Garmin Descent S1 Dive Buoy User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides information on the Garmin Descent S1 Dive Buoy. For important safety and product information, refer to the 'Important Safety and Product Information' guide included in the product box.

NOTICE: For optimal performance, all devices associated with the Descent S1 should be updated to the latest software version. Failure to update devices may cause compatibility or performance issues.

Device Overview

The Descent S1 Dive Buoy features the following:

• 1 Power Button: Turns the buoy on and off.
• 2 LED Status Indicator: Provides visual cues for device status.
• 3 Side Attachment Point: For attaching to a boat or surface marker buoy.
• 4 Bottom Attachment Point: For attaching to an anchor.

Getting Started

Before first use, complete the following steps:

1. Charge the buoy fully.
2. Turn on the buoy.
3. Prepare the buoy using the Garmin Dive™ app.
4. Check for software updates. Keeping your device software up to date provides privacy, security, and feature enhancements.
5. Create a dive network. Pair each diver's Descent transceiver and dive computer with others and the buoy.
6. Start a dive session.

Charging the Buoy

WARNING: Contains a lithium-polymer battery. Refer to the 'Important Safety and Product Information' guide for product warnings and other important information.

NOTICE: To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the terminals and surrounding area before charging the device or connecting it to a computer. Follow the cleaning instructions in the 'Device Care' section.

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

LED Indicator and Battery Level

Turning the Buoy On and Off

• To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for two seconds until a single beep is heard. The LED status indicator flashes green.
• To turn off the buoy, press and hold the button for five seconds until a continuous beep is heard. The LED status indicator remains solid white while the button is held.

LED Status Indicator

System Status

Connection Status

Charging Status

Diving

To start a dive, you can use a Descent dive computer paired with a Descent T2 transceiver and the Descent S1 buoy. While diving, surface users can send and receive messages to and from divers, view their approximate underwater location, and see diver depth and tank pressure information. Divers underwater can send messages to the surface and navigate back to the buoy using location data displayed on their dive computers. After the dive, divers can sync their dive computers with the buoy and view underwater heatmaps in the Garmin Dive app. Refer to the Descent dive computer user manual for more information.

Dive Warnings

WARNING: Do not exceed the maximum depth rating of the device. Ensure you understand and can operate the device and its limitations. If you have questions about this manual or the device, resolve any misunderstandings before diving. You are responsible for your own safety.

• If the device is properly configured and connected to a compatible device, it may display the connected diver's approximate tank pressure. This is for notification purposes only and should not be used as the sole source of information.
• Before diving, check for safety (e.g., proper device operation and settings, display functions, battery level, tank pressure, and check for leaks).
• Never dive alone. Always dive with a buddy, even if someone is monitoring your dive from the surface. After diving, spend time with others, as decompression sickness can manifest later or as a result of activities after surfacing.
• This device is not intended for commercial or professional diving. It is designed for recreational use only. Commercial or professional divers may encounter very deep conditions or situations that increase the risk of decompression sickness.

Diving Precautions

CAUTION: For dive messaging and navigation, visibility is required between two compatible receivers with the same latest software version. Obstacles and environmental factors can affect receiver connectivity and slow or block message transmission and reception. With a good connection, data transmission between divers takes less than 20 seconds. With a poor connection, devices attempt to send data for up to two minutes. This is an additional feature and should not be used as an emergency assistance method, nor should it replace traditional dive safety equipment and procedures.

• To send messages and/or track the location of compatible devices, the device must be connected to a compatible mobile device using Wi-Fi and the Garmin Dive app. The Wi-Fi range of the device depends on the make and model of the mobile device used. This product should not be used as an emergency assistance method and should not replace traditional dive safety equipment and procedures.
• Surface conditions can affect device performance and connectivity. Certain objects, such as boat hulls, swim platforms, reefs, or kelp, can block the device's signal and cause interruptions or delays in data transmission.
• Do not rely solely on the buoy for navigation underwater. The buoy navigation feature requires an unobstructed view of the buoy. Buoy location and distance information is not precise and should be treated as supplementary information, not a replacement for diver navigation, search, and location training.
• This device is not a personal flotation device and cannot support the weight of a person or dive gear. Using the device in this manner may result in injury or property damage.
• The range and message transmission/location tracking of the device depend on the type of compatible devices it communicates with.

Dive Information

NOTICE: For best results, ensure the buoy is tethered to a drift line, surface marker buoy, or anchor line at the surface, the boat hull does not obstruct the device, and there are no obstructions between the device and the divers' compatible devices.

• If you tow the buoy, secure it to a surface marker buoy and attach a flag so it is visible to watercraft.
• If the device is submerged for an extended period, it may affect device performance or damage the device.

Preparing the Buoy with the Garmin Dive App

Before first use, connect the buoy to the Garmin Dive app and set up the Wi-Fi connection. For device pairing compatibility, be in a location with internet access so your devices can download required software updates.

1. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for two seconds until a single beep is heard. The LED status indicator flashes green.
2. Select an option:
   • Download the Garmin Dive app on your mobile device to use during a surface dive session.
   • If you already have the Garmin Dive app on your mobile device, update the app to the latest version.
3. Scan the QR code on the buoy with your mobile device camera. If your mobile device connects to the buoy Wi-Fi network, the LED status indicator turns solid blue for three seconds. The LED status indicator flashes white twice while your mobile device is connected.

NOTE: You can manually connect to the buoy Wi-Fi network using your mobile device's system settings. The Wi-Fi network name is “DescentS1-”, followed by a six-digit device ID found next to the QR code. On your mobile device, select the buoy Wi-Fi network and enter “TSB” followed by the six-digit device ID.

NOTE: You can change the Wi-Fi network password in the Garmin Dive app if needed. Select More > My Devices, select the buoy, and select General > Wi-Fi Network Password Management.

Dive Network

When pairing devices, the Descent S1 buoy creates a dive network that connects to surface users via the Garmin Dive app, when divers underwater use both a Descent dive computer and a Descent T2 transceiver. After the dive, the buoy syncs with the dive computers, and each user can view underwater heatmaps to identify approximate location information in the Garmin Dive app.

Pairing Dive Computers and Transceivers

Refer to the Descent device manual for pairing and software update information. For device pairing compatibility, be in a location with internet access so your devices can download required software updates.

• To pair each Descent dive computer, use the Descent T2 transceiver and set the installation location to My Tank.
• Pair each dive computer to the Garmin Dive app on your phone.
• Check for software updates for each dive computer and Descent T2 transceiver using the Garmin Dive app.
• Pair each dive computer to another diver's Descent T2 transceiver, and set the installation location to Other Diver.

Pairing a Dive Computer via Bluetooth

You can pair compatible Descent dive computers with the buoy using one of the following technologies: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

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

1. Pair all Descent dive computers and transceivers, and check for software updates.
2. Position compatible Descent dive computers within 10 meters of the buoy.
3. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for two seconds until a single beep is heard. The LED status indicator flashes green.
4. Press the button twice to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. A beep is heard, and the LED status indicator flashes blue.

NOTE: Wait 0.5 seconds between button presses. The buoy does not register rapid button presses.

5. On the dive computers, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Air Integration > Buoys > Add New.
6. Select the buoy ID, which is printed on the bottom of the buoy next to the QR code.
7. Press BACK, select Subwave features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messaging are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for all dive computers you plan to use for diving.
9. To exit Bluetooth pairing mode, press the button twice.

The next time the buoy and paired dive computers are powered on and within wireless range, they will connect automatically.

Pairing a Dive Computer via Wi-Fi

You can pair compatible Descent dive computers with the buoy using one of the following technologies: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

1. Ensure all Descent dive computers and transceivers are paired and the software is up to date.
2. Position compatible Descent dive computers within 10 meters of the buoy.
3. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for two seconds until a single beep is heard. The LED status indicator flashes green.
4. On the dive computers, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Air Integration > Buoys > Add New.
5. Select the buoy ID, which is printed on the bottom of the buoy next to the QR code.

NOTE: Dive computers attempt to connect automatically using the default Wi-Fi password. If you have changed the password, you must enter the active password.

6. Enter the Wi-Fi password for the Descent S1 buoy if necessary.
7. Press BACK, select Subwave features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messaging are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for all dive computers you plan to use for diving.

The next time the buoy and paired dive computers are powered on and within wireless range, they will connect automatically.

Starting a Dive Session

CAUTION: For best results, calibrate the compass before each dive. Failure to calibrate the compass may result in inaccurate location data and incorrect buoy direction information for divers.

NOTICE: Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors. For accurate direction, do not stand near objects that affect magnetic fields, such as vehicles or power lines.

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

1. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for two seconds until a single beep is heard. The LED status indicator flashes green.
2. On your mobile device, open system settings and connect to the buoy Wi-Fi network.
3. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > My Devices, select the buoy, and select Start Session.
4. Follow the on-screen compass calibration instructions, moving the device in a circular motion in three planes. The Garmin Dive app will notify you when calibration is complete.
5. Select Divers and ensure all divers are listed.
6. Secure the buoy to your boat or a surface marker buoy using the tether and deploy the buoy into the water.
7. Activate the device and use the Garmin Dive app to track divers from the surface.
8. Select Location to view the approximate location of divers underwater.

TIP: Divers can navigate back to the buoy during the dive using location data provided by their dive computers. Refer to the Descent user manual for more information.

9. Select Messaging to send messages to one or more divers and view received messages.
10. Select Stats to view data for each diver's depth and tank pressure.
11. When the dive session is complete, select: > End Session.

At the end of the dive, when the paired dive computers are out of the water and within range of the buoy, they will automatically connect and sync, and you can view underwater heatmaps in the Garmin Dive app to obtain approximate location information. If necessary, you can select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Air Integration > Buoys, select the buoy, and then select Sync to manually sync with the buoy after the dive.

