Garmin Descent™ S1 User Manual

Introduction

Read the included Important Safety and Product Information guide for warnings and other important information.

NOTICE: Ensure all paired devices have the latest software version for optimal performance. Outdated software may cause compatibility and functionality issues.

Device Overview

The Descent S1 dive buoy features the following components:

• 1. Power Button: Used to turn the buoy on or off.
• 2. Status LED: Indicates the buoy's status.
• 3. Side Attachment Point: For attaching to a boat or surface buoy.
• 4. Bottom Attachment Point: For attaching to an anchor.

Getting Started

When using the buoy for the first time, follow these steps. Pairing requires an internet connection for the device to download necessary software updates.

1. Charge the buoy.
2. Turn on the buoy.
3. Set up the buoy using the Garmin Dive™ app.
4. Check for software updates.

Keeping the buoy's software updated is recommended for best performance, offering privacy, security, and feature enhancements.

5. Create a dive network by pairing transmitters and Descent dive computers with other divers and the buoy.
6. Start a dive session.

Charging the Buoy

WARNING: This device contains a lithium battery. Refer to the Important Safety and Product Information guide.

NOTICE: Clean and dry the contacts and surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer to prevent corrosion.

1. Press the edges of the charging clip.
2. Align the clip with the contacts on the bottom of the buoy and release the clip.
3. Connect the cable to the USB-C® charging port or a wall adapter (minimum 5W output). The status light indicates the battery charge level.

Turning the Buoy On or Off

• To turn on: Press and hold the button for two seconds until you hear a beep. The status LED blinks green during power-up. A tone sounds, and the status LED blinks white when the buoy is ready to connect.
• To turn off: Press and hold the button for five seconds until you hear a tone. The status LED is solid white while holding the button, and a tone sounds when it turns off.

Status LED

System Status

Connection Status

Charging Status

Diving

For diving activities, you can use a compatible Descent dive computer paired with a Descent T2 transmitter and the Descent S1 buoy. Divers above water can send and receive messages with divers underwater, view their approximate location, and monitor their depth and tank pressure. Divers underwater can send messages to the surface and navigate back to the buoy using location data displayed on their dive computer. After a dive, divers can sync their dive computer data with the buoy and view a graphical display of their approximate underwater locations in the Garmin Dive app. For more information, refer to the owner's manual for your Descent dive computer.

Diving Warnings

WARNING: Do not exceed the maximum depth rating of the device.

• Ensure you fully understand the operation, displays, and limitations of your device. Address any discrepancies or questions before diving. Always remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
• When the device is properly configured and paired with a compatible device, it can track the estimated tank pressure of a connected diver. This information is for reference only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information.
• Perform pre-dive checks, including verifying device function, display, battery status, tank pressure, and checking for leaks in hoses and connections.
• Never dive alone. Dive with a buddy, even if someone on the surface is monitoring your dive. Remain with your buddy after the dive, as decompression sickness symptoms may be delayed or triggered by surface activities.
• This device is not intended for commercial or professional diving. It is for recreational use only. Commercial or professional diving may expose users to extreme depths and conditions that increase the risk of decompression sickness.

Dive Warnings

NOTICE: Message and location tracking requires a clear line of sight between two compatible receivers with compatible software versions. Environmental factors can affect transmission. Data transmission can take up to 20 seconds with a good connection, or up to two minutes if the connection is poor. This feature is supplementary and should not be relied upon for emergency assistance. It does not replace traditional safety tools and procedures.

• Device function and connection quality can be affected by surface conditions. Objects like boat hulls, docks, reefs, or kelp can block the signal, causing dropouts or delays.
• Do not rely solely on the buoy for underwater navigation. The navigate-to-buoy feature requires a clear view of the buoy. Location and distance information are not precise and should only be used as supplementary data for navigation training, search, and recovery.
• The device is not a personal flotation device and cannot support the weight of a person or dive gear. Misuse may result in injury or property damage.
• The range and availability of messaging and location tracking depend on the type of compatible devices it communicates with.

