Buddy-Watcher - new underwater communication system

In February 2015, the Polish premiere at the Podwodna Przygoda Diving Fair was the Buddy-Watcher system of underwater communication based on ultrasound. The creators of the system set themselves the goal of developing a partner communication system accessible to every diver, which will not disturb the peace of diving.

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The aim of the project was to eliminate acoustic signals such as tapping or rattling. Therefore, a vibration alarm was developed which is easily recognisable even through a 10mm diving foam or dry suit. The alarm message is complemented by the activation of red LEDs on the device. The computer-sized device itself is placed on the wrist or arm.

Buddy-Watcher is a brand new system that makes communication between dive partners easier and faster. The ultrasonic technology establishes a direct connection with your dive partner. It guarantees to quickly call your partner from up to 20 metres away – no matter if you want to show a beautiful fish or need help in an emergency.

These could be the seconds when your partner’s attention is vital to you. The call button activates vibration and red LEDs on the connected device. Up to 10 dive pairs (20 divers) can dive equipped with the Buddy-Watcher within a 20m radius without communication interference.

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery (the kind used in mobile phones) is used to power the device. One charge is sufficient for approximately four 60-minute dives. There is no need to open the device to charge or change the battery. The technology used guarantees that the battery will not deteriorate for more than 300 charging cycles and after this period the performance will drop by up to 20%. Charging takes place via a USB cable connected to a computer or mobile phone charger.

The possibilities of the device are enormous. At the moment the device offers communication between partners – 1 to 1. Further functionalities (currently in the testing phase) are: DM function – one calls all, all calls one, distance control function – the alarm is activated when paired devices lose contact with each other, boot alarm – an additional transmitter on the boat – its activation activates the alarm for all paired devices. Range – more than 300m – all this in the near future… A huge advantage is the possibility of any synchronization of devices (also during the dive) and the possibility of installing a new software version in the future on the devices purchased today.

Set composition:

• Buddy-Watcher
• Headband (FL 10004)
• USB charger cable (FL 10007)
• Charger (FL 10002)

Target groups:

• All divers looking for a way to communicate effectively underwater with their partner
• Couples or couples diving
• Families – parent-child
• Underwater photographers – often “gazing” forgetting about the world around them
• Divers with scooters
• Diving centres – communication between diving instructor and DM closing the group
• Dive centres – increasing the psychological comfort of the weakest diver in the group by allowing direct communication with the dive leader

Buddy-Watcher highlights:

• Guaranteed underwater communication range – 20m
• maximum recommended depth – 40m
• the devices can be freely combined into pairs
• the possibility to support new functionalities as soon as they are published by the manufacturer
• lithium-ion battery – operating time approx. 4 hours, charging time approx. 8 hours
• battery charging via USB cable

Retail price: 499 PLN

Source: Press Information