CompuServe Messages

>>why not try out GPS? You should be able to get a waterproof GPS device to try out underwater. If it works, it'll give you very accurate data without the reshoot. I'm not sure what else you'd need to interface with it, some sort of timecode/position recorder I'd think. Mabe you could rig an old laptop with a few waterproof start/stop keys, and get some program (or write it yourself) that would log your dives. I'm not sure how expensive it'd be, but I bet it would save you a bunch of time. (you need to do two complete dives, right?) GPS is the magic buzz word for everyone that has never used it in a highly specialized application. First of all microwave signals are easily filtered by water. Ever look at a satellite TV signal? As soon as it rains or snows the signal is gone. Now, not only am I under an average of 100 ft. of water but also could be under a 100 or more ft of rock and soil. I doubt if any signal could be detected from the sat, network. Even if it could be detected, the equipment would be monstrous to carry. I already carry 275 lbs of video and cave diving gear on some dives. I ride an underwater scooter to assist my forward movement against sometimes 1 knott current. Once the video survey is done. I then design the dives to get the best video for the least amount of diving for the actual production. The second video dives are equally as fast as the scooter assisted survey dives. I have tweaked my underwater activities to get the most survey data for the least amount of diving time. In a traditional survey dive the data collected is typically 30 to 50 data points. In my method I am able to collect well over 36000 data points as I collect them on video and get a reading every 1/30 of a second during a typical 20 minute deep dive. The data is far more accurate and it is much easier to interpolate and collect. The finished video products are continuing to sell very well considering most were done in the late 80's. Since they are a reference series they don't go out of date like many videos, loosing popularity as they get older. I recently remastered two of them this year because the 3/4 masters were worn out.