There are various types of gauges available on the market. There are three types of gauges available: Analog, Digital, and Pneumofathometer models. A gauge that is right for you is key to a safe dive. It is important to calibrate your gauge at all altitudes for safety decompression.
Analog gauges
Analog gauges for gauge diving can help divers understand the depth in the water. The gauges work by rotating a graduated scale around the needle to indicate depth. These gauges can be worn on a wrist or integrated into the dive computer. While the analog gauges are more reliable than digital ones, they may not be as accurate. An analog gauge offers the advantage that you won't run low on batteries.
The gauge's face has been designed to be easy-to-read. It comes with numerical increments of depth that range from 10' - 40' and 20'- 150'. The gauge also includes a pressure gauge. It displays pressure from 0 to 5000 psi. The red screen represents reserve air, while green indicates main air.
Digital models
Divers want to dive long and deep. A digital gauge will not help them achieve this. Temperature changes can affect the pressure difference between the gauge's water and the ambient. A mechanical gauge is more reliable than an electronic device. The gauge can keep track of your dive time, depth and will also calculate your Nitrogen retention to prevent you from getting decompression sickness.
There are two basic types of digital gauge diving computers. The hose technique is the simplest. It uses a hose for connecting the dive computer to a high-pressure port on stage 1. The wireless mode connects to the dive computer using an electronic transmitter attached at the first stage. This type of computer can also be found in console and wrist-mounted versions.
Pneumofathometers
Pneumofathometers can be used to measure the depth of air that is supplied to divers. These devices measure air pressure at the surface and then indicate the depth in feet or metres. These devices were previously mounted on the hand-cranked compressor that supplied air to standard diving suits. The air supply was free flowing, with no back pressure.
For gauge diving, divers should buy a gauge that is between 130-160 percent of the maximum operating temperature of their diving system. This range is sufficient for systems operating at 3,000 psi and more.
Submersible pressure gauges
A submersiblepressure gauge (SPG), allows divers to keep track and monitor their air pressure. It displays the current depth as well as the direction that the diver is moving. The SPG is usually attached to the regulator via a high-pressure hose. This arrangement is useful for divers to avoid getting confused about the location of the gauge and helps prevent it from being lost. A SPG shows the remaining air pressure in pounds per square inch and is useful for monitoring your air supply while diving.
Scubapro's oil-filled analog depth meter features a Bourdon Tube design. It measures to a depth 200 feet. It comes with a C1 Compass, which attaches directly to the console boot. This gauge is perfect for beginners since it is simple to operate.
Compass
Easy to read compass is the best for gauge diving. It should be large enough that it can be read underwater, and the right markings. You will want a compass that has a bezel with indicator marks at every five degrees and compass headings in increments of 30 degrees.
A gauge diver's compass should have a side view window to allow them to see the direction it is pointing. This allows the diver even in complete darkness to follow the course of the compass.