Homing Beacon

I recently caved in to pressure from my dive buddy / wife and purchased a
Dive Tracker Sport homing beacon from Desert Star Systems. Have only used it
twice so far but thought I would pass on some of my impressions.

The Sport is the more expensive model and works out to a range of around
1200m according to the literature. The cheaper Scout model works out to
around 300m so I didn't see that as a lot of use. With a transmitter, 2
receivers and good quality waterproof carry case they cost around the same
as a top of the range BCD so not exorbitantly expensive but not cheap
either.

In use, you hang the transmitter from the boat a couple of metres below the
surface and take the receiver with you. When you want to know which way the
boat is, turn on the receiver and sweep it around through 360 degrees. A LED
bar graph lights when it's pointed at the transmitter with the number of
LEDs giving an approximation of the distance. Take a bearing and off you go,
repeat at regular intervals.

The literature that comes with it is adequate (a detailed manual is
downloadable) and stresses that you should never rely on it as your primary
means of navigation, standard product liability stuff I'm sure. Other tips
include always sweeping through 360 degrees and going for the strongest
signal as it's possible to pick up reflections from such things as rock
faces.

The units have a very high quality finish but I have to say that the
receivers are quite large at 2.5" in diameter and 5" long. This may not seem
large but there's not many BCDs around with a pocket big enough to slip it
in to. If you are just out having a look around then it's no problem having
one on your wrist using the included strap, but if you have other gear like
cameras, torch or loop then they can kind of get in the way. I plan on
making a neoprene sleeve to protect it and have it clipped across my chest
when not actually in use.

The on/off knob on both transmitter and receiver is large and easy to use
with a glove and the readout easy to see. The signal actually pulses with
the pulse rate being adjustable on the transmitter. I believe the intent
here is to be able to distinguish multiple beacons if required. So far I am
finding that the pulsing just makes it extremely difficult to read the
distance as the LEDs are constantly flashing.

The direction of the boat has been remarkably easy to determine with the
LEDs only lighting at all over a very small arc with the peak in the middle.
On both occasions I have been able to swim straight back under the boat in
fairly murky conditions. A bonus with this is I can confidently swim back at
5m and have already done my safety stop before I get there. However always
remember, do NOT rely on this device for navigation! (disclaimer)

A down side I have noticed is that because of the way I have been using it,
I actually have less awareness of where I am. I have quite a good sense of
direction and 'usually' have a very good mental map of where I am in
relation to the boat. While trying out the units however I was no longer
paying close attention to where I was, instead when it came time to return,
just sweep the receiver and start swimming in the indicated direction,
repeating occasionally to ensure I'm still on course. I'm sure with
practice, and using it correctly by taking a compass bearing on the
indicated direction, the feeling of being lost will disappear. Or perhaps I
should return to my old practices and just use this as a confirmation if
needed...

My wife however, who I think has always been navigationally challenged,
loves it. If we get separated we can now plan to meet back at the boat
rather than surface and effectively end the dive.

If anyone's interested I will post updates as I gain more experience with
them.