of gauges on the market. These include Analog, Digital and Pneumofathometer models. It is important to choose a gauge that suits your needs in order to ensure a safe dive. Your gauge must be calibrated at all times, especially when diving at high altitudes.
Analog gauges
Analog gauges are used to help divers gauge the depth of the sea. To indicate the depth, they use a needle that pivots around a graduated gauge. These gauges can be worn on a wrist or integrated into the dive computer. Although they are more reliable than the digital gauges, analog gauges can still be used. An advantage of an analog gauge over digital is the fact that you never run out.
The face of the gauge is designed to be easy to read. It has numerical increments of depth ranging from 10'-40' and 20’ to 150'. The gauge has a pressure indicator. It displays pressure from 0 to 5000 psi. A red screen indicates reserve air, while the green screen shows main air.
Digital models
Divers desire to be able dive deeper and for longer periods of time, but a digital gauge doesn't allow them to do that. The difference in pressure between the gauge and the ambient water can be affected by temperature changes. 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 connection is a basic method that uses a hose. This hose connects the dive computer with the high-pressure port of the first stage. The wireless mode connects to the dive computer using an electronic transmitter attached at the first stage. You can also find this type of diving computer in console or wrist-mounted models.
Pneumofathometers
Pneumofathometers allow you to determine the depth of oxygen supplied to your diver. These devices measure the surface pressure of air and indicate the depth either in feet or meters. In the past, these devices were mounted on the hand-cranked air pump that supplied breathing air to the standard diving suit. The air supply was completely free-flowing, and there was no back-pressure.
If you are interested in gauge diving, you should get a gauge with a range from 130 to 160 percent of your diving system's maximum operating pressure. This range should be adequate for systems that operate at 3,000psi.
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 is attached to regulators via a high-pressure pipe. This arrangement helps the diver avoid confusion and keeps the gauge from getting lost. A SPG shows the remaining air pressure in pounds per square inch and is useful for monitoring your air supply while diving.
Scubapro offers an oil-filled analog depth gage with a Bourdon tub design. It can measure to depths of up to 200 feet. The console boot can also be attached to it with the C1 compass. This gauge is best suited for beginners because it is simple and easy to use.
Compass
The best compass for gauge diving is the one that is easy to read. It should have adequate markings to suit your needs and be large enough to be readable underwater. Look for a compass bezel with compass headings that are grouped in 30-degree increments. Indicator marks appear every five degrees.
A side view window is an important feature of a compass that allows gauge diving. It lets the diver see the direction in which the compass point. This allows the diver to follow the compass' course even in complete darkness.