Our goal at Ocean Technology Systems is to educate our customers and potential customers so they can have the tools and education they need to be successful with their mission. Whether you are doing your research now to decide which product or system to choose or whether you are trying to simply get some questions answered, we’re here to help. In efforts to help you arrive at your answers quickly, we’ve compiled a list of our Frequently Asked Questions, however, if you don’t find what you’re looking for feel free to call or e mail us today!
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What kind of range can you expect with wireless communications? The answer to this greatly depends on which product line you choose as well as the conditions in which you are diving. Our recreational products range from 50m to 500m range while our more professional product lines can reach up to 10,000m. Why the wide range? There are many external factors that can affect the range of wireless underwater communications. Factors such as thermoclines, air in the water, obstructions, and so forth can limit the range of wireless communications. Depending on the power of the unit you are using as well as the environment in which you are diving, the range can vary. For more information on the subject click here!
All wireless products will communicate with one another as long as the divers are within range and on the same channel. One thing to note, however, is wireless communications cannot talk to hardwire communications and vice versa.
Can OTS communications work with another brand of communications? Although we cannot guarantee the quality of the communications, if you are on the same channel and within range, wireless underwater communications should be able to work with a competitive brand. For best results, OTS communications should be used with the OTS brand.
How long will batteries last in your underwater comm unit? There is no set answer on this. This is entirely based on the amount of communicating you are doing. The more you communicate the more battery power you will use. For our recreational products, we've easily seen up to 6 dives on one battery charge. This will vary from person-to-person. Tip: If you have a unit which is turned on by water contacts, for example the Buddy Phone, ensure the water contacts are dried off post dive to ensure the battery does not drain while not in use.
Absolutely! We have worked with countless T.V. and Filmmakers to achieve studio quality audio recording directly into their camera. We also have advice for recreational divers who simply want to record audio to a camera such as a GoPro. In most cases, each person's camera set up are different. For this reason, if you need assistance in learning how to record audio to your camera contact a OTS Salesperson today!
The Hot Mic is a noise canceling, dynamic microphone that is the best sounding underwater microphone on the market. It is limited to being flooded when taken to depth. In other words, you do not want to flood it and continue to take it any deeper than 10 or 12 ft . The Super Mic can be flooded and taken to any depth with no problem. The sound quality is lower with the Super Mic as you are sacrificing sound quality for waterproofing. Unless specified, the Hot Mic comes standard with our Earphone Microphone Assemblies and our Buddy Phones.
The short answer on this is no. Each mask has its own Buddy Phone or Ear Mic assembly configuration. All of the Ear Mic Assembly and Buddy Phone Products are the same, however, the length of the communication wire as well as the push-t0-talk are different depending on which brand mask you have. This means, for example, Guardian Full Face Mask Buddy Phones can only be used with the Guardian Full Face Mask - they will not fit on an Aga Full Face Mask. You must use the communication unit for the product line it was purchased for.
No, as stated above (#2), wireless equipment must be used with wireless and hardwire with hardwire. They cannot communicate with each other.
It's highly recommended that you not try to seal on top of a neoprene hood. If you must use a hood, a thin Latex is the best style for reliably. Neoprene tends to stand a Full Face Mask further off from the face, which may cause issues. Some issues that may be seen are: a poor seal, "bubble head" (inflated hood) and/or wasting a lot of air from leakage.
To remedy this, cut the hood to fit the FFM. To accomplish this, first put the hood on as you would normally wear it. Next, don the Full Face Mask as you would normally wear it (on top of the hood). Use a chalk line (or similar) around the skirt of the mask to the hood. Carefully cut the chalk line with a sharp pair of scissors. NOTE: Be sure to cut on the inside of the line except around the forehead. Trim about 3/8 to 1/2 inch inside of the line at the top of the forehead tapering to the inside of the line at the cheekbones. The forehead portion of the hood tends to pull back if you cut it to the line exposing your forehead, so it is important to keep a extra material there.
When done correctly, there should be a good fit of the hood to the edge of the skirt, while allowing the mask to seal directly to user's face without any intrusion into the mask seal. Treat any stitched seams with Aquaseal or other neoprene cement.
The Spectrum Full Face Mask is our newest addition to our Full Face Mask family. The mask provides some luxuries of a full face mask such as the ability to breathe through your mouth of nose, full face coverage, and the use of communications (the ability to talk). One of the main features that distinguishes the Spectrum from the Guardian is the Spectrum’s unique ability to use most any second stage regulator. For this reason, the Spectrum Full Face Mask becomes a more economical value for a great quality product. For more information click here!
