Review: xDeep Black BT OLED bottom timer

source: xDeep

My twitter chums will know I've been after a trimix computer with one of those fancy displays for a long, long, long, ... long, time. Subsequently I never bought one; the reason being I prescribed to a GUE tech 1 class and chose to technical dive with the aid of a simple bottom timer. As a result, all I wanted was a simple bottom timer. That said, not all bottom timers are simple; and some are less simple than others. The xDeep Black BT is one such device; it's a bottom timer ... and then some.

Price

£219

What's included

In the box

• Bottom timer 
• Strap 
• USB connector 
• USB cable (also acts as charging cable) 

Construction

xDeep Black BT

The glass display is housed in a black square of monolithic polyacetal (looks like metal, but it's not); made up of two pieces held together by some attractive metal screws. There are two silver push buttons (one on each side), drilled holes in each corner to facilitate bungee, and 2 slots to allow the use of the enclosed strap. The unit feels surprisingly lighter than expected, but not fragile.

USB connection

Push button controls

Looks

xDeep Black BT

The unit looks fantastic. The black finish isn't gloss, but it's not matt either; a sort of brushed effect with 'BLACK' etched into the casing. The glass display reflects nicely, and once lit up, looks great.

Features

• Depth 
• Max depth 
• Average depth - resettable 
• Time elapsed 
• Stopwatch - resettable, pause, restart 
• Clock 
• Temperature 
• Compass 
• Logbook 
• VSI - Vertical Speed Indicator 
• Profile graph 
• Alarms; depth, ascent, time, clock 
• Battery level (in %) 
• Rechargeable via USB 

Navigating the menus

I decided not to read the instructions and see how intuitive the timer was. Well, that's my excuse; In all honesty I was too lazy, but it was a good test nonetheless. The basic sequence is 'short press / long press' of the generous buttons that protrude slightly from the bottom of the display. The internet tells me that early VR computers used this system and it upset users greatly, but I found the xDeep Black BT easy enough to use. I was able to find everything I needed; and I'm a simpleton.


I quickly sussed how to access a demo dive, so I could establish how the compass worked, along with how to reset the stopwatch and average depth.

Main Menu

Settings Menu

Demo Mode

It was soon clear the xDeep Black BT is very customisable. You can choose any colour imaginable for whichever reading you like, or choose from the preset "themes."

"Pink Theme"

"Desert Theme"

Diving

The most important test was obviously how the unit dived. I opted for the bungee mount; the included strap was atrocious. The unit is lovely and neat, and quickly settled on my right forearm between the crook of my elbow and the dry ring system. I was initially concerned the folds of my drysuit would press the buttons, but no matter what way I bent my arm the timer remained in timer mode.


In water the timer came to life almost immediately. By 20m I was in the dull familiar surroundings of the lough, with 2-3m of muddy visibility. The timer was like a lighthouse; especially compared to my LCD mares puck. No more shining my dive light at funny angle in a vain attempt to read the display without washing it out.


Oled and led displays are common among the new breed of computers, and the OLED display of the xDeep Black BT is definitely a contender. My buddy was diving an OSTC and neither of us could see any real difference. Wifebuddy has a Liquivision Xen, and the xDeep Black BT is very similar. The viewing angle on the xDeep Black BT isn't as good as the OSTC or Liquivison Xen, but the timer was almost turned away from me when the display disappeared.


The display is logically laid out; a quick look at the timer supplied the critical information I needed during the dive. At the deco stop I played about with the resettable stop watch, and it worked a treat; two go's and I was able to speedily reset and return to the main screen.

Compass

I imagined the compass to be more of a gimmick, but to be honest, it was very good. I checked it against my tried and tested suunto sk7, and the bearings where identical. The compass display is also very clear; depth and dive time were still displayed along the top of the screen. It is also possible to pre program bearings to allow a route to be followed during the dive, and a return path is generated automatically. Very clever, but I'm not sure I could be bothered.

The VSI (Vertical Speed Indicator) is a bar that runs up the left hand side of the screen monitoring a divers ascent rate, and can be customised to monitor varying ascent rates at different depth ranges. It was accurate, but I didn't pay a lot of attention to it once I'd noted it's function.

