Term of the Moment
computer revolution
Definition: WetPC
A waterproof body-worn computer that is used underwater to collect marine data. Packaged to withstand high underwater pressure and developed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, it includes an eyepiece that creates a floating display in front of the diver and a five-button device shaped for the hand (the Kord Pad). The screen and Kord Pad buttons are synchronized to enable scrolling, menu selection and alphanumeric input. Back on land, data are transferred from the PC/104-based WetPC to a desktop computer via serial cable.
A Very Wet PC
The inability to record data while underwater has hampered marine scientists for years. The WetPC is a welcome technology. (Image courtesy of Australian Institute of Marine Science.)