Category: Dive Computers

bluebuddy – Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 LE scuba diving logger

Just a quick note about a new SCUBA gadget I’ve backed on Kickstarter.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1607113047/blue-buddy-wireless-bluetooth-40-le-scuba-diving-l

This little gadget is a non displaying dive profile recorder just to be used to quickly copy your profile to your iOS device where you can share it with your friends.

Update [January 23, 2013 at 12:26 am]: The bluebuddy has been funded.  Another thing to sit in my kickstarter menu and wait for the day I get to go hands on.

First 48 hours of testing SCUBA Capsule Software

I’ve been testing the software for the SCUBA Capsule for 2 days now.  This testing in JUST the application as the hardware is not yet shipping.

Here are the key points that I’ve noticed so far:

  • Only a few crash bugs, all it all reasonably stable. [Edit: most crash bugs already fixed]
  • Feel to the UI is consistent and fluid.
  • Several inputs are not labeled properly yet (polish) [Edit: All of these have been fixed]
  • Several of the inputs do not function as properly [Edit: All of these have been fixed]
  • Lacks proper support for nitrox or trimix having only selectable blends rather than the ability to input it.  This makes it [not ideal unusable] for anything but air as it stands.

If they get the inputs fixed, add proper blended gas support, and fix the few crash bugs this looks to be a very solid start.  Most of the issues seem to be minor UI related things and should be fairly easy to fix.

I can’t wait until I get my hands on the hardware.  I might try to find a computer to borrow that uses the same deco model for comparison.

Also have a concern that putting the iPhone in when warm and then doing a cold dive could cause condensation issues.

[Edit (2/3/13): Updated feedback on some of the bullet points]

Initial Test Plans

My approach to testing.

This is my current plan for the REC version of the SCUBA Capsule.  This is influenced buy my current dive computer a Suunto D4, the fact that I’m in Michigan, and that I should be getting my hands on this Fall and its already a bit chilly considering I do not yet own a dry suit.  In general I will just be looking to compare the information between both computers on a dive.  I will be using the same table when I test the PRO version later.  I’m only listing things that might be tricky to test or that I really want to check out.

Continue reading “Initial Test Plans”

SCBT program membership

This is one of the main reasons I started this blog.  This is the Scuba Capsule that is being developed by Utmost Tech http://scubacapsule.com/.

I have been keeping an eye on this project for a while now and finally decided to commit and joined the beta testing for $500.  No ETA on shipping yet but I can’t wait.  The only major drawback is that it gets a bit chilly to dive in Michigan over the winter.  I guess that means its time to do some river and ice diving.  I will be making some posts about my thoughts of the listed features and how I plan on testing them.