While underwater, scuba diver communication is a tricky business. Hand signals are effective, but they require both divers to be looking at each other. And while radio waves are used on land, they “fade out instantly” when under the ocean’s surface, according to Swedish startup Team Oceans.
This is why the company created the Oceans S1 Supersonic, which enables underwater ultrasonic communication, and furthers their quest to create the next generation of dive computers.
The 95-g device is worn on the wrist, and shows all the standard dive information, such as elapsed time underwater, maximum depth, temperature, required surface interval between dives, a three-axis digital compass, and more on the 2.2-in. LED color display.
As an added feature, if a diver wants to get the attention of other divers donning the S1 device, they simply tap a button. The S1 then sends an ultrasonic signal through the water to any paired dive computer in a 45-ft (15-m) range. The nearby devices vibrate through a haptic feedback system, and display the name of the diver that sent the call.
(Image Source: Team Oceans)
The S1 connects via Bluetooth to a companion app, available for free on Android or iOS, where users can upload photos, observations, and import their latest endeavor into a digital logbook. It charges wirelessly, with the battery lasting for about 10 hours of diving. Pressure has been tested up to 300 ft (100 m), and the company recommends a maximum S1 dive depth of 150 ft (50 m).
The team has tested a series of S1 prototypes in the waters off of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago. “And the results are beyond expectations. It works just like we first imagined it, and the ping feature is a true game changer,” according to Team Oceans.
Currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign, a pledge of €289 (about $327), will lock in your order at a discounted price, if the team fulfills productions plans. The regular price is projected to be €499 (about $565).
