Garmin Descent™ S1 User Manual
This manual provides information on the Garmin Descent S1 dive computer. It covers setup, dive features, troubleshooting, and specifications.
Introduction
The Descent S1 is a dive computer designed for recreational diving. It offers features such as dive tracking, surface communication, and navigation assistance.
Device Overview
The Descent S1 features a power button, an LED status light, a side lanyard connection point, and a bottom lanyard connection point for an anchor.
Getting Started
Before using the Descent S1 for the first time, it is recommended to perform the following steps:
- Charge the device.
- Turn on the device.
- Set up the device using the Garmin Dive™ app.
- Check for software updates.
- Create a dive network by pairing compatible dive computers and the Descent T2 transceiver.
- Start a dive session.
Charging the Device
To charge the device, connect it to a USB-C charging port or a wall adapter. The LED status light indicates the battery charge level.
- Flashing orange: 0-24% battery
- Fast flashing green: 25-74% battery
- Slow flashing green: 75-99% battery
- Solid green: 100% battery
Turning the Device On and Off
To turn on the device, press and hold the button for two seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status light will flash green. To turn off the device, press and hold the button for five seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status light will remain solid white while you press the button, and will beep when the device turns off.
LED Status Light
| System Status | LED Indicator |
|---|---|
| Powering on | Flashing green |
| Updating software | Flashing yellow |
| Resetting the device | Flashing orange |
| System error | Solid red |
| Software is not legitimate. Contact Garmin Support. | Solid purple |
Connectivity Status
| Status | LED Indicator |
|---|---|
| Pairing mode | Flashing blue |
| Wi-Fi connection mode | Slow flashing white |
| Wi-Fi connection established | Solid turquoise |
| Connected to device via Wi-Fi | Double flashing white |
Charging Status
| Status | LED Indicator |
|---|---|
| Charging, 0-24% | Flashing orange |
| Charging, 25-74% | Fast flashing green |
| Charging, 75-99% | Slow flashing green |
| Fully charged | Solid green |
Diving
The Descent S1 can be used with a compatible Descent dive computer and Descent T2 transceiver to start a dive session. Surface users can communicate with divers, view their approximate location, and monitor depth and tank pressure. Divers can send messages to the surface and navigate back to the buoy using location data.
Dive Warnings
- Do not exceed the device's maximum dive depth rating.
- Understand how to use the device and its limitations. Ensure all questions are answered before diving.
- The device can track the approximate tank pressure of a connected diver. This feature is for informational purposes only.
- Perform pre-dive safety checks, including function and setting checks, display functionality, battery level, tank pressure, and leak checks.
- Never dive alone. Always dive with a buddy, even if someone is monitoring your dive from the surface.
- This device is not intended for commercial or professional diving activities.
Dive Cautions
- Sending dive messages and navigation require a clear line of sight between compatible receivers with up-to-date software. Environmental factors may affect connectivity.
- To send messages or track locations, the device must be paired with a compatible mobile device via Wi-Fi and the Garmin Dive app.
- Water conditions can affect device performance and connectivity. Objects such as boat hulls, swim platforms, reefs, or seaweed can block the device's signal.
- Do not rely solely on the buoy for underwater navigation. The 'Navigate to Buoy' feature requires a line of sight to the buoy.
- This device is not a personal flotation device and cannot support the weight of a person or dive equipment.
- Device range and message transmission capabilities depend on the compatible devices it communicates with.
Dive Alerts
For best results, ensure the device is tethered to a surface marker buoy or anchor line in a location with a clear line of sight to divers.
If you are towing the device, attach it to a surface marker buoy with a flag for visibility.
Submerging the device for extended periods may degrade performance or cause damage.
Setting Up the Device with the Garmin Dive App
Before first use, pair the Descent S1 with the Garmin Dive app and set up Wi-Fi connectivity. Ensure you are in an area with internet access for software updates.
- Turn on the device by pressing the button for two seconds. The LED status light will flash green.
- Download the Garmin Dive app on your mobile device or update your existing app.
- Scan the QR code on the bottom of the device with your mobile device's camera. The LED status light will turn solid turquoise for three seconds when the mobile device connects to the device's Wi-Fi network.
- (Optional) Change the Wi-Fi network password in the Garmin Dive app.
Dive Network
The Descent S1 creates a dive network that connects surface users via the Garmin Dive app with divers below the surface via a compatible Descent dive computer and Descent T2 transceiver. After the dive, the device syncs with dive computers, allowing users to view their dive location heatmaps in the Garmin Dive app.
Pairing Dive Computers and Transceivers
To ensure compatibility, ensure all paired devices have the latest software updates. Pair dive computers with the Descent T2 transceiver and set the location to 'My Tank'. Pair dive computers with the Garmin Dive app on your phone. Check for software updates for dive computers and the Descent T2 transceiver using the Garmin Dive app. Pair dive computers with other divers' Descent T2 transceivers and set the location to 'Other Diver'.
Pairing Dive Devices via Bluetooth
Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Pair all compatible Descent dive computers and transceivers and check for software updates.
- Place compatible Descent dive computers within 10 meters (33 feet) of the buoy.
- Turn on the buoy by pressing the button for two seconds.
- Press the button twice to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. The LED status light will flash blue.
- On the dive computers, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Buoys > Add New.
- Select the buoy ID that matches the number printed on the bottom of the buoy.
- Press BACK, select Transmit Options, and ensure Location Sharing and Messages are enabled.
- Repeat steps 5-7 for all dive computers you plan to use for diving.
- Press the button twice to exit Bluetooth pairing mode.
Pairing Dive Devices via Wi-Fi
Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Ensure all Descent dive computers and transceivers are paired and have the latest software installed.
