GARMIN DESCENT MK2i & T1 TRANSMITTER RANGE TEST

Range test of the Garmin T1 Transmitter connected to the Garmin Descent Mk2i.
Ideally, this test would have been completed on a sea dive with another diver using the transmitter, but Lockdown 2.0, weather, and the time of year put paid to that - besides, there won't be another transmitter available in the UK until they launch for sale towards the end of November 2020.
Four test runs in the pool - One achieved 7m, while the other three reached 10m each. To save you the bore of watching all four of them I've just included two of the tests.
Although massively surprised at how well the Shearwater Teric did.
Keep your eyes peeled for more videos on the Descent Mk2i coming very soon!
Timestamps
Intro: (0:00)
How the Garmin Air Integration Works (2:15)
Test Run 2 (3:58)
Test Run 4 (6:10)
Callouts (8:34)
Summary (11:42)
For more information on London School of Diving, and Mike's Dive Store check out the following links
londonschoolofdiving.co.uk/
www.mikesdivestore.com/
To purchase the Descent Mk2, Mk2S & Mk2i visit the following links
Garmin Descent Mk2S:
www.mikesdivestore.com/collec...
Garmin Descent Mk2:
www.mikesdivestore.com/produc...
Garmin Descent Mk2i:
www.mikesdivestore.com/produc...
Subwave Tank Pod:
www.mikesdivestore.com/produc...
Related Reviews
For the Garmin Descent Mk2S Launch Video:
• GARMIN DESCENT MK2 S: ...
For the Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Data Screens & Customisation Review:
• GARMIN DESCENT MK2i | ...
For the Garmin Descent Mk2 & Mk2i Review:
• GARMIN DESCENT Mk2 & M...
For the comparison review of the Descent Mk1, Shearwater Teric, Suunto D5 & Ratio iDive Colour Easy visit:
• SUUNTO D5 vs SHEARWATE...
For the Garmin Descent Mk1 Review visit:
• GARMIN DESCENT Mk1 - T...
For connecting the Mk1 to the Garmin Connect app visit:
• IS THE GARMIN CONNECT ...
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[@kurttidd8922]

Great video, and thanks for running the test and getting it on line so quickly!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Absolute pleasure Kurt - just glad it’s been well received.. 👍🏻

[@michelh998]

Once again a great video, I have been testing out my MK2I both underwater and above and so far have found it great, also no issues listening to my bluetooth headphones.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Brilliant Michel - really great to hear! I agree - so far really impressed with the Bluetooth connection for listening to music. Very much enjoying not needing to take my phone with me when I head out for a run..!

[@frankcosgrove9958]

Excellent vid, I was waiting for this one 👍

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Ah cheers Frank - thanks for the lovely feedback 👍🏻🙌🏼

[@1GreatWhiteHunter]

I emailed Garmin a couple of years ago and suggested that air integration, sapphire glass, and highly scratch resistant metal would be required for me to switch from my Oceanic. Congrats Garmin! I've lost radio connection more times on my Oceanic Atom 2 on dives that I'd prefer not to have to mention. Always embarrassing when a dive guide is asking to see your tank pressure and you have to give them a dumb hand signal that you dont know what your air pressure is when the wrist computer 2 ft from the tank can't receive its signal. Thanks for your your hard work in making this video for us. This will be on my wrist under the sea and on remote trails in the wilderness very soon! Boomer from California!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Good morning Cali...! Great to hear from the West Coast.. 👍🏻 Well it sounds like we have you to thank for your email to Garmin! 👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼 Never a good time when a DC connection fails - fortunately I’ve never experienced this, but then never dived with an Oceanic as my AI primary..! Let me know how you get on with it when it arrives Boomer - also check out the other video we did on the Mk2, as there’s a bit more detail on the features.. 👍🏻

[@gociii]

