T1 transmitter first dives - not really a success

Just back from 6 days diving - 18 dives total. First underwater test of my T1 transmitter (mk2i). Most of the early dives, no connection on the surface (meaning I could not rely on the watch to check initial tank pressure), then watch picking up some connection randomly after several minutes diving until disconnect around ascent/ surface interval phase. Changed batteries of T1, then most of the dives had connection on surface, then disconnect right after a few minutes leaving most of the diving without any connection (some rare reconnect but not stable enough to rely on).

Really love the mk2i and want to be able to have this fixed.

Any hint on how to address this or should I simply ask garmin for t1 replacement ?

T1 firmware 2.50 / mk2i firmware 4.2

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+1 mariomobiel over 4 years ago

Your T1 is up to date, but not your Mk2i that should be on 8.10 or the just released 8.20. Both should always on the most current firmware.

0 5578643 over 4 years ago

thx yet, my mk2i is on auto update for software update + sync with Garmin express no new version loading as current seems latest....

+1 mariomobiel over 4 years ago in reply to 5578643

8.20 is't rolled out completly to all users, if you connect your watch to Garmin Express v8.10 sould be avalible, and maybe it finds 8.20 also.

0 5578643 over 4 years ago in reply to mariomobiel

on Garmin Express 7.5.0 (Mac), just synced again today and MK2i checked as up to date with no update available..am i missing something here? thx

0 mariomobiel over 4 years ago in reply to 5578643

8.20 is the most current firmware, i know they do not role this out to all device at the same time so maybe it just a cas of waiting?

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/descent-mk2-mk2i/262810/software-version-8-20

Here is the announcement of the latest firmware for the Mk2i

0 5578643 over 4 years ago in reply to mariomobiel

thx for looking this up. Issue is that even if is is pending 8.20 rollout, current firmware is updated to 4.2 only (and check as latest update available, ie not even 8.10 rolled out version)...in the meantime, not even sure how to use my T1 transmitter as it is too inconsistent to properly use as tank pressure gauge unfortunately.

0 mariomobiel over 4 years ago in reply to 5578643

Can you send a picture on how and where you position the T1 on your first stage, this could be helpful.

+1 Garmin-Nate over 4 years ago in reply to 5578643

Since your firmware is on 4.2 it sounds like you have an APAC device which is using a different software. These devices get software updates at different times than the other models. Unfortunately I do not have an estimated date when the update will be released for APAC devices.

mariomobiel brings up a good point, the positioning of the T1 is important to get a good signal. You also want to make sure you have it installed on the same side you are wearing your watch. Another thing you can do is increase the transmit power.

Hold MENU.
Select Dive Setup > Air Integration > Transmitters.
Select a paired transmitter.
Select Set Transmit Power.
Enter the transmitter ID.

NOTE: The transmitter ID is printed on the housing.
Select an option.

0 5578643 over 4 years ago in reply to Garmin-Nate

T1 was set at maximum power from second day of diving, with no change

Attachment point is left side of first stage as recommended in T1 manual given Mk2i on left wrist.

Is the Mk2i current software 4.5 known to be deficient and render connection with T1 unusable for any APAC user ?

0 6824062 over 4 years ago in reply to 5578643

I have the same issue with latest firmware, 8.20 & 2.50. Works ok at the surface with ANT but no connection at all at depth. I suspect a hw problem, not sw.