Uwatec Wet Button and Smart Z Questions

[Splash-X]

The Smart Z is no longer a "current" product. Uwatec stopped producing them. There is nothing wrong with getting one, they are great computers. Now that they are not a current product, even your LDS may give you a great deal if they have any left.

The GALILEO LUNA which is new should be much lower in price. It comes with everything the SOL has MINUS the multi-gas interface and the hear rate monitor (both can be added by software downloads).

GALILEO LUNA - SCUBAPRO-UWATEC


Don't expect Leisure Pro to get that for a little while.

 

[BubblesUp]

I have a SmartTec and before that a Uwatec AirZ, and nearly all of my diving is done in a drysuit with ZipGloves. The computer cannot be activated with the gloves on, even if you lick your fingers. I just got in the habit of taking the top part of my drysuit off and making any gas setting changes or running the dive planning function while my hands were bare.

If I ever needed to see the main screen to do one last pressure check once the dry gloves were on, I discovered I could activate the computer by licking my top lip and using my tongue and top lip to make the necessary contacts to turn it on. Not exactly dainty, but it gets the job done. I never tried that method to change any settings, though.

 

[vladimir]

If I ever needed to see the main screen to do one last pressure check once the dry gloves were on, I discovered I could activate the computer by licking my top lip and using my tongue and top lip to make the necessary contacts to turn it on. Not exactly dainty, but it gets the job done. I never tried that method to change any settings, though.

Not exactly dainty? It sounds borderline pornographic.

 

[Splash-X]

I discovered I could activate the computer by licking my top lip and using my tongue and top lip to make the necessary contacts to turn it on.

Pics or it didn't happen ...

 

[gypsyrabble]

I run a dual system with the smart z and a hose console. Then I just compare the two data while diving. I know it's anal but it's my system. The buttons are a problem with gloves which makes the a problem most of the time, but since I run redundant it doesn't bother me too much. I wish the buttons were easier.

 

[gypsyrabble]

WOW Does that work to get tank data??

 

[CompuDude]

The wet contacts on the Smart Z (and the SmartTec, which I owned) are a HUGE PITA.

If you're the original owner from an authorized dealer, SP changes the batteries for free. So IF you meet those requirements, the battery thing is a non-issue. It lasts years, too. If you're NOT the original owner, and if you did NOT buy it from an authorized dealer, at some point (2-5 years depending on how much you dive), you'll have to pay SP approx $250 to change the battery. (which is a major procedure, since the entire case is packed with silicon)

Aside from the battery issue, however, the wet contacts are the only problem. Changing Nitrox measurements between dives (if you have several tanks with various percentages, for instance... which happened to me a lot) was always a PITA since I had to dry the computer AND my hands thoroughly enough to get the wet contacts to register the presses I needed to change the o2 settings.

I'm complaining, but that relatively minor issue aside (which I learned various methods to cope with), I really loved that SmartTec. Great computer. The Smart Z is pretty much the same, I believe, except a smidge less flexible and no wireless AI... no great loss.

The Galileo Sol, however, is a major upgrade all around. MUCH bigger screen, easier to see and read (not that the SmartTec/Z was tiny!), better light, user-replaceable batteries, and honest to gosh buttons that work fine... even when you're wet or wearing gloves! (you know, like when you're diving)

 

[jrock357mag]

The wet contacts on the Smart Z (and the SmartTec, which I owned) are a HUGE PITA.

If you're the original owner from an authorized dealer, SP changes the batteries for free. So IF you meet those requirements, the battery thing is a non-issue. It lasts years, too. If you're NOT the original owner, and if you did NOT buy it from an authorized dealer, at some point (2-5 years depending on how much you dive), you'll have to pay SP approx $250 to change the battery. (which is a major procedure, since the entire case is packed with silicon)

Aside from the battery issue, however, the wet contacts are the only problem. Changing Nitrox measurements between dives (if you have several tanks with various percentages, for instance... which happened to me a lot) was always a PITA since I had to dry the computer AND my hands thoroughly enough to get the wet contacts to register the presses I needed to change the o2 settings.

I'm complaining, but that relatively minor issue aside (which I learned various methods to cope with), I really loved that SmartTec. Great computer. The Smart Z is pretty much the same, I believe, except a smidge less flexible and no wireless AI... no great loss.

The Galileo Sol, however, is a major upgrade all around. MUCH bigger screen, easier to see and read (not that the SmartTec/Z was tiny!), better light, user-replaceable batteries, and honest to gosh buttons that work fine... even when you're wet or wearing gloves! (you know, like when you're diving)

Sounds like there are just too many negatives (at least for me) about this computer, I may just save up the cash and go with the Sol, it was my second choice, ill just have to wait a little longer. Plus in the long run if i buy from what I hear is not an authorized dealer, Im not really sure I want to pay $225 to have a battery changed :shocked2:

 

[Splash-X]

Instead of the SOL you may want to look at the Luna. It is hoseless but it doesn't have the heart rate monitor and the multi-gas managment (both of which can be added with a software update).

Not sure what the MSRP is on the Luna vs the Sol though.

 

[jrock357mag]

Not sure what the MSRP is on the Luna vs the Sol though.[/QUOTE]

Well Scubastore has both, though the Luna is only like $2 less then the Sol, so I dont think there is much difference in price. My LDS has a Sol that was brought back from someone that bought it and decided a week later they wanted a rebreather instead and couldnt use the computer (wish I had that problem) so I might be able to get a good price on it.