Great review as always. 👍👍 As a regular but non-technical diver, and into multi-sports, I opted to go for the Mk2 as for me air integration isn't a must-have. It was good to see the evident screen-size difference compared to the Mk1 in action underwater, and confirmed waiting for Mk2 was worth the wait 🙂. Eagerly waiting for my Mk2 arriving this week to give it a go with the Jabra Elite Sport ear-buds which, according to some posts in Garmin forums, MAY lack support of HR from in-ear HR sensor - not a deal-breaker but nice to have. Thanks & keep up the informative channel!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks Jonathan - really appreciate the support 👍🏻 The screen size makes a huge difference for sure! I’ve been out on a couple of runs with the Mk2 while connected to my own Bose Bluetooth in ear headphones while listening to music downloaded onto my phone... No issues with HR being recorded thus far... 👍🏻

[@laminar0886]

Fantastic video! As a new Teric owner I was very impressed with the 3m (nearly 10ft) transmitter range you found. I’m hoping you can do the same tests on an ocean dive to see if these results hold. Thank you for all your great gear reviews as well.. please keep the content coming!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thank you - that’s a really kind comment to read. Good to know it’s been appreciated. I certainly will be looking more closely at this in the next ocean dive, alas I fear it might not be for a short while now...

[@Jamaicarasramarc]

Nice video my friend. Thumps up from Germany 🇩🇪

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Lovely stuff - thanks very much Germany! 🇩🇪🙌🏼

[@suzietaite3607]

Great review thanks. I would say I like the display on the teric over the other 2. It seems clearer and brighter.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks Suzie - glad you found it useful! I do agree - the display on the Teric is one of the things it has going for it. The Teric uses AMOLED technology in the screen which really makes a difference!

[@krismoonpie]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Yeah the Teric looks amazing! However the battery life being only 1-2 days seems like a big tradeoff for the screen brightness. I was planning to get the Teric initially, but starting to be on the fence about it. Some people say in forums that they have to charge it even at lunch to get in a 5 dive day. I think I might prefer the better battery life of the Garmin.

[@user-gl4pe9dl3v]

Отличный обзор и супер часы дайверские!)

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thank you so much - I'm so glad you found the review useful..! :)

[@jkreg]

Great video! I'm curious, will the MK2i connect to other transmitters or does the subwave technology limit connections to ONLY Garmin T1 pods?

[@fordeetv]

Interesting video, I still need to get my scuba cert one day... only free diving and spearfishing at the moment. Have a good week guys!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@fordeetv you don’t know what you’re missing out on buddy!!! Honestly, free diving is fantastic, but being immersed for an hour or so is a completely different experience! 🙏🏼❤️

[@fordeetv]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Have definitely been meaning to get my open water cert... maybe once things start to go back to normal. Right now spearfishing is what keeps me sane. haha

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@fordeetv as long as you’re in the water that’s the main thing! In the mean time stay safe buddy and enjoy the coming week!

[@fordeetv]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Thanks brotha, you too!!!

[@Xinjiasheng]

Thanks to your video.. went out to buy the Garmin Decent mk2i the next day... will sell my Fenix 6x ....

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Excellent Jason! Really glad the video was helpful for you!

[@zerovisdiver]

LOL this is exactly what I did several months ago.

[@BigDTexas]

I wonder if there's much difference between freshwater and saltwater in the maximum range obtainable

[@IDive2]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the horrible beeping sound every few seconds from the tank pod....aka sonar. I wish I would have read or viewed a video discussing it before purchase as it is hella annoying.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hey - I've had a few people mention this, and seen it raised in forums. Weirdly I didn't hear the beeping or was I made aware of it at the time of filming this review - that's the only reason it wasn't mentioned. There will be a future video in which I'll def pick this up.

[@IDive2]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Well I look forward to your updated review. Unfortunately I am now i am stuck with a beeping POD system. I will mess with the output and position and hopefully it won't be as noticeable and hopefully it doesn't interfere with the wildlife. What i think is also interesting is Garmin lists the dB at 0 for the Bluetooth above water, yet does not mention the sound rating for sonar.I would have expected them to pick something out of human audible range which really shouldn't be hard at all.

