Farallon USA - DPV FAQ

FAQ

We get a lot of questions about the performance capabilities of Farallon Diver Propulsion Vehicles. In this document, we have attempted to answer some of these questions. If you have questions that are not answered in these FAQs, please feel free to e-mail us at info@Farallonusa.com

What is the run time (sometimes called "burn time") for the Farallon Mk7?

What is the run time for the Farallon Mk7-E?

What is the run time for the Farallon Mk8?

What is the maximum speed for the Mk7, Mk7-E and Mk8?

What distance can I cover riding the Mk7, Mk7-E and Mk8?

How does the variable speed feature work on the Mk7-E and the Mk8?

How much do the various Farallon models weigh?

How deep can I go on a Farallon DPV?

How long does it take to recharge the battery pack?

What if i need the battery charged more quickly?

What is the power source for the various models of Farallon DPVs?

How easy is it to learn to ride a Farallon DPV? How do you guide it? How do you control depth?

What are the Farallon DPVs made of?

What kind of instrumentation is available on Farallon DPVs?

How do I move a Farallon around on land?

Are there any other options available?

What is the run time (sometimes called 'burn time') for the Farallon MK7?

It is impossible to give a specific run time for any DPV. In tests Farallon used a 150 pound diver wearing a 3 mm wetsuit. The diver's equipment consisted of an 80 cubic foot aluminum tank and standard open circuit SCUBA gear (jacket style BC). Run time tests were conducted in zero current fresh water. The diver held the enabler trigger in the on position continuously until the vehicle came to a complete stop. The average of several tests for this diver was 47 minutes.

Run time is affected by:

Diver size
Diver's exposure protection
Equipment configuration and size
Dive site conditions (including water temperature)
Diver's experience and ability to streamline his/her position

What is the run time for the Farallon MK7e?

The same diver in the same conditions and with the same equipment configuration was able to achieve significantly greater run time through the use of the infinitely variable speed feature on the Mk7-E (see explanation of variable speed function below).

Running the Mk7-E at a medium speed, the diver achieved run times ranging from 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes. In these tests, the diver depressed the enabler trigger, set the speed at a medium level and kept the enabler trigger depressed until the DPV stopped.

At full speed, the Mk7-E provides approximately the same run time as the Mk7 (47 minutes).

What is the run time for the Farallon MK8?

The same diver, in nearly identical conditions and with identical equipment achieved average run times of 1 hour and 40 minutes at medium speed on the Mk8. At full speed, the average run time on the Mk8 was 55 minutes.

What is the maximum speed for the MK7, MK7e and MK8?

The same 150 pound diver wearing the same equipment as above, in nearly identical conditions achieved the following sustained maximum speeds.

Model Knots MPH Km/hr FPM*
Mk7 2.35 2.7 4.35 240
Mk7-E 2.35 2.7 4.35 240
Mk8 2.78 3.2 5.15 282
* feet per minute

What distance can I cover riding the Mk7, MK7e, and MK8?

In calm conditions, the same test diver as described above with the equipment and conditions as described above achieved the following distances.

Model Feet Miles Km
Mk7 11,000 2.1 3.4
Mk7-E 11,000 2.1 3.4
Mk8 15,700 3.0 4.8

How does the variable speed feature work on the Farallon DPVs?

It is very similar to "cruise control" on a car. On these vehicles, there are two sets of triggers. The lower set of triggers are "enablers". That is, they are the triggers that tell the motor to start. The diver can use either of these two "enabler" triggers (it is only necessary to depress one of them). Thus, the diver can change hands while riding to avoid fatigue. The "enablers" are so-called "dead man" switches. When the diver releases the "enabler" trigger, all power to the propeller ceases.

A second set of triggers, just above the "enablers" are the speed control triggers. While holding an enabler in the "on" position with his middle finger, the diver depresses and holds the right hand speed control with his index finger. This sends an electronic signal to the control board to begin increasing the speed of the DPV. Speed will continue to increase as long as the "up speed" trigger is depressed until maximum speed is achieved. The diver can release the "up speed" trigger at any time and the DPV will hold the current speed. If the diver releases the "enabler" and then depresses it again, the Farallon DPV will "remember" the last selected speed and return to it. To reduce speed while running, the diver depresses the left hand speed control trigger with his index finger. As long as the "down speed" trigger is depressed, the DPV will continue to slow until it is at a complete stop.

