Underwater GPS

[+Team BizGal]

So I just got back from scuba diving in Mexico (I planted the Surface Time cache while there) and on a couple of my dives I came up a L-O-N-G way back to the boat. My compass skills are lousy...

 

As I was slowly making my way back to the boat I had time to consider ways to create an affordable scuba GPS that would operate underwater...

 

The system would have an external antenna that is positively buoyant on a reel-type device. It could be deployed at depths of 15-20 feet. When the tip of the antenna reaches the surface it would allow the diver's console mounted GPS to receive a signal showing the direction to back to the "boat" waypoint or other location.

 

Any divers on here want to torpedo this idea or add to it?

 

[This message was edited by Team BizGal on July 05, 2003 at 09:43 PM.]

[+Bloencustoms]

Well, I'm not a diver, but I do love gadgets. It would be impossible for GPS signals to penetrate the water, so another solution must be found. I think a tether to the surface might be cumbersome, but perhaps a sonar beacon on the boat, with a reciever that could direct you back to it might work.

 

"The fertilizer has hit the ventilator"

[+woodsters]

Not a diver either, but love the idea. I think she said that the antenna would be floating on top of the water, with basically a line (reel) to the unit that the diver would have with them. Sounds like a good idea as well as a sonar type of system you mentioned Bloen. Sure was an ingenuitive idea! Another thought is that buoy that the antenna is attached too can act as a marker that there's a diver there for boats in the area.

 

Brian Wood

Woodsters Outdoors

http://www.woodsters.com

[+EScout]

When I was doing a lot of diving, I got real good with using a compass...wouldn't dive without one. I don't think the GPS idea is practical because you would have to use a coax cable from the surface antenna to the GPSr or have the GPSr in the surface floating antenna, with data wire to the diver. Either way would be very expensive. Better to anchor the boat over a waypoint. With a little practise, you can navigate quite well with a compass. Bring a float marker buoy if you find something you want to return to.

[dave and jaime]

well i do dive and i dont see the practial use of using gps. gps doesnt work under water and if you run and antenna from the surface that would be the same as using a tether. as for a floating marker/antenna for other watercraft that is the law here.

 

'Get to the point---speak English!!!!'

[brianmcm]

I am a certified diver and a member of an underwater search/recovery team. One of the team members has a program which uses a Magellan unit and a waterproof pelican box on a string. The box is sent to the surface, a fix is aquired and the box is brought back down to the diver who remains at depth. I can get the program information for you if you so desire.

 

In my line of work, compass skills are a necessity for moving jackstay search lines. Diving in limited or zero viz, we usually work on the brail search method. In thses instances, a diver is usually using a search line. The line is followed back to shore or the boat when the search has been completed.

 

You need to hone your underwater navigation skills so you don't wind up with a long surface swim. I have three sons who are certified divers, and I stress compass navigation skills.

 

When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.

Henny Youngman (1906 - 1998)