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Dive Xtras

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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
  • Sierra Std - The Sierra standard body X-Scooter is the lightest scooter in the Dive Xtras family.
  • CUDA 400 - NiMh version of the CUDA Fury 1150 (aka mini CUDA).
  • CUDA 550 - The first "CUDA". Slightly shorter than the 650. Used a 550 watt hour battery pack.
  • CUDA 650 - The CUDA 650 is the front runner of the CUDA models. At 53 lbs, it is a lightweight compared to more traditional lead acid scooters, yet packs the performance of a heavyweight.
  • Cuda 850 - Second production CUDA model. Longer than the 650.
  • CUDA Fury 1150 - This X-Scooter sets new standards for performance. Only 5 lbs/2 kg heavier than a Sierra, but with the performance of almost two CUDA 650s.
  • Piranha - Next generation of DPVs. Completely modular scooter giving the diver the ability to choose 1, 2, or 3 batteries and easily swap them out at a moment's notice. It has the best power to weight ratio on the DPV market at 25lb-2.5hrs (P1), 34lb-5hrs (P2), & 43lb-7.5hrs (P3).
  • BlackTip - Travel, Tech, and Exploration models - powered with standard power tool batteries.
  • CudaX - Tech and Exploration models - Dive Xtras' newest model of DPV. Featuring a more powerful motor, 1,000 foot depth rating, separately sealed scooter compartments, and many more new features - all powered by standard power tool batteries.

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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  • Featured in Mission: Impossible III. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is rescued by Luther (Ving Rhames) when he uses a Sierra X-Scooter to tow himself and gear scuba diving under the Vatican.
  • In the book Pulse, by Jeremy Robinson, a Dive Xtras DPV (Sierra CSI) is used.[7]
  • Photos of Dive Xtras DPVs often appear in diving publications, as they are frequently used during diving activities noteworthy enough to warrant publication.[8][9][10][11]

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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