Oceanic Geo O-ring size/durometer?

[Blue Sparkle]

I have an Oceanic Geo computer, and on my last dive I got the message on-screen that says it is time to change the battery. Oceanic recommend installing a new O-ring in the battery door, so I would like to do that.

Oceanic do sell the O-ring, but it's part of a $22 kit that contains a battery, the O-ring, silicone grease, and instructions. I normally have battery(s) and silicone grease, and the instructions came with the computer (and are available online), so all I really need are O-ring(s).

I would like to find out the O-ring type/size so that (presuming it is not a custom size) I could simply "stock" three or four O-rings in my dive parts kