bug in cressi archimede

[padudle]

I just came back from diving in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and I discovered a bug with the cressi archimede while I was down there. Twice in a week of diving the cressi archimede went into error mode and twice I had to remove the battery to clear the error.

The problen occurs when you put your hand into a wet wetsuit sleeve. Apparently the wet sleeve closes the wet contacts on the computer and presses a button or two. After the computer goes into error mode you cannot dive with it because it beeps constantly as soon as you hit the water. Removing and replacing the battery clears the error condition but you loose your current decompression status though previously logged dive info is not lost.

The first time it happened I was putting on my wetsuit for the second dive and forgot to take off the wrist computer. I didn't try to push the computer through the sleeve, just started to put my hand through until I realized the computer was still on my wrist. The second time it happened I was just turning my wetsuit right side out and reached into the sleeve to pull the cuff through. Again no force was applied to push the computer through the sleeve.

Has anyone else stumbled onto this bug in the cressi archimede?

Note: This is a re-post of a previous reply I made. Sorry if you ran accross it twice.

 

[topper]

I've logged 63 dives with my Archimede, and have not experienced the problem you describe. In betwen dives, however, I generally take the computer off and strap it to my BC.

I'm on my second second Archimede. The first did not accurately record water temperature---on a local dive in 50 degree water the computer displayed a water temerature of 81. I contacted Cressi at their plant in New Jersey, and they asked me to returm the computer. One of their guys checked it out, called me to say me he did'nt find anyhthing wrong, but nevertheless gave me a new computer. Needless to say, I was satisfied.

My experience dealing with Cressi was good. You might try giving them a call to discuss the problem. (Sorry, I no longer have their phone number.)

 

[padudle]

Topper

Thanks for the suggestions. I like to keep my computer on my wrist not to lose it a because I'm still logging my dives in a book.

On the other hand, I have noticed some divers that just leave their wrist computer just strapped to their bc all the time, even when diving. I can see advantages to that because I would never forget to put it on and would never drop it over the side of the boat.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Quote:
'Removing and replacing the battery clears the error condition but you loose your current decompression status though previously logged dive info is not lost.'

While I can not comment on the way this error state is generated (pushing buttons etc, etc), I think there is a principle flaw in implementing safety factors as you describe this problem. Every computer can go into an error state, that is inherent to the nature of the beast. The issue is how to recover, and in this case, preserve important data. It is a very simple thing to implement and would guarantee safety for the diver. When an error state occurs, in my opinion, a dive computer should preserve the 'off gassing'/DECO data. When back into operation, it should continue from where it last counted. Worse case scenario, you have more than needed surface time. Of course when under water an error occurs, either cancel dive, or continue on tables with backup resources.

Just my $0.02 worth

 

[erichK]

Quote:
'Removing and replacing the battery clears the error condition but you loose your current decompression status though previously logged dive info is not lost.'

While I can not comment on the way this error state is generated (pushing buttons etc, etc), I think there is a principle flaw in implementing safety factors as you describe this problem. Every computer can go into an error state, that is inherent to the nature of the beast. The issue is how to recover, and in this case, preserve important data. It is a very simple thing to implement and would guarantee safety for the diver. When an error state occurs, in my opinion, a dive computer should preserve the 'off gassing'/DECO data. When back into operation, it should continue from where it last counted. Worse case scenario, you have more than needed surface time. Of course when under water an error occurs, either cancel dive, or continue on tables with backup resources.

Just my $0.02 worth

Likely, the tendency to reset is a "feature" related to this computer's ability to be reset by a simple button on its back, to allow its use by multiple divers. Perhaps there is some simple down-and-dirty fix like strategically afixing duct tape or silicon sealant over the contacts. As long as it is easily removable (don't use crazy glue or epoxy!) it should solve the problem.

The very exposed nature of the computer contacts seems to be a basic design problem with the otherwise excellent computer Cressi has chosen to resell.

 

[pdoege]

I have 180 dives on my Archimede and have not seen this error.

That being said, the datalink contacts are exposed.

Peter

 

[astaines]

Interesting...I experienced the incorrect thermometer readings this past weekend. I've had the Cressi for about 20 dives now. A couple of weeks ago it was telling me the water was 16-17 degrees (centigrade obviously). Last weekend it told me it was 26!