Shearwater Research SWIFT Transmitter (MH-8A Compatible)

The SWIFT tank pressure wireless transmitter is Nitrox Ready and compatible^† with the current firmware release of those specific models of Shearwater Research brand dive computers that support hoseless air integration. This includes the Shearwater Tern TX, Perdix-AI, Perdix 2, Teric, Petrel 3, NERD 2 and the Peregrine TX model dive computers currently sold by Dive Gear Express, but does NOT include the Shearwater NERD 1, Petrel, Petrel 2, Peregrine (without the "TX"), Perdix (without the "AI"), or Tern (without the "TX"). A key feature of the SWIFT is an active interference avoidance system that allows multiple transmitters to work together.

The transmitter is oxygen compatible, rated for depth up to { 650 ft | 200 m } with tank pressure accuracy of ±5% full scale, and has a user replaceable and widely available CR2 photo battery. The battery life is approximately 300 dive hours or five years of storage. The Shearwater brand dive computers will display a low battery warning that indicates the transmitter number approximately 20 hours before the transmitter battery needs to be replaced. Each transmitter has its own unique ID and up to four transmitters can be linked to compatible Shearwater model dive computers. Shearwater has determined that as many as twenty SWIFT transmitters can operate in proximity to each other without signal interference.

The transmitter screws in to a high-pressure (HP) port of the first stage regulator mounted on the tank to be monitored. The transmitter uses the 38kHz radio frequency to signal data. An antenna inside the dive computer receives the RF data when it is positioned within { 72 in (6 ft) |1.8 m } of the transmitter and within a zone parallel or at a 45 degree angle to the transmitter. Best reception is achieved when the dive computer and transmitter are within { 3 ft | 0.9 m } of each other. The LED status indicator will flash green when a transmission is sent and flash red if an interfering signal is detected. During a dive you may at times move the dive computer so that is out of the signal pattern of the transmitter, resulting in a temporary interruption of the link. The link may also be interrupted if the dive computer is within { 3 ft | 0.9 m } of a running DPV or after a strobe light flashes. The link will be restored within 5 seconds after the dive computer is reoriented, moved back into range, or the RF noise clears. For technical diving, Dive Gear Express recommends following the best practice of also including a standard analog SPG on the regulator as a backup.

In rare cases, the body of some first stage regulator designs will have hose ports oriented such there is not room to accept a wireless tank pressure transmitter without interfering with hose routing. The solution is to use a standoff adapter, or some divers prefer to use a short HP hose pigtail (do not forget the required Air Spool) in place of the standoff.

† The SWIFT also works with those specific models of Aqualung, Apeks, Aeris, Hollis, Oceanic, Sherwood, and Tusa brand dive computers that support hose less air integration with PPS transmitters having the FCC ID = MH-8A number. This brings the same collision detection and avoidance benefits to those other brands of dive computers. The SWIFT transmitter is NOT compatible with any other brand dive computers.