Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive have been answered here. They are organized into the following categories:

If any of your questions are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

General non-technical questions

What/Who is ReefNet?
ReefNet is a small, Canadian corporation that specializes in software and electronics design and manufacture for divers and marine enthusiasts. Our staff have a wide array of technical and scientific backgrounds: mathematics, physics, software and electronics engineering, technical education, and dive instruction to name a few. Read a message from the founder.
How long have you been in business?
ReefNet was first registered in Canada as "ReefNet Software" in 1994. In 2000, incorporation in the province of Ontario changed our name to ReefNet Inc. ReefNet currently has two offices: one near Toronto, Ontario (Canada), and the other in West Seneca, NY.
Are you hiring?
No. We have no positions open at this time.
Where can I see your products in person?
Many of our dealers have our products in stock, and several also have them installed on demo computers in their shops/resorts. If your nearest dealer does not have our products on display, you can also check us out at one of several consumer dive shows at which we regularly exhibit. Check our "latest news" page for details about upcoming show dates and locations.
How do I buy your products?
First check our dealer listing for a dealer in your area. We prefer that customers support their local dive shops whenever possible. However if you would like to buy online, you may do so from our secure Online Store. We typically process and ship orders within 24 hours!
Do you ship internationally?
Absolutely. We ship anywhere in the world (trade-restricted zones excluded) for the same flat-rate shipping fee.
What's your return policy?
Refer to our sales policies. Unopened software packages may be returned for a full refund (less shipping). Opened packages may be exchanged if defective, but MAY NOT be returned for refund. We know that your satisfaction with our products depends on your ability to evaluate them properly -- as such, we offer free/demo versions where possible. Please 'try before you buy'.

General technical questions

What version of Windows does your software run on?
All of our software is compatible with ALL versions of Windows: 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP Home and XP Pro.
Do you have any software for my Pocket PC?
No. We currently develop software for Windows, Palm, and (more recently) Mac OS. We are considering support for the Pocket PC platform based on market penetration and demand. Let us know if you're interested!

Sensus Data Recorders

Is it a dive computer?
No. Sensus devices are data recorders or "data loggers". They do not have any display, and merely record your dive activities in the form of depth and temperature profiles.
How do I use it?
Simply wear the recorder on your dive gear. It activates automatically as you descend and deactivates after sufficient time back on the surface. There are no settings to worry about, and no special maintenance is required. Simply rinse along with all your other dive gear daily.
How much does it store?
Sensus Ultra is configured at the factory for a 10 second sampling interval. At this recording frequency, the internal memory can store about 1500 hours of depth & temperature profiles.

The sampling interval may be reconfigured using the included software, changing the effective capacity. For instance, if you change the sampling interval to just 1 second, the storage capacity is reduced to 150 hours. If the sampling interval is set to the maximum, the recorder can store YEARS of continuous data!
Does it store the date and time of each dive?
Yes. A built-in clock keeps accurate records of dive times.
What happens when the memory fills up?
Once the memory fills, new dives simply begin to overwrite the oldest dives. This is done automatically.
Can I erase the memory?
No. The recorder is specifically designed NOT to allow this. When you download data to your PC/Palm/Mac, the software only downloads dives that it has not seen already. You will not get duplicate dives.
How do I download the data?
Three exposed electrical contacts mate with the included download cradle, which connects to your computer or handheld via a serial cable. Simply rest the recorder on the cradle, start the download, and wait a few seconds. Sensus data recorders transfer data much faster than most dive computers.
How can it be so cheap?
Compared to dive computers, Sensus recorders are far less expensive. We're able to price the product so aggressively because: (a) there is no need for expensive displays, controls, or liability insurance; (b) the device is constructed from a minimum of parts, and permanently sealed. (c) all design and assembly are done in-house, not contracted to third-parties.

DiveMaster

Does the PC/Palm software synchronize data in both directions?
At this time, data may only be uploaded from the Palm to the PC. Import software is included to convert the Palm-formatted files for use on the PC.