[@Jurykov]

If you get another chance to test, it would be interesting to see how both the Garmin, and Teric perform while camera strobes are being fired in the water. I have noticed that my wife's Teric seems to lose connection more often while I'm with her and shooting photos. It would be cool to see if one of those two computers handles it better than the other, or whether it makes a difference in reliability or range.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Derek, interesting subject. Can I ask, does your wife dive with a tank transmitter for air integration with her Teric? I've heard some stories about the transmitters momentarily losing connection with camera strobe interference being the main cause. Out of interest, does it perform fine on the dives you don't have the camera with you? I'll certainly look into this one, but it might be a while, unfortunately. The transmitters aren't available to purchase in the UK yet, and then we're moving house just before Christmas (hopefully) so will be well into the New Year in realistic terms. I'll see if I can find any information out, but what I will say is the Garmin transmitter uses the Garmin Sonar technology in it and NOT the standard VHF signal that others use. It's the VHF frequency that gets disrupted with the camera strobe flashes... In theory, the Garmin shouldn't experience these issues...

[@IDive2]

Look forward to your next video going more into detail of the screens and customization. Do you recall what power that the tx was set to (low, medium, high)?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

That’s a really good point!! I meant to call that out in the video and just realised I forgot!!! I set all 3 DC’s to the brightest setting. Mk1 & Mk2i were set to 100%. Teric was set to high.

[@IDive2]

@@BlackMantaPhotography While that is definitely good to know as well, I probably should have been more clear. The transmitter for the subwave has a low, medium and high setting for power output. Did you mess with those settings at all? Thanks!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@IDive2 ah sorry - thought you were talking about brightness settings! 🤣 I left the transmitter settings as default (medium) for the whole session

[@marcojm9]

Have you noticed a beep or ping coming from the Transmitter every 4 secs or so during a dive, due to the sonar communication? Various owners on Facebook and the Garmin forums have reported it can become annoying when noticed. One user reported getting a headache after a 2 hr dive from hearing the ping. However, when using a hood, it is not as noticeable.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I’ve heard people mention they heard a sonic type beep. I didn’t notice it during the test, but that’s not to say it isn’t there - just I didn’t hear it. Another subscriber on one of the videos did say that he heard it, but it was often drowned out by the ambient sounds you get underwater. I haven’t had a chance to try it since as the T1 pod I tested had to go back, and haven’t had the chance for a dive since they were released for general sales due to the lockdown we are in. I have tried to contact Garmin for a response but yet to receive an answer. Will keep trying!

[@Fistashhkin]

make a small review how they work as a smart watch with notifications and app for your phone, + Dive log with all data what it stores, graphics, renaming of dive sites..

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks Vitalik - I actually have something very similar in mind actually! I have a plan to cover the Mk2 along with the Garmin Dive/Connect apps. Will try and get something sorted in the next couple of weeks around the day job! :)

[@kevinobrine7794]

Hi, love the look of the mk2i, I’m a keen scuba diver and windsurfer. I’d like to know if the mk2i will record my speed whilst windsurfing, I’m guessing this would in gps mode. Thanks

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Kevin - thanks for the question, luckily it’s one I can give you a simple answer for! There’s a mode call ‘Boat’ in the activities - it provides you with 4 screens in the screen data. It gives you data such as nautical distance, timer, nautical speed over ground, max nautical speed over ground, average nautical speed over ground, HR, time of day and also a GPS map so you can see where you are. Quite useful if you are on any kind of vessel travelling over water. Hope that helps? 👍🏻

[@kevinobrine7794]

Thanks, that’s great, it’ll be on my Christmas shopping list.👍

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@kevinobrine7794 pleasure! Let’s hope Santa is feeling generous! 🎅🏼

[@scubadaddy3217]

I've heard from some that the ping the sonar transmitter emits is annoying during dives, is this true? I didn't notice anything in the video, but of course the first stage is pretty close to the ears when actually diving. A ping every 5 seconds could be disruptive.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hey there - thanks for the question. This has actually popped up a few times. No is the honest answer - I've dived with the Mk2i with transmitter a number of times now and I've never heard or noticed any ping, beep, or noise that is new to me. I'm not sure why some have mentioned they've heard something, but I definitely haven't. Hope that helps...