Setting Up the Buoy with the Garmin Dive App

Before using the buoy for the first time, you must pair it with the Garmin Dive app and set up the Wi-Fi connection. Pairing should be done with internet access for devices to download software updates.

1. Turn on the buoy by pressing and holding the button for two seconds until it beeps. The status LED blinks green during power-up, then turns solid white.
2. Perform one of the following:
   • Download the Garmin Dive app to your mobile device. If you already have the app, update it to the latest version.
   • Scan the QR code on the bottom of the buoy with your mobile device's camera.

   When the mobile device connects to the buoy's Wi-Fi network, the status LED turns solid cyan for three seconds, then blinks white twice at intervals. NOTE: You can also connect to the buoy's Wi-Fi network manually. The network name is "DescentS1-" followed by the six-digit device ID. Enter "TSB" followed by the six-digit ID.

3. (Optional) Change the Wi-Fi password in the Garmin Dive app. NOTE: You can change the Wi-Fi password later by selecting More > Garmin Devices, choosing your buoy, and selecting General > Manage Wi-Fi Password.

Dive Network

When you pair your devices, the Descent S1 buoy creates a dive network connecting surface users of the Garmin Dive app with underwater divers using a Descent dive computer and Descent T2 transmitter.

After a dive, the buoy syncs data with dive computers, allowing each diver to view approximate underwater locations in the Garmin Dive app. For pairing and software updates, refer to the Descent device owner's manual. Ensure devices are paired with internet access for software updates.

• Pair each user's dive computer with their Descent T2 transmitter, selecting My Tank as the location.
• Pair each user's dive computer with the Garmin Dive app on their phone.
• Check for dive computer and Descent T2 transmitter updates via the Garmin Dive app.
• Pair each user's dive computer with other divers' Descent T2 transmitters, selecting Other Diver as the location.

Pairing with Bluetooth Technology

Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

NOTE: Descent Mk2i dive computers can only be paired via Wi-Fi.

1. Pair all Descent dive computers and transmitters and check for software updates.
2. Place the compatible Descent watch within 10 m (33 ft) of the buoy.
3. Turn on the buoy.
4. Double-press the button to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. A tone sounds, and the status LED blinks blue when pairing is ready. NOTE: Allow approximately half a second between button presses.
5. On the watch, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Buoy > Add New.
6. Select the buoy ID that matches the number printed on the bottom of the buoy near the QR code.
7. Press BACK, select SubWave Features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messages are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for all dive computers you plan to use during the dive.
9. Double-press the button to exit Bluetooth pairing mode. The status LED blinks white when Wi-Fi connection is active. The buoy and paired dive computers will connect automatically when in wireless range on the next power-up.

Pairing with Wi-Fi Technology

Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

1. Ensure all Descent dive computers and transmitters are paired and have updated software.
2. Place the compatible Descent watch within 10 m (33 ft) of the buoy.
3. Turn on the buoy.
4. On the watch, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Buoy > Add New.
5. Select the buoy ID that matches the number printed on the bottom of the buoy near the QR code. NOTE: Dive computers attempt to connect using the default Wi-Fi password. If you changed the Wi-Fi password, enter the current password.
6. If necessary, enter the Descent S1 buoy Wi-Fi password.
7. Press BACK, select SubWave Features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messages are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 for all dive computers you plan to use during the dive. The buoy and paired dive computers will connect automatically when in wireless range on the next power-up.

Starting a Dive Session

NOTICE: Calibrate the electronic compass before each dive for accurate heading information. Avoid proximity to objects that affect magnetic fields, such as vehicles or overhead electrical lines.

Before starting a dive session, set up the buoy using the Garmin Dive app and create a dive network for all divers in the group.

1. Turn on the buoy.
2. On your mobile device, open system settings and connect to the Descent S1 buoy Wi-Fi network.
3. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices, select your buoy, and select Start Session.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate the compass by slowly rotating the device in all three axes. The app will notify you when calibration is complete.
5. Select Divers and verify that all divers are listed.
6. Attach the buoy to a boat or surface buoy using the lanyard and place it in the water.
7. Start the dive. You can monitor divers from the surface in the Garmin Dive app.
8. Select Location to view the approximate location of underwater divers.
9. TIP: Divers can navigate back to the buoy using location data on their dive computers. Refer to the Descent device user manual for details.
10. Select Messages to send or view messages from divers.
11. Select Stats to view divers' depth and tank pressure data.
12. At the end of the dive session, select > End Session.

