Beware Suunto computers D9 and Vytec.

[sipadiver]

whats the status so far on the SUUNTO? I thought they were a reputable brand.

 

[darylm74]

I bought a Vytec DS a little less than a year ago, and have a Mosquito as a back-up. They read within a foot of each other. I have about 50 dives on the Mosquito and around 15 on the Vytec, 4 of which were >= 140ft. I haven't seen an issue yet, nor had any reading difference in comparison to others. Maybe it depends on when and where they were made.

 

[boulderjohn]

Having followed this thread for many months, I noticed that airplane rides sometimes seemed to be involved, and recently got to wondering whether the bad batch of pressure sensors was particularly vulnerable to significant negative pressure. (A quick rescan of the thread didn't turn up any past discussion along these lines.)

In the 8 years I have used my Cobra, the only time I had a problem was about four years ago on my first day after flying into Cozumel. The computer went nuts while I was packing up to go diving, telling me I was on a dive at 88 feet. My wife took it to a shop in San Miguel while I used rental equipment. The shop tech simply rebooted it by taking the battery out and putting it back, and it has worked fine ever since. He told my wife that malfunctions after flying are common, and he does reboots frequently.

I use an Aladin Prime as a backup, and I have had a lot of trouble with it in general.

Perhaps Consumer Reports should do an article on frequency of problems, as they do with cars.

 

[floridanewbe]

Ever computer company will have problems and/or recalls from time to time. That would not be my main concern. I am more worried about how that company deals with these problems and the subsequent customer service I may expect to receive after purchase ( or not)

 

[Magnus.s]

I've used my D9 with air integration for 220h of bottom time and I feel it has taken very good care of me... And when Suunto upgraded the software I got a new battery and had it back in just over a week...

The only problem I have experienced is that I sometimes lost the air signal (and got some crazy readings) when I held my previews torch near the computer....

 

[Diver Dennis]

I am not trying to be sarcastic. However, I wonder why you and others' continue to buy and use Suunto computers. This "faulty depth sensor" is well documented, and so is the dissatisfaction that many have received when they have attempted to get ther Suunto's repaired. Last, but far from least is the fact that 'programming a Suunto' (particularly for Nitrox) requires a degree in Computer Science, and is very difficult without the manual. There are other computers available (such as Oceanic computers) that can do the same things as Suunto, but are reliable, easy to use and program, and, in the unlikely event of needed repair, will be repaired promptly, with a smile, at little or no cost. (by Oceanic). I know of a person who's Suunto Cobra failed. Like yourself and others, she replaced it with a brand new Cobra. I don't get it??? Does Suunto require you to sign a contract with them; stating that you will only do business with them, no matter if their product operates correctly or if they fail to give good service?

Well, I've had no problems, why should I change? If it's so well documented, perhaps you can give me the percentage of Suunto computers sold that have had problems? You seem to have an unhealthy hate on for Suunto but I might be wrong if you can produce the stats to back up your claims...

 

[vladimir]

Last, but far from least is the fact that 'programming a Suunto' (particularly for Nitrox) requires a degree in Computer Science, and is very difficult without the manual.

I don't agree with this at all. One of the things I like about my D9 is the ease with which you set the 02 fraction, and change settings in general. In other threads I have described it as "intuitive". It is much more user friendly than my Uwatec SmartCom.

 

[Theunis]

Wow, I am glad I have bought a Dacor Darwin computer!!!

 

[Rescue Diver68]

I have 180 dives on my Vytec and it works perfectly. Besides my Apex Black Pearl, my Vytec is my smartest scuba gear buy yet.

 

[imasinker]

I agree that any computer company can have problems. When you deal on a high volume of production and product some lemons can fall from the tree. I feel that the companies response to these problems Is the major factor to wich draws attention to those purchasing or considering purchasing their product. I have two suunto computers a Cobra 2 and a Gekko, and have had no problems to date with them. I can't remember where, but I read that there were some program failure issues with some Suunto computers resulting in Suunto to make design changes in some models. I am wondering If yours are the same models. (Sorry but I really tried to find the article). I bought Suunto from advice of others who had great success and no problems with warranty or getting the computers serviced. Sorry to hear you have had more than a fair share of a " bad" experience. I hope you get this resolved and compensated for the time and effort.

Added.. I as well have had no problems with setting nitrox values with both computers and found that they were very easy to use and understand. being these were the first dive computers i ever used I cannot compare them to others but, I can say they are user friendly, so well I hardley had to use the manual.