Shearwater has now announced their own AI transmitter. It's called the Swift.
The next generation SWIFT AI Transmitter - Shearwater Research
It appears to be the same as the current PPS transmitter, but with some extra features.
The web page says it is compatible with all Shearwater AI computers as well as "many other computers that are already on the market". I take that to mean that it's an enhanced version of the current transmitter and will work with the same computers as the current one - i.e. it would work with Oceanic, Aqualung, Hollis, etc..
The specs also say it uses the same battery as the PPS transmitter, and has the same service life (300 dive hours).
The enhancements are:
- It detects other transmitters and waits to transmit so as to not interfere with other transmitters.
- It has an LED that flashes when it transmits or if it detects an interfering signal.
Pricing is USD$395 and the older transmitters are $350.
The new one seems cool, but I have used multiple transmitters a fair bit - in sidemount and on the dil and O2 cylinders on my CCR - and I have never personally had an issue with transmitter interference. So, I'm not sure I would spend the extra money for the Swift over the older type. But, I'm guessing Shearwater is going to stop selling the older style when their supply runs out. At that point, I would definitely buy a Swift over buying a non-Shearwater branded PPS transmitter. The Shearwater warranty is worth the extra money to me. And, I think the other brands sell the PPS transmitters for about $400 anyway.
The next generation SWIFT AI Transmitter - Shearwater Research
It appears to be the same as the current PPS transmitter, but with some extra features.
The web page says it is compatible with all Shearwater AI computers as well as "many other computers that are already on the market". I take that to mean that it's an enhanced version of the current transmitter and will work with the same computers as the current one - i.e. it would work with Oceanic, Aqualung, Hollis, etc..
The specs also say it uses the same battery as the PPS transmitter, and has the same service life (300 dive hours).
The enhancements are:
- It detects other transmitters and waits to transmit so as to not interfere with other transmitters.
- It has an LED that flashes when it transmits or if it detects an interfering signal.
Pricing is USD$395 and the older transmitters are $350.
The new one seems cool, but I have used multiple transmitters a fair bit - in sidemount and on the dil and O2 cylinders on my CCR - and I have never personally had an issue with transmitter interference. So, I'm not sure I would spend the extra money for the Swift over the older type. But, I'm guessing Shearwater is going to stop selling the older style when their supply runs out. At that point, I would definitely buy a Swift over buying a non-Shearwater branded PPS transmitter. The Shearwater warranty is worth the extra money to me. And, I think the other brands sell the PPS transmitters for about $400 anyway.
