Dive computer - pull out battery between dive outings?

[poifromthebag]

For those with dive computers, when you go for months or more without diving, do you pull out your dive computer's battery?

I have an Aqualung i300 which I got to use for 2 dives, then years passed. The battery is now dead. I've read up and watched videos on how to change the battery and I'm pretty sure I can do it. It's just an o-ring with silicon grease and making sure nothing is pinched and is aligned properly.

So do you pull the battery? Or get a new battery/oring/grease every time > year (?) has passed?

 

[Centrals]

The only reason that I pulled the battery because it was DEAD.
NO grease whatsoever. It is the O-ring that forms the seal.
Just make sure the groove is clean.

 

[divinh]

Cressi Giotto, Sherwood Vision - battery seems to last years, if off

Sherwood Amphos - always on, seems to last about a year and a half? Maybe two?

If you're not diving for years, I would guess no battery is better? Otherwise, replace and have it ready. I wish the Amphos could be put into "deep sleep" by the end user, which is factory state when new, before first use.

 

[Raphus]

If you use alkaline batteries, like in a shearwater perdix, I would remove them.
They can start to leak and destroy the device.

But most computers should be fine

 

[Dan G]

There's no harm in changing an inexpensive set of parts. (<$15 on amazon for o-ring, battery, and grease for an Aqualung i300). Some computers are more user friendly than others so if you see a video that makes sense to you, go for it. Some manufactures tout the fact that the consumer can change their own battery.

+1 for making sure there is no dust/debris basically anywhere near the battery area.

 

[rick00001967]

i got the same computer for a gift at xmas 2019. i hate that it does not "go to sleep". i also hate that there is no battery level indicator (not that i am aware of anyway). but i guess becasue it is a "watch" style, it never shuts off. i had planned on pulling the battery since i knew i wouldn't be traveling but never did.

 

[tursiops]

NO grease whatsoever. It is the O-ring that forms the seal.

This is probably not good advice. In most cases, the o-ring needs to be slippery to seat properly; a dry o-ring can tear. This is especially important on those battery compartments than have screw-in component with an o-ring that goes round and round....sliding in the groove.
For example, the Suunto ZOOP manual says, in the section on changing the battery:

Notice "lubricated."

 

[BoltSnap]

This is probably not good advice. In most cases, the o-ring needs to be slippery to seat properly; a dry o-ring can tear. This is especially important on those battery compartments than have screw-in component with an o-ring that goes round and round....sliding in the groove.
For example, the Suunto ZOOP manual says, in the section on changing the battery:
View attachment 665625
Notice "lubricated."

It depends on the computer, some manufacturers say specifically not to lube the o'rings, most of them, and some may say to lube the o'ring.

 

[tursiops]

some manufacturers say specifically not to lube the o'rings

Which mfgs say this? I checked Suunto, Oceanic, Shearwater. The latter even says:

1. Lubricate O-ring with a thin film before installing
Benefits of lubricating O-ring:

 Protects the O-ring from damage by abrasion,
pinching, or cutting.
 Helps to seat the O-ring properly
 Protection as a surface film
 Protects from degradation by atmospheric elements
such as ozone
 Extends the service life​

Do not use lubricants with the same base materials
(i.e. Do not use Silicone grease with Silicone O-rings)

 

[Belzelbub]

So do you pull the battery? Or get a new battery/oring/grease every time > year (?) has passed?

Depends on the battery. For the computers I have, no, I don’t pull them.

The Oceanics use CR2450 Lithium batteries. I change themonce a year unless needed more often. The Perdix uses a variety of batteries, but I use 3.7V rechargeable Lithium. I swap for a freshly charged one as needed. If I didn’t dive for a while, I’d also do an annual swap.

The lithium batteries aren’t likely to leak, so no danger leaving them in. The Perdix can also take AA alkalines. If I needed to use an alkaline, I would definitely pull that before putting the computer up.