ideas and suggestions on the design of the "perfect" dive computer

[Rediculous2]

From your web site: •Wireless and / or high pressure hose port air integration. Scuba Capsule works with either high pressure hose connected to the tank, or with the wireless transmitter via Bluetooth.

These two statements would seem to be contradictory. Can you elaborate?

As a long time iPhone user (while I respect Thal, I do not share his luddite leanings), I'm quite interested in this product.

When using the camera, how is the unit removed from the wrist, and what provisions are there to prevent it from removing itself?
Will the controls allow use of both the still and video modes?
What dive log applications will be supported, and what provisions for importing old logs from other software (for example, I use the Suunto Dive Manager, and would certainly want to import my existing logs)?
When is the unit expected to be available?
What is the battery life of the iPhone when used in this manner?

The wireless transmitter is an option for the air-integrated PRO model, the other option is a miflex hose. We will offer a stainless watertight cap if you decide down the road that you want to upgrade to wireless from your hose integrated unit. Both units will have the wireless reciever as standard equipment.

We have designed a heavy-duty wrist/arm strap that will allow the unit to be securely attached on the bottom but removable at the top to pivot the unit up for camera use. It is also easily removed all together for those "macro" shots.

The video option will be available in photo mode, not to mention all your critical info will be staring back at you while you shoot.

Our log application will be custom but it will be similar to existing iPhone log apps. I need to find out from our programmers if the industry programs are uploadable.

Production will begin 1st quarter of 2012

The phone will be in airplane mode at the time of app startup so consumption will be very low due to the high power transceiver being off. You will run out of bottom time hours, potentially days before the battery dies

 

[Rediculous2]

Question-1: what is your "core competency"? Mechanical design (the water-proof case)? or App/Algorithms development?

Question-2: how different is this from the Intova Dive PDA announced at DEMA 2009?

Alberto (aka eDiver)

There are 12 of us. So if you're asking my personal core competency, it's mostly mechanical and technical development as well as bubbly customer relation.

I have so little information on that product, I must say I don't really know. I do know the PDA it was based on is at least 4 years old.

I like your products though; Alberto, I look foward to possible future interaction.

 

[The Chairman]

I like the idea but there's something about the idea of using an Iphone for life support that bothers me.

Life support is provided by your regulator, not your PDC. Having a back up PDC is always a good idea.

 

[smellzlikefish]

Thanks for reminding me why I always carry tables in my BC. I stand corrected.

 

[DiveNav]

.....I like your products though;.....

Thanks

....Alberto, I look foward to possible future interaction.

Maybe we could chat at DEMA?

 

[Rediculous2]

I can only speak for myself when I say this......My dive profiles mimic one another so closely that I could dive without a pressure gauge. That being said, everyone wants to have big boy toys. When one comes around that works, it's just all the more cool points. Like Doc said, if you have to depend on a computer to tell you what to do- have a backup. I dont even trust my atomic alarm clock which is plugged into the wall.
The guys who really need computers are the deep guys and the overhead guys. These people invest lots and lots and lots of money to ensure they stay alive. I think a nice VR3 would compliment the Scuba Capsule TEC very well
As far as the lower line models..... one should suffice for all of your open water needs.

 

[Rediculous2]

Thanks


Maybe we could chat at DEMA?

We'd love to meet anyone with similar passions..... We will be in booth # 803 right by the big 'fishtank' Ill be the pleasntly plump ginger head with the loud mouth

 

[Dirty-Dog]

None of these questions are dumb.
Our device is as you say a snappy housing; with all the necessary sensors and microprocessors to make the smartphone into a super-charged dive computer built in.
If you see below the display there is an area in which all these components are housed.
We will be offering this unit in four configurations depending on customer preference.
There will be a non-air integrated (REC) model as well as the air-integrated hose type and wireless integrated systems(PRO). There will also be a flagship unit called the Scuba Capsule TEC, which has the capabilty to monitor 10 gas mixes including air, nitrox, tri-mix and heliox. The tec will also have open and closed circuit capabilities for you re-breather guys.
Using smartphones as our platform we can always offer the latest updates and have the fastest computation
not to mention a wide angle HD camera and all your favorite music, movies and games (for those week long deco stops)
We will also be offering a LITE version with no diving feedback for media only. (just in case you love your computer but want the coolest media player in the underwater world)

What's the upgrade path? Seems to me the easiest method is to have a single case (with hose connection, and a cap/seal) and sell the package as different levels of software.
Also, your site lists a MSRP of $499, but since there are four different models, maybe you can elaborate on the price structure?
I cannot tell from the pictures on your site. How is the iPhone placed in the case, how are connections (i.e. headphons) made, and how is the case sealed to prevent accidental opening? Are there pictures of the mounting mechanism available?

 

[Doc]

Will it fit my 'Droid Tablet PC?

In 6 months you'll be dropping that Tablet into a bucket of wet cement and using it for a boat anchor. The I-Phone is going to be around in its physical format for a while... and certainly available on the used market as a toss-away.

The airplane mode will indeed provide huge battery life. Anyone who believes that I-Phones eat batteries doesn't understand how/why to shut down all of the background apps that they have left running.

This idea looks like a promising and marketable item. Good to know you'll be at DEMA.

 

[Thalassamania]

I had a great chat with Rediculous2 on the phone. It looks like a heck of a device, if it is all that is promised. This is the first dive computer that I've wanted since I get my ORCAs way back when. But I still don't want a smartphone ... can one get an iPhone without service or does that become prohibitively expensive?