Garmin Descent MK2

[ATJ]

How do you know he didn’t have them both displayed on his Descent, testing to make sure they read the same?

I don't, and that is a possibility, but we know from the comment that the diver is also using a Shearwater so I assume the PPS transmitter is for the Shearwater.

Also note that I tested my three Oceanic branded PPS transmitters and they vary by 1-2 bar on full tanks so I wouldn't be surprised if the PPS reads differently from the Garmin.

 

[stuartv]

I don't, and that is a possibility, but we know from the comment that the diver is also using a Shearwater so I assume the PPS transmitter is for the Shearwater.

Also note that I tested my three Oceanic branded PPS transmitters and they vary by 1-2 bar on full tanks so I wouldn't be surprised if the PPS reads differently from the Garmin.

The comment did not say the beta tester was actually using a Shearwater computer that day. Only that the tester said the Descent 2 is "on par" with his Shearwater. And, for that matter, if he was also using a Shearwater, he could still have the PPS transmitter displayed on more than 1 computer.

Regardless, all I'm trying to say is that nothing about any of that post from the Garmin forum gives enough information to conclude positively that the Descent 2 will not read a PPS transmitter.

I HIGHLY doubt it will, but I like to avoid jumping to unfounded conclusions. And, as I pointed out earlier, if the Descent 2 can pick up the RF frequency that the PPS transmitters use, then even if it doesn't support them on release, it would only be a firmware update away from being able to support them in the future. I think.

 

[scrane]

As you can see, this diver is also wearing a pre-release Mk2.

 

[Protondecay123]

How do you know he didn’t have them both displayed on his Descent, testing to make sure they read the same?

I like how you think, Doubting Thomas.

 

[Puma Hunter]

Garmin submitted a new smartwatch to the FCC on Monday. Could it be the Descent MK2i? FCC ID IPH-03927

 

[kodiak81]

Garmin submitted a new smartwatch to the FCC on Monday. Could it be the Descent MK2i? FCC ID IPH-03927

Don't think so. Frequency Range 2.402-2.48 GHz is Bluetooth so not for tank pod integration. Perhaps MK2 minus the i?

 

[ATJ]

Don't think so. Frequency Range 2.402-2.48 GHz is Bluetooth so not for tank pod integration. Perhaps MK2 minus the i?

That's the same range as the Garmin tank transmitter: FCC ID IPH-03550

The Garmin tank transmitter uses RF (2.402-2.48 GHz) out of the water and "a sonar signal" underwater. The "sonar signal" is probably not subject to FCC review.

 

[tursiops]

The "sonar signal" is probably not subject to FCC review.

Definitely not. It is acoustics, not radio.

 

[TheZissouSociety]

Some interesting things here...

1. I don’t know if a device that is only capable of receiving radio broadcasts is required to go through FCC testing. I assume this is required for devices that have a transmitter only. Bluetooth of course is bidirectional, while the passive scanning of a PPS transmitter would not be. Looking at Shearwater for example, I only see listings for the Teric, and what I assume is it’s Wireless charging components https://fccid.io/2AO24. The lack of listing doesn’t rule out the possibility of the watch supporting PPS transmitters.

2. I think I found an accidental listing for the watch at this site here: Garmin Descent™ Mk2 Dive Computer Series - Neptonics. It seems to confirm that there will be atleast a sonar transmitter.

Explore both of your worlds, underwater and topside, with Descent™ Mk2, & Mk2i the watch-sized dive computer. Track your breath and depth with Descent™ multiple dive modes, an underwater compass and surface GPS capabilities, it doubles as a premium multisport smartwatch when you’re on land.

The Mk2i features SubWave™ sonar technology for integrated tank pressure monitoring on up to 5 tanks when paired with the Descent™ T1 transmitter (Additional equipment (sold separately).

It could be an improvement over the PPS transmitter, but given that everyone owns a Shearwater, it would be naive of Garmin to only support a transmitter that isn’t an industry standard yet. Given their support of Ant+, I really hope that this isn’t the case.

 

[Still Kicking]

From a business perspective, if you invest money developing a proprietary transmitter, why would you give users the option to use a competitor's transmitter? Garmin is no doubt confident that lack of transmitter compatibility will not be a deal breaker for most people.

Realistically, the percentage of divers who will buy and wear two $1000+ air integrated computers is incredibly small (SB users are not a representative sample).