GARMIN released the all-new Descent Mk2 series dive computer in late 2020 (further reading: The World's Most Powerful Dive Computer Evolves — When Diving Is More Than Just a Sport: Garmin Descent Mk2 Series). Beyond a number of hardware upgrades, what really captured everyone's attention was Garmin's proprietary SubWave sonar technology and the new capability to monitor tank pressure via the Descent T1 transmitter. This time, we mounted the Descent T1 on our regulator and took it straight underwater to show you how it performs — hit play on the video below!
How to Install the Garmin Descent T1
When you first get the Descent T1, remember to use a 10-dollar coin to open the battery compartment and insert the battery. You might wonder — where's the power button? The Descent T1 has no physical power switch. To turn it on, you need to attach it to your first stage regulator and then open your scuba tank / cylinder; the pressurised air triggers the Descent T1 to power on. Once the tank is open, pair it with your Descent Mk2i by following these steps:
- Long-press the middle-left button to enter the Settings menu.
- Scroll down to Sensors and press the upper-right button to confirm.
- Select Add and press the upper-right button to confirm.
- Scroll down to Transmitter and press the upper-right button to confirm — the watch will begin searching.
- Once pairing is complete, your future dive activities will be detected automatically; you do not need to repeat this process.
Because a single Descent Mk2i can simultaneously monitor up to five Descent T1 transmitters, you can name your own transmitter along with those of up to four dive buddies for easy identification. One important note: only the Mk2i has the transmitter reception feature, so be sure to confirm the exact model with your dive shop before purchasing!
Now let me share a painful lesson from the Editor firsthand. The first time I got my hands on the Descent T1, I was buzzing with excitement and ready to jump in — only to discover at setup that the high-pressure port on my first stage regulator was too narrow for the chunky Descent T1 to fit. Mission aborted. The second time around, I bought a high-pressure extension port, only to be told I also needed a separate high-pressure port adapter to make it work. So please ask your dive shop all the right questions before you buy, so you don't end up disappointed!
Some first stage regulators have port designs that allow direct installation of the Descent T1.
Some first stage regulators require a high-pressure extension port for installation.
In that case, you'll also need to install a separate high-pressure port adapter.
Descent Mk2 Series Underwater Interface Performance:
The biggest difference between the two generations is arguably the Descent Mk2 series' 36% larger display face, which is a major win for divers who struggle with presbyopia. The overall interface features more data fields, so a single watch face can display a comprehensive set of information at a glance. You can also customise the fields to suit your preferences — if you find heart rate data more gimmicky than useful, for example, you can simply swap it out for something else. It's a much more user-friendly experience. The screen resolution has also been upgraded from 240×240 pixels on the first-generation to 280×280 pixels on the second, making the difference in display sharpness immediately noticeable. (Official Mk1 vs. Mk2 Series Comparison Chart)
With the addition of the Descent T1's pressure gauge (SPG) readout, the interface layout has also been tweaked slightly compared to the first generation — but in terms of logic and readability, it's still very intuitive to pick up. Thanks to the scuba tank / cylinder pressure monitoring functionality via the Descent T1, you can also head into the dive settings to adjust your air consumption rate parameters (Pressure SAC / Volume SAC / RMV).
The 36% larger display makes all the information significantly clearer and easier to read.
With the Descent Mk2i + Descent T1, you can monitor your tank pressure at any time and track your gas consumption rate, making it easier to plan your dives.
Is the Descent Mk2i + Descent T1 Worth Buying?
The Editor's take: the Descent Mk2i isn't meant to replace the Mk1 in GARMIN's lineup — it's an entirely new product line, and you can see that clearly reflected in how the features are divided and how the pricing is structured. If you already own an Mk1 and don't have a pressing need for wireless tank pressure monitoring, there's probably no urgent reason to upgrade. But if you're currently evaluating which Garmin Descent dive computer to get, the Editor strongly recommends going straight for the Descent Mk2 — the larger display and thoughtful UI design are the kind of things you simply can't go back from once you've experienced them. As for whether to go all-in on the Descent Mk2i + Descent T1, that really comes down to the depth of your wallet and your laziness index — just kidding! It should really come down to your diving habits. The Editor, for instance, often shoots marine life with a camera in hand, so having the dive computer monitor tank pressure is incredibly convenient — it means I don't have to keep reaching over with my right hand to check the pressure gauge (SPG), and I can keep my focus on the camera screen instead. Your money doesn't disappear — it just transforms into the shape of something you love!