Logbook

Post dive, everything is there on one screen. It is logically displayed and has everything you could want to complete your log book.

PC connection

Thankfully the xDeep Black BT package contains a USB cable, that not only charges the unit, but also acts as a data cable allowing the logbook to be exported in .UDDF format. xDeep Black BT also informed me that any USB plug can be used as a charger if the voltage is correct; including phone charger plugs - but do check the voltage!

USB adapter clicks into place

USB cables plugs into adapter

Once connected via USB to the computer, the USB must be activated on the xDeep Black BT, then the computer will recognise it as a mass storage device. Amazingly it worked first go and was chatting away to my imac instantly. Simple instructions on the xDeep website also alllowed me to quickly register the unit and complete a firmware update.

"Start" USB for computer to recognise unit

"Stop" USB before disconnecting

iMac display once connected

Verdict

For £219 the xDeep Black BT is a bargain. The features are fantastic and the display is excellent - what else do you need from a bottom timer? I found the buttons easy to use and the menu system easy to navigate. The built in bungee mount works perfectly, i strongly recommend throwing away the strap; it's very, very bad.

The xDeep Black BT is definitely a valid contender to the Liquivision Xen; a question that most divers are pondering. The Xen has a bigger price tag at a £389, offers similar options, but lacks the compass. Is the xDeep Black BT as good? Better? It's a tough question. The only thing about the Xen is it feels weightier in the hand, and exudes pure luxury. It's kinda like comparing an iphone to other smart phones; they all do the same job, some phones offer more, but the iphone just 'feels' better. I suspect the Xen will survive the new rival.

Xen vs. Black BT

Bang for your buck; the xDeep Black BT is fantastic value for money, and it will win over divers wanting an OLED back up timer to their trimix computer, or those on a budget. The 'bottom timer only' divers may decide differently, but you would need to dive each unit independently to appreciate the subtle advantages of the Xen.




A word of warning though - I put a few scratches on the screen almost instantly; and I haven't a clue how. If you buy an xDeep Black BT; put a screen guard sticker on ASAP.

I like it!

PROS: OLED, rechargeable via USB, PC connection included, excellent value, upgradable to trimix computer.


CONS: viewing angle not as good as other OLED gauges, screen easily scratched, rubbish strap.




Safe diving folks!

Review: DUI TLS 350 Explorer Series Drysuit

(C) DUI ONLINE

Dry suits come with a variety of options, and DUI specialise in accommodating the customer as an individual. As a result suits not only come in MTM, but also with whatever bells and whistles a diver can wish for. In this post I am simply going to review the suit I received, with the options supplied.

SUIT: DUI TLS 350 Explorer Series

COLOUR: red/black 

SIZE: Medium

OPTIONS: DUI cargo pockets (x2), zip latex neck seal, zip cuff silicone seals, zip dry gloves, turbo boots, telescopic torso, suspenders, warm neck collar.

LOOKS

The look of a dry suit is personal preference, and has as much to do with the fit as anything else. 

Personally, I really like the red over black affair DUI is renowned for. The majority of the suit is black with the torso and arms sporting the flashy bright red overlay.

FEATURES

Seals: a standard affair of latex seals. They behaved as expected.

Zip: Front entry L-R, metal zip. Worked fine, nothing special.

Zip seals: Zip seals are a clever invention. A zip seal is a flexible 'ring' attached to the suit that allows a quick change of seals, silicone seals or dry gloves. They are easy to use; in fact I changed from latex seals to dry gloves with the suit half donned. The zip seal also works with the neck seal - on a dive boat or live-aboard this function would be priceless.

Personally I found the neck ring a bit annoying when doffing the suit, perhaps the ring diameter was a little tight for my big nose? I don't know. Not painful, just annoying. It also made the chest area sit a bit funny, but I think that was mainly due to the much too large torso area of the suit.

Dry gloves

A point to consider when using dry gloves with such a system, is they are directly attached to the arms of the suit; so unlike most other ring systems there isn't a wrist seal to protect the diver should the glove spring a leak mid dive. Personally I wouldn't be too concerned, and there is an 'add on' available from DUI to compensate if you so desire.