After the dive, when paired dive computers are out of the water and within range of the buoy, they will automatically connect and sync data. You can then view graphical displays of approximate locations during the dive in the Garmin Dive app. To manually sync data after a dive, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Buoy, select your buoy, and select Sync.

Tips for Buoy Placement

• If attaching the buoy to a boat, use the side attachment point and a stern or tow line.
• If divers are towing the buoy, use the side attachment point and a surface buoy. The diver's reel must be attached to the surface buoy.
• If the buoy is anchored, use the bottom attachment point and the anchor line. For better visibility, attach an additional line from the side attachment point to a surface buoy. Do not attach visual markers directly to the buoy.
• For best results and optimal connection, place the buoy within 60 meters (197 ft) of the surface support, towards the dive site.
• Position the buoy so that all underwater divers can see it directly. Obstacles like boat hulls or underwater objects can block the signal and interrupt data transmission.

Garmin Dive App

The Garmin Dive app allows you to upload dive logs from compatible Garmin devices. You can add detailed information about your dives, including conditions, photos, and details about other participants. You can also search for new dive locations and view information and photos shared by other users. When diving with the Garmin buoy and compatible Garmin devices, you can view graphical displays of approximate underwater locations. The Garmin Dive app syncs your data with your Garmin Connect™ account. Download the Garmin Dive app from your phone's app store (garmin.com/diveapp).

Updating Device Software

When you connect the Descent S1 buoy to your mobile device via Wi-Fi, you can update its software using the Garmin Dive app.

1. Connect your mobile device to the buoy's Wi-Fi network.
2. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices.
3. Select your buoy from the device list.
4. Select General > Check for Updates.

The app will check for available updates and prompt you to install them.

Device Information

Care for Your Device

NOTICE: Do not use sharp objects to clean the device. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, or insect repellents, as they can damage plastic parts and connectors. Rinse the device with clean water if exposed to chlorinated water, saltwater, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure can damage the housing. Avoid exposing the device to extreme shocks or rough handling, as this may reduce its lifespan. Do not store the device in places exposed to extreme temperatures, as this may damage it. Do not use the device if it is damaged or has been stored outside the specified temperature range.

Cleaning the Buoy

1. After each dive, rinse the buoy with clean water to remove salt and dirt.
2. If necessary, clean the buoy with a soft cloth.

Long-Term Storage

If you do not plan to use the Descent S1 for several months, charge the battery to at least 50% before storing. Store the device in a cool, dry place at room temperature. When you are ready to use the device again, charge it fully.

Specifications

¹ The device can withstand immersion in water up to 10 m. For more information, visit www.garmin.com/waterrating.

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

For more information about this product, visit the Garmin website.

• Visit support.garmin.com for additional manuals, articles, and software updates.
• Go to buy.garmin.com or ask your Garmin dealer for information on optional accessories and replacement parts.

Resetting the Buoy

Resetting the buoy removes all paired devices and restores the Wi-Fi password.

1. When the buoy is off, press and hold the button for ten seconds until you hear three beeps. The status LED is solid green while holding the button. The status LED blinks orange while the buoy is resetting.
2. Wait for the buoy reset to complete. The buoy beeps once, and the status LED blinks green during power-up. A tone sounds, and the status LED blinks white when the buoy is ready to connect.

Compatibility with Dive Products and Features

You can pair multiple Descent devices to create a dive network for yourself and other divers. Some features may not be available on older devices. For more information, refer to the Descent device owner's manual.

NOTICE: You should update device software to the latest version to access all features and improvements. If software versions are incompatible, the dive computer will display a warning: "Failed to connect to transmitter %1." The transmitter name will replace "%1."

SubWave Technology Information

Compatible Descent devices use SubWave sonar technology to communicate with other compatible Descent devices. Many factors can affect communication between devices. For more information, visit garmin.com/subwave.