[@scubadaddy3217]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Thanks for the response, that did help.

[@nalgo]

Any tests on range when not facing the transmitter?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Sadly not I’m afraid. Will do my best to look into this the next time I’m in the water when the pod is out...

[@deimjons4096]

pls show how looks like multigas dive and how it works with different gases. for example you go with nitrox and then you change to trimix. How transmitters will work in this case? How it will loks like if we have multigas dive(2 gas), 2 divers 4 transmitters. can you see psi of your buddy when you do multigas dive? Compare that with teric like in this video.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Deim - great question. I've noted that down to include in the Teric review. Unsure if I will need to have a transmitter connected and a pressurised connection to a transmitter to do all of this - if that's the case then it may have to wait until the transmitter has been released and I have one to hand.

[@IM35461]

Wouldn't it have been best to have a diver using the tank with the transmitters on to rule out them going into powersave mode? Perhaps test also done individually as computers close together. I have marker pen rings on my SMB line, one at one metre, two at two meters, etc. An alternative to looking at your computer. Lastly, your scuba kit needs servicing, spg leaking, most likely the orings on the swivel.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks - yes, the SPG leak was noticed before I got in the water. I meant to leave it at the dive shop for servicing afterwards but completely forgot. Really need to make a note now to take back when lockdown is over, or it will be one of those things I forgot and don’t remember until I’m next in the water...!

[@tacul9333]

Do you trust the Garmin enough to go without an analog gauge?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I don't trust any dive computer enough to dive without an SPG - regardless of the brand. I've had a DC fail on me during a dive before, so had to rely on my SPG for air and surface slowly, and have an extended SS glued to my buddy to be on the safe side. Ever since then I always dive with 2 computers in addition to a working SPG. There are too many factors involved to rely on a DC alone.

[@mickie2412]

FINALLY😀🙏 A comparison with the mk1 and mk2 view of size under water. And wauv that is really noticeable 😍 everthing is just so much more clear and the typing is clearly bigger. So what do you think now of the screen size? Are you satisfied or is it still to small you think?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks Mickie - good to know you found it of interest. Yes - I’m definitely happy with the size of the viewable screen! It’s made such a massive difference! As you say, it’s clearer, the text is bigger, and just looks fresher. It’s a shame it’s not an AMOLED screen like the Teric, but guess you can’t have everything. I will at some point in the coming weeks be comparing the Mk2i against the Mk1 and the Teric as individual videos, so keep your eyes peeled! 👍🏻

[@mickie2412]

@@BlackMantaPhotography 😂😂😂 im already checking your channel every day about an update of the mk2i since your first video of it😉

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@mickie2412 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’ll give you a rest then - plan to get the next one up for Friday (hopefully), if I can find some time around the day job. Saturday at the latest 🤞🏼 Want to cover dive data screens and how to configure them. Seems to the the topic I’ve been getting the most questions on...

[@danb6087]

Great review. Do you have to pair the MK2i with pod on each dive? If jumping in the water without pairing will it connect to the pod? Just curious as have done this with the Teric no issues. Really like the Garmin for all the other features too, I will be upgrading my MK1 I think but never getting rid of my Teric as I need a Tec computer, a nice birthday present to myself.....

