Ocean Edge computer repair

[derwoodwithasherwood]

Just an update on my search for a manual:

Between my post and MgicTwnger's kind offer, I did a little searching on the web and discovered that Ocean Edge didn't go out of business after all -- they are now known as Ocean REEF. I sent them an e-mail asking if it was still possible to obtain a manual for the Computek and they responded to my note within the hour saying they would happily mail one out to me.

It arrived yesterday as promised. Gratis. No hassles, arguments or problems. Now THAT'S customer service! I'll certainly be keeping that in mind when I go shopping in the future.

 

[TDDIVER]

Well I wish you luck. I was the electronic designer at Ocean Edge. The Computek II was really just the Tekna Computek with some software changes and a few hardware fixes. What is wrong with your unit? I'll tell you if it can be repaired or not. If the depth indication is not working I'm sorry to say the gauge can't be fixed. Without the specific software we used to update the chip inside nobody could ever get it accurate again. If the display is partially missing you might fix it, but it would involve taking the unit apart. As you can see it wasn't designed to allow this. I've seen people modify the case to use screws to hold the lens on but be careful and test it with air pressure for leaks! I know how to do this but take it to a dive shop or someone with a pressure tank. This is a dangerous procedure if not done correctly. Sealing against leaks was the biggest problem with that design.

My Computek was working fine on a couple of dives in Belize. I then flew home and noticed the backlite was on in my dive bag. I put the computer on my dive tank at home and the numbers and symbols just flicker on the face. Tried a new battery. Same symptoms. Any suggestions? Or is it toast?

 

[billtodive]

I can't seem to find a site for ocean reef. I am in need of the manual also. any help would be appreciated.

 

[derwoodwithasherwood]

www.oceanreefgroup.com

My inquiry was dealt with by a Sacha Hwang who's email address was operator -at- oceanreefgroup -dot- com

I don't know if they can help with repair of a Computek or not, but they still have manuals for them. They show two computers in their product catalog but neither is air integrated. They are still using their pictogram graphic but it's now an LCD display. What else might be different technology and whether anyone is left that knows the older design are questions I would be interested in hearing the answers to.

But I do know they still have manuals in stock for the ComputekII. At least they did. If they can't supply you with one, send me a PM and I'll put the scanner to work.

 

[Frico]

Well I wish you luck. I was the electronic designer at Ocean Edge. The Computek II was really just the Tekna Computek with some software changes and a few hardware fixes. What is wrong with your unit? I'll tell you if it can be repaired or not. If the depth indication is not working I'm sorry to say the gauge can't be fixed. Without the specific software we used to update the chip inside nobody could ever get it accurate again. If the display is partially missing you might fix it, but it would involve taking the unit apart. As you can see it wasn't designed to allow this. I've seen people modify the case to use screws to hold the lens on but be careful and test it with air pressure for leaks! I know how to do this but take it to a dive shop or someone with a pressure tank. This is a dangerous procedure if not done correctly. Sealing against leaks was the biggest problem with that design.

I decided to be a little brave and actually disassembled the unit. My computek did flood (as evidenced by the rust and salt stains inside the module. It appears the gasket that sits between the black plastic and clear plastic halves was seated impropoerly. Also, it appears the clear plastic half was fabricated poorly. The bottom edge of the clear plastic that contacts the gasket is rough and doesn't make a good seal on the gasket. I cleaned the unit as best I could and tried to seat the gasket better. I also purchased a tube of silicone that I hope will better seal the unit when I put it back together. My question is this: Is there anyway to find out who manufactured the original gasket and the part number of that gasket? I'm visiting a dive shop tonight to see if the computer actually works now.

 

[FisHead]

Ken -

Are you still around? Do you still have a manual for the dive computer? I just bought one on eBay and of course it came with no manual. I found this thread and another one, tracked down the original company who made them and they don't have a manual.

Now I am trying to track one down...
Thanks!
New Diver,
Loni

 

[billtodive]

I have a manual. PM me if you would like it. Most imortantly, use the same care with o-rings here as with an underwater camera. Flooding them is quite easy, as is it with U/W camera housings, lights, etc.

 

[archie4invest]

We also have these computers and in need of replacement (red) plugs for the battery compartment. I live 15 minutes away from the USA headquarters of the new company, Ocean REEF and have contacted them to check on repairs and parts. No way, they even checked their home factory in Italy.
If you are interested in selling your plugs should you buy a new computer please let me know and also how much you would want for them.
I would offer to buy the whole units except for the fact that they now have rather gone the way of the dinosaur. Best of luck though on figuring out if you can salvage them, one way or another it will soon be time to buy new ones for us too.
Thanks, dive safe,
Anthony

 

[archie4invest]

Is it possible to buy the threaded red battery plugs from Teckna as replacements now that Ocean Edge is no longer around? Will they fit since the only difference is the software and not the actual hardware???
Thanks for your help,

 

[derwoodwithasherwood]

Is it possible to buy the threaded red battery plugs from Teckna as replacements now that Ocean Edge is no longer around? Will they fit since the only difference is the software and not the actual hardware???
Thanks for your help,

You do realize the thread is 3 years old now, right? OTOH, nobody can accuse you of failing to use the search function before posting a question <lol>

If you don't mind my asking, what happened to your units that you need multiple plugs? Battery leakage? Is the plastic itself still OK, and it's just the metal buss strips and spring that are an issue? Looking at mine, it would not be at all difficult to replace the buss strips with some SS shim stock and of course the spring can be sourced from all sorts of places. The two are held to the plastic with a simple screw.

As my unit still works just fine, I'm not willing to sell my battery plug, but I would be happy to take measurements (including thread pitch) and photos that you could take to a local machinist, who could crank out a couple from Delrin or even aluminium on a lathe.