Garmin Descent MK1 - Wish List, Reliability and other MK1 related things.

[Jay]

I'll keep this OP updated (currently incorporating up to comment #19) with a cumulative wish-list and if there are any underwater reliability issues I'll keep them in the OP until they're clearly resolved by Garmin.

I'll also cross-post the lists below Garmin's Forum.

Wish-list (now please!)

General theme: if it's computable by the DC, then it should be computed by the DC; the user should not have to make any manual calculations.

AI using PPS transmitters

With two tank support (for rec use i.e. same gas, 2 transmitters, showing 2 tank pressures, and reflect both tanks in GTR)

GTR to include all stops in the calculation

Ability to change GF settings during a dive (and display GF on surface on a ore-dive/‘surface’ screen.)

Ability to edit the gas mixes during a dive

Settable last stop depth for doing (options being 10', 20', and 30').

Add a timer/stopwatch function for during dive use.

At least one, user configurable data screen (like Fenix).

Surface-time/interval alarm and notify-alarm/pre-alarm.

re Alerts: ensure alerts are not covering critical dive info when displayed. Have user selectable auto-alert clearing

Ability to enter cylinder specs (using downloaded software) and to have it calculate RMV (Mk1)

RMV and/or SAC display during a dive (assuming AI): Have it user selectable to display either one or both. If RMV, then tank info is pre-selected in pre-dive screen

Additional Apnea/ Freedive mode features: Apnea timer (with alarm / notifications) that is adjustable for Vent Time, Increment Time - Sample rate (adjustable 1,2,5,10 seconds), and # of repeats. Multi-depth notifications (or at least a notify/pre-alarm).

Compatibility with DiveMate.

Display feature: display in bold: minimum of GTR, NDL.

Transmitters use same recharging method as watch.


Wish-list (medium / long term)

Qi ('wireless' charging) – both for watch and transmitter.

Using internal gyros for underwater, navigation and mapping

‘Smart’ turn the dive notification based on the above navigational info.

CCR support




Resources
Descent MK1 manual link (static) https://fccid.io/IPH-A3095/User-Manual/Usermanual-3625100.pdf
Descent MK1 Support Centre Official Garmin Support | United States | Support Center (manual link here doesn't yet work)
Garmin's MK1 Forum Descent Mk1 - Garmin Forums

 

[stuartv]

My wish list.

Add AI.

Make it compatible with PPS transmitters (Pelagic Pressure Systems - the same transmitters used by Shearwater, Oceanic, Hollis, AquaLung, and others).

Include good support for AI in sidemount. (i.e. support 2 transmitters, show 2 tank pressures, reflect both tanks in ATR/GTR calculations)

Add CCR support

Allow me to change GF settings during a dive.

Allow me to edit the gas mixes during a dive

Make sure I can see any alerts while still seeing critical dive info at the same time. An alert that displays briefly and then disappears is no good. An alert that obscures critical dive info is no good.

Allow me to set last stop depth for when I'm doing deco. I would like options for 10', 20', and 30'.

Add a timer/stopwatch function I can use during a dive.

 

[Saniflush]

I will second what I think most everyone else will say in AI.

 

[stuartv]

I think it would be nice if everyone that wants AI would clarify:

Do you care what AI transmitter it uses? If not, cool.

If you DO care, what do you prefer? Proprietary Garmin? PPS (I.e. Shearwater, Oceanic, AquaLung, etc.)? Suunto? ScubaPro?

I specifically want PPS. If enough people agree, maybe that will mean something to Garmin. If most people don't care, then maybe Garmin will put one out that is proprietary. Or works with some other brand.

As cool as the Descent is, the only way I would buy one is with AI with PPS compatibility. I'm already invested in PPS transmitters and like all my computers to share the same transmitters.

 

[stuartv]

Another item for the Wish List (for a buddy of mine):

Add a Freedive mode. Include support to make it good for technical freediving.

I don't really know what features would be needed for "technical freediving". I just know that technical freediving involves going really deep and those guys can actually get DCS.

 

[Jay]

re Alerts: I was thinking of adding to below something like: user selectable auto-alert cleaning which only applies to non-critical alerts.

Make sure I can see any alerts while still seeing critical dive info at the same time. An alert that displays briefly and then disappears is no good. An alert that obscures critical dive info is no good.
.

My 2c on the AI protocol would be PPS unless there's a very compelling technical reason otherwise

 

[scubadada]

Of all @stuartv asked for, all I want is AI with PPS transmitter. I would like GTR to work like Oceanic, all stops included in the calculation. I'd like the download software to allow me to enter cylinder specs and have it calculate my RMV. Thats all Garmin, thanks very much. May I have it soon?

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Definitely PPS for the transmitter.

 

[primus]

More settings in Freedive mode!

 

[primus]

A3095 Dive Watch User Manual Usermanual Garmin International Inc