Visual communication device in corner of mask?

[TSandM]

You know, we can all be snide about this, but in clear, sunlit water, it can be almost impossible to see even a 21W HID unless it's flashed right in your mask. If you aren't diving in GUE class lockstep, lights aren't very useful for communication in those conditions. I think this device is intriguing, especially as I dive with a photographer whose acceptance of the whole team diving thing is grudging, anyway It is just, at this point, more expensive than I'm willing to spend to try something out.

 

[tregrrr]

Group 1 consisting of 6 divers mates their Buddy-Links together on one private channel.
Group 2 consisting of 10 divers mates their Buddy-Links together on a seperate channel.

Daaamn that's like $3000 worth of flashy lights....

This gadget would work well with signaling my wife, as taking hand grenades diving has become problematic since TSA.

nice... I can think of a couple unique individuals I would like to have used YOUR signal device with... :nuke:

Seriously though, how does the ranging function work if you have multiple recipients on a channel?? whose distance is reported to whom?? can you tell who initiated the signal or is it just like a "tik tik tik guess who?!?"

 

[DiveNav]

..... I happen to be part of the development team that made the "Buddy-Link" device and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the device......

Hi,
this is cool

It will be my "Product of the month" in our March newsletter (goes out to ~7,000 users - so far).

Send me a couple of samples and I will add it to our scuba diving simulator.

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Saw it at DEMA, it has a litmited range and I thought it was pretty pricey. You still can't replace a good dive buddy/team no matter what technology is out there.

Carolyn:shark2:

 

[pelagic_by_nature]

Very pricey. In an OOA situation, which I recently learned can happen even with a full tank, it would be nice to be able to signal your buddy, even if only 10 or 15 feet away, and have them swimming toward you to meet you half way. Then again for the price, you could have a whole pony bottle set up which would be preferable, it would seem.
Interesting. Might be worthwhile in the $50/pr dollar range (or lower).

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Sorry, the Buddy-Link is not a silent device. Each visual signal is accompanied by an audible tone, or melody which can be turned on or off depending on the users preference.

How audible?

Personally, I go diving to get away from technological noises. Quackers, tank-bangers, and beeping dive computers drive me nutz ... which is one reason I so seldom frequent places where they are used.

Technology has many good uses ... this may be one of them. But when someone's technological choices impinge on the peace and quiet of others, I don't see that as a good thing.

Sound travels way better underwater than through the air. Lots and lots of divers get annoyed by useless noises made by other people's dive equipment. Might be a good thing to keep in mind while you're developing your products.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[lmorin]

The marvel of mass production should be able to get this devices down to an acceptable cost. To me, that's $25-50 for an item that is electronic. I'd buy two in a jiffy, as I too like the idea of communication that only extends to my buddy.

 

[dj10022]

Amazing! What next, tweetering underwater? If you are so far from your buddy that you need an ultra sonic device to keep in touch you might as well go it alone. The reason for dive buddies is not to share impressions under water but mainly to get or provide assistance when needed. Might be a nice toy just like the wireless pressure transmiter, which I love with my Atom computer but I back it up with a regular gauge. If signaling to your buddy is really that important I recomend using a traditional and cheap noise maker like the H2YO Noisemaker. I have something similar i bought at a dive shop in Thailand and it's been working great for me. It doesnt fail to get attention. Good luck with your choice

 

[sihing_steve]

How audible?

Personally, I go diving to get away from technological noises. Quackers, tank-bangers, and beeping dive computers drive me nutz ... which is one reason I so seldom frequent places where they are used.

Technology has many good uses ... this may be one of them. But when someone's technological choices impinge on the peace and quiet of others, I don't see that as a good thing.

Sound travels way better underwater than through the air. Lots and lots of divers get annoyed by useless noises made by other people's dive equipment. Might be a good thing to keep in mind while you're developing your products.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Bob,

Thanks for the input. The "tune" that is played is loud enough for the diver to hear, but not so loud that other divers may hear it. We have taken consideration to how well sound travels in water and have compensated for it within the software of the device.

The originators/invetors of the device have been avid divers for over 25 years and put those years of experience into the creation of the Buddy-Link.

 

[sihing_steve]

Saw it at DEMA, it has a litmited range and I thought it was pretty pricey. You still can't replace a good dive buddy/team no matter what technology is out there.

Carolyn:shark2:

Carolyn:

We spec the device to communicate at 100ft underwater, but have had it communicate much further.