There are many kinds of gauges. There are various types of gauges on the market, including digital, analog and pneumofathometer versions. Choosing a gauge that fits your needs is essential for ensuring a safe dive. Keeping your gauge calibrated is also vital for decompression safety, especially at altitudes.
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 may be worn on the wrist, or integrated into the dive computers. They are less accurate than digital gauges but more reliable than analog. An analog gauge offers the advantage that you won't run low on batteries.
The gauge's front is simple to read. It has numerical increments of depth ranging from 10'-40' and 20’ to 150'. The gauge also features a pressure gauge. It can display pressure from 0 - 5000 psi. The red screen is reserved air while the green screen is 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. Temperature changes can affect the pressure difference between the gauge's water and the ambient. A mechanical gauge is safer than an electronic one. Not only will it keep track of your dive times and depth but also calculate Nitrogen retention, which can help prevent decompression sickness.
There are two basic types of digital gauge diving computers. The hose method uses a hose to link the computer to the first stage's high-pressure port. Wireless mode uses an electronic transmitter to communicate with the computer. This type is also available in console and wrist-mounted models.
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 unrestricted and free-flowing.
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 is sufficient for systems operating at 3,000 psi and more.
Submersible pressure gauges
A submersible pressure gage (SPG), which allows scuba divers keep track of their pressure, is a device used by divers. It can also display the current depth and direction of the diver's movement. The SPG is usually attached to the regulator via a high-pressure hose. This arrangement makes it easy for the diver to locate the gauge easily and prevents it from becoming lost. A SPG measures the remaining air pressure per square inch. It is used to monitor 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. It also comes with a C1 compass, which attaches to the console boot for more versatility. This gauge is best suited for beginners because it is simple and easy to use.
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. A compass should have a bezel that contains compass headings organized in 30 degree increments, and indicator marks for every five 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.