There is also a unqiue technique to donning the suit with dry gloves attached. You put the neck seal on first, then the arms. It was weird, but totally doable with practice. and after a few dives it didn't bother me at all.

pull suit over head using the arms

head first

sort neck seal / don hood

don undergloves

don ams

sort arm placement

tighten velcro straps on gloves to secure placement

Pockets: The DUI cargo pockets are excellent. They are well placed on the side of each thigh, properly sized (7.5" x 11"), and contain two bungee loops sewn to each side (inside the pocket) to secure equipment via bolt snaps. 

The large pockets easily take a handful of spools, smb's, a spare mask, and the typical divers arsenal, across the two pockets. A large Velcro flap secures the pocket closed, and also allows for easy opening. 

The flap of each pocket has a small zipped compartment, which is useful for additional items. I found it stored a whistle, bolt snaps, and a small backup computer no problem. There is also an inner pocket which is perfectly suited to secure wetnotes or a small slate.

Turbo boots: The DUI turbo boot is a hybrid of a neoprene sock and the old style 'welly-boot' that hangs from many a drysuit. It is basically a neoprene sock with a rubber sole. A Velcro strap is attached to the ankle, which when pulled tight secures the sock in place. 

DUI Turbo Boot with velcro strap

The turbo boot is extremely comfortable on flat ground or a boat, but not so much when the going gets tough. As an avid shore diver I found the sole wasn't thick enough when stomping over rocky slipways, and the sole certainly doesn't dampen stones or sharp edges enough to appease. I also found my foot moved over the edge of the rubber sole in very rugged areas.

When diving the sole was phenomenal. The ankle movement made finning a joy, and allowed for some very precise kicks. 

FIT

The suit I received was a medium, which according to DUI fitting guide was going to be a little too big for my elegant frame. 

It was too big all over, yet once donned didn't annoy me, and I thought it still looked very well.

The suit has a telescopic torso which makes donning and doffing the suit very easy.

DIVING

The most important thing about a suit is how it performs in the water. Firstly, the DUI TLS 350 explorer edition was 100% dry across 3 test dives. I was a little hesitant about the zip seals, especially as I changed the dry gloves personally, but they worked flawlessly. The Velcro tabs around the gloves worked well to keep the gloves, and arms of the suit, where I wanted them. Valve drills were no problem.

The flexibility of the suit was fantastic. I have been diving a Seaskin membrane suit for the last few years and its pretty good, but the increased flexibility provided by the TLS 350 was noticeable immediately.

I dived the suit at my regular local shore dive, and I appreciated at once how much easier it was to descend the steep steps down from the pier. Donning my fins waist deep in the lough was also much easier than when wearing my old suit. The material is extremely light, and with no inner taped seals, the range of movement was fantastic. 

The flexibility was noticeable mostly in the legs, especially when frog kicking or back kicking. As I mentioned before, the flexibility the turbo boots created allowed for some lovely precision finning. I also noted air migration to the feet was very easy. It took a bit of getting used to; it gave a horrible 'floaty feet' sensation compared to rock boots, but only initially. The air migration being so good had a huge positive side - my feet were the warmest I've ever experienced. I was able to use less undersuit layering on my feet than I did with my usual neoprene socks / 5mm wet boot combo; and i felt warmer. Very effective. 

Diving the TLS 350 was a joy

Injecting and dumping gas from the suit was very good. I found dumping gas much easier than usual, which I presume is a combination of the high profile dump valve fitted, and placement on the arm of the suit itself. I felt in complete control during the ascents.

CONCLUSION 

DUI are one of the most renowned dry suit tailors on the market, and I was curious as to how I would find the suit. Overall, I think the DUI TLS 350 Explorer is an excellent piece of kit.

It was dry, comfortable, looks great and was enjoyable to dive. It has some lovely features such as the zip seals and turbo boots, but they are additional items which push the price up. The zip seals and dry gloves themselves are expensive to replace as well, you cannot fit ordinary seals, or showa dry gloves for example to the ring system yourself; you must buy DUI zip seals or DUI zip gloves. The same applies to the neck seal.

The flexibility of the suit was excellent due to the material used and the fact the suit is glued at the seams, rather than taped. 

