Scubaism

Who says you can’t talk underwater? Ocean Technology System has developed several acoustic communication systems for divers such as the XT-100-H Buddy Phone® transceiver.

It uses ultrasonic upper single side band for transmission. The diver utilizes his own face mask and 2nd stage regulator. The XT-100-H Buddy Phone® comes complete with a HM-2 black silicone mouth mask. Your second stage regulator easily installs to the HM-2 mouth mask. The HM-2 mouth mask has a patented HotMic® studio quality, water proof microphone installed, a comfortable head strap and a unique push-to-talk system.

When the diver enters the water, the XT-100-H powers up and cycles to the receive mode - ready to receive a message. When the diver wants to transmit, they simply depress the PTT button located on the HM-2 and talk. All divers and/or surface stations within range and on the same frequency will hear the message. The XT-100-H look identical to the XT-100. However, the XT-100 comes with a ceramic microphone, not a HotMic®.

Each set is rated for 130 feet max and is available for USD$660.

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Conceived for use by professional scuba divers, the new Diagono Professional Scuba is the perfect synthesis of advanced technology, bold design, and high precision.

The fruit of two years of research and development, this new timepiece is a true standout. Its authentic, cutting-edge style perfectly reflects the spirit of championship competition.

Waterproof up to a depth of 300 meters and equipped with a chronograph function that is legible underwater, it perfectly satisfies the demands of professional scuba divers.

The new sporty dial, complete with luminescent markers and a curved crystal treated with a non-reflecting finish, clearly displays its functions even under poor lighting conditions. The time elapsed during decompression is immediately visible.

Equipped with a mechanical movement with automatic winding caliber B224, Bulgari customized, the new Diagono Professional Scuba with a COSC certified chronograph and date counter also features a Fly-Back function. This lets you reset and restart the chronograph simultaneously, saving you time.

This new model features a natural rubber strap and a watch case in three different versions: gold, stainless steel, and steel-gold combination. Yours for just EUR 2700.

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Divers across Europe are joining the campaign started by UK divers against changes to valve fittings for nitrox and trimix cylinders. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive had fought to prevent the fitting becoming compulsory, however, was out-voted when the new standard was created, as reported by DIVE in June.

Diver Peter Slegg from Hertfordshire set up a petition against the EU standard which requires a specific pillar valve to be fitted for cylinders containing more than 22-per-cent oxygen. The M26 valve thread is similar to the well-known DIN fitting, however, it is a different size and not compatible with most regulator set-ups.

French, Slovenian, Czech and Portuguese divers have also set up various petitions against the valve change, which will become European law in August 2008.

‘Hopefully the international diving community can stop this law and discourage the European Union from interfering in subjects that they clearly have little understanding of,’ Slegg told DIVE.

The petition can be accessed at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SCUBA-valves/#detail

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DaytonaDave posted to Scubaboard a dive log sheet design he made using Photoshop for a three-ring binder in 5.5 inch by 8.5 inch size.

He uploaded them in PDF format.

They’re quite a good study in all the things that can go into a divelog sheet. But it’s too detailed for practical use by most recreational divers.

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The perfect gift for the diver and his dive buddy who always go deco: something to do at their safety stops.

These waterproof playing cards by Umbra come in four colours along with a protective waterproof case and retail for USD$7.

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For all you scuba geeks out there, Oceanic promises their much-talked-about Datamask HUD scuba mask will be finally available this month. After a year of tours at scuba conventions, it will be retailed at a mind-blowing USD$1495.95.

The DATAMASK contains a miniature liquid crystal display (LCD) panel that allows you to keep your eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining.
The Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless of environmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority of people, regardless of vision.

The Datamask HUD was developed for American Special Forces Operatives who need the capability to monitor essential data regardless of water visibility, lighting, or other environmental conditions - all while remaining clandestine.

The Datamask HUD package comes with PC software to download its memory of 24 dive logs, the USB cable and battery replaceable battery. No word on whether the package includes the transmitter.

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The 2007 summer catalog is loaded with new products. Vehicles, regulators, and seven new accessory options await your review.

Be sure to check out the new underwater vehicle options, the AV2-Evolution and extended range SVX. Available by special order, the SVX includes a double battery pack that provides up to 220 minutes of burn time.

Also new this year is the optional Single Hand operation bracket for use with the AV-2, AV-2 Evolution and SVX.

The A-320 Nitrox regulator is quite the crowd pleaser. A great performer with the added comfort that only Apollo’s 2nd stage with patented swivel can provide.

There is something for everyone in Apollo’s accessory line-up. In response to numerous requests, the C-series commercial grade spring strap is now available in three sizes. Depth compensating wrist straps and waist buckle as well as the return of their classic retractor and ac-40 compass add to Apollo’s popular selection of accessory products.

Download your personal copy today. http://www.apollosportsusa.com/Catalog/index.htm.

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New “Mares Lab” training program takes technicians deeper into regulator dynamics and technology.

Mares Lab consists of several different courses that increasingly immerse technicians in Mares technology, culminating in the Master Lab program. Master Lab graduates will have completed extensive hands-on training on all Mares regulators and inflators including a special workshop on troubleshooting. The format is content rich and more in-depth than any previous Mares tech tour.

Scott Cook, Mares Lab Program Manager, will be the lead trainer for the programs. As well as his experience as Mares Warranty Technician in Baltimore, Scott has received extensive training at Mares world headquarters in Rapallo, Italy. Formerly a Navy Diver, Scott maintains a passion for diving that he shares during the seminars.

Lab stops in 2007 include; Quebec City, Montreal, Costa Mesa, Atlanta, Panama City, Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Raleigh-Durham, San Juan, Puerto Rico & the Orlando DEMA show. Dates and locations are available from your District Sales Manager, or Karen Flood, Marketing Services. She can be reached at kflood@us.mares.com.

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The FINS Blog recently interviewed David Cheung of Scubacam of his recent harrowing experience when all his prototype camera housings were confiscated at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok.

He’d taken them for a showing at a dive show but the customs officers had decided that they had commercial value and detained the lot for two months.

David’s advice for everyone carrying new-looking gear is this:

1. Do not travel with your goods. Just send them in advance and just pay the import duty.
2. Use ATA Carnet, the merchandise importing service. Although it’s burdensome and may take some time for the paperwork, it is by far the most guaranteed way of not getting into trouble.
3. Make your gear look less shiny and looked used.

Sounds like good travel advice.

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Cafepress.com literally has thousands of designs for scuba t-shirts. 9,390 to be precise. And counting.

This one is my favourite. It says “Scuba slut. Any time, any where, any buddy.”

The ones at Scubatoys.com aren’t bad either.

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