Suunto Dive Manager 2.3

[stiebs]

Transfering info from 1.6 to 2.X was a bad experience. All my data got mixed up and some was lost. Also, the order of my dives was all mixed up.

Definately true there. Most of my data was all good, but all my notes fields were truncated considerably. Not so bad for the "same-ol'" dives at the local beach, but a few of my more interesting dives had a quite an essay. Bit of cut and pasting there...

 

[StSomewhere]

I haven't tried 2.3.x yet. I have 2.2.1 (actually, build 2.2.1.132) and for some reason this version it behaves much better with the serial download cable with my POS Dell than 1.6 did. The temperature problem is definitely fixed, though the computers were apparently only designed to store three datapoints: air temp at the start of the dive, water temp at max depth (or coldest temp?), and water temp at the end of the dive.

As a database administrator for the past decade or more, I can only echo what froop said about the database design being convoluted, even someone with the most basic tenants of database design (i.e. 3rd normal form) aren't used. Custom1, Custom2, ... UGH! Given that it uses an old Clarion5 dll from 1999 I guess nothing would surprise me. The 2.x .mdb password is koira which I think is Finnish for "dog" though I don't remember where I learned that or know if its accurate.

The one recommendation I would have for people using version 2.x is to backup that database (from the Actions menu) periodically and keep a copy of it in a safe place off that computer so it can be restored later. Backup before any SDM upgrade or update! If the data is really that important to you, actually test the backup by loading SDM on another computer then restore that backup and verify the data is what you expect. If you move or rename the .mdb file in later versions of SDM 2.x it'll prompt you for the file location so it doesn't have to live in C:\Program Files\Suunto\... with the program itself (and doesn't Windows suck sometimes!) or have the name D9 when you may own a Vytec. It may affect your ability to use the backup utility from the menus, though.

What really sucks is the first time you watch your buddy download their Uwatec Aladin Tec to their computer using an infrared connector instead of paying $75 or more for the download cable.

 

[StSomewhere]

... if 2.3 is a bug fix ... can we pull down a bug fix list in english?

SDM 2.3 Readme.txt with bugfix list is attached for your reading pleasure.

 

[JonAustin]

Thanks very much, St. Somewhere!

 

[dherbman]

Don't you just love the idea of paying $600-$900 for a Cobra, just so you can beta test software? It's not like the program is complex or the formulas used to display the data are new. The software is just crap and for the $900 I spent on the cobra, it is just crap as well. I've been trying to resolve some issues with the unit with Suunto for about a month now and guess what? Their support is crap, too!!!

I'll continue to dive it until I buy a Smart Tec, but I'm not going to like it. Not one bit.

ubject
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RE: Bad data recorded [Incident: 060120-000047] [Incident: 060130-000068]


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response - 02/15/2006 03:42 AM
Dear Sir,

We are very sorry to hear that the problem persists. However, hopefully the
newest update for SDM offers a solution - in it many of its predecessors' faults
have been fixed. Version 2.3.0. is now available at the Suunto website, please
download as soon as possible. You can find it at www.suunto.com -> Customer
service -> Download center -> Suunto Dive Manager. If your problem still
persists, please let us know. In that case we might want to inspect the file
that contains all your logs, to see if the database is corrupted.

When you're diving, you can follow the air consumption on Cobra's display, but
unfortunately this data is not stored for later use (SDM). This is a feature of
the device - we will forward your comment to the R & D department for future
reference, as they're always interested in ideas on how to improve Suunto's
products.

Best regards,
Suunto Helpdesk

Customer (David Herbert) - 02/13/2006 05:02 PM
Incident created due to reply to expired incident 060130-000068.

As I have already stated, the problem occurs even if I start an entirely new
log. It's just mind boggling that a $900 computer does not record air
consuption data.
>Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
RE: Bad data recorded [Incident: 060120-000047]


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response - 02/06/2006 01:53 AM
Dear Sir,

We deeply apologize for the delay in our reply. The SDM product manager has now
replied to our message. I will attach his instructions as follows.

