Do Suunto computers go through batteries unusually fast?

[Malpaso]

I've got a Vyper Air (not air integrated though) that seems to go through batteries very fast. I wouldn't have given it a thought, but my Suunto Core watch that goes through batteries much faster than any of my other watches too.

 

[icechip]

My Zoop still has its original battery, going on two years and 75+ dives.

 

[Malpaso]

I just put in it's third battery in four years and 100 or so dives.

 

[icechip]

This Zoop is the only one I've owned, so I know squat about others...but that doesn't sound right three batteries in four years...

 

[BoltSnap]

I've got a Vyper Air (not air integrated though) that seems to go through batteries very fast. I wouldn't have given it a thought, but my Suunto Core watch that goes through batteries much faster than any of my other watches too.

How many dives/dive hours per battery?

 

[Glenndini]

My Vyper air (with AI) was about three years old and 100 dives before I changed batteries just because it seemed about time and i was headed for Truk Lagoon.

 

[mnjhuz76]

Vyper Air here... The original battery only lasted about 50 dives (35 diving hours roughly) but since I don't know the shelftime of the computer before I bought it, this probably isn't representative. The second one lasted some 140 dives (about 100 diving hours) and actually I've done another 60 dives on the third - no low battery warning so far.

I changed them pretty much right after the warning came up, so I probably could have done a few more dives with them, but since they are quite inexpensive, I rather play on the safe side.

Maybe shelftime of the batteries in general is a problem. I never purchased the original Suunto battery kit (original o-ring was still fine and reusable - lubricated it slightly with vaseline, though) since you never know, how long it's been out there already, but bought a brand new, quality battery instead (duracell in my case, but I think energizer, Varta etc. will do perfectly as well).

Cheers,
Peter

 

[Kineese]

I have a Vyper Air too.
My first battery lasted about 80 dives before I had to change it (Lasted 10 dives past low battery warning before it was too angry at me to display info, dove with a back-up computer just to see how long I could stretch it. Although, even when it was angry and wouldn't display anything while diving it still recorded all the dive info and I could transfer it onto my computer). I dive cold water and I know that that changes battery life.
The other thing I noticed is if I don't properly wash and dry off the little electrodes on the back it would remain in AC mode (one time I didn't notice for a whole week!) Which I'm sure also affected its battery. I'm 50 dives into the new battery and no issues yet.

 

[mnjhuz76]

Ah, the intensive use of compass and backlight contributes to battery life as well - My experiences posted above are without compass and backlight - I prefer my sk8 and if it's dark I usually have a torch in my hand and flash it quickly at the computer rather than spending a thought on which button to press in order to turn backlight on

 

[Diver0001]

I've got a Vyper Air (not air integrated though) that seems to go through batteries very fast. I wouldn't have given it a thought, but my Suunto Core watch that goes through batteries much faster than any of my other watches too.

Is it remaining in dive-mode after the dive?

Suunto computers are notorious for doing that and if this is the case then it could explain the high battery usage.

As a reference, I think I need to replace the battery in old Vytec about every 150-200 dives or so.

R..