Topic: Danger to a Scuba Diver?

[UntamedSpirit]

Hello, we have a 798 on order, should be here shortly. We'll be mounting it to a kayak, and we're wondering if there was any danger to a scuba diver below. We have 3-4 people usually with us, diving off the yaks. Some on the surface, some below. Is there any danger to the divers in 20-45 ft of water if someone on the surface is using the unit?  Could we be around near them looking at other things with the unit, while they are below us.  (and maybe seeing what we look like)

[sonar2000]

No sonar danger to the scuba diver........unless you hit them with a paddle.  We have divers in the water all the time with several sonars running. 
Chuck

[RGecy]

The Humminbird Units are completely safe for divers.

Some of the lower frequency units in 100khz range could cause some minor side effects up close underwater.  I have been down when a Marine Sonic 300khz Unit passed over head and could hear a slight high pitched wining, but no ill effects.

I have however stuck my hand up to the bottom of the HB HDSI transducer while it was on underwater and it was not a pleasant feeling!

Robert

[UntamedSpirit]

Thanks guys... looking forward to getting it up and running

[Jolly Roger]

No danger for the diver.
But there's a chance that the sonar will interfere with a underwater communication system. I experienced this last year when I was out with some archaeologist who had a wireless com-system deployed. As soon as the Bird was hummin, the diver went ape  .

Regards / Harry

[sonar2000]

We get the ticking noise of the ping in our u/w comms but it is like a ticking clock so we just ignore it.

Chuck

[jejb]

I was scuba diving this weekend, with my wife following me in the boat using the trolling motor. The 798 was running the whole time. Never noticed anything at all untoward.

[sonar2000]

The recreational sonar used today is small in power and does not produce the type of signal associated with the high dollar high end commercial/military sonars.

Other than the ping (ticking noise) in a comm headset it is safe for divers. 

I dont know if I would hold the transducer to my head, but divers should be very safe in the water with the recational sonar. 

Chuck

[TeddyDiver]

And it's fun to follow the divers with SI 

[sonar2000]

How about a short recording of diver/si.   
Chuck

[UntamedSpirit]

We'll see what we can get picturewise of us on our trip to cleaner water early July...highly doubt anyone really wants to go for a dip in the Christiana or Delaware rivers..maybe the Brandywine