The only concern with such flexibility is durability. The suit is light and thin, but is not designed to be trailed over ship wrecks or pulled or clawed at. I have been informed leaks are easily fixed with a dab of aquasure, but it would be nice not to worry.

That said, there is a substantial warranty on the material of the suit.

PROS: zip seals, turbo boots, good flexibility, lightweight, fast drying, dry, comfortable, awesome pockets, looks great.

CONS: expensive purchase, expensive replacement seals, durability issues as a result of light material and lack of taped seams, ti-zip technology not incorporated into DUI suits (metal zips only fitted), zip seal neck ring not one size fits all.

HOW TO: attaching Tekna Knife to Goodman handle

Wifebuddy is rather awesome at buying me stuff, and one such gem has been my new Tekna Knife.

It's essential that all divers carry at least one cutting tool on a dive; personally i like to carry two.

The Tekna Knife is a fabulous solution to carrying an extra cutting device, stowed rather splendidly out of the way.








I always have a stubby steak-knife on my waist band, and occasionally a set of EMT shears in my right pocket. I have been considering a wrist mounted knife of some description for a while, but could never quite sell it to myself. I like the idea of a blade close to hand, but i really hate clutter on my wrists. I don't like wrist slates, and i'm not overly fussed wearing a back up timer - i sometimes stuff it into my pocket to salvage what real estate is available on my arms.

Knowing me well, Wifebuddy popped the tiny little Tekna Knife into my Christmas stocking; with the premonition of me fitting it to the goodman handle on my primary light. She's very clever.

I have heard of plenty of divers bolting these knives onto goodman handles, but i had never actually seen one up close; or been told how to go about fitting it. With the aid of few pics scattered around the interweb, my supreme intellect, and a handy little bolt from a dive buddy (thanks Dave!), i was able to successfully attach the Tekna Knife to my lovely Halcyon EOS LED light.

Awesome.



Being completely thrilled with my DIY savvy, i figured i would share it with the masses, as i couldn't find a step-by-step guide when i needed it.



Well here it is; behold ...

HOW TO ATTACH A TEKNA KNIFE TO GOODMAN HANDLE

Step 1 - Get the bits together

• Tekna Knife.

• Bolt and nut (make sure it fits through the pre-drilled hole in Tekna Knife sheath).

• O-ring from SPG spool.

• Spanners / pliers.

• Drill and metal drill bit (size 3.5 metric).

Step 2 - Bin keyring

• The knife comes with a little keyring thingy - take it off, we don't need it.

Step 3 - Drill

• Drilling stuff is great, it's almost as good as hammering. Select the appropriate sized drill bit by sizing against the bolt.

• Drill a hole in the left side of the goodman handle, ensuring you have left enough room to fit the whole knife inside the grip.

Step 4 - Get the kettle on

• The bolt needs an o-ring on it. The o-ring allows you to tighten the bolt, create a little pressure to hold it in place, but can be deployed with minimal effort without grinding metal on metal.

• Boil the kettle and pop the o-ring into the boiling water to soften it up; takes about a minute.

• Put the o-ring over the bolt. I found placing the o-ring on a hard surface, then pushing the bolt into the centre worked well to get it started; then roll it up to the head of the bolt.

Step 5 - Assemble

• Place knife inside the handle. (It's better there as it won't get snagged anywhere, and is held in place by your hand).

• Bolt downwards from the inside out.

• Nut on the end.

• Tighten with spanners.

Step 6 - Bungee / Silicone

• I decided a little loop of bungee around the other end of the knife secures it further. It may not be necessary, but it is easily rolled off to free the knife handle for deployment.

• Wipe the blade with a little silicone to protect it from salt water.

Step 7 - Size it up

• The goodman handle is now a little thicker, so pop on your gloves and try it out, adjusting the handle as necessary.

Step 8 - Celebrate

• Revel in completion of this arduous task with an air-punch.

CONCLUSION

The Tekna Knife is a back up to a back up in my mind, but it's a great wee thing to have on your kit. It's nicely out of the way, easily accessible, requires minimal maintenance and may save you from a great white shark attack - remember, you only have to slow down your buddy ...

Safe diving folks!