The Farallon Mk7-E and Farallon Mk8 are the only DPVs on the market with this sophisticated electronic speed control feature.

How much do the various Farallon models weigh?

The Mk7 and Mk7-E DPVs weigh 80 pounds in air (with battery installed). Each of these DPVs is 1-2 pounds negative in salt water (2-3 pounds in fresh water).

The Mk8 weighs 120 pounds in air and is approximately 5 pounds negative in salt water (6 pounds in fresh water).

Some divers have a need for the DPV to be positively buoyant. They achieve positive buoyancy by attaching a small flotation collar or lift bag to the DPV.

How deep can I go on a Farallon DPV?

Every Farallon DPV is static tested to 400 fsw at the factory before shipment. In the field, Farallons have been operated below 400 feet of sea water by specially trained military salvage divers.

How long does it take to regharge the battery pack?

Using the standard battery charger supplied with each Farallon DPV, the battery pack can be recharged in approximately 6 Hours.

What if I need a battery charged more quickly?

If you own one of the older MK7, MK7-E's or MK-8, Farallon USA offers an optional "fast charger". This charger can recharge a single battery pack for a Mk8 or 2 battery packs for a Mk7 or Mk7-E in approximately 6 hours. When multiple dives are planned with relatively short surface intervals, many Farallon owners opt to purchase a spare battery pack for their DPV.

Remember that all new MK7-E's or MK-8's include the Fast Charger as standard equipment.

What is the powwer source for the various models of the Farallon DPV?

Farallon DPVs are powered by electric motors. The energy is supplied by a battery pack which fits into a special tray in the front section of the vehicle. The Farallon Mk8 is powered by 48 volts of electricity at 17 amp hours. The Mk7 and the Mk7-E are powered by 24 volts of electricity at 17 amp hours.

How easy is it to learn to ride a Farallon DPV? How do you guide it? How do you control depth?

Riding a Farallon DPV is easy and comfortable. Because of the unique T-bar riding saddle, the rider is actually pushed through the water rather than being pulled by his/her arms. The diver is positioned with his/her buttocks against the T-bar riding saddle and then extends his/her fins behind. This puts the diver's torso directly over the handles containing the control triggers. The diver feels no arm fatigue and is never subjected to annoying prop wash.

Controlling a Farallon DPV is almost intuitive. It is easier than controlling a bicycle. Guidance is done through a combination of slight body movements and fin movements. If you want to turn right, you simple lean slightly to the right and slightly raise your left fin. The opposite action will result in a turn to the left. Depth control is accomplished by simply pulling up or pushing down slightly on the handles while raising or lowering the diver's fins.

What are the Farallon DPVs made from?

Farallon DPVs are made entirely of aluminum. The front section of the vehicle is a spun tube, while the aft section is made of cast aluminum. The vehicles are "powder coated" with a durable paint. Farallon DPVs are extremely durable and able to withstand considerable punishment with no impact on performance.

What kind of instrumentation is available on Farallon DPVs?

The Farallon Mk7-E and the Mk8 are equipped with LED readouts indicating approximate level of battery power remaining. In addition, an LED indicates when maximum speed is achieved. There is also an LED that indicates when the power is on.

Farallon USA makes available as an option a custom gauge mount which can be used to mount a compass, depth gauge, dive computer or whatever instrumentation is desired by the diver.

How do I move a Farallon around on land?

An optional land transport is available for any model Farallon DPV. The two-wheeled transport makes moving the Farallon DPV around on land easy and convenient. Using the T-bar riding saddle as a handle, the diver can maneuver the DPV single handedly.

Are there any other options available?

Farallon USA has worked with NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems to develop a special mount to accept many of the NiteRider lamp heads and battery packs. With a NiteRider light in place, night diving on a Farallon is easy and enjoyable.