Please delete the dives that display inaccurate readings (in SDM), and then
download them again from your Cobra. Please ensure that your SDM version is
2.2.1. There have been slight problems with the creation of the graph for the
air consumption. Please note though, that Cobra doesn't record air consumption
data, but the SDM calculates the graph based on the starting and ending
pressures given by the Cobra. Additionally, please note that an USB cable is now
available for Cobra.

We hope that this helps, and that you can get your SDM to show correct readings.
Should you have any further problems, please contact us again.

Best regards,

Suunto Helpdesk

Response - 02/01/2006 03:13 AM
Dear Sir,

Your problem is a rather unique one, and therefore we must ask for further
assistance from the product manager responsible for SDM. We will forward your
messages to him, and once he replies to us, we will get back to you. However,
please note that the SDM product manager is out of office for this week, so our
reply to you will be delayed. Please be patient, we will contact you again as
soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for this extra inconvenience.

Best regards,

Suunto Helpdesk

Customer (David Herbert) - 01/30/2006 03:02 PM
Incident created due to reply to expired incident 060120-000047.

The computer seems to function fine during dives.
The dive log seems to indicate correct pressure reading at the beginning of
the dive, but reading go static at some point when the pressure drops below
1000 lbs. There is no consistent pressure at which this occurs.

If your issue remains unresolved, please update this question at
http://suunto.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/...hp&p_refno=060120-000047&p_created=1137782415


Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bad data recorded


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response - 01/23/2006 02:19 PM
Dear Sir,

When diving, does your dive computer display correct pressure readings?
And you said that all the dive logs display similar data, do you mean that at
the beginning the pressure readings are correct, but at the end of the dive it
stays static?
Is it always the 957 psi or does it vary?

With Best Regards,

Suunto Helpdesk

Customer (David Herbert) - 01/20/2006 06:02 PM
I have updated as you suggest and am seeing the same results. This prolem is
not resolved. Please advise

Response - 01/20/2006 02:18 PM
Dear Sir,

Thank you for contacting Suunto.

We are sorry to hear that you are having problems with the SDM.

What version of the software do you have?
Please update your software to the latest version, SDM 2.2.1 from our website
www.Suunto.com -> Customer Service -> Download Center.

With Best Regards,

Suunto Helpdesk

Customer (David Herbert) - 01/20/2006 12:40 PM
Please review attached image. Note the pressure remains static at 957psi towards
the end of the dive. This has been occuring on all dives downloaded lately.
Please advise.

How much would it cost for a computer and software that actually work as
promised?? I am truly unhappy with this computer. $900 and the download cable
has a serial connection which requires the purchase of USB adapter to use on a
modern lap top. The software is buggy, export options are very poor and the
program looks and interfaces like a high school computer lab project.

 

[wardric]

Good lord DHerb, do you mean that the Cobra does not record air consumption?????????
That means that I would get the same accuracy as you by noting my pressure at start and end of my dive and entering them manualy into the software?

Thank god I didn't spend the extra cash for a cobra. My Vyper does everything the cobra does except integrated air. I was thinking about upgrading but if what you say is right, you just saved me quite some bucks.

Thanks

 

[dherbman]

Good lord DHerb, do you mean that the Cobra does not record air consumption?????????

Can you believe it? I couldn't. They tell me that the air consumption displayed in the graph is calculated. So, in the middle of a dive, you could have a free-flow that resulted in a loss of 1000PSI and it would just show an elevated consumption across the chart.

 

[wardric]

Can you believe it? I couldn't. They tell me that the air consumption displayed in the graph is calculated. So, in the middle of a dive, you could have a free-flow that resulted in a loss of 1000PSI and it would just show an elevated consumption across the chart.

exactly. I was serious when I said that yesterday, i was saying to myself I should upgrad to Cobra to get a more precise idea of my SAC but I really see no advantage now.

Do you know if any other computers do record it?

 

[dherbman]

Smart-com and smart-tec do. The dive computer menu hierarchy on these two is much less convoluted than the Cobra, as well. They also use an IR USB device to DL to the computer. Software is far superior to DM. Oh, the Smart-com is about $200-$300 LESS than the Cobra.

 

[wardric]

Is it the Aladin? what algorithm does it use, is it considered more or less conservative than the Suunto. I'll make some research on it. Thanks.