We review a device that allows you to talk underwater

The question is, does it work? Can you actually talk underwater?

Here's our review of Divintok.

[seanstevenson]

I have used professional ultrasonic comms pretty extensively (OTS SSB-2010 and the later OTS Powercom 3000D/S units). The reason that the surface transducer cable is so long is because haloclines and thermoclines will reflect and refract the ultrasonic signal, interfering with reception. The transducer ideally needs to be lowered by the surface crew to the same approximate depth as the transmitting diver(s) to minimize that problem. They are also prone to multipath interference and sensitive to transducer position. Obviously surface units are constrained to open water use. You can do diver-to-diver in overheads, but then there are other considerations which contraindicate comms in most cases. For diver transmission, you can't have anything in the mouth because that will impair intelligibility, and you can't use them deep because helium voice over ultrasonic comms is almost always unintelligible without an expensive descrambler. To use ultrasonic comms you should properly have a FFM with a vocalization space, which implies both proper training on the FFM, and a legitimate need for it which is a threshold that recreational diving rarely meets. Commercial comms are usually hardwire which allows full duplex communication. There are specific scenarios, like SAR, where ultrasonic makes sense, and ultrasonic will always be half-duplex (push-to-talk), but it is difficult to implement that well. There is a reason that the pro units cost thousands of dollars.

[AquaticMonkey]

I love that I'm not the only one! They sent me the setup to try out and after three dives I had very limited success hearing. I was really hoping to be able to record my voice for my treasure hunting videos.

[SeattleRingHunter]

13:05 nothing new here this is standard existing technology been in use for many years already.

In an underwater audio system, the transceiver is typically called a hydrophone.
Explanation: A hydrophone functions like a microphone underwater, detecting and receiving acoustic signals in the water, essentially acting as both a transmitter and receiver (transceiver) for sound waves.
Key points about hydrophones:
Function: They convert underwater pressure changes into electrical signals.
Principle: Most hydrophones utilize the piezoelectric property of certain ceramics to produce an electrical current when subjected to pressure variations.
Applications: Used in various underwater acoustic monitoring systems, including sonar, oceanographic research, and underwater communication.

[hacmrn]

It was brutal but honesty is best. Can’t improve if you don’t know where to improve. Glad you gave honest feedback and I hope they take it and run with it.

[meshamybelle]

Did the designers have any experience diving?
My jaws ache already just thinking about trying to maintain a hold on that big bulky thing. Also the incomplete water seal would be prone to cause less experienced divers to freak out.

[stang]

I love your reviews because it’s the only place I know that I’m going to get an honest opinion of the product. I have the Teric dive watch with the blue bezel. I wear it almost daily and I love it. I was considering the new Garmin because of all the non diving features I would use. You guys saved me a ton of money because of your review. I would have used that watch once and only once. The sound that the transponder makes would drive me insane. Every time I g on a dive, I look to see if anyone is using that watch so I can stay as far away from them as possible. Thank you for your honest reviews. I know how much money some of these companies will pay a channel like yours for a guaranteed “positive“ review. To bring in a little extra money, you guys may wanna consider doing sponsored videos for products you like as long as they allow you to make it clear it’s sponsored. Can’t wait for the end of July.

[stang]

As a diver, it would be nice to be able to speak to your buddy sometimes. I get your opinion of wanting it to be quiet and peaceful, but not everyone feels that way. Same thing as riding a motorcycle, it’s cool to be able to talk to your buddies when in a group ride with in helmet comms.

[SSPDIVING]

The cheapest actual recreational comms setup would be an OTS spectrum with a buddy phone. Which runs $1, 339, additionally you will need a second set to speak to another diver OR a comm box topside to speak with your tender. OTS has more powerful wireless comms but they go up in price significantly.

[MegaFPVFlyer]

I haven't finished the video yet, but two of my concerns would be work of breathing at depth, and the additional volume that needs to be cleared if the reg falls out of your mouth underwater

[michaelmoorrees]

In addition to the standard hand signals, a dive slate and a pencil, in a BCD pocket, has always served me well.

[BojanKordic]

This product is absolutely ridiculous and I laughed when you said „I wouldnt even pay 9 dollars.“ 😂😂

[PaulLoveless-Cincinnati]

This feels like a product not ready for market.

[willsmooth]

My buddy and I communicate on rebreather by yelling and we echo locate each other 😂😂😂😂then just have conversations really gotta push the words into the dsv lol start it off with a “can I get a and repeat

[AwestrikeFearofGods]

10:40 If they want these to sell, they should at least offer them in black.

11:12 At first glance, "coil cord" (like a landline telephone) seems like an obvious solution, but constant tension would pull the divers together. This might be undesirable for cave diving, etc.

Instead, the manufacturer could quadruple the length of the straight cord and then loop the wire several times. Then secure the loops in place with a "cable-management clip" or open-face strip that bites the cord loops (imagine a row of parallel, non-collinear hotdog buns). If this clip is made of a soft/compliant material, it could be tuned for a good balance between security and ease-of-release.

This clip should allow the cord to reliably unwind when the cord is lightly tugged, and it would be reusable, for relooping after the emergency was resolved.

[Premier-Media-Group]

I understand the desire/need for diver-diver comms. Everything we currently do is dependent upon direct line of sight between each other. When stuff goes wrong, we typically lose line of sight relatively early (lost torch, darkness, distraction, focus elsewhere, obstacles, distance, etc).

If there was an alternative to provide as even a crappy-sounding, simplex technology - it would be a great backup plan.

But not this.

Can you imagine the captain of a dive boat once you start hooking all this up?

And it HAS to be understandable and receivable for more than a few meters (not to mention crossing a thermocline).

[Scuba_]

People will become complacent with this technology. Hand signals might be better because it requires the divers to remain close to their buddy to be able to visually see hand signals and communicate.

[steviethespring]

i think a much better option would be to have an text based auto chat like they use in console online games for people with out mics. I simple interface with different trees into navigation, alerts, emergencies would be the most useful. But the problem is complacency with that type of device. If it fails and you're only used to using that, you're in trouble in an emergency.

[SeattleRingHunter]

19:20 once again your form of diving is not everyone’s application. Working divers or even recreational divers on a team project may find great use of underwater coms from time to time.

Granted this unit under review is not like the answer in its current design.

[robbynbarnwell-forbes]

Love the this thing ate that thing shirt 😊 are they for sale I so want one ❤

[diversdown]

there was something that looked a lot like that 25 years ago. the 2 plastic tabs broke allot, was very uncomfortable and sounded like crap. also ended up with a lot of water in your mouth.