The Mini-SPG should be installed as tightly as possible by hand and then just snugged slightly with a large adjustable wrench. Keep in mind it is the O-ring at the base of the threads that makes the seal on the high pressure gas. Excessive force using the wrench won't make a better seal but will warp the Mini-SPG body, break the O-ring face seal and cause a flood or the clear cover to fall out entirely.
This miniature submersible pressure gauge (aka Mini-SPG, pony gauge, button gauge) screws directly into the standard high pressure 7/16-inch port of the regulator first stage and does not require a hose or spool. Our version of the gauge includes a Nitrox Ready o-ring and is rated up to { 5000 psi | 350 bar }, in numbered { 1000 psi | 100 bar } increments, with an easy-to-read scale and clear polycarbonate face cover. Now available in your choice of white or black face.
The { 1 in | 2.5 cm } face is larger than most and relatively easy to read, but any Mini-SPG indicator needle can be difficult to read underwater. Still, the Mini-SPG works well for some applications with the benefit of no hose clutter. The Mini-SPG is suitable for use with pony, inflation and bailout bottles where you just need an indication of "full," "partial," or "empty." The adapters shown above, which are available in the Adapters and Fittings section, allow the Mini-SPG to be attached to a High Pressure Hose if desired.
I got this gauge as a backup from my hoseless sensor. It's small and out of the way, but easy to read, down to about 10 bar accuracy. It worked great, especially for the price, but it is fragile! When I was rinsing my reg, the gauge hit the ground and broke immediately. Obviously that's my fault, but I would have expected something built for scuba safety to be built a little more robust! I recommend it, but be EXTREMELY careful with it!
Thank you for the review. We've sold thousands of this gauge, don't recall the lens falling out from minor impact and certainly don't consider it to be excessively fragile. However, we do recommend in the product description that the Mini-SPG should be installed as tightly as possible by hand and then just snugged slightly with a large adjustable wrench. Excessive force using the wrench won't make a better seal but will warp the Mini-SPG body, break the O-ring face seal and cause a flood or the clear cover to fall out entirely. It's possible the Mini-SPG was over torqued during installation or that the impact was hard enough to warp the body. No SPG even the larger brass and glass SPG's can withstand an impact at the perfect angle without cracking the face or causing a leak.
Perfect for mounting directly onto the first stage for pony/bailout bottles. Small enough to be unobtrusive and not snag on things, large enough to read.
These things are small but seem to be very high quality and durable. I have a couple that I have been using for over 2 years now. I just bought some more and now I have one of these on every 1st stage I own. For back mount and side mount primary cylinders, I use one of these and an AI transmitter. The button is just a way to quickly check if a cylinder is full and sanity check an AI reading before splashing. For deco cylinders, I only have the button gauge and it's just a way to verify the cylinder is full. I'd much rather have one of these on a deco cylinder than a "regular" SPG on a hose. The button gauge has many less potential points of failure and gives me all the info I need.
And cheap, to boot!
Another awesome product from Dive Gear Express!
I always go to DGE when I am looking for top quality dive related parts. They have the necessary items, ship fast and expert advice. Always a happy camper
Another little gem from a great company! I mount it directly onto the first stage for a suit inflate tank. A handy but important accessory. Excellent service and fast dispatch to the Uk.