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks Dan - appreciate the positive feedback 👍🏻 No, once paired you’re good to go. Paired for life unless you delete the transmitter. The Mk2 is a full TEC and CCR dive computer too, and will give your Teric a good run for its money, so you’ll be in safe hands. Check out the first video I did as run through some of the features - few more videos to come too. Happy birthday (when it comes) by the way! 🎂

[@danb6087]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Ah cool beans, so it will start up on auto once in the water and connect. That makes life easier just in case. Thanks for that! Yea, the MK2i will be great for the shallower tec and course dives but need one with a deeper rating for more exploration, fun and games. Besides, I always have 2 on the go and not enough arm to put them on so with the MK2i and Teric, fun times! With a shiny and new thing on the wrist, who can resist, gonna be great birthday, cheers! Just subscribed, so will be looking out for your channel, awesome work!

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@danb6087 yes buddy - you’ll see the pressure on the DC when you connect to the tank anyway as you would normally. DC kicks in once in the water - you’ll just need to make sure you’re in the right mode as you would for the Teric. You’re certainly doing some hardcore diving if your exceeding the Mk2 limits! Impressive! I know the feeling - always dive with 2. One on my wrist and one attached to the camera float arm as it’s easier to see when filming. Thanks for the support - it’s really appreciate. Plan to cover dive data screens and how to configure them in the next video. Will be a video coming soon on the comparisons between the Descent and the Teric too! 👍🏻

[@danb6087]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Had it to 115m on a training dive and it kept up with the Terics within a few minutes here or there, didn't take it to 155m, not sure want to push it that far. Would be great if Garmin would rework it for 200m. Tried it on sidemount setup, works well, not sure would ever give up the Terics though as the new update is pretty good. As for now a great backup tec computer. Can't hear any sonar bleeps while diving so all good there. Still great computer, fitness watch and it is my main day to day watch, gym buddy. Sucks that the pay using the Garmin doesn't work for me yet! hope they roll that out soon for my bank!

[@carlossantangelo5318]

Hi, 1st question , Can be connected the Garmin T1 Transmitter with Shearwater Teric? 2nd question, Having a Shearwater Teric, This can be use any transmitter or I should get the Shearwater Transmitter?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Carlos... 1) No, the Garmin T1 transmitter only connects to the Garmin Mk2i dive computer, and vice versa. 2) The Shearwater Teric connects to the Shearwater transmitter and also the Aqualung which is widely used. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@carlossantangelo5318]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Help too much, short and precise answer. One more time thank you very much for your knowledge and your dedication to clarify doubts.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@carlossantangelo5318 you’re really welcome Carlos. It was a pleasure 👍🏻

[@dannysingletary9648]

What about the issue i have heard of that your body may block the signal between the watch and the pod? I assume its a line of site issue.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I don't know where you heard that issue - would be curious to find out as interested in this comment, but there were times during the pool test when moving cameras around and stuff that I definitely had my back to the pod that was situated on the tank in the corner of the pool - never experienced any issues. What you need to remember is in most instances you will be wearing your own DC on your wrist, and the transmitter will be connected to your own tank. It will perform like any other in that regard in my own opinion. If there is an example of an obstacle being the case then I'd imagine it would be more relevant if there is an obstacle within the 10m range of you and your buddy who might also be wearing a pod?

[@dannysingletary9648]

@@BlackMantaPhotography the info comes from the transmitter manual here www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-46177B6F-52F5-4DA5-B0C5-84CE303DDB49/EN-US/GUID-6E5D2732-957B-4819-8497-B1A1E751D879.html. While I don’t think it states blocking signal it infers it by location and proximity of the two devices on ones body. If you have the opportunity to test this it would be awesome,

[@dannysingletary9648]

Actually it does says block in manual. “Your body, drysuit, and dive equipment can obstruct the signal, particularly while underwater. For the best reception, all transmitters in your group should have clear lines of sight to the dive computer. To help prevent blocking the signal with your body or equipment, you should follow these tips.”