If you'd like to tell the difference between the original M-48 and the current version see the photo below. Frames that do not have Threaded Inserts are older model masks and Jaw Frames that have Threaded Inserts are new/current. (See Picture Below)
The Guardian Full-Face mask is a demand regulator with a semi-positive nature. Having said that, positive pressure is a feature of some full-face masks primarily used by SCBAs to continually deliver air to you whether you are demanding it or not. These are used for fire fighting and hazmat emergency response. Positive pressure is designed to keep contaminants out of the mask if there were a break in the seal by blowing air out. A demand regulator gives you air as you “demand” an inhale when properly sealed.
Yes. A demand regulator does maintain a slight positive pressure while in an upright orientation. This is due to the position of the regulator being lower than that of the rest of the mask.
If you are diving a full-face mask, it is highly recommended you are familiar with emergency procedures and are comfortable doing them underwater. We recommend reading your manual, watching our training videos, and practicing in a pool in regards to emergency procedures. We also recommend carrying a spare air supply and/or small mask in case of emergencies. Having said that, if you run out of air while diving a full-face mask, remove your full-face mask, utilize your spare air and don your small spare mask. You cannot buddy breathe using a full-face mask, however you can buddy breathe off of a regular safe second.
It's highly recommended that you not try to seal on top of a neoprene hood. If you must use a hood, a thin Latex is the best style for reliably. Neoprene tends to stand a Full Face Mask further off from the face, which may cause issues. Some issues that may be seen are: a poor seal, "bubble head" (inflated hood) and/or wasting a lot of air from leakage.
To remedy this, cut the hood to fit the FFM. To accomplish this, first put the hood on as you would normally wear it. Next, don the Full Face Mask as you would normally wear it (on top of the hood). Use a chalk line (or similar) around the skirt of the mask to the hood. Carefully cut the chalk line with a sharp pair of scissors. NOTE: Be sure to cut on the inside of the line except around the forehead. Trim about 3/8 to 1/2 inch inside of the line at the top of the forehead tapering to the inside of the line at the cheekbones. The forehead portion of the hood tends to pull back if you cut it to the line exposing your forehead, so it is important to keep a extra material there.
When done correctly, there should be a good fit of the hood to the edge of the skirt, while allowing the mask to seal directly to user's face without any intrusion into the mask seal. Treat any stitched seams with Aquaseal or other neoprene cement.
For those needing glasses we offer an add on option for a glasses kit. You can learn more about that here.
One of the best features of the Guardian Full Face Mask is that it is self defogging. How convenient is that? Due to the unique air system of Full-Face Masks you do not need any defogging agent or treatment of your visor. While you are breathing from your tank your mask will not fog. Exceptions to this include: breathing off your ambient breathing valve (ABV) (fogging will dissipate within a few seconds of switching to breathing your air source), extreme cold conditions, adapting the mask to a rebreather.
The Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV) is a feature which allows you to breathe the ambient air while at the surface thus conserving your tank air. As stated in all of our training, it's important to remember to close your ABV prior to diving. Having said that, if you forget to close your ABV chances are you may not even realize it's open if you remain in the upright position - generally no water will come in. This becomes a different story if you invert your orientation. Doing this changes the dynamics of the one-way-valve in the ABV and water will come in. If you realize that you have left your ABV open on a dive, close the valve, purge your mask of any water intrusion, and if safe continue your dive. For additional information visit our training videos and/or product manual.
The Guardian Full Face Mask is a one size fits most mask. Because of the Guardian’s unique double seal, the mask will fit almost everyone. If the first seal doesn’t fit properly, we’ll get you on the second seal.
The Guardian Full Face Mask quality, comfort and function is the best of the best. The silicone material the skirt is made from is comfortable and durable. You can fully expect for your Guardian Full-Face Mask to maintain its durability and shape regardless of how often you use it.
We do not recommend using the Guardian with a Hookah system. The air pressure required for the Guardian is 135 psi, which is a much higher requirement than most Hookah Systems. For use of a Full Face mask with a Hookah system, we recommend checking out our Spectrum Full Face Mask which allows you to use your own regulator and still keep the benefits of a full-face-mask. You can check that out here.
