California Diving News

TUSA IQ-600 Wrist Mount Computer
TUSA’s popular and sophisticated IQ-600 dive computer is now available in a wrist-mount model (USA only). The IQ-600 is a full function nitrox dive computer that is easy to use. The oxygen density can be set in 1 percent increments to a maximum of 50 percent and can be adjusted so that when you dive twice, one tank can be used for normal air and the other can be used for Nitrox mix on the second dive. It is designed for safety with an automatic function that turns the switch on as soon as you enter the water, as well as automatically detecting the air pressure for advanced settings, specific to the diving location. Battery replacement, which used to necessitate a return to the manufacturer can now be done by the user. Additional features include push button technology for ease of use, decompression stops with warning indicators, and automatic altitude compensation.

For more information, see your local TUSA dealer. California TUSA dealers are indicated in the Dive Store Directory section of this issue. For additional dealers, see TUSA’s web site at http://www.tusa.com or call 562-498-3708.

Cressi-Sub Sigma Snorkel
Cressi-sub’s new Sigma snorkel for professional divers is particularly suitable for use with self-breathing apparatus. The tube, without flexible joint, is securely mounted on the mouthpiece holder with several grooves and O-rings. This is a useful feature particularly during ascent with self-breathing apparatus and when the snorkel is placed back into the jacket pocket. Other comfort enhancing features of this snorkel, even for the most demanding professional divers are: profiled guard, elliptical tapered tube, angled mouthpiece, increased well for better drainage, and larger internal elliptical valve for improved drainage.

For more information visit the Cressi-sub web site at http://www.cressisubusa.com.

Atomic Aquatics M1 Regulator
Atomic Aquatics has announced the availability of its latest regulator, the M1. A natural addition to the acclaimed Atomic product line, the M1 combines the features and innovations unveiled and proven effective in the company’s three other regulator models. Further, Atomic engineers have developed several new features.

In 1997, Atomic redefined what divers looked for in a regulator with the launch of the T1 model. The use of Titanium components and high tolerance precision machining results in a regulator that performs like a finely-tuned machine. The M1, available now from authorized Atomic dealers, builds on those innovations in a major way.

“Atomic built its reputation on being innovative and relevant,” said Dean Garraffa, Atomic co-founder. “The M1 takes the best elements of regulator technology introduced in the T1, B1 and Z1 models and brings them all together to create the most complete, versatile and functional regulator in the world. We don’t say that lightly — we can back it up. The M1 has many features other regulator companies have only been able to talk about. We deliver them!”

With internal components built from Titanium, Zirconium, Kevlar and the latest revolutionary metal to be used in diving equipment, Monel, the M1 is designed for function and performance. The patented Atomic Automatic Flow Control (AFC) system (the first and only system of its type) makes the M1 a true “self-adjusting” regulator, delivering a constant, comfortable air flow at any depth.

Technical divers will appreciate the versatility the M1 provides. Atomic engineers designed the M1 with the capacity to accommodate different Nitrox or oxygen mixtures without the need for cleaning. This important feature is something long sought after by the advanced diving community. Beginning divers will benefit from the simplicity combined with performance of the M1. Its patented features are expertly designed to deliver a reliable breathing flow in any underwater environment.

The M1 second stage is not only built with aesthetically-pleasing, two-tone hardened material, it has been specially designed to prevent freeflow in surge or swift currents. The lightweight housing also features a super-wide exhaust deflector to keep bubbles away from a diver’s field of vision. A unique, duo-molded mouthpiece will soon set new industry standards for comfort and durability. Built from both hardened and soft silicone, the anatomically-designed mouthpiece was created as a direct result of requests and comments from Atomic customers and dealers.

“Few scuba equipment companies build their products with direct input from their customers in mind,” said Doug Toth, co-founder. “Since Atomic produces its regulators here in the United States using finely tuned production techniques, we have the ability to make adjustments and updates to products other companies are not typically able to do. Our commitment to quality and service makes Atomic products a popular choice for divers wanting to dive with the best equipment on the market.”

Atomic products have been regularly recognized for quality by consumer diving publications, engineering periodicals, dive-oriented web sites and in the scuba community. The M1 carries an unprecedented two-year, complete factory warranty that includes free factory repair or replacement. Following that extended two-year period, the M1 features a limited, lifetime warranty. Atomic’s warranty on the M1 does not expire or become void due to diver inactivity or missed service schedules.

The M1 is available now through authorized Atomic Aquatics dealers. For more information about Atomic Aquatics entire line of high performance scuba diving products, visit the company’s web site at http://www.atomicaquatics.com.

SeaVision MaxVision Mask
SeaVision’s MaxVision was engineered as a light-enhancing mask for diving in lakes, rivers, quarries, caverns, wrecks or other places where the amount of natural light is greatly reduced.

