Transferring VPM

[uncfnp]

Apologies if I just missed the answer elsewhere.

I am considering getting a Perdix and giving my Petrel to my partner. I would like to transfer the unlocked VPM to my new Perdix. He doesn't need it and I do. Is this possible? Thanks.

 

[jhnmdahl]

My guess is that the activation key is tied to the serial number of your unit, and isn't transferable now that it has been issued for your old Petrel.

 

[uncfnp]

My guess is that the activation key is tied to the serial number of your unit, and isn't transferable now that it has been issued for your old Petrel.

This is my assumption as well but hoping SW will clarify if this is indeed the case. Would be nice if the Petrel could be locked again and the code then used to unlock the new Perdix.

 

[tursiops]

My guess is that if it were up to SW, it would have already happened. But it is probably constrained by their agreement with Ross, so it is a different, and maybe less flexible, game.

 

[jhnmdahl]

Uncfnp, I totally get your point. I think the problem may be that even if your device is reset to factory conditions, with no VPM, you still have the unlock code that works with your serial number to unlock it again at any time.

There might be some complex solution like sending your Petrel back to Shearwater to have it reset and issued a replacement serial number that might do it, but then you have to wonder if the license agreement would allow for transfer of a license in that manner.

 

[lynnpartridge]

My guess is that if it were up to SW, it would have already happened. But it is probably constrained by their agreement with Ross, so it is a different, and maybe less flexible, game.

The VPM unlock code is generated for each individual serial number. This is our own implementation of VPM-B. We are not under license to anyone.
Lynn

 

[tursiops]

The VPM unlock code is generated for each individual serial number. This is our own implementation of VPM-B. We are not under license to anyone.
Lynn

I had no idea. I just assumed.......does your implementation give the same results as his?

 

[uncfnp]

The VPM unlock code is generated for each individual serial number. This is our own implementation of VPM-B. We are not under license to anyone.
Lynn

So the answer to my question is that it is not possible to relock a seriel number and transfer it to a new number if both are registered to the same user?

 

[EFX]

So the answer to my question is that it is not possible to relock a seriel number and transfer it to a new number if both are registered to the same user?

The short answer is no. The unlock code cannot be transferred to another computer whether it's the same model or not. I have a Perdix and I suspect the Petral is the same. The warranty for the Perdix is two years and goes with the computer and not with the owner. Shearwater states this on their website. The unlock code which is unique to a particular computer (which has a unique serial number) is like the warranty -- it goes with the computer and cannot be changed.

I unlocked VPM on my computer and was not able to lock it again. When you select unlock from the menu the computer displays 0000000000000000 (16 zeros). To unlock you change each digit in this string. If it matches the embedded code voila! it presents "Deco model" on a subsequent menu allowing you to select GF (Buhlmann with GF's, the default), VPM-B, or VPM-BG. Once unlocked there is no lock selection on the menu. Selecting unlock will display 16 0's again. The embedded code is burned into the firmware during manufacture. Serial numbers are never changed as they are the unique ID of that individual computer.

Since you cannot transfer the code or change your mind and get your money back, it makes no sense to enable locking of VPM. If you bought it and decide you don't want to use it, select GF and don't change the setting.

 

[Reku]

TL;DR:

1. Serial numbers are HARDCODED into each computer.
2. Each computer has a UNIQUE serial number.
3. VPM unlock codes are pseudo generated using the serial number.
4. You CANNOT relock a computer.

Therefore - VPM unlocks are NON-TRANSFERABLE.