Dive Xtras is a manufacturer of diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) or dive scooters in Mukilteo, Washington, United States.

History

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Established in 2003 by Ben McGeever and Andrew Georgitsis, Dive Xtras introduced their first DPV in 2005.[1] This DPV was innovative in that it was the first to utilize a brushless motor and electronic speed control. The combination of these features with NiMh battery technology drastically reduced the weight of DPVs at the time.[2][3][4]

In 2017, Dive Xtras introduced the use of Li-ion power tool batteries (PTBs) for their Piranha line,[5] which became standard for their later BlackTip and CudaX scooters.

Models

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A scuba diver being towed by a Dive Xtras Sierra Scooter

Accessories

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A depth-rated underwater touch housing for a Samsung Galaxy Tab

On December 15, 2011 Dive Xtras filed a patent for a "Device for Operating Touch Screen Devices in a Protective Housing." On March 20, 2012 Dive Xtras announced on their website a depth rated underwater housing for a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. The housing gives the user full operation of the tablet underwater by using a mouse-like device to interact with a touch screen.

Military use

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Dive Xtras DPVs are used by various military forces around the world to aid in various maritime interdiction tasks.[6] In addition to the units sold into Canada, various South East Asian navies currently use a modified version of the Dive Xtras CUDA. Military products are primarily distributed by Divex Asia Pacific in southeast Asia.

In the media

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Claroworks and Google Streetview underwater

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The product development arm of Dive Xtras, Claroworks, designed and built the camera systems used by the Catlin Seaview Survey[12] and Google to map the Galápagos Islands.[13][14] The camera system, Seaview SVII, shoots 360-degree images, and is mounted on a modified Cuda 650 vehicle. The Seaview SVII also uses Dive Xtras tablet housing for controls.

References

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  1. ^ staff (2006). "X-Scooter by Dive Xtras". Advanced Diver Magazine (22): 65–67. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
  2. ^ X-Ray Magazine, Global, Issue 26, Girls On Speed
  3. ^ Diver Magazine DPV review 2005 Archived July 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ TahoeBenchmark2008 Page 21, Design Efficiency Results
  5. ^ Piranha Series User Manual (PTB Modules)
  6. ^ Canadian Forces Lookout Magazine, Feb 1st 2010
  7. ^ Pulse, A book by Jeremy Robinson ISBN 0-312-54028-0
  8. ^ DYK Magazine, Scandinavia, Issue 11, Monkey Diving. Original
  9. ^ X-Ray Magazine, Global, Issue 31, Extreme Exploration Dives, Goto Page 16
  10. ^ UnderWater magazine, Volume 18
  11. ^ Deeper Blue News, Formula 3 Freediving
  12. ^ Technology, Catlin SeaView Survey
  13. ^ Googles launch Video
  14. ^ Behind the scenes
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