Cobalt 1 - blank screen - how to recover dive log?

[divermickey]

I've been trying to connect to my now defunct Cobalt 1. The faceplate popped off a few weeks ago when pressurizing my kit, and I collected all the components & kept it dry. The screen does not illuminate, but when I plug it into my computer, it appears to connect to Atomics-Logbook (PC). I am hoping to grab the last few dives from the memory before recycling the e-waste.

Can charge the dive computer & read 4.1 volts at the battery test points under the screen on the PCBA, so it's got power, and the green check box on my computer seems to indicate it's still talking on the USB data port. However, I get this error message (it stalls on this screen):

Since I don't have the display on the dive computer, I cannot set it to "Connect to PC" mode. Can anyone help me with the magic button press sequence on the cobalt to get there?

 

[RonR]

I've been trying to connect to my now defunct Cobalt 1. The faceplate popped off a few weeks ago when pressurizing my kit, and I collected all the components & kept it dry. The screen does not illuminate, but when I plug it into my computer, it appears to connect to Atomics-Logbook (PC). I am hoping to grab the last few dives from the memory before recycling the e-waste.

Can charge the dive computer & read 4.1 volts at the battery test points under the screen on the PCBA, so it's got power, and the green check box on my computer seems to indicate it's still talking on the USB data port. However, I get this error message (it stalls on this screen):

Since I don't have the display on the dive computer, I cannot set it to "Connect to PC" mode. Can anyone help me with the magic button press sequence on the cobalt to get there?

View attachment 849678

Sounds as if you might have had the high pressure leak that was recalled early on, if the cover blew off. Was yours serviced under the recall?

The button sequence to get to the download dives... If the computer resets, it goes to the Time-Date screen, you need to press Back to get to the main menu. from there it's 2 down to get to settings, Select, then UP to get to System Information, the Select, Select again, connect to PC and Select again. Of course, all these button presses have to register perfectly...

Much easier to do with a display- is the display damaged or disconnected?

An easier path might be to send it to us- we can download the dives directly from the PCB and send you the file.

Also, don't throw this out- at least not the HP fitting. We are planning a program to up-cycle to all new computers using the same HP quick disconnect. The hardware definitely has value.

Ron

 

[divermickey]

Sounds as if you might have had the high pressure leak that was recalled early on, if the cover blew off. Was yours serviced under the recall?

The button sequence to get to the download dives... If the computer resets, it goes to the Time-Date screen, you need to press Back to get to the main menu. from there it's 2 down to get to settings, Select, then UP to get to System Information, the Select, Select again, connect to PC and Select again. Of course, all these button presses have to register perfectly...

Much easier to do with a display- is the display damaged or disconnected?

An easier path might be to send it to us- we can download the dives directly from the PCB and send you the file.

Also, don't throw this out- at least not the HP fitting. We are planning a program to up-cycle to all new computers using the same HP quick disconnect. The hardware definitely has value.

Ron

Display is still connected via the flexi, with no visible damage to it. There was surprisingly little damage to any of the components. I don't remember what the specific repairs were for this when I had it serviced, I remember a recall & the service though.

I'll try the magic button sequences when I get back - it might work, right?

In case it doesn't, who would I reach out to to send it back to extract anything salvageable from on-board memory? Or, is this something a reasonably skilled embedded EE could manage on her own with a full electronics lab available?

Good to hear the disconnect fitting will be used again, it's been very reliable.

--Mickey

 

[RonR]

I will send you a direct message here on ScubaBoard with an email contact for Elizabeth, who designed and developed the Cobalt's electronics and firmware. She can provide more information, but it's possible that the PCB or display was damaged in some other way- they have proven to be pretty tough, though. You could check the current to determine if it's trying to boot up, that would be a clue. As far as recovering data from a not-fully-functioning Cobalt though, that would require the software we have here, so sending it to us is probably your best bet. We would be happy to help recover your dive data.

Ron