Tips for Positioning the Buoy

• To attach the buoy to a boat, secure the tether to the side attachment point on the buoy using the boat's drift line or anchor line.
• For divers towing the buoy, attach the tether to the side attachment point on the buoy using a surface marker buoy, and secure the diver's retractor to the surface marker buoy.
• To anchor the buoy, attach the anchor line to the bottom attachment point on the buoy. For visibility, attach a second tether to the side attachment point on the buoy from a surface marker buoy. Do not attach a flag to the buoy.
• For best results and maximum connectivity, position the buoy 60 meters from the surface support and towards the dive site.
• Ensure the buoy is visible from the surface to divers. Obstacles such as boat hulls or underwater objects may interfere with data transmission and reception.

Garmin Dive App

The Garmin Dive app allows you to upload dive logs from a compatible Garmin device. You can add more detailed information about your dives, such as environmental conditions, photos, and dive buddies. You can browse new dive locations, view location details, and share photos from other users. When diving with a Garmin buoy and compatible Garmin devices, you can view underwater heatmaps to obtain approximate location information. The Garmin Dive app syncs data with your Garmin Connect™ account. You can download the Garmin Dive app from your phone's app store (garmin.com/diveapp).

Updating Device Software

You can use the Garmin Dive app to update the Descent S1 software when you connect your mobile device via Wi-Fi technology.

1. Connect your mobile device to the buoy Wi-Fi network.
2. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > My Devices.
3. Select the buoy from the list of devices.
4. Select General > Check for Updates. The app checks for available software updates and notifies you when an update is ready to install.

Device Care

Cleaning the Device

Do not clean the device with a sharp object.

NOTICE: Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, and insect repellents, as they can damage plastic parts and finishes. If the device comes into contact with chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Prolonged exposure to these substances can damage the housing. Avoid strong impacts and rough handling, as this can reduce the lifespan of the device. Do not store the device in extreme temperatures, as this can cause permanent damage. If the device is damaged or has been stored outside the recommended temperature range, do not use it.

Cleaning the Buoy

1. After each dive, rinse the buoy with fresh water to remove salt and debris.
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, the battery should be at least 50% charged before storing the device. Store the device in a cool, dry place with a temperature similar to normal household temperatures. After storage, the device should be fully charged before use.

Technical Specifications

Battery

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery life: Up to 15 hours

Operating and Storage Temperature Range

• -20 to 60°C

Water Temperature Range

• 0 to 40°C

Charging Temperature Range

• 0 to 45°C

Wireless Frequency and Transmit Power

• 2.4 GHz at 19.16 dBm maximum

EU SAR

• <0.308 W/kg body, limbs

Transmission Range ANT® and Bluetooth Technology (Surface)

• Up to 10 m

Transmission Range Wi-Fi Technology (Surface)

• Up to 60 m

Transmission Range SubWave™ Sonar Technology (Underwater)

• Up to 100 m line of sight

Water Rating

• IEC 60529 IPX8, up to 10 m¹

¹ The device can withstand continuous submersion in water up to 10 meters deep. For more information, see www.garmin.com/waterrating.

Troubleshooting

Getting More Information

• For more information about the product, visit the Garmin website.
• Visit support.garmin.com for more manuals, articles, and software updates.
• Visit buy.garmin.com or contact your Garmin dealer for information on optional accessories and replacement parts.

Resetting the Buoy

You can reset the buoy to remove all paired devices and reset the Wi-Fi password.

1. With the buoy turned off, press and hold the button for ten seconds until you hear three beeps. The LED status indicator remains solid green while you hold the button, and flashes orange when the buoy is resetting.
2. Wait for the buoy to reset.

When the buoy powers on, it emits one beep, and the LED status indicator flashes green. If a connection can be established with the buoy, a beep is heard, and the white LED status indicator flashes slowly.

Compatibility of Dive Products and Features

You can pair multiple Descent devices to create a dive network for yourself and your dive buddies. Not all features are available on older devices. Refer to the Descent device manual for more information.

NOTICE: To access all features and enhancements, you should update your devices to the latest software versions. If software versions are incompatible, a warning will appear on the dive computer: Pairing Failed. Failed to connect to %1. %1 is replaced by the transceiver name.

Key:

• : View your and connected divers' tank pressure.
• : View connected divers' depth.
• : View connected divers' distance.
• : View connected divers' direction.
• : View your and connected divers' public transceiver names.
• →: Send pre-defined messages to Descent T2 divers via transceiver or send to the Descent S1 buoy from the surface.
• : Receive dive messages from divers using the Descent T2 transceiver or from the surface via the Descent S1 buoy.
• : View distance and direction data to navigate back to the Descent S1 buoy.

SubWave Technology Information

Compatible Descent devices use SubWave sonar technology to connect with other compatible Descent devices. Device-to-device communication can be affected by various factors. For more information, visit garmin.com/subwave.