Garmin debuts Descent Mk1 dive computer

Outdoor tech specialist Garmin has introduced its first dive computer, the Descent Mk1

The new computer features GPS surface positioning with rich colour mapping, and is designed to be an ‘everyday’ wearable timepiece as well as a dive computer.

Garmin has designed the computer with recreational, technical and freedivers in mind (with a maximum depth rating of 100m), but it does support up to six gases including trimix.

The Descent Mk1 uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm and displays all standard dive information, including depth, time, temperature, NDL, ascent rate, gas mixture, oxygen partial pressure, nitrogen loading and deco/safety stop information. A 3-axis compass is also part of the package.

The additional surface GPS function allows divers to mark surface waypoints for entry and exit points (GPS does not function underwater). Garmin also include the wrist-based heart rate monitor found on their other sports watch, if applied to a diver’s bare wrist, to monitor pulse rate and track exertion levels.

Standard modes of conservatism are built in, but the Garmin also allows the user to enter custom ‘gradient factors’ to suit their own personal preference or physical capability.

Underwater, user-selectable tone and vibration alerts will keep divers posted as to approaching limits, and switching between the available data (dive profile, time, compass etc.) is accomplished through a button press or a double-tap on the screen. Dive logs are automatically uploaded to Garmin Connect for analysis.

Topside, the Descent Mk1 offers the complete set of features found in Garmin’s range of outdoor sports computers, with pre-loaded activity profiles for swimming,
running, biking, hiking, skiing, rowing and paddle boarding. The in-built GPS tracking can be used for map-based surface navigation, including altimeter and barometer sensors along with the compass.

Paired with a compatible smartphone, the Descent Mk1 also allows the user to receive and view text messages, e-mails and other notifications, and customisable watch faces and other displays can be downloaded from their online store.

Two versions are available: a stainless-steel bezel with silicone watch band, or the premium version which has a titanium bezel and bracelet. Longer bands are available to cater for different thicknesses of exposure suit, and can be swapped without tools.

The display is a 1.2″ high resolution, full colour screen with LED backlighting and scratch-resistant lens. The rechargeable battery will last up to 40 hours in dive mode, 21 days in watch mode, 12 days in ‘smartwatch’ mode and 20 hours in GPS activity mode.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Max. depth 100m (EN13319)
Mixed gas: 6 gases inc. nitrox / trimix / 100% O₂
1 bottom gas, and up to 5 deco and/or backup gases
Up to 1.6ata PO₂with customisable deco PO₂ setting
Dive, Gauge, Apnea modes
Decompression model Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors
Safety Stop (customisable off/3 min/5 min)
Deep Stops (using custom gradient factors)
Customisable conservatism (low/medium/high or custom using gradient factors)
Dive ascent/descent rate indicator
Automatic altitude adjustment
No fly time (with 24hr countdown)
Dive planner s (basic NDL + multi-gas deco planner)
Backlight (configurable time and intensity; auto-on at depth)
Automatically saves dive entry and exit locations
Sync dive log to mobiles and PCs
Custom (up to 40) audible / vibration alarms: ascent rate, PO₂, CNS/OTU, NDL, deco, gas switching.
3-axis dive compass, indicates degrees and direction back to set heading
Missed deco lockout (can be disabled prior to dive with user acknowledgement)
Residual tissue loading reset (on the surface with user acknowledgement)
Surface diver status widget (surface interval, N₂/He loading, CNS, OTU, tissue compartment status)