Garmin Descent MK3i and T2 transmitter getting "no comm" during dive

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bwong2132

Registered
Messages
13
Reaction score
8
Location
Tampa, FL
# of dives
200 - 499
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has experienced a similar issue or has any suggestions.

My wife and I have completed around 100 dives using the Garmin Descent MK3i with the T2 transmitter, and until recently, we had no connectivity issues. However, starting around February 2025, we began encountering a recurring problem.

On the surface, both of our watches successfully connect to our respective T2 transmitters—I can see both mine and my wife’s, and she can see both as well. However, once we descend, I consistently receive a “no comm” message for my T2, though I can still see my wife’s tank pressure. My wife, on the other hand, gets a “no comm” message for both T2s.

When we return to the surface, our watches reconnect to the T2s, and we can view our tank pressures without issue. This pattern repeats with every dive—losing connection underwater but reconnecting at the surface. Typically, I can see my wife’s T2 but not mine, while she sometimes sees both transmitters and other times none at all.

For reference, our watch firmware is up to date (version 19.49), and the T2 software is on version 4.0.

I submitted a support request to Garmin last weekend but haven’t received a response yet, possibly due to the President’s Day holiday. In the meantime, I’d appreciate any insights or suggestions you might have.

Bernie
 
Garmin's use two transmission modalities: RF on the surface, and sonic underwater. I would guess your transmitter is low on battery, and your wife's sonic receiver may have an issue.
 
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Some people had similar complaints with the Mk2i and transmitter. While I never experienced the problem some suggested putting the transmitter on a short hose to help improve its visibility to the watches.
 
Some people had similar complaints with the Mk2i and transmitter. While I never experienced the problem some suggested putting the transmitter on a short hose to help improve its visibility to the watches.
Many thanks for your suggestion. Our T2s are on short hoses. I have seen dive guides accidentally lift tanks using directly attached transmitters or unscrewing them thinking they were the tank valves.

In the water, I tried putting my watch in different locations including taking it off and putting it right beside my T2.

Our watches and T2s were working well for 100+ dives until recently (since Feb 2025). I wonder if there was a change in the software? I don't think it is hardware -- if it were, I wonder why they connect and work on the surface but not in the water.

Tanks again (pun intended).

Bernie
 
Garmin's use two transmission modalities: RF on the surface, and sonic underwater. I would guess your transmitter is low on battery, and your wife's sonic receiver may have an issue.
On the surface, I checked our batteries on our watch. Both showed "battery: good".

Specifically - Menu > Dive Setup > Dive Network & Air Integration > Transmitters > (our T2) > About --- in the About, SW Ver was 4.0 and Battery: Good
 
I wonder why they connect and work on the surface but not in the water.
As I mentioned, it uses different receivers on the surface. It could be that the acoustic transmission used underwater requires more juice.

On the surface, I checked our batteries on our watch. Both showed "battery: good".
I've had transmitter batteries read "good" after losing connectivity, and the issue was resolved with a new battery. At this point, there's little else to try.
 
Many thanks for your suggestion. Our T2s are on short hoses. I have seen dive guides accidentally lift tanks using directly attached transmitters or unscrewing them thinking they were the tank valves.

In the water, I tried putting my watch in different locations including taking it off and putting it right beside my T2.

Our watches and T2s were working well for 100+ dives until recently (since Feb 2025). I wonder if there was a change in the software? I don't think it is hardware -- if it were, I wonder why they connect and work on the surface but not in the water.

Tanks again (pun intended).

Bernie
Garmin support is really good. I'd give them a call and see if they'll send you another one.
 
SOLVED

Good news. I was on a call with Martin from Garmin Support. He listened to my issue and my various tests. He then suggested a power reset (I didn't see this in the manual).

To power reset, press and continue to hold the light/start button (the top left button). After a few seconds, you will see the controls menu (circle of options). Don't let go - continue to hold down the light button. Eventually you will see the Release Power Key For Assistance. Don't let go - continue to hold. Wait a bit and then the screen goes dark or blank. You have now done the power reset. Wait a few seconds and then press the Light button again to start the watch.

After the power restart, both watches and T2s are working as before.

Thanks all for your help and advice.

Bernie
 

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