Two-way synchronization will be accommodated in a future release.
I have the PC and Palm software. How do I import my Palm data to the PC?
This is the most common phone support question we receive. Here are the step-by-step instructions (it's not as bad as it looks!):

1) Perform a fresh Hotsync of your handheld. This ensures that your latest dive data is transferred to your PC.

2) On your PC, launch the DiveMaster for Palm Importer. An icon with this name should exist on your desktop.

3) The small importer window will appear. The uppermost box, labelled "Source File" is asking you to identify the file containing the Palm data you just Hotsync'ed. Next, we'll find that file.

4) Click the "..." button at the right of the Source File box. A familiar-looking file chooser box will appear. In the "Look in" box, choose the C: drive. Then look for a folder called "Palm". If you find it, open it. If you do not find it, open the "Program Files" folder instead and look for the "Palm" folder in there.

5) Once in the Palm folder, identify the folder that corresponds to your palm (often a folder with your name, or something you recognize). Open this folder.

6) You should see a folder named "Backup". Open it.

7) Now you should see some files, at least one of which begins with "DMP1-". Files with this prefix are DiveMaster log files. Choose the one corresponding to your log, and double-click it. Your selection will be entered as the "Source File" in the importer's main screen.

8) Now in the "Destination" area, first choose the C: drive from the smaller box.

9) Now navigate the larger folder tree to "Program Files->DiveMaster 2.0" Make sure the DiveMaster 2.0 item is open by double-clicking it (to get an open-folder icon).

10) In the "New Log Name" box, type the name you'd like to give to the converted data file.

11) Click "Import". The software should respond "Import successful". You can now start DiveMaster for PC and view the converted data.
I just followed the above instructions but it didn't work. Help!
No problem. Give us a call while you are at your computer and we'd be happy to step you through the process.
I got the above instructions working, but jeez, that was a lot of work!
Setting up the import only needs to be done ONCE. Next time you start the importer, your settings will be remembered. All you will need to do is supply a file name for the converted data, and click "Import".
DiveMaster for PC is quite old. Is there going to be a new version?
Yes, it's very old. 5 years old to be exact. Its continuing sales are a testament to the merits of a simple, user-friendly interface. Few other software packages can claim such success.

Yes, there will be a new version. An update has been "coming soon" for a long, long time. It still is. A lot has changed in 5 years, to the point that the 'update' will be a more-or-less complete rewrite of both the PC and Palm software. We also intend to release a native Mac OS 9/X version.

We realize that many of you have been waiting for a long time. Existing customers will be offered a substantial discount on the new software, once available. In the meantime, we always welcome suggestions.
What dive computers does your software download from?
Currently, DiveMaster for Palm is capable of downloading dive data from Citizen's Hyperaqualand dive watch.

Reef Fish ID: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas - Interactive Edition

How does your software compare to the others I've seen?
Our CD/DVD reference is the most comprehensive guide to Caribbean fishes available. It is a detailed scientific reference with sophisticated search tools and interactive features. Our library of 2500 still photos, 1000 video clips, and other multimedia content is the most extensive ever published in one reference.
I have a previous edition. Can I upgrade?
Absolutely. You may purchase an upgrade at a greatly reduced price from our Online Store. Before shipping your upgrade, you may be asked to verify your existing serial number as proof of purchase of the previous edition.
Where did you get all the photos/video?
The majority of the visual content (photos and video) was collected by ReefNet staff during research trips to various locations in the Caribbean. We also used material from over 80 professional and amateur underwater photographers to complete our database. Distinguished institutions such as the Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL) and the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Canada) also contributed photos to our library.
I take underwater photos. I have some pictures you might want to use. Who do I contact?
We are ALWAYS looking for new photos. They do not need to be photos of rare species (although those are often the most interesting to us). Any photo that clearly illustrates a unique colour phase, stage of development, or that simply looks good might be of interest to us. Contact us!

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