Setup and Use of the SubWave Diver to Diver Messaging

To send messages to your dive buddy or group, everyone must pair their Descent T2 transceiver to everyone else's dive computers. Messages sent from one Descent Mk3i dive watch or Descent X50i will be visible to everyone, or to a specific person, who has paired their Descent T2 transceiver to the sending dive computer. You can pair up to 8 Descent T2 transceivers to your dive computer.

Select a topic below to jump to the section with more information:

• Pairing a Descent Transmitter

• Using Diver to Diver Messaging

• Using the Diver Assistance Mode

• Troubleshooting

---

Pairing a Descent Transmitter

1. Install the Descent transmitter on the dive tank. 

2. Slowly pressurize the first-stage regulator.

   NOTE: This will wake the Descent transmitter out of low power mode, and you should hear an audible tone. 

3. On the dive computer:

   1. Dive watches hold the MENU/UP button. Skip this step for the Descent X50i dive computer.

   2. Select Dive Setup.

   3. Select Air Integration or Dive Network & Air Integration.

   4. Select Transmitters.

   5. Select an available option:

      • Add New: if you have a Descent Mk2i watch and are adding a new transmitter.

      • Add Other Divers: if you have a Descent Mk3i watch or Descent X50i dive computer and are adding transmitters for members of your dive group.

      • Add Your Tank: if you have a Descent Mk3i watch or Descent X50i dive computer and are adding your own transmitter.

   6. Select the ID for the Descent transmitter you are pairing.

      • If using a Descent Mk2i, select My Tank or Another Diver, whichever is appropriate.

      • If using a Descent Mk3i watch or Descent X50i dive computer, you can select multiple Descent T2 transmitters to pair for other divers in one step. Then select Add to pair the transmitters.

   7. The Descent dive computer will show Connected when the Descent transmitter has been paired.

The transceiver ID is printed on the housing. We recommend that you complete the first time installation and setup of the transceiver at a dive shop. The next time you begin a dive the dive computer will automatically search for previously paired transmitters. The Descent T2 transceiver's owner's manual also includes Transceiver Position Tips for how to best wear your tank and get the best reception.

Return to topics.

---

Using Diver to Diver Messaging

Sending a Message

Only Descent Mk3i watches or Descent X50i dive computer paired with Descent T2 transceivers are able to send messages. Members of your dive party who have Descent Mk2i watches and Descent T2 transceivers will be able to receive messages, but will be unable to respond via the watch. Messages sent are broadcast to all paired divers within a range of 30 meters (about 98 feet). You can also send a private message to another diver rather than messaging the entire group. Your dive computer and transmitter must be in a dive and underwater in order for messages to send or receive. Messages can take up to 45 seconds to send.

Steps for Descent Mk3i Dive Watches

1. During a dive, press START.

2. Select Messages. The message thread will show.

3. Press DOWN to get to , the message selection screen.

4. Select the message you want to send.

5. If necessary, select a recipient.

Steps for Descent X50i Dive Computer

1. During a dive, press ENTER (outside right button).

2. Select Divers.

3. Press NEXT (inside right button).

4. If necessary, select a recipient.

5. Select a message to send.

Available Messages

You can send many different preset messages with a few examples listed below.

NOTE: There is no way to create custom messages. 

• Are you okay?

• Okay

• No

• Come to me

• Safely end dive

• Help me
  

Replying to a Message

When you receive a message from another diver, you will get a notification on your dive computer. You can dismiss the notification by pressing the BACK button, or else it will dismiss automatically after 30 seconds. To reply to a message, follow the same steps to send a message listed above. You may need to scroll down until you reach the bottom of the message thread before you can enter the options for sending a message. Messages can take up to a 45 seconds to send.

Return to topics.

---

Using the Diver Assistance Mode

CAUTION! Assistance is a supplemental feature and SHOULD NOT be relied on as a primary method to obtain emergency assistance. Your device cannot contact emergency services on your behalf. 

If you have a Descent Mk3i watch or Descent X50i dive computer with diver to diver messaging set up, you also have the option to activate an assistance alert while in dive mode. The alert will send to all other divers whose Descent T2 transceivers are paired to your dive computer. Your dive computer and transmitter must be underwater in a dive in order for the alert to send. While underwater your dive computer is not connected to your phone, so there is no way for the dive computer to alert anyone outside of your dive group to any situation. 

To activate an alert in a dive, hold the LIGHT button on dive watches or BACK/PWR button on your dive computer for approximately 10 seconds until the screen shows the message Release for Assistance. When you release the button, your dive computer will count down from 5 and then send the Help me message every 2 minutes. During the countdown, you will have the option to cancel the alert before it sends by pressing the DOWN or NEXT button. You can also press the START or ENTER button to send the alert immediately. After the alert has been triggered, the dive computer will show a pulsing red outline around the dive screen, vibrate, and, if your device has one, the built-in LED flashlight will strobe. Watches that have received the assistance alert will show a red Help Me notification, and the distressed diver's tank information will show with a red alert icon and outline. 

To end the assistance mode, you can hold the LIGHT button on dive watches or BACK/PWR button on dive computers. A message indicating you are okay is sent to the other members of your dive network.

Return to topics.

---

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with the SubWave network connection, there are a number of things to check.

I Am Not Getting Messages from Someone in My Group

• Their Descent T2 transmitter might not be paired with your dive computer. See the steps above for Pairing a Transmitter .

• Confirm that all devices are up to date on software. You may receive a warning message when connecting if any device in the group is out of date on software. 

  • Update and Learn about Software for the Descent Mk3 Watches

  • Update and Learn about Software for the Descent Mk2 Watches

  • Update and Learn about Software for the Descent X50i Dive Computer

  • Installing the Latest Software to Your Descent Transmitter

• Stay within range of the other divers in your group. Message range is 30 meters (about 98 feet).

  • The dive computer will attempt to resend a message if it is not received, but if a diver remains out of range, the dive computer will stop sending the message to preserve battery for both the dive computer and transmitter. There is no visible indication for the sender on whether a message has been received.

• If your transmitter is not connected to your dive computer, move your arm until the connection has been restored.

  • If your transceiver and dive computer lose connection often, try the troubleshooting in your Descent T2 Transceiver owner's manual for My Transceiver and Watch Lose Connection Underwater.

• Try changing your position. For the best reception, all transceivers in your group should have a direct unobstructed path to all dive computers.

I Am Not Seeing A Name for My Dive Partner

If a Public Tank Name is not set for a transceiver, then messages, tank, and distance information will show as coming from that transceiver's ID number. The owner of the transmitter can set a Public Tank Name in the transmitter settings from their dive computer. You can also set a nickname for any paired transceiver from your own transmitter settings; nicknames will only be visible on your own dive computer.

Return to topics.