Atomic Aquatics Cobalt Dive Computer

[RonR]

I just attempted to update the firmware to 112 on a Mac running Lion. Of course, on my first attempt I forgot and selected the .zip file. However, I have tried following the "brick" instructions using the unzipped .hex file several times without any response from the Cobalt and when reading the troubleshooting page on the Atomic website I now see the message "DO NOT UPDATE FIRMWARE ON A LION MAC". Great.....
I have now tried the entire process on a Snow Leopard Mac with no better results. Is there a recovery proceedure I can follow? Or should I just box it up and send it to Atomic?

Did you try the Snow Leopard system using the recovery instructions? If that didn't work, then it will be necessary to run the recovery on a SL (10.6) system while the battery is removed in order to get a reset.

Removing and replacing the battery is fairly easy- about on par with opening a camera housing- and it doesn't expose any electronics. If you might want to do this yourself send me a PM with your email and I will send you detailed illustrated instructions. You won't void any warranty and it really can't screw anything up. Atomic calls it a dealer rather than an end user procedure because it involves seating a large O-ring, but I've had plenty of end users do it with no problems. We just did seminars at DEMA for dealers to give them practice on updating and removing batteries, possibly your dealer could do it for you. Of course, sending it back to Atomic is always an option if you would prefer.

We really hope to get a Lion compatible version up very soon- this is an issue that has apparently caused problems for a number of Apple developers, judging from the Apple developer forums.

Ron

 

[RonR]

I just checked the web site and the Windows software is still not availalbe. Any idea when it will be put up?

Thanks,
Dan

I have a new version that was supposed to go up this week, and it worked fine for me under Win7. But apparently some users had problems under XP, so there is a hold on it till the developer figures out the issue. I may know more today. PM me if you have any kind of urgent need (and Win 7). Otherwise, I'd expect something in a few days...
Ron

 

[SlicerDicer]

Well damn it, one of my cobalt's is dead. It will not turn on it wont charge or something? I have no idea what its doing but it sucks given I need to have it tomorrow for a dive

Uggh what do I need to do to get it RMA or what do I do?

 

[RonR]

Well damn it, one of my cobalt's is dead. It will not turn on it wont charge or something? I have no idea what its doing but it sucks given I need to have it tomorrow for a dive <img src="http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/images/smilies/More Smiles/sad.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="1863" class="inlineimg"><br>
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Uggh what do I need to do to get it RMA or what do I do?

Have you tried charging it with the A/C charger? Don't plug it into USB if the battery might have been drained, it takes the A/C to reset the program. It can take a couple of minutes on the charger before the unit comes back up if it's really drained.

Questions that would help diagnose what's going on:
Has it been sitting long enough that the battery might have drained?
Do you know the charge status when last used?
Do you know what firmware version- has it been updated to at least 1.1 or 1.11?
How long have you had it- when purchased? There were some issues with battery leaks on earlier units.

If you can PM me with an email I'll send you detailed instructions for removing the battery for a hard reset. A reset might be necessary if you charged a dead battery from USB. USB will charge the battery, but won't generate a reset for the program. You would be able to see if the battery compartment had leaked. Of course, Atomic will correct any problems if there has been a leak, but this procedure might get you diving this weekend if it's just a dead battery.

Ron

 

[SlicerDicer]

message sent ron, thanks for being prompt.

 

[SlicerDicer]

Thanks ron your the best its working again.

 

[UNDRH20]

I have had my Cobalt for about a little over a month. I absolutely love it! Easy to use, easy to read and the MacDive download software is working great. Now my husband wants one.

I have had one problem, however. When I first got it, I took it to the pool and try as I might, I could not get the computer to properly fit into the quick disconnect. It is a very simple action, but the computer would not quite slide up far enough to twist on. When I got home, I tried again and it worked perfectly. Took it on a dive trip last week and had the same problem on one dive day. It happened again yesterday while diving in Florida. I cannot figure out what is going on. I took the computer on the dives and it recorded everything except remaining air. Good thing I have a backup SPG.

Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[RonR]

I have had my Cobalt for about a little over a month. I absolutely love it! Easy to use, easy to read and the MacDive download software is working great. Now my husband wants one.

I have had one problem, however. When I first got it, I took it to the pool and try as I might, I could not get the computer to properly fit into the quick disconnect. It is a very simple action, but the computer would not quite slide up far enough to twist on. When I got home, I tried again and it worked perfectly. Took it on a dive trip last week and had the same problem on one dive day. It happened again yesterday while diving in Florida. I cannot figure out what is going on. I took the computer on the dives and it recorded everything except remaining air. Good thing I have a backup SPG.

Has anyone else had this problem?

If it fits once, it should fit again. The only things I can think of are:
1) some foreign material keeping the QD from engaging
2) pressure in the HP hose when you are trying to attach the computer- if there is HP air in the hose you will not be strong enough to overcome the pressure and insert the fitting. Did you try purging the regulator system when you were not able to engage it?

 

[UNDRH20]

Each time I was attempting to attach the computer before pressurizing the system.

 

[RonR]

Was the regulator on the tank? Perhaps a leaking valve? If you can take it back to the place of purchase, perhaps have them look at it and check the O-ring on the stud inside the hose side of the QD fitting. That is really the only place where clearance is at all tight, the O-ring needs to seal inside the Cobalt's opening. Air pressure is the only thing I can think of that would prevent being able to easily press the QD fitting down far enough to engage, but maybe if the O-ring were not quite right??