My Detailed Initial In-Water Impressions of Garmin Mk3i

[aedwards92]

Question: has your mk2i battery life degraded substantially over time? I have an mk2i and I only charge it to ~80% because I read on the internet that charging it all the way to 100% on a regular basis will wear out the battery prematurely. Years later my battery is like new, but of course I have no idea whether that's because I don't charge it beyond 80%, or whether it would have done just as well even if I was regularly charging it to 100%. As someone who charges to 100%, what have you observed?

When I charge my Mk2i (every couple of weeks or so) I charge it to 100% and haven’t seen any degradation after 2+ years of use

 

[supranatural]

I’ve only recently seen minor degradation of the battery, and I’ve had my Mk2i for 2-1/2 years now. I regularly charge it to 100%, maybe I should do only 80% but 100% has been good for 8 days and that brings it down to about 41-43% (and it’s used daily for sports/health monitoring). Last month the battery seemed to start dropping much faster, I use an analog watch face as I like that, and I believe the constant second hand and maybe even the watch face is a drain. I switched to a digital face and I’m back to 8 days and getting to 81-84% again. I’m probably getting a Mk3i in the summer, so maybe that one I will limit to 80% charging…

 

[MrChen]

I'm struggling to get the mk2i to consistently capture GPS entry and exit, is there any difference observed when using both models in this category?

 

[Belzelbub]

I'm struggling to get the mk2i to consistently capture GPS entry and exit, is there any difference observed when using both models in this category?

Are you waiting long enough for it to acquire entry location? My MK2s captures exit each time. As long as I allow time to acquire satellites before the dive, it will record entry as well.

 

[McHugh]

I think this is the perfect post to ask my question. I am in the hunt of replacing my zoop novo. However I am struggling between the Mk2i and Teric. I only will use it as a divecomputer, as I am happy with my current smartwatch.

So as u used tour mk as only a divecomputer, what would you recommend?

 

[Belzelbub]

I think this is the perfect post to ask my question. I am in the hunt of replacing my zoop novo. However I am struggling between the Mk2i and Teric. I only will use it as a divecomputer, as I am happy with my current smartwatch.

Tough one. If only going to use as a dive computer, then some of the benefits of the Garmin are out.

Out of the box, the Garmin is more difficult to use. Mainly because there are so many activities and options. You can spend a bit of time at first removing a bunch of apps from the favorites to simplify. Once you get used to the Garmin, though, it’s easy to use. But for me, that came from wearing and using it daily

The Shearwater interface is easy to use with no instructions. I would say the battery on the Garmin is likely better. At least more predictable, but if only using as a DC, the Teric will be fine as long as it’s charged before diving.

I prefer the AI transmitter that Shearwater uses. Primarily because it’s not proprietary.

Garmin has GPS that can mark entry and exit. How important this is depends on how you dive. With lots of dive log software, you can get pretty close with the gps in your phone. Of course, that won’t be the actual entry and exits. It’s just where your phone was at the time you synced.

 

[McHugh]

Tough one. If only going to use as a dive computer, then some of the benefits of the Garmin are out.

Out of the box, the Garmin is more difficult to use. Mainly because there are so many activities and options. You can spend a bit of time at first removing a bunch of apps from the favorites to simplify. Once you get used to the Garmin, though, it’s easy to use. But for me, that came from wearing and using it daily

The Shearwater interface is easy to use with no instructions. I would say the battery on the Garmin is likely better. At least more predictable, but if only using as a DC, the Teric will be fine as long as it’s charged before diving.

I prefer the AI transmitter that Shearwater uses. Primarily because it’s not proprietary.

Garmin has GPS that can mark entry and exit. How important this is depends on how you dive. With lots of dive log software, you can get pretty close with the gps in your phone. Of course, that won’t be the actual entry and exits. It’s just where your phone was at the time you synced.

Well I have to add, I am already running a Garmin sportswatch, which I will keep on using. So Garmin UI won’t be something completely new to me

 

[Belzelbub]

Well I have to add, I am already running a Garmin sportswatch, which I will keep on using. So Garmin UI won’t be something completely new to me

In that case, I’d probably lean toward the Garmin. You could probably sell the current watch, as the Descent will likely do all that the current watch does.

I use both a Garmin MK2s and a Shearwater Perdix AI. Both are way more capable through rec and Tec than I need.

 

[SKS22]

I think this is the perfect post to ask my question. I am in the hunt of replacing my zoop novo. However I am struggling between the Mk2i and Teric. I only will use it as a divecomputer, as I am happy with my current smartwatch.

So as u used tour mk as only a divecomputer, what would you recommend?

I love my Garmin Mk2i, but despite my bias, I think Teric is the better choice if you won't use the non-diving features. Garmin is expensive!

However, the following factors might make Garmin a better choice for you even if you won't use any features besides the dive computer:

1. You want to use the GPS to navigate to dive sites.

2. You want to use the advanced subwave dive network capabilities:

• View tank pressure for up to 8 paired Descent T2 transmitters (if you're only using one transmitter on your kit you can monitor 7 buddies' gas)
• View diver depth
• View public tank name
• View diver distance
• Receive messages

Even if you don't think you will use the Mk2i as your daily smart watch, read up on its capabilities before you decide. It is a lot more than a smart watch / dive computer combo. The dive computer is layered over a Fenix 6X Pro, so google that computer to see everything the Mk2i does besides diving. Beware: Garmin has started playing the subscription game, so if you find a feature that you think you will use a lot double check that your use case won't require a subscription (or confirm that you'd be willing to accept the added cost of a subscription).

 

[McHugh]

I love my Garmin Mk2i, but despite my bias, I think Teric is the better choice if you won't use the non-diving features. Garmin is expensive!

However, the following factors might make Garmin a better choice for you even if you won't use any features besides the dive computer:

1. You want to use the GPS to navigate to dive sites.

2. You want to use the advanced subwave dive network capabilities:

• View tank pressure for up to 8 paired Descent T2 transmitters (if you're only using one transmitter on your kit you can monitor 7 buddies' gas)
• View diver depth
• View public tank name
• View diver distance
• Receive messages

Even if you don't think you will use the Mk2i as your daily smart watch, read up on its capabilities before you decide. It is a lot more than a smart watch / dive computer combo. The dive computer is layered over a Fenix 6X Pro, so google that computer to see everything the Mk2i does besides diving. Beware: Garmin has started playing the subscription game, so if you find a feature that you think you will use a lot double check that your use case won't require a subscription (or confirm that you'd be willing to accept the added cost of a subscription).

Thanks for the insight. The point is, as I am using a fenix 7X pro solar, i am certain I will never use the mk2i as a daily watch, as it would be a downgrade. However the appealing thing is to have the known garmin ui/apps however I am logging my dives in the SSI app, so I will have to copy the data anyway

What are those cases of subscription based apps? I probably might look it up later.

The data about other divers is not important for me, as none of my buddies uses the Mk‘s.

However, I have a little concern with the chirping of the transmitter, as I am sensitive to high pitched noises