Garmin Descent MK1 - Wish List, Reliability and other MK1 related things.

[Jay]

More settings in Freedive mode!

Should that be expanded a little or do you think Garmin would know what you're looking for? (I know zip re freediving)

 

[primus]

It would be very useful if the Garmin Descent Mk1 had at least such settings as the Suunto D4i Novo (in freedive mode), and at least one user-configurable data screen.

 

[Jay]

Please find an updated list below. Any more wishes? (that don't involve genies or bottles) ...


Wish-list (now please!)

AI using PPS transmitters

With two tank support (for rec use i.e. same gas, 2 transmitters, showing 2 tank pressures, and reflect both tanks in GTR)

Transmitters use same recharging method as watch.

GTR to include all stops in the calculation

Ability to change GF settings during a dive (and display GF on surface/ pre-dive screen.)

Ability to edit the gas mixes during a dive

Settable last stop depth for doing (options being 10', 20', and 30').

Add a timer/stopwatch function for during dive use.

At least one, user configurable data screen.

re Alerts: ensure alerts are not covering critical dive info when displayed. Have user selectable auto-alert clearing

Ability to enter cylinder specs (using downloaded software) and to have it calculate RMV.

Additional Apnea/ Freedive mode features: 1/ An Apnea timer that is adjustable for Vent Time, Increment Time, and # of repeats. 2/ selectable depth notifications.


Wish-list (medium / long term)

Qi ('wireless' charging) – both for watch and transmitter.

Using internal gyros for underwater, navigation and mapping.

added after posting: turn the dive notification (when applicable, based on the above mapping).

CCR support

 

[stuartv]

AI using PPS transmitters

Transmitters use same recharging method as watch.

PPS transmitters are not rechargeable and Garmin doesn't make those. So, I believe these two entries on the wish list are incompatible.

Also, I have my first PPS transmitter, which has about 200 dives on it (more or less), is 1 month shy of being 3 years old (since I bought it - it was New Old Stock, so I don't know how old it really is), and is still going strong with the original battery.

I would rather have a battery that lasts a year or two and then gets changed (by me, for cheap), than have a rechargeable battery that has to be charged even once a month and still has to be replaced every few years. Especially if replacing the rechargeable battery requires sending it off somewhere and paying.

 

[Jay]

@stuartv Current li-ion batteries will last for decades. I don't know if Garmin will produce their own transmitters but I was hoping they might hence the wish. I'm sure they'll bump it off if it doesn't represent a good use of resources or and area they can improve. I was also thinking, when/if charging batteries in general moves to Qi, it makes sense to align every battery in that direction so cables can be forgotten, and there will always be a Qi charger found anywhere there's human activity.

One question, re display info: does requesting something like 'display in bold text Minimum(GTR, NDL) make sense?

@primus Are you OK with how I've done the Apnea request (I sent you a PM earlier with background to it).

 

[Jay]

Question re RMV vs. SAC display during a dive (assuming AI): Have it user selectable to display either one or both. If RMV, then tank info is pre-selected in pre-dive screen. Worthwhile?

General theme: if it's computable by the DC, then it should be computed by the DC. The user should not have to make any manual calculations.

 

[primus]

@primus Are you OK with how I've done the Apnea request (I sent you a PM earlier with background to it).

I need the following functions:

- Depth alarm
- Depth notify alarm
- Dive time alarm
- Surf time notify alarm
- Sample rate (! adjustable 1,2,5,10 seconds)
- Compass
- At least one user-configurable data screen (like Fenix)
- Compatibility with DiveMate! I contacted DiveMate today and they promised me, that they will also support this new diving computer

After (good) experience with Garmin Fenix3, I know Garmin initially does not include all possible functions in the new device. Garmin's programmers adds them (they obviously read their forum ) subsequently, with new firmware editions.

Primoz

 

[Jay]

- Depth alarm
- Depth notify alarm
- Dive time alarm
- Surf time notify alarm
- Sample rate (! adjustable 1,2,5,10 seconds)
- Compass

It's got a compass and Depth alarm and I'll add to check that they work in Apnea in the list (I assume they would).

By "... notify alarm" do you mean to have it pre-warn you as you approach the alarm?

 

[primus]

It's got a compass and Depth alarm and I'll add to check that they work in Apnea in the list (I assume they would).

By "... notify alarm" do you mean to have it pre-warn you as you approach the alarm?

(Suunto manual)
5.8.2. Setting the depth notify alarm (FREE mode)
You can set the depth notify alarm to indicate a certain depth, for example, start of free falling or mouth filling in free diving

In fact, for me this is just another depth alarm, which I use it to remind me (at certain, not yet final depth) to perform some activities.

 

[Jay]

OP updated with all requests to date.