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@dannysingletary9648 thanks so much for sharing this with me - I hadn’t seen it, which annoys me a little as would have loved to have covered this off last week when in the water. It’s a really interesting one - are they saying this because every DC manufacturer tells you to wear your transmitter on the same side as the AI computer as standard practice, or are they saying this because the body blocks the sonar/Subwave? Will see what I can find out... 👍🏻

[@thomasdhb5760]

nobody talks about it? if my brother and I both have Garmin Descent MK2i with transmitter can you see each other's air or should we buy 4 transmitters? which would be completely absurd.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Hi Thomas - thanks for the question. Yes - if you and your brother both have the Descent Mk2i and both have the T1 transmitter then you can see each others air. You would connect to your transmitter as your run gas contents, and you would also be able to connect to the transmitter of your brothers allowing you to see his gas. The beauty of the T1 is you can name the transmitter so you would ideally use your name so you can clearly see. Personally I think it's a great idea, especially when you think of the benefits that could be utilised. The only outlay is everyone needing to have the Garmin T1 pod.

[@aholatom]

That is not how you test transmitter range. The connection could be lost long before you get notified about it. The correct way would be to have a constantly changing pressure by purging the valve. When the dive computer stops to update pressure changes frequently enough the connection is out of range.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Thanks for the comment Tom - really appreciate the feedback 👍🏻

[@DW_Underwater]

Why is the pressure different between the Garmin and Shearwater connected to the same tank?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Good question actually, and one I can't provide a comprehensive response for. It could be because the transmitter for the Garmin was a working prototype, or just down to the different software in each DC. I also experienced the same when I compared the Shearwater Teric, Suunto D5, Garmin Descent Mk1 and the Ratio iDive Colour Easy. All were AI except the Mk1, and did get different readings on the 3 with AI. Here's the video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiqdp-gbNWBmbc

[@sinseekeye1092]

@@BlackMantaPhotography It's the first thing that caught my eyes during your test. Have you checked with a regular pressure gauge to see which of the teric or the mk2i was more precise? Great video by the way!!! :)

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@sinseekeye1092 thanks - really appreciate the comment and feedback..! 🙏🏼 Actually yes, I did. The SPG that was attached was reading bang on 200 bar. Needle was laying perfectly over the line for 200.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@sinseekeye1092 this made me go back over a review video I did when I compared 4 different dive computers at the same time in a big comparison review. Spotted that even though all 4 dive computers are at the same depth they read different depths. There’s actually a 0.5m range between the 4 of them. Interesting concept that measurements like gas contents and depths can vary between units. This is the video I’m talking about - skip through to the footage where all 4 are in the same shot underwater. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiqdp-gbNWBmbc

[@sinseekeye1092]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Thanks for your kind answer! I actually have seen this video: it's one of the videos that helped me as I was struggling last year to chose between the Mk1 and the Teric (I finally bought the Teric for the screen, the AI and the fact that shearwater had more experience on the diving field). The differences between the depth is really slight, except maybe for the RATIO, and I experienced it already with dive buddies that had different brand of computer (scubapro/Suunto/Mares). Now I'm not able to explain these differencies, maybe it has something to do with the sensors and the way the software translate the datas. On this video the difference between the gauge of the Teric and the Mk2 is bigger. I ordered an mk2i but I'm gonna wait to test it fully before selling my Teric.

[@dankefurnichts]

i think i will go buy the teric. has the terric also this feature with the identifyer?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

It doesn’t - no. Well, I’ve definitely never discovered it. It’s quite a cool feature on the Mk2i - being able to alert the transmitter to make sure you have the right one connected 👍🏻

[@dankefurnichts]

@@BlackMantaPhotography haha meanwhile i saw that much reviews on the GD mk2i that i now decided to buy the Garmin :D The ONE watch for all my hobbys in and out of the water

[@dankefurnichts]

@@BlackMantaPhotography Your (and some other reviews) was realy helpfull with the decision btw to go for the GD mk2i :)

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@dankefurnichts Ahhh - thats brilliant to hear that these, and other reviews have been helpful. You can always rely on KZbin for an honest, straight review. I do agree with what you say about one device for all your needs - I've very excited about the future as they can only improve!

