ttps://soundcloud.com/thegreynato/the-grey-nato-147-designing-the-garmin-descent-with-patrick-danko With the hopes of much more SCUBA diving on the horizon, this episode fits the theme of World Ocean Week with plenty of dive-related topics and a special interview with the man that helped to create Garmin’s high-tech and multi-talented
Other than a cheap Mi Band (which I mostly use as a silent alarm) I've never gotten into the smart watch thing, but this interview has been looking through the Garmin catalog. I'm tempted to pick up a Fenix 6S or maybe one of their 40mm models. Having Spotify on my watch is weirdly attractive.
Hey guys, love the show, been listening since the start, and really enjoying the current direction with weekly shows and the Substack as more of a community/comment platform. Seems that there is some confusion or hesitation in pronunciation each time UTE Watch Company comes up. Am I wrong to think it should be pronounced 'yoot'? My point of reference is the University of Utah, whose mascot is the Utes ('yoots').
As an Australian, we use "ute" for what Americans call pickups (short for "utility vehicle"), and pronounce it "yoot". So I agree - I always thought U.T.E was "yoot".
I think either yoot or U T E is appropriate and I have heard both. The old cooler name was a bit easier to pronounce. Does anyone know why it had to be changed? If this was covered on the show please disregard as I haven't listened yet.
It's definitely "uuuuuute" (that is a direct quote from Terry, named after the Valley, as suggested above). I have been saying "U-T-E" because it saves the step of doing both when someone wants to know what to search so as to find them. But yes, it's said as a word, not as an abbreviation.
Can confirm this is pronounced "yoot." Ute is a Native American tribe/people group. Some geography shares this name as a result, including Ute Valley Park near Terry in Colorado Springs. Toxic Natos had to change their name because unfortunately "Nato" is trademarked in the US with regard to watch straps, even more unfortunately by a highly litigious individual.
So, I'm curious. I'm sure ya'll have said before. But what is ya'll's favorite Garmin option and why? I'm having trouble wading through the plethora of options.
I (James) have almost exclusively relied on a Fenix 6S (the 42mm version) since it came out. The new Descent MK2S is similar in size but has slightly better specs and all the diving features. That said, I'd mirror Jason with the Instinct, especially if you don't need the additional flexibility of the color/higher-res screen.
I have a Fenix 6, a Descent, and an Instinct Tactical Solar. While the Fenix is the "nicest", it's also the one I wear the least because it's the closest feel to a traditional watch and I really only want to be connected and tracked when I'm doing a sport like cycling, so then I reach for the light and affordable and simpler Instinct, which also holds a charge a looong time. The Descent is my go to for diving, of course.
James, you should definitely look into grabbing a Leica M2/M3/M6/M-A/MP since you are already invested in M lenses. I've owned all of them over the years but the MP is the one I've kept as the 0.58 finder is a godsent for those needing glasses. I've shot with countless brands and systems but nothing quite matches the experience of shooting with a fully mechanical M. You can feel the precision and engineering that went into these cameras with every press of the shutter button and crank of the film advance. Another benefit is they can all easily be serviced by Leica or one of the many trusted specialists.
Lastly, you both should look into medium format film systems, this is where I spend most of my time...and money. Nothing quite compares to the richness and depth of a 6x7 or 6x9 negative. Just be warned, it's a slippery slope :)
Ah guys. This truly is one of my favorite episodes of all time. As someone who has diving, watches, and TGN tied together in the same emotional bundle all beginning c. 2015, I say the more diving focus the better! Fantastic interview. Makes me feel really inspired by Garmin that they as a company took on this kind of world-class engineering challenge.
Would certainly have loved to hear more about Patrick's self-admitted watch enthusiasm that squeaked in right at the end there, though.
I agree the Urchin Diver and Perpetual Planet pieces are really excellent, and the watches themselves are hardly present, which is really well done.
Agree with Chris, above. Patrick dropped his love for more traditional watches right at the end of the ep. Would have been nice to hear more about how that meshes with or informs design of Garmin products. Overall a great episode though, no complaints!
I have a big decision ahead, and it won't wait for the next Q&A. New diver here, embarking on my second dive trip at the end of the month. I'm ready for my own computer. My question on the Descent is: Air integration, or no? I'm a sucker for features, and the air integration looks so cool,
but 52mm makes for a BIG device. This will be a multi-sport watch, so it'll be on wrist for a portion of most days. In the end, is air integration all that convenient really?
I (James) will offer my two cents but I'm sure Jason will have a more complete perspective. As much as I adore the tech and the coolness of seeing that on your wrist, I still believe that a tank-connected gauge is required, so you're paying a lot for what is essentially extra icing. By sticking with a more traditional in-line pressure gauge (and depth, why not), you can also opt for the less expensive 43mm Descent MKII, which I find to be much better sized for non-diving applications and you might get more value out of the Garmin purchase by opting for one that can do a lot of other things alongside being great as a dive computer. I hope that helps, congrats on getting certified!
Finally got to this episode over the weekend and I really enjoyed the interview. I'd like to have heard more details on product development process for this but that would probably make for a multi-hour chat. lol.
Fantastic episode! I literally was just looking at the 43mm Descent Mk2 yesterday. What timing!
