Dive Gear Woes - A Cautionary Tale

[Buadhai]

No reply expected. Just a matter of venting a bit.

I do three or four live aboard dive trips per year and that’s about the extent of my diving. Maybe 40-50 dives per year.

I just got back from a four day, fifteen dive trip in the North Andaman. It was a bit frustrating, equipment-wise.

• Just before the first dive I grabbed my Suunto D4i dive computer. I was surprised to see that the face was blank. I hit the Mode button and saw “Wait” followed by “Battery Low” and that was it. Odd because I had run it through its Dive Mode activation routine a few days before and there was no indication at all of a low battery. Fortunately I was able to borrow a computer for the duration of the trip. Thanks a lot Suunto.
• After the first dive I grabbed my iPad and GoPro to review the photos and video from the first dive. I was using a new filter and new macro lens so I I wanted to see the results on a large screen. Unfortunately, GoPro’s new “Capture” app requires you to have an account and log in before you can use it. Well, I’m out at sea with no Internet connection, so no way to use the app. How silly. Thanks a lot Go Pro.
• After the first night dive my wife discovered that she was unable to turn her Archon dive light off. It would cycle between bright, not-so-bright and flashing, but no “Off”. Turns out the LED compartment had flooded, possibly due to a failed switch seal? Fortunately, we had a backup. Thanks a lot Archon.
• On the second day my GoPro started to freeze up when switching it on or off. The front LED display looked normal, but the rear LED was blank and the buttons were all non-functional, including the POWER/MODE button. The only fix was to wait until the dive was over and remove the battery, at which point the battery and GoPro were both very hot. I guess it was doing something all that time, just not something useful. Thanks a lot GoPro.

Still, it was a great trip and I managed to get some nice video and enjoy the company of a great group of divers.

My D4i is getting a new battery. My wife is getting a new torch. I now have a GoPro account and am logged in. I will try a new SD card in the GoPro.

 

[northernone]

Nice venting.

A great reminder how electrics and water don't always play nicely. Glad you had alternatives.

Regards,
Cameron

 

[runsongas]

spare batteries are a must. spare gopro doesn't hurt either

 

[Buadhai]

spare batteries are a must. spare gopro doesn't hurt either

I have spare batteries plus chargers for everything. Of course, the D4i battery is not user replaceable.

I have a monthly alert that tells me to check all the batteries and rechargeable devices in the house, including the D4i. I wonder how often I have to check it to make sure it will outlast a four day liveaboard?

 

[runsongas]

I have spare batteries plus chargers for everything. Of course, the D4i battery is not user replaceable.

I have a monthly alert that tells me to check all the batteries and rechargeable devices in the house, including the D4i. I wonder how often I have to check it to make sure it will outlast a four day liveaboard?

All you need is the security bit. still two screws, an oring, and a watch battery.

 

[Buadhai]

All you need is the security bit. still two screws, an oring, and a watch battery.

I'm much too clumsy to risk that on such an expensive device. If I were younger, with better eyesight and steady hands, maybe....

 

[The Chairman]

Caca occurs. Glad you still had fun in spite of your challenges. BTW, I only dive PDCs that I can change the battery in. The easier the better and I love my Shearwater Predator. I use rechargeable batteries in it, but I could opt for a AA if I wanted to. It's not cheap, but it does everything I need it to and then some.

I found out about the GoPro software issue while overseas myself (Mexico?). Arrrrgh! Now I sign in to everything on my laptop before I depart. Actually, I've finally got enough storage in my laptop where it's become my primary device. Rather than sit in my office playing on SB, I take it into the living room and enjoy the TV.

 

[arcticat99]

after that be lucky you walked away lol remember dont sweat the small stuff lifes to short

 

[drrich2]

Glad you still had a good trip. I know the politically correct stance is to check everything out before your trip, but I find that incompatible with the practical realities of real life, where wrapping up work, getting packed, heading out early to catch a flight, etc..., somehow get in the way...

Richard.

 

[KentB]

Which go pro? The hero3 had LOTS of freezing issues mine froze completely and died in Hawaii. Go pro said it was the processor inside but it was out of warranty so they offered me a small percentage off a new one 10-15% somewhere in there.
I replaced it with a hero 4 and it's worked flawlessly since.