[@dankefurnichts]

@@BlackMantaPhotography proud owner of the mk2i now :D But the one thing i miss is the solar power. The last years i just had Casio G-Shoks and all run on the power of the sun. A pitty that the didn't integrated solar support. Especially because it is possible like you can see on the Casio Rangeman GPS watch and other. But maybe a mk3 version is up in 1 or 2 years :D

[@eldiabolico3750]

I watched a video from Simply Scuba and the presenters weren’t to keen on the multi sport approach of the Garmin and also mentioned a battery life long-term reliability concerns. In addition, there are many reports of the Mk1 having DECO issues. I own a Suunto D9 and D5 and sincerely speaking, the Garmin looks like a very attractive option (I am actually thinking about purchasing it). What is your experience with the Mk1 so far (I am not asking about the Mk2 as I understand you haven’t dove it yet), would you put it on par with the Suunto offerings AND 2 more questions if I may, I didn’t managed to find any info about deep stops, are they an option? Second, how is the DLC coating holding up?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

With regards to Simply Scuba - I'm not really sure what's going on there - but you hear things on the grapevine. You'll know they went into administration at the start of the year and folded - this was well documented in the dive press. They were bought out a few months back by the big internet player 'Internet Fusion Group' who also owns Surfdom. Because they are now an internet-only retailer, I would imagine Garmin do not sell products through them as they insist on any stockist having a physical service center location. I could be wildly off the mark, but there is potential for a negative review being placed against Garmin because of it. I'm completely independent when it comes to reviews - yes, I have worked closely with a particular dive shop who I think offer the best service, but am not affiliated with any brands. For me, a multi-sport approach is completely the way forward! Why would you not have one device that does everything, and do it well at the same time? But hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That's mine and Simply can have theirs. With regards to battery - I've used Garmin products before and never experienced any battery issues, but time will tell. What I will say is their customer service is excellent. Other viewers of my last video on the review of the Mk2/Mk2i also commented about the excellent service they received. I dive with the Mk1 extensively during 2019 and didn't experience any Deco issues - but that's not to say others didn't. If you watch to the end of this video there is a thumbnail to a review video I did on the Mk1 - it's also in the description, so check that out for my thoughts. It was a great computer - software is based on the older Fenix 5, so not as fresh as the Mk2, and I did find the viewable screen a little bit too small. In regards to the Mk2 - it's EXACTLY the same as the Mk2i - it just doesn't have the air integration. Both the Mk1 and Mk2/i have deep stop capabilities, and are full Technical/CCR compatible. Both of the Garmin products I've used have been the titanium version, and have experienced zero issues there. I hope some of this info has helped - let me know if you have any other questions? All the best...

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Here's the full Descent Mk2/Mk2i review video kzbin.info/www/bejne/paWZn5mlaq5jrJY

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Garmin Descent Mk1 review kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIeknoGAi9CDe8k

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Also check this one out. I compare the Suunto D5, Shearwater Teric, Garmin Descent Mk1 and the Ratio iDive Colour Easy kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiqdp-gbNWBmbc

[@eldiabolico3750]

@@BlackMantaPhotography I really appreciate the time and effort you took to reply, thanks a lot. I will watch your other videos as well, you’ve got a new subscriber :) I believe I will give the Mk2 a chance once the price drops a bit. Have a good day.

[@WokMasta2K7]

Which regulator are you using in the video?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I'm using my Apeks XTX200's. My fav of all the regs I have!

[@WokMasta2K7]

@@BlackMantaPhotography What do you use as your octopus? XTX20, XTX50? I'm looking to buy my own gear soon..

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@WokMasta2K7 Yep - XTX50.. This has been my main personal set up for years and never had any issues. Really really rate them!

[@DavidSmith-gr1fk]

Could you hear the transmitter making any noise?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Nope - none at all. I've seen someone else mention that heard a chirping, but I didn't hear or when in the water, or back over the footage that I recorded..??

