Jetboots
Frequently Asked Questions
Why
are Jetboots better than scooters?
|
·
Jetboots' unique hands-free operation allows divers to use other equipment.
An underwater photographer with Jetboots can cover a vast area while
operating a camera. A search and rescue team can sweep the sea floor
at night and carry powerful lights. A hunter can carry a speargun.
· Through innovative engineering and the extensive use of new
technologies such as NiMH batteries and brushless DC motors, Jetboots'
weight has been reduced to 22 pounds. This compares to between 40 and
60 pounds for most products currently on the market. The 10 pound negative
buoyancy of Jetboots replaces ballast a diver would normally carry.
The Jetboots user carries only 12 pounds more than a diver with no electric
propulsion system.
· Jetboots are attached to the user, unlike a scooter, so there
is little chance of losing expensive equipment. In the case of an emergency,
the weight/battery belt has a quick release feature allowing the user
to easily disconnect the power and ditch the weight.
· Jetboots have a continuously variable speed control. Most scooters
have several fixed speeds.
· Jetboots allow people with physical handicaps to enjoy recreational
activities not previously available to them.
· Jetboots are custom fit for the most comfortable and efficient
propulsion possible.
· Jetboots are the only propulsion system compact enough to carry
on an airplane.
· Jetboots do not shoot cold water over your torso.
· Jetboots are fun!
|
How
long do the batteries last?
| At
full speed the standard 15 Ah batteries will last around 35-45 minutes
for a 200 lbs diver with good trim and a drysuit. Configurations with
less drag will increase the battery life. However, at this thrust level
you'd be well over 1 mile away after 35 minutes, so for most normal dive
profiles the battery will probably last for 1-2 dives. |
How
does cold water effect the battery life?
|
The
NiMH batteries we use do not lose much of their capacity in the cold,
as the following graph shows:
Lead
acid batteries, like the ones used in all conventional scooters, suffer
significant capacity losses in anything but very warm water, as shown
in the chart below. Most scooters will discharge their batteries at
1-2 C (1C means you are discharging at a rate that will drain the battery
in one hour - for a 12v 24 Amp hour battery 1C is 24 amps). This means
that the real capacity of a conventional lead-acid powered scooter can
be around 30% of the stated capacity in arctic waters and 40% of the
stated capacity in even the relatively balmy waters of California.
In any cold water environment Jetboots will
have a large battery life advantage over any lead acid based scooter
(i.e. all other scooters).
|
How
long does it take to recharge Jetboots' batteries?
| With
the standard charger it takes 4-6 hours to recharge a completely drained
pack. There are aftermarket chargers available for around $200 that can
charge the pack in less time and off a car battery - let us know if you
are interested in a fast charger, but beware because a fast charge may
lower the expected life of the batteries (500-1000 cycles with the standard
charger). |
Is
it to hard learn to use Jetboots?
| Jetboots
are not hard to use. A careful reading of the instruction manual,10 minutes
of practice in the pool, and most people are ready to go. If you are in
the Southern California area you can also get personal instruction from
one of MST's highly trained instructors. |
Are
Jetboots dangerous?
| Scuba
diving is an inherently dangerous activity, especially for those out of
practice or poorly trained. As with any dive equipment, Jetboots have
the potential to get you into trouble. For example, after a long stay
at 130 feet it is not in your best interest to point yourself at the surface
and turn the Jetboots on full throttle. If you really do manage to get
into trouble, the Jetboots weight belt/battery pack has a quick release
feature enabling you to ditch your weight and deactivate the Jetboots
at the same time. Replacement or extra weight/battery units are available
at a reasonable price. You can't put a price on your life - don't hesitate
to ditch weight if you need to. |
How
do I steer?
| Since
the thrust from Jetboots is aligned with your legs (just like the thrust
from your fins) you steer the same way you always have - by adjusting
you leg position and upper body position. |
Are
demos available?
| Demos
are available to interested parties and will take place in Pasadena, CA.
The cost is $200 for a pool demo/lesson, and $400 for a pool lesson and
a beach dive. The price of the demo will be deducted from the purchase
price of the Jetboots if you choose to buy them. |
Mixing
water and electricity scares me.
| Jetboots
use mil spec wet plugable connectors, O-rings, and redundant shaft seals
to guard against water entry. Due to the low voltages involved any danger
to people is very minimal. Tests have shown that even if the fully charged
battery pack with a naked connector is thrown into salt water no damage
will result - just a gentle discharge of the battery. |
Who
are you guys?
| The
founder of Jetboots, Dr. Ben Mazin, is an astronomer who specializes in
novel instrumentation. He holds undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering
and Astrophysics from Yale University and a Doctorate in Astrophysics
from the California Institute of Technology. |
