Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i

[Alon J adelson]

I don't see a sidemount mode like the shearwater with alerts to change btwn the tanks,which would be a easy feature for them to implament

 

[L13]

The big disadvantage of Garmin transmitters is that they switch protocol between surface and underwater. The net result is that it can be almost impossible to get pressure readings between 0 and 1 m (3ft) (ie. on the surface in the water doing final checks).

Despite that, I love my Garmin DCs/Transmitters. I just wish they would fix this.

 

[chapman_164]

Anyone notice that the new Garmin X50i has Bailout TTS as an available field? I sure hope Shearwater finally responds to this frequent request!

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

With any new technology offering, it is always unpredictable as to how the market will react. For every iPhone (arguably one of the most impactful releases in the last 20 years) there are so many failures. And I remember how the Clown Executive Officer of Microsft, Steve Ballmer ridiculued the iPhone when it was announced.

For me, it will be most intereesting to see if this offering catches on with the occasional/recreational segment of the dive market. Whoever succeeds at that will be hugely successful.

 

[DaG_swiss]

The biggest problem with Garmin transmitters (IMO) is the inherent UNreliability of using a different tech when on the surface versus in the water. You cannot know if your Garmin transmitter is working until you actually get in the water. Meaning, you can tell before splashing that the RF transmission is working, but you can’t tell if the ultrasonic transmission is working.

According to the manual this is not the true:

„Bluetooth technology is disabled when the transceiver is pressurized.“

 

[L13]

According to the manual this is not the true:

„Bluetooth technology is disabled when the transceiver is pressurized.“

Their definition of "pressurized" is probably not what you are thinking. On the surface, when the tank valve is opened and internal pressure exceeds a few hundred pounds the transmitter turns on and activates Bluetooth, but not Subwave communications. Once external pressure exceeds 0.1 bar above initial pressure, Blutetooth is turned off and Subwave turned on. Unfortunately it only takes a few centimeters of water to completely block Bluetooth, so once the transmitter is submerged there is no communications till it is "pressurized" externally by > 1m of water.

Trust me and anyone else who actually has a T1 transmitter, there is a window without comms, and there is no way to verify the on dive comms (Subwave) while on the surface. The manual does not disagree with this, it just isn't very well worded.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

So, I heard in a review of the Mk3 (or possibly Mk2, not 100% sure) that the garmin sensor/transmitter module produces a bit of a high pitched whiny noise. Is this accurate? Cause in my mind, that would be the major killer. Otherwise, I can definitely see a use for these: A dive guide (or concerned parent) could have one computer and a half dozen sensors, and just distribute them to the whole group. That way when some "one dive a year" tourist (or little timmy) doesn't look at his air and guzzles his way down to 700 psi, there's a way to keep tabs on that and keep this from going OOA. Beats the current system, where, during my one guides dive trip that I've done since open water, the dive guide just swims up and grabs your console no warning lol. Plus, this message system can then be used to send little timmy a low air warning and get him to join up with the group and head back to the surface.

 

[L13]

So, I heard in a review of the Mk3 (or possibly Mk2, not 100% sure) that the garmin sensor/transmitter module produces a bit of a high pitched whiny noise. Is this accurate? Cause in my mind, that would be the major killer.

It is ultrasonic, but not that high. I can hear it on the highest power only, and then only when it is within 1-2m (3-6 ft). But younger people and those with sensitive ears can hear it even on lower power settings and/or further away.

I don't find it bothersome, but usually set the power to the lowest setting to save battery and not irritate dive buddies. But some people find the sound extremely irritating. It is a short blip every ~5 seconds.

 

[spatty99]

The transmitter/transceiver definitely makes a noise, but how audible it is depends on setup.

The first time I used it was with the transceiver connected directly to the first stage and I couldn't stand the noise, it was extremely annoying. I would not have kept it if that were normal.

The next couple dives the transceiver was a on a 6" hose and I could hear the chirp if paying attention, but it wasn't very noticable and didn't bother me (or my dive buddy) at all.

I'm guessing that moving the transceiver a few inches toward my shoulder instead of being directly behind my ear made all the difference.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@spatty99 I wonder if mounting it on like, a ~16 inch hose, maybe zip tied to the backplate on the lower edge would work. I feel like it would eliminate the noise completely, but also would likely reduce the effect somewhat.