[@AndyConlin]

​@@BlackMantaPhotography Thank you. I heard the same thing (about an audible chirp) from Divers Ready's video. I'm eager to hear more people's experiences as these get out in the wild more.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@AndyConlin I've not seen anything from Garmin on the chirping noise either. Will see if I can find anything out, but is a totally new one on me.

[@Crazt]

3 minutes in and I already wish I was diving enough to upgrade

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

This lockdown and travel ban is really taking its toll on our diving too! 4 trips binned this year because of it..! 😩

[@Crazt]

@@BlackMantaPhotography, nah I moved to a place that has shit for diving and taking a vacation isn't in the cards regardless of covid.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@Crazt wow! Now that really is Crazy!

[@HypnoticAbyss]

Ive taken up ice diving just so i can dive more, now ice cant stop me

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@HypnoticAbyss do you have any ice diving footage on your channel? Will take a look

[@mohamednosseir3112]

I want see how to connect garmin descent mk2i contact mini inreach SMS massage with Garmin Descent Mk2i

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

I saw one of these for the first just the other day. Super interest in trying to get my hands on one of these - will see what I can do! 👍🏻

[@mohamednosseir3112]

@@BlackMantaPhotography thanks for reply Asap see send and receive massage with Garmin Descent Mk2i

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@mohamednosseir3112 my pleasure. Yes, very interesting product..!

[@mohamednosseir3112]

@@BlackMantaPhotography i want Tel you I have 3 computers Oceanic GEO 2 Suunto Eon Core Sharewater perdix And smart watch Huawei GT 2 to see heart rate where see your first video of Garmin Descent Mk2i iwell sell my all computer to buy Garmin I think is good choice for instructors

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@mohamednosseir3112 and I think you're right! Having everything in one device is a brilliant idea! Makes so much sense! Easy to manage to have everything in one place. Really glad to hear the videos have helped!

[@luisj8970]

2 questions. Once the connection is lost, how easily does it reconnect? Also, some people have reported that the pod emits a quite annoying sound every 5 seconds. Is that the case?

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

1) when I took it out of range, it usually reconnected within 3-4m range. The Teric didn’t reconnect until it was much closer to the pod. 2) I’ve heard people mention they heard a sonic type beep. I didn’t notice it during the test, but that’s not to say it isn’t there - just I didn’t hear it. Another subscriber on one of the videos did say that he heard it, but it was often drowned out by the ambient sounds you get underwater. I haven’t had a chance to try it since as the T1 pod I tested had to go back, and haven’t had the chance for a dive since they were released for general sales.

[@phoenixwu0626]

T1 什麼時候會推出! MK2i 使用者留。

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

The T1 transmitter is now out for sale in most countries. Unsure about your local area, but it should be available by the end of November if it isn't already out.

[@phoenixwu0626]

​@@BlackMantaPhotography maybe in Taiwan market not ready sale

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

@@phoenixwu0626 I’m sure it will be soon - fingers crossed for you 🤞🏼

[@butimo]

Honestly, I believe there is nearby nobody need such a feature. I not know any instructor or divemaster who could at least afford the watch itself. How should they spend 400 for each single transmitter. Better invest the money in a good reg unless you not do tons of sports outside of the water as well. Just as a dive computer, it’s way to expensive. If you are a tech diver, you wouldn’t by anyways.

[@BlackMantaPhotography]

Yes - it is expensive, agree with that 100%. I’m not sure it’s aimed at Instructors and DM’s specifically, but you hit the nail on the head with other sports features. I know people with smart watches, fitbits and dive computers. This simply rolls everything into one. The health apps, sports and fitness features do set it aside, but it’s not for everyone 👍🏻

[@mickie2412]

Not true. My friend is 100 m+ rebreather tec diver. He uses the mk1 as a backup but only because its not compatible with closed circuit. He will definitely get the mk2i that is now also work in that area