Cochran Gemini Disappointment Dont buy one

[DiveLvr]

In 2009 I bought a Cochran computer and what a dissappointment it has been. It has been in the repair shop more days than it has been minutes in the water. Twice after I bought it if malfunctioned while I was on a trip. Added to agravation of the unit failing during the trip is the time for reepairs. A typical repair is measured in changes or seasons. Luckily I carry or even dive with another back up and cheaper back up. The back up has never malfunctioned. The time for repair is rediculous. The last time Cochran had my computer from October until January. Despite a number of calls I made not once could the person tell me what was going on. They failed to notify my of the cost of repairs and once I finally got my computer back the repair ticket did not say what was done,, just a bill. The computer still does not work properly.. Even the dive shop owner (a dealer but nnot the one I bought it from) couldn't get it to work right.

I tried to contact Cochran via email to voice me dissatisfaction and for help on trying to resolve the problem and no one from Cochran has bothered to contact me. This may be an advance computer but it the worst purchace I have made of anything.

Doug

 

[Captain12Pk]

I concur. I had a Gemini many years ago. By far the biggest waste of money I've made to date. I found both Cochran and their products to be garbage.

 

[kombiguy]

And yet I love my EMC-16. Nicest computer I've ever used.

 

[rhwestfall]

Ditto on my 20-H Commander.

 

[TV Mark]

I've owned a EMC-16 since 2006 and never had a problem. It's a nice, liberal computer.

 

[Captain12Pk]

Well I'm glad to hear that. I do hope you'll never experience a failure that'd require you to attempt to deal with their Customer Service Dept.

 

[Scuba Scott]

I have also had a very bad and very similar experience with my Beauchat (made by Cochran) starting in 1997. I have heard if you get the rare good one, they are rock solid. (I have also heard of bigfoot but have never seen one of those either.) Sadly the bad outweigh the good by a lot.
I see a lot of these in the used market. I would be very hesitant to buy one. A google search of Beauchat or Cochran will turn up quite a few stories from frustrated owners.

 

[DiveLvr]

Just as an update, I eventually called and spoke with a a couple of guys that were most helpful. We had to do some work via the phone using the Analyst software but he guy heling me was willing to do on his off time, work time, or weekends...whatever it took and it seems the problems have been worked out. I am anxious to make a few easy dives to see if everything we did holds and the computer doesn't malfunction. I have to give kudoos to Larry and Jeff at Cochran for their help.

Doug

 

[rhwestfall]

those are two quality folks you named (and there are a couple more too)

 

[scubafanatic]

I've had good luck with my Cochrans.....6 Geminis/ 1 EMC 20H. I[ve only had one 'failure' on one of my Gemini's, repair turn-around time was about 3 weeks. Sure, they're a bit dated in functionality/user interface relative to my pair of Atomic Cobalts, but they're 'liberal' (which I really like), they've been rock solid (except for my one 'failure') and the Gemini AI 'link' is vastly more stable than any other wireless AI computer out there.....no 'failure to sync' just before the dive crap! ( I've bought about half-and-half, new vs used off EBay)