Being in the full face mask and communications business for over 30 years we've learned what features and requirements in a product will make it the best-of-the-best. Our experience with the US Navy taught us that without frosting the sides of the visor, many people experience vertigo, dizziness, or distorted views. Frosting the sides of the visor eliminates those problems and still allows for a great field of vision. The Guardian Full Face Mask is only available with sides of the visors frosted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How do you equalize in the Guardian Full Face Mask?". Equalizing in the Guardian Full Face Mask is simple. Since the distance of the chin to the nose is different for everyone, first you must adjust the equalizing assembly to custom fit you. We offer different size pads and wires to build up or lessen the size of the equalizing assembly. The equalizing block can also be moved higher or lower by fixing the assembly on higher or lower notches on the wire stand. Once you've achieved the equalizing assembly fits you in both comfort and function, you will then push up on the base of the regulator which will push the equalizing assembly up on your nose, blocking your nostrils, and allowing you to equalize.
Due to the semi-positive pressure inside the Guardian Full Face Mask, it is very difficult to get water inside the mask. Even if you break the seal underwater, generally air will push water out instead of water coming in. Having said that, if you do manage to flood your mask, simply look up and press the purge button on your regulator. This will drain out the water. Resume normal position and take a hesitant breath to ensure all water is displaced. Repeat as necessary.
The Guardian Full Face Mask includes the mask and second stage regulator, which is specifically designed to only work with this system. The only 2nd stage regulator that can be used with the Guardian is the OTS-designed Guardian regulator that is built into the mask. No other second stage regulator will work with this mask.
It's highly recommended that you not try to seal on top of a neoprene hood. If you must use a hood, a thin Latex is the best style for reliably. Neoprene tends to stand a Full Face Mask further off from the face, which may cause issues. Some issues that may be seen are: a poor seal, "bubble head" (inflated hood) and/or wasting a lot of air from leakage.
To remedy this, cut the hood to fit the FFM. To accomplish this, first put the hood on as you would normally wear it. Next, don the Full Face Mask as you would normally wear it (on top of the hood). Use a chalk line (or similar) around the skirt of the mask to the hood. Carefully cut the chalk line with a sharp pair of scissors. NOTE: Be sure to cut on the inside of the line except around the forehead. Trim about 3/8 to 1/2 inch inside of the line at the top of the forehead tapering to the inside of the line at the cheekbones. The forehead portion of the hood tends to pull back if you cut it to the line exposing your forehead, so it is important to keep a extra material there.
When done correctly, there should be a good fit of the hood to the edge of the skirt, while allowing the mask to seal directly to user's face without any intrusion into the mask seal. Treat any stitched seams with Aquaseal or other neoprene cement.
If you have existing communications specifically for the Guardian Full Face Mask such as a Buddy Phone or Ear Mic Assembly you will be able to use these on your Spectrum Full Face Mask as the configuration is the same for both masks. If you have communications for other masks aside from the Guardian Full Face Mask they will not fit the Spectrum Full Face Mask.
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To install your second stage regulator to your Spectrum Full Face Mask remove the bite mouth piece (if installed) from the second stage regulator. Insert second stage regulator mouthpiece tube into the regulator port through the front of the Spectrum FFM. Install military standard (MS3367-7-0) zip tie tightly around second stage regulator so that it wraps around and fastens the mouthpiece tube securely to the Spectrum FFM.
The CE mark indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE version of the Spectrum Full Face Mask includes a special clamp as well as a bite down mouthpiece for use with the mask.
Yes, the Spectrum Full Face Mask will fog. The Spectrum Full Face needs to have a defog agent added to it prior to diving as the mask will fog. If you are looking for a mask that does not fog check out our Guardian Full Face Mask.
A second stage regulator is not provided with a Spectrum Full Face Mask and is designed to receive most standard regulators of your choice. For reference, the regulator port of the Spectrum Full Face Mask allows regulators from 3/16” x 5/8” and sizes up to 1-7/16” x 13/16”
The Spectrum Full Face Mask will fit most standard second stage regulators. For reference, the regulator port of the Spectrum Full Face Mask receives regulators from 3/16” x 5/8” and sizes up to 1-7/16” x 13/16”.
The Spectrum Full Face Mask offers familiar and easy equalizing with the ability to pinch your nose just like you would with a standard mask.
The Spectrum Full Face Mask does not automatically come with an ABV, however an ABV designed for the Spectrum Full Face Mask can be purchased separately and easily installed by the user!