- Place compatible Descent dive computers within 10 meters (33 feet) of the buoy.
- Turn on the buoy by pressing the button for two seconds.
- On the dive computers, select Dive Setup > Dive Network > Buoys > Add New.
- Select the buoy ID that matches the number printed on the bottom of the buoy.
- If necessary, enter the Wi-Fi password for the Descent S1 buoy.
- Press BACK, select Transmit Options, and ensure Location Sharing and Messages are enabled.
- Repeat steps 4-7 for all dive computers you plan to use for diving.
Starting a Dive Session
For best results, calibrate the compass before each dive. Failure to calibrate the compass may result in inaccurate location data.
Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors, away from objects that affect magnetic fields.
- Turn on the buoy by pressing the button for two seconds.
- On your mobile device, open the Garmin Dive app and connect to the Descent S1 buoy's Wi-Fi network.
- In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices, select the buoy, and select Start Activity.
- Follow the on-screen compass calibration instructions.
- Select Divers and confirm that all divers are listed.
- Use a lanyard to attach the buoy to a surface marker buoy or anchor line, and deploy the buoy into the water.
- Start your dive and use the Garmin Dive app to monitor divers from the surface.
- Select Location to view the approximate location of divers underwater.
- Select Messages to send messages to divers and view received messages.
- Select Statistics to view depth and tank pressure data for each diver.
- When the dive session is complete, select : > End Activity.
Tips for Buoy Placement
To tether to a boat, connect the lanyard to the boat's tie-off or anchor point. For divers towing the buoy, connect the lanyard from a surface marker buoy to the side lanyard connection point on the Descent S1 buoy.
To anchor the buoy, connect the lanyard from the anchor to the bottom lanyard connection point on the Descent S1 buoy. For better visibility, attach an additional lanyard from a surface marker buoy to the side lanyard connection point on the Descent S1 buoy. Do not attach a flag directly to the buoy.
For best results and increased connectivity, place the buoy within 60 meters (197 feet) of the support team on the surface and in the direction of the dive site. Ensure the buoy has a clear line of sight to divers below the surface. Obstructions can interfere with data transmission.
Garmin Dive App
The Garmin Dive app allows you to upload your dive logs from a compatible Garmin device. You can add detailed information about your dives, including environmental conditions, photos, and notes. You can use the map to find new dive locations and view location details and photos shared by other users. When diving with a Garmin buoy and compatible Garmin devices, you can view your underwater heatmaps for approximate location details.
The Garmin Dive app syncs your data with your Garmin Connect account. You can download the Garmin Dive app from your smartphone's app store.
Updating Device Software
You can use the Garmin Dive app to update the Descent S1 software when your mobile device is connected via Wi-Fi.
- Connect your mobile device to the Descent S1 buoy's Wi-Fi network.
- In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices.
- Select the buoy from the device list.
- Select General > Check for Updates. The app will check for software updates and prompt you to install them if available.
Resetting the Buoy
You can reset the buoy to remove all paired devices and reset the Wi-Fi password.
- With the buoy off, press and hold the button for ten seconds until you hear three beeps. The LED status light will remain solid green while you press the button, and will flash orange when the buoy is reset.
- Wait for the buoy to reset. The buoy will beep once, and the LED status light will flash green.
Dive Product and Feature Compatibility
You can pair multiple Descent devices to create a dive network. Some features may not be available on older devices. For more information, refer to the Descent device user manual.
To access all features and improvements, update your devices to the latest software versions. If software versions are not compatible, the following alert is displayed on the watch: "Transmitter %1 failed to connect." %1 is replaced by the transceiver name.
Troubleshooting
| Device | Feature |
|---|---|
| Descent T2 | View public tank status |
| Descent T1 | View tank pressure View diver depth View diver distance |
| Descent Mk2i | View tank pressure View diver depth View diver distance |
| Descent Mk3i Descent X50i | View tank pressure View diver depth View diver distance |
| Descent S1 | Not compatible |
• View your tank pressure and the pressure of divers connected to the network.
• View the depth of divers connected to the network.
• View the distance of divers connected to the network.
• View the direction to divers connected to the network.
• View the public names of your transceiver and divers connected to the network.
• Send preset messages to divers via the Descent T2 transceiver or to the surface via the Descent S1 buoy.
• Receive messages during a dive from paired Descent T2 transceivers or from the surface via the Descent S1 buoy.
• View distance and direction information to navigate back to the Descent S1 buoy.
SubWave Technology Information
Compatible Descent devices use SubWave sonar technology to communicate with other compatible Descent devices. Many factors can affect device-to-device communication. For more information, visit garmin.com/subwave.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours |
| Operating and Storage Temperature | -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C) |
| Underwater Temperature Range | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
| Charging Temperature Range | 32° to 113°F (0° to 45°C) |
| Wireless Frequency and Transmit Power | 2.4 GHz at 19.16 dBm maximum |
| EU SAR | 0.308 W/kg body, extremities |
| Surface Transmit Range (ANT+ and Bluetooth) | Up to 33 ft (10 m) |
| Surface Transmit Range (Wi-Fi) | Up to 197 ft (60 m) |
| SubWave Sonar Underwater Transmit Range | Up to 328 ft (100 m) line of sight |
| Water Rating | IPX8 (up to 33 ft or 10 m) |
Troubleshooting
Getting More Information
- For more information on the product, visit the Garmin website.
- For manuals, articles, and software updates, go to support.garmin.com.
- For information on optional accessories and replacement parts, go to buy.garmin.com or contact your Garmin dealer.
- The device can withstand submersion up to 33 ft (10 m). For more information, visit www.garmin.com/waterrating.
