The Meg rebreather is now shipping with the Shearwater Pursuit computer
installed. The manual for the Shearwater GF is available at:
http://www.rebreather.ca/Library.htm
In general, the Pursuit does everything that the GF did, but in response to customer comments, new features have been added:
1) Smaller handset.
The new case is about 1/3 shorter and a little bit thinner. It
continues to be light on land and neutral in the water. Double straps
keep the computer straight on your wrist, and you won't lose the
computer if a strap breaks. The Fischer or permanent connector has been
moved up the case so it doesn't hit your arm when you bend your wrist.
The box part is 1.5"X2.5"X3.25" (38cmX63cmX82cm).
2) The battery can be changed without tools.
The only tool you need to change the battery is a coin. Since they
designed it for a Canadian dollar, (AKA Loonie) they include one with
each computer. Battery life is expected to be 6-12 months
3) Flip Screen
The screen display can be flipped upside down so that the computer
can be worn on the right wrist if desired. This feature is particularly
useful for a 4th cell monitor. Since the Pursuit will monitor 1 or 3
sensors, it can easily become a three cell monitor if a primary system
fails.
4) Automatic back lighting
The backlight can be left on AUTO. A sensor senses the ambient
light and adjusts the backlight accordingly. For example, if you are
diving in bright tropical water, the backlight will use no power. If
you swim into a wreck, the backlight will automatically come on. There
are still "always on", timed and off settings available.
5) User entered Gradient Factor
The users can enter their own GF settings with few limits.
6) Variable O2 percentage for different types of calibration
The user can enter the percentage oxygen for calibration. This can also be used to compensate for altitude calibration.
7) Computer updates over the internet
The Pursuit uses a different hardware platform that removes the
processor and memory constraints that limited development on the GF.
There will be updates, bug fixes, and new features and they will be
available over the internet. The updates can be loaded through the IrDA
port. Although others may develop third party add-ons, the updates
should be free on the net.
These updates are available at:
http://www.rebreather.ca/Library.htm
Standard Megs with APECS electronics are still available and there are several ways to order the new Shearwater electronics on the Meg:
APECS Megalodon
1. APECS Primary and Shearwater Secondary (Hardwired)
2. APECS Primary and Fischer cable (for current Shearwater owners)
COPIS2 Megalodon
1. APECS Primary and Shearwater Secondary (Hardwired, either handset)
2. APECS Primary and a Fischer cable (for current Shearwater owners)
This allows for sensor input data to the APECS system to survive unscathed in the event of a problem with the Shearwater Pursuit, cabling to the Shearwater Pursuit, or even the failure of the isolation board. Likewise, any faults to the APECS system will not effect the Shearwater System. Key advantages to the diver are a robust system, time proven, no single points of failure, and software and hardware that is independently developed by different engineers.--Jill Heinerth
