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Pressure sensor not working below 3 m of water by design. Meanwhile tha Apple Watch Ultra does 40m with dedicated dive app...

matmikol
over 2 years ago

Hi 

I was just wondering why Garmin has decided to kill the functionality of the pressure sensor, that could be used as a depth meter with appropriate software for recreational diving on Fenix 5. The readings were very accurate and reliable.

But since fenix 6 and 7, including Tactix series the pressure sensor cuts out at 3 m below surface? Why?

Meanwhile a toy Apple Watch Ultra does easily 40m depths with built in app (plus a ton of other apps,and wireless conectivity and rumored 60h battery life)

Why Garmin is destroying built in functionality? Not everyone will(or must decide) to buy Descent if he or she does only occasional recreational dives

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Reading your last sentence, it seems like you already know the answer. Main reason is most probably that they want us to buy one of the Descent watches if we want any diving features. Additionaly, it could be that the Fenix uses a different pressure sensor that is not tested or suitable for diving, and Garmin does not want to get held responsible for injuries that are caused from wrong readings. 

  • 0 over 2 years ago
    matmikol said:
    Why Garmin is destroying built in functionality?

    Fenix was never build for scuba diving : 

    10 ATM : 

    splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into water, snorkeling, high-speed water sports

    https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/legal/waterrating-definitions/ 

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    1st: the Apple Watch Ultra is not a toy...

    2nd: Garmin always limits functionality of the hardware via software to differentiate their devices. The Vivoactive 4 has essentially the same sensors as the Fenix 6 but you don't get things like recovery time and training effect in Garmin connect with the Vivoactive, although the FIT file contains this data.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to #Matthias#

    I have tested the DIVE IQ app on Fenix 5 and it was accurate within 0,1 m when compared to a "proper" dive computer. Good enouigh for me, especially as a backup device or an easy loggin system for dives in the Garmin enviroment. That's why I was dissapointed that after switching to Tactix Delta, suddenly I was not able to use the program anymore. I am not saying that it should replace proper dive computer , but for those tht go diving 2-3 times per year it is good enough. The "getting responsible" part is no problem- just use at your own risk

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to bluefish

    The first part of the definition: 10 ATM "Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 metres". I am not talking about operating buttons underwater or going to 100 m. Just 40 m. Recreational. Why rate the device for 100m and then kill it functionality at 3m? Especially when talknig about Tactix Delta- a rugged military watch...

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to 2b2bff

    Tha "toy" part was intentional , especially when you compare marketing claims for Garmin watches, especially the Tactix line-up. There are some things that make it to older watches, and Garmin should be applauded for it. However if something is intentionaly crippled, especially for apps not from garmin but Garmin store, thats another story...

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to matmikol
    matmikol said:
    The first part of the definition: 10 ATM "Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 metres".

    I'm surprised that you, as a diver, don't recognize the definition of water resistance correctly. 100m does not mean that this watch is suitable for diving. Here is another source outside of Garmin:  

    https://www.definewatches.com.au/water-resistance/ 

    ———-

    „

    That’s why most brands have a consensus of what WR rating means. Rather than thinking WR rating as a precise measure of water depth it can go to, it is marketed as an indication of levels of water resistant capability, with a substantial safety margin. Most WR ratings on the market can be summarized as thus:

    • 3 ATM/30M — Splash/rain resistant, Washing hands

    • 5 ATM/50M — Shower/bath

    • 10 ATM/100M — Recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports

    • 20 ATM/200M — Professional marine activity, serious surface water sports and skin diving“ 

    https://diywatch.club/en/blog/true-meaning-of-water-resistance-rating-on-watch?format=amp 

    —-

    How Waterproof is Garmin’s “Waterproof” [Updated 2017]

    https://blog.ja-gps.com.au/2015/01/garmin-gps-waterproof-explanation/amp/ 

    —-

    „

    • 10 ATM/bar/100m: This watch is waterproof and good for most watersports like swimming, sailing and snorkeling in shallow water. If you plan on jumping off cliffs and diving, don’t wear this watch.“

    https://misterminit.eu/en_nl/blog/is-your-watch-waterproof-or-not

    ——-

    https://www.nixon.com/blogs/stories/water-resistant-vs-waterproof-watches 

    ——

    If you want to go diving, buy a diving watch ;)