Other than a cheap Mi Band (which I mostly use as a silent alarm) I've never gotten into the smart watch thing, but this interview has been looking through the Garmin catalog. I'm tempted to pick up a Fenix 6S or maybe one of their 40mm models. Having Spotify on my watch is weirdly attractive.
Hey guys, love the show, been listening since the start, and really enjoying the current direction with weekly shows and the Substack as more of a community/comment platform. Seems that there is some confusion or hesitation in pronunciation each time UTE Watch Company comes up. Am I wrong to think it should be pronounced 'yoot'? My point of reference is the University of Utah, whose mascot is the Utes ('yoots').
As an Australian, we use "ute" for what Americans call pickups (short for "utility vehicle"), and pronounce it "yoot". So I agree - I always thought U.T.E was "yoot".
I think either yoot or U T E is appropriate and I have heard both. The old cooler name was a bit easier to pronounce. Does anyone know why it had to be changed? If this was covered on the show please disregard as I haven't listened yet.
It's definitely "uuuuuute" (that is a direct quote from Terry, named after the Valley, as suggested above). I have been saying "U-T-E" because it saves the step of doing both when someone wants to know what to search so as to find them. But yes, it's said as a word, not as an abbreviation.
Please see this clip for the correct usage of ‘Ute’ https://youtu.be/K6qGwmXZtsE
Can confirm this is pronounced "yoot." Ute is a Native American tribe/people group. Some geography shares this name as a result, including Ute Valley Park near Terry in Colorado Springs. Toxic Natos had to change their name because unfortunately "Nato" is trademarked in the US with regard to watch straps, even more unfortunately by a highly litigious individual.
So, I'm curious. I'm sure ya'll have said before. But what is ya'll's favorite Garmin option and why? I'm having trouble wading through the plethora of options.
I (James) have almost exclusively relied on a Fenix 6S (the 42mm version) since it came out. The new Descent MK2S is similar in size but has slightly better specs and all the diving features. That said, I'd mirror Jason with the Instinct, especially if you don't need the additional flexibility of the color/higher-res screen.
I have a Fenix 6, a Descent, and an Instinct Tactical Solar. While the Fenix is the "nicest", it's also the one I wear the least because it's the closest feel to a traditional watch and I really only want to be connected and tracked when I'm doing a sport like cycling, so then I reach for the light and affordable and simpler Instinct, which also holds a charge a looong time. The Descent is my go to for diving, of course.
James, you should definitely look into grabbing a Leica M2/M3/M6/M-A/MP since you are already invested in M lenses. I've owned all of them over the years but the MP is the one I've kept as the 0.58 finder is a godsent for those needing glasses. I've shot with countless brands and systems but nothing quite matches the experience of shooting with a fully mechanical M. You can feel the precision and engineering that went into these cameras with every press of the shutter button and crank of the film advance. Another benefit is they can all easily be serviced by Leica or one of the many trusted specialists.
Lastly, you both should look into medium format film systems, this is where I spend most of my time...and money. Nothing quite compares to the richness and depth of a 6x7 or 6x9 negative. Just be warned, it's a slippery slope :)
I’m saving this episode for a long drive tomorrow. It’s been hard holding off.
We’ll worth the wait! I am a software designer based in St. Paul. So, I can relate to the product process. Excellent episode!
got into TGN around episode 100, but having now listened to every episode I now eagerly await each new episode and love that they will now be weekly!
Very excited about the little merch teaser, would love a patch!
I didn't put it together that the logo changes. I will certainly need an updated patch for my suitcase.
Ah guys. This truly is one of my favorite episodes of all time. As someone who has diving, watches, and TGN tied together in the same emotional bundle all beginning c. 2015, I say the more diving focus the better! Fantastic interview. Makes me feel really inspired by Garmin that they as a company took on this kind of world-class engineering challenge.
Would certainly have loved to hear more about Patrick's self-admitted watch enthusiasm that squeaked in right at the end there, though.
I agree the Urchin Diver and Perpetual Planet pieces are really excellent, and the watches themselves are hardly present, which is really well done.
Can't wait for hot weekly-episode summer!!
What questions do you wish we had asked Patrick? (JS)
Agree with Chris, above. Patrick dropped his love for more traditional watches right at the end of the ep. Would have been nice to hear more about how that meshes with or informs design of Garmin products. Overall a great episode though, no complaints!
I have a big decision ahead, and it won't wait for the next Q&A. New diver here, embarking on my second dive trip at the end of the month. I'm ready for my own computer. My question on the Descent is: Air integration, or no? I'm a sucker for features, and the air integration looks so cool,
but 52mm makes for a BIG device. This will be a multi-sport watch, so it'll be on wrist for a portion of most days. In the end, is air integration all that convenient really?
I (James) will offer my two cents but I'm sure Jason will have a more complete perspective. As much as I adore the tech and the coolness of seeing that on your wrist, I still believe that a tank-connected gauge is required, so you're paying a lot for what is essentially extra icing. By sticking with a more traditional in-line pressure gauge (and depth, why not), you can also opt for the less expensive 43mm Descent MKII, which I find to be much better sized for non-diving applications and you might get more value out of the Garmin purchase by opting for one that can do a lot of other things alongside being great as a dive computer. I hope that helps, congrats on getting certified!
Cool. I was leaning this direction; thanks for your thoughts!
Finally got to this episode over the weekend and I really enjoyed the interview. I'd like to have heard more details on product development process for this but that would probably make for a multi-hour chat. lol.