There is a product safety recall that is going out for Cobalt computers today, related to the high pressure connector. It concerns only those that were manufactured prior to April, 2012- see the serial number list below. I want to let everyone here know what this is about, so I will cross post this to threads that have discussed the Cobalt.
Basically, Atomic found a few instances where a nut that retains the high pressure sensor had not been sufficiently tightened in assembly. Eventually this could result in the O-ring that seals the sensor to high pressure leaking HP air into the Cobalt's housing, blowing the lens off. If it happened during a dive, the Cobalt would be destroyed, and there would be a small but unstoppable air leak. While this has turned up in only a small number of units, and so far as I know has only happened on the surface, it's obviously a serious concern that warrants checking every Cobalt that could potentially be affected.
Fortunately, it's an easy thing to check for. If the nut isn't tight enough, the QD fitting will protrude a bit too far from the Cobalt's case. Atomic has made simple gauges for dealers to use to quickly determine if a Cobalt has the problem. If not, it will get a new top cover to indicate it has been checked. If it does show evidence of a problem, it will need to go back to the factory to re-torque the fitting. Atomic thinks that will be very rare, but we don't really know until we start checking large numbers.
I'm pasting the official recall notice below.
Ron
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Cobalt Dive Computer Recall
Dear Atomic Aquatics Customer
We are contacting you because we have initiated a recall on certain Cobalt Dive Computers. Although we hope the percentage of units with this problem is small, the defect is serious enough that we feel it is necessary to recall and inspect as many units as possible to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. Fortunately the defect is easy to identify and we hope that you will cooperate with us by returning your Cobalt to either an authorized Atomic Aquatics retailer or to the factory.
Hazard: Improper assembly of the high pressure sensor inside the unit could leak, potentially causing the lens of the computer to blow off suddenly. This could result in personal injury from flying parts; render the computer inoperable and would also create a continuous but slow leak of breathing gas that could require a diver to surface prematurely.
Incidents/Injuries: Atomic Aquatics has received approximately 30 reports of leaks and in some cases caused the lens to blow off of the computer. No injuries have been reported.
Affected units: This recall involves Atomic Aquatics brand Cobalt dive computers with serial numbers 2210-XXXX through 1612-XXXX (manufactured between May 31, 2010 and April 16, 2012). Manufacture date can be determined by the serial number. The first 2 digits of the serial number are the week of manufacture and the second 2 digits are the year of manufacture. Cobalts shipped after the 1612-XXXX date code end date (approximately May 2012) do not need to be inspected and are not affected by this recall. Having a Cobalt in the affected unit serial number does not mean it is defective, but that it should be inspected for the defect.
Here is a list of all serial date lots made during the affected period. Look for the first four digits with the following numbers: 2210, 2910, 4010, 4710, 5010, 1111, 1711, 2611, 2811, 3211, 3311, 3411, 3511, 3611, 3711, 3811, 3911, 4011, 4111, 4211, 4511, 4611, 5211, 0812, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1412, 1612
What you should do: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dive computers and return the unit to either an authorized Atomic Aquatics dealer or the Atomic Aquatics factory for inspection. Inspection is a quick and simple process. If your Cobalt passes this inspection it will be returned to you. If not, it must be returned to the factory for repair.