Dive-Rite Duo Failure

[jeckyll]

I dive the same computer (Apex Quantum, same OEM). I'm on number 2. A local buddy just had his crap out too.

They are great when they work

I dive a analog depth gauge and a citizen promaster automatic as backups.

Apparently the first digit in the serial number can give you an idea of how old the units are. Check out the decostop thread posted earlier for details.

 

[aquaoren]

At the risk of starting into the earlier discussion again, I think it wise that anyone diving below 30' should wear either a backup computer or at least a watch and carry tables... whether they are with a buddy or not.

The Duo is a nice little computer, but as I said earlier, I have many hundreds of dives on Aladdins without a glitch. (My only Aladdin death was the result of me driving over it with the front wheels of my Yukon... then the back wheels. Then my boat trailer wheels to add insult to injury.. :shakehead ) I just wanted the multi-gas capability. Aladdins battery replacement requirement is ridiculous now. Up here in Canada, I have heard of guys paying as much to replace the battery in the Aladdin as they would for a new computer...

Newer, puck sized, Aladins allow for the battery to be replaced by user...

 

[leadweight]

Re: Aladdins

My first one lasted 7 years and 600 or so dives. The battery read 44% just before it quit. It never gave a low battery warning, just err. When I separated the unit from the holder/strap the oil leaked out. I gave some thought to replacing the battery, but tested the old one and it read 3.6v, which is spec, so my conclusion is the computer died. I personally think the high battery relacement costs are a stealth recall.

My hockey puck Aladdin Tec made it almost one year and about 110 dives. It started acting crazy and I sent it back.

No double about it there was a high failure rate with the Duo/Quantum in early units. However I am willing to take a chance on the Cressi for only $255 and I will have 2 computers, and a watch.

So far all technical dives have been done using a run time plan on a slate. that is how the agencies teach it, and I am not ready for anything else yet.

I have seen every brand of computer malfunction, but my impression is that Suunto is a bit more reliable than the rest. Even so, there is enough that I don't like about them to not have one. Years ago I lost count of how many Oceanic/Aeris meters were not working on a boat somewhere or other, but the Mermaid's el cheapo puck is going after 7 years. A dive operator (who regularly posts on this board) paid $150 to replace the battery in his Stinger after 150 dives.

Give this a thought, the minimum water Resistance for a dive watch is usually thought to be 200 meters, with many offering 300 or more meters even though few will ever go deeper than the shower. For a dive computer certain to be used at depth, you are lucky to see 150 meters.

 

[Whitelightnin]

I'm not too sure about the problems just being with the earlier computers. The guys I dive with have returned 6 of them. Even the ones they are sending as replacements are crapping out.

James

 

[Stoo]

Even the ones they are sending as replacements are crapping out.

Lovely. I just got word from my LDS that Dive Rite has replaced the computer as many of you suggested they would. Maybe they call these "Duos" because you need to have a pair of them to be covered!

Thanks again for your help folks...

 

[H2Andy]

I'm not too sure about the problems just being with the earlier computers. The guys I dive with have returned 6 of them. Even the ones they are sending as replacements are crapping out.

holy cow

definetely not good

 

[halocline]

You might look a little more closely at the Tusa version of the same computer, as it seems to have a more reliable track record; at least I don't seem to read as many failure stories on SB about them than about the dive-rite version. Larry at Scubatoys might have an opinion on that one as he sells both.

With regards to this absurd self-appointed, unsolicited evaluation of someone else's diving abilities or style without ANY first hand evidence, just a single post, what is it about you guys that compells you to harshly criticize this guy? Callng someone "stupid" or "only alive by luck" is really pretty rude...the truth is you don't have any basis for making such comments, and the more troubling thing, what would your reason be for wanting to do so? Kudos to Stoo for his restraint in replying.

 

[onearmedbandit]

As a dive "buddy" of about 25 years with Stoo- We do dive alone- 2 tanks, 2 regs and I dive with 2 computers, a bottom timer/depth guage and a set of tables along with other miscellaneous items. We both have made a decision that diving with a buddy can be hazardous as proven by some diving inquests. We both accept the risks and are cautios about the people we dive with and the diving we do.. I have a dup purchased the same day as Stoo's that is working fine.
Check TDI' site- You can get a certification as a solo diver. (I have this certification) Maybe the agency has the right idea and other agencies will follow...
I am one of the crazy dive buddies that Stoo has mentioned prior..

 

[1_T_Submariner]

You might look a little more closely at the Tusa version of the same computer, as it seems to have a more reliable track record; at least I don't seem to read as many failure stories on SB about them than about the dive-rite version. Larry at Scubatoys might have an opinion on that one as he sells both.

It might be that they sell more "Dive Rite" branded units. The 2 computers that I had problems with where "TUSA" branded.

 

[Stoo]

I am one of the crazy dive buddies that Stoo has mentioned prior..

Crap... There goes the neighborhood!

Mattboy, I appreciate your comments, but I have a thick skin. "My" type of diving has been criticized by many up here for decades. What is interesting is that ALL of the most vocal critics from the past have all long ago stopped diving. They were all great at "talking" diving, but seriously lacked in water skills. Those that dive like I do... well, I keep running into them in Tobermory, Whitefish, Kingston, Lake Erie...

Today's equivalent MIGHT be found on internet forums, where annonimity breeds bravado. My dive record speaks for itself, and as I said earlier, I don't really care what other people think.

I do of course have the added benefit of knowing that old pals like "onearmedbandit", who is a charter member of the group which signed our "highway pact" will come to my rescue to save my reputation! (What's left of it anyway!) We are unsure of the effect on a car hitting a guy on the highway who happens to be wearing twin 104s!

If and when I do croak, lots will be able to sing out (in perfect harmony, no doubt)... "I told him so!"