Cobalt 2 Button = dead, Atomic's response: "LOL GOOD LUCK!"

[TalbotM]

Bummer. I am considering the diy reed switches replacement for a few computers.

 

[RonR]

Guess I'm a Scubapro/other guy going forward. Got the Cobalt 2 at what was the end of the run as a backup and found the back button was completely dead. Reached out to Atomic and they told me to pound sand. Unbelievable that a company I held in high esteem and have bought thousands of dollars of gear from is this callous to the consumer.

Are there any ways to fix this?

We have a ScubaBoard page devoted to supporting the Cobalt computers:

Ocean Concepts

This is a forum dedicated to dive computers developed by Ocean Concepts, including the Cobalt 1 and Cobalt 2 computers. We are the designers and developers of these computers, and will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible.

scubaboard.com

We are the original designers/ developers of the electronics and firmware/ interface design (but not the case).

Huish Outdoors stopped supporting the Cobalt some years ago when they decided to distribute other manufacturer's computer products rather than develop new ones- the last few years they were actually sending most non-trivial servicing to us.

We can do servicing- fixing a non-operating button should be very doable. We're not mainly in the servicing business, but do everything we can to support Cobalt users. We are also actively working on a design to "up-cycle" existing Cobalts to new electronics, more algorithm choices, and a new case, while re-using some components like the HP sensor, QD fitting, and hose. Don't toss out those old Cobalts!

I'll send you a message here with contact information.

-Ron

 

[clavell]

I feel your pain. Same issue a few years back with a datamask. production ceased, then later, support ended. I spoke with one of the product guys from the company and he was nice but explained they can't keep supporting things and stocking parts forever. But, he did find and send me some extra screws for the mask computer battery cover, since mine were almost stripped from so much use. Maybe someone at cobalt with a sympathetic ear could find a replacement part? One other option, I bought my current cobalt II used off of the internet for a decent price, and have gotten lots of mileage out of it so far...good luck!

 

[divezonescuba]

Are there any ways to fix this?

Yes. I did it successfully last year for a customer. In that particular case, it involved replacing the corroded and disintegrated magnets with new ones. Your problem may be different.

I recall having to buy and try a number of different sized very small button magnets to get them to operate the switches properly. I believe that I also had to embed the magnets with glue in the underside of the button pad. I typically use shoe goo marine for underwater applications. I should have made a video on the whole process.

 

[RonR]

Yes. I did it successfully last year for a customer. In that particular case, it involved replacing the corroded and disintegrated magnets with new ones. Your problem may be different.

I recall having to buy and try a number of different sized very small button magnets to get them to operate the switches properly. I believe that I also had to embed the magnets with glue in the underside of the button pad. I typically use shoe goo marine for underwater applications. I should have made a video on the whole process.

Some earlier Cobalts had poorly sealed magnets that corroded. Later ones were fully encapsulated and didn't have this issue. The magnets themselves can be purchased from KJ magnetics and are available in several strength ranges. Removing the cover and keypad is very easy. Here is an instruction link:

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Replacing the reed switches themselves does involve soldering on the main PCB- not a big job if you have the skills. We can do that if people need servicing.

-Ron