In the six years I've been in Belize I've had four new batteries, and I suspect the one I have now won't last too much longer. This computer has a combination of inefficient electronics and a corporate attitude of "we know best". At a dive show in England I spoke to one of the top directors from Finland and asked him to explain their policy.
"The computer needs to be opened in a properly equipped workshop so it can be pressure tested afterwards".
"How come you sell other models that do have user-replaceable batteries? What's special about the Stinger?"
No coherent answer, but to be fair this was standing at a stall with lots of people milling around.
"How can I get the special tool needed to open it?"
"You have to have attended a technician course".
"How do I do that?"
"You need to be a dealer first. Each authorised dealer can nominate one person a year to attend the technician course."
"How do I become a dealer?"
"You commit in the first year and in each subsequent year to buying $5000 worth of gear from us. You satisfy us as to your credit-worthiness, and you are not in direct competition with a pre-existing dealer."
"I run a resort operation in a country with high import taxes which would push my prices too high to sell more than a few computers. But being a resort I quite often get customers who need a replacement battery, much more often in fact than a regular LDS."
"Sorry, you need to satisfy our minimum requirements to be a dealer. Otherwise I can't help you." This one delivered with the air of a schoolmaster who has just told off a naughty child.
IMO their business model is plain wrong. So is their technical judgement, as there's no reason why a Stinger would be more prone to leaking than a Mosquito. Rather round the other way, as the Stinger case is more rigid. Yet anyone can change a Mosquito battery.
"The computer needs to be opened in a properly equipped workshop so it can be pressure tested afterwards".
"How come you sell other models that do have user-replaceable batteries? What's special about the Stinger?"
No coherent answer, but to be fair this was standing at a stall with lots of people milling around.
"How can I get the special tool needed to open it?"
"You have to have attended a technician course".
"How do I do that?"
"You need to be a dealer first. Each authorised dealer can nominate one person a year to attend the technician course."
"How do I become a dealer?"
"You commit in the first year and in each subsequent year to buying $5000 worth of gear from us. You satisfy us as to your credit-worthiness, and you are not in direct competition with a pre-existing dealer."
"I run a resort operation in a country with high import taxes which would push my prices too high to sell more than a few computers. But being a resort I quite often get customers who need a replacement battery, much more often in fact than a regular LDS."
"Sorry, you need to satisfy our minimum requirements to be a dealer. Otherwise I can't help you." This one delivered with the air of a schoolmaster who has just told off a naughty child.
IMO their business model is plain wrong. So is their technical judgement, as there's no reason why a Stinger would be more prone to leaking than a Mosquito. Rather round the other way, as the Stinger case is more rigid. Yet anyone can change a Mosquito battery.
