There are many different types of gauges that are available. There are three types of gauges available: Analog, Digital, and Pneumofathometer models. For safe diving, it is crucial to select a gauge that meets your requirements. It is important to calibrate your gauge at all altitudes for safety decompression.
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 are worn on the wrist or can be 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 gauge's display is easy to read. It has numerical increments of depth ranging from 10'-40' and 20’ to 150'. The gauge also features a pressure gauge. It displays pressure between 0 and 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 cause the difference in pressure between gauge and ambient water to change. A mechanical gauge is safer than an electronic one. A gauge not only keeps track of dive time and depth but it also calculates Nitrogen retention and helps prevent decompression illness.
There are two types of digital gauge dive computers. The hose approach is simple and uses a pipe to connect the diver's computer to the high pressure port at the top of the first stage. The wireless mode, on the other hand, uses an electronic transmitter attached to the first stage to communicate with the dive computer. This type of computer can also be found in console and wrist-mounted versions.
Pneumofathometers
Pneumofathometers, which are used to gauge the depth to which air is being supplied to a diver, are devices that measure air pressure at the surface. These devices measure the surface pressure of air and indicate the depth either in feet or meters. 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 should be adequate for systems that operate at 3,000psi.
Submersible pressure gauges
A submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG), is a device that allows divers to track their air pressure. It can display current depth and indicate the direction in which the diver is moving. The SPG is attached to regulators via a high-pressure pipe. This arrangement makes it easy for the diver to locate the gauge easily and prevents it from becoming lost. An SPG displays the air pressure remaining in pounds per square inch. This is useful for monitoring air supply when 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. Because it is easy to use, this gauge is ideal for beginners.
Compass
It is important to be able to read the compass easily when gauge diving. It should be large enough for you to read underwater and with the correct markings. Look for a compass with a bezel with compass headings grouped in 30-degree increments and indicator marks every five degrees.
Side view windows should be included in a compass used for gauge diving. This allows the diver to see which direction the compass is pointed. This allows the diver, even in total darkness, to follow the compass's course.