For many years, SeaVision USA has been the leader in scuba and snorkeling vision through its line of color-correcting and vision-correcting masks. The company continues to set new standards for excellence as it researches additional designs and products to further improve underwater vision for divers in all areas.

“In the same way that our traditional SeaVision—corrected colors underwater through the use of a magenta (red) lens, the MaxVision is the first mask to use an amber (yellow) filter that actually attracts light and makes it easier to see underwater when there is less natural light,” said Alan Smith, SeaVision Optics Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “The technical and advanced diving communities have quickly embraced this concepts because they know the SeaVision reputation and they also know that the MaxVision mask works.”

The patented SeaVision Optics design has won acclaim throughout the international diving community. The new amber lenses in the MaxVision mask can be used in any of the four SeaVision Optics frame designs including the popular SeaVision 2000, the Ultra, and the Ultra Plus. Like all masks from SeaVision, the MaxVision can be created with customized single vision lenses or bi-focal prescription lenses for vision correction. No other manufacturer currently offers single unit custom prescription lenses—others are bonded or other techniques, according to Smith.

One person who has seen the benefits of all of the SeaVision products first-hand is well-known and award-winning underwater photographer and videographer Stan Waterman. As someone who knows the value of underwater imagery, color-correction and light enhancement, Waterman is quick to point out, “the SeaVision mask is a permanent part of my gear bag!”

In addition to professional and individual divers, the MaxVision is also catching on with larger dive operations. According to Mike Lever of the Nautilus Explorer vessel operating in the cold water environment of the Pacific Northwest, “We call the MaxVision our ‘happy’ masks. Not because they are silly or look different, but rather that every diver who comes back from a dive wearing a MaxVision is one very happy diver.”

Single lens prescriptions can be custom-built into a MaxVision mask. For more details about the entire SeaVision line of quality vision products for active people, go to http://www.seavisionusa.com.

Sportz SUV Tent
Napier has introduced the latest in camping experiences, the Sportz SUV Tent. Designed to wrap around your SUV or mini van, the Sportz SUV Tent provides you with the ultimate in tent camping design. It is designed to fit most mini vans and mid-size SUVs

Featuring a large entrance door and windows, full-size 6' x6' canopy, gear loft and mesh pockets for additional storage, the Sportz SUV tent sets up in minutes and allows you the convenience of being able to drive away while your tent remains standing.

This 8 1/2' x 8 1/2' x 7' high tent provides sleeping space for four, along with the additional space provided by your SUV or mini van.

Sportz SUV Tent will be available for sale at your local outdoor retailer this spring, visit http://www.sportztrucktent.com for more details.

Digital ChartKit 2002 from Maptech
Maptech Digital ChartKit 2002 includes all the latest NOAA chart revisions — a Maptech exclusive. Along with the latest NOAA chart editions, Maptech includes thousands of weekly Notice to Mariners corrections. The technology to integrate these weekly changes into new chart editions is a Maptech exclusive. Changes include new buoy locations, new or deleted lights, channel shifts, wrecks and more.

Along with the new and revised charts in Digital ChartKit 2002 are everything a boater needs to get started in electronic marine navigation. It’s the “Place to Start.” Digital ChartKit 2002 combines the latest official NOAA charts, navigation photos, aerial pictures, coastal topographic maps, marine facilities locator, tides and currents, and more for under $200.

Gavin Johnston, VP Marketing & Sales, says, “Digital ChartKit 2002 is clearly ‘The Place to Start.’ Anyone getting started in marine navigation faces a lot of choices and it can get confusing. Digital ChartKit makes it easy for new and experienced boaters to get started in computer navigation and at a price that is very reasonable.”

Digital ChartKit 2002 includes: “The Place to Start” — Regions follow the BSB standard
* NOAA digital charts - the only official charts available for US waters
* Navigation Photos - georeferenced to match your chart position exactly
* USGS coastal topographic maps- extending 5 miles inland
* Aerial Pictures - approaches to harbors and key coastal locations (overlay on charts)
* Marine Facilities Locator — from Embassy Cruising Guides - (overlay on charts)
* Tides & Currents Database - (overlay on charts)
* USCG Coast Pilot and Light List - shows danger spots and obstacles
* Chart Navigator software - makes GPS better - easy upload/download of routes/waypoints.
* For real-time vessel tracking add Maptech Offshore Navigator.
* Print chart, maps, photos, data overlays, with or without GPS routes and waypoints
* Digital ChartKit Pro is the official raster chart and up-date service for the U.S. Coast Guard

Call Maptech for more information at 888-839-5551 or visit http://www.maptech.com. Products available from marine retail stores nationwide. System requirements: Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP or NT 4.0; Pentium 133 (or faster); 64 MB RAM (or higher); CD-ROM drive; Video monitor resolution of 256 colors at 800x600 (or better); 50MB free disk space; Internet Explorer 4.0 (or higher-included); Mouse or drawing equivalent.

BONICA — Underwater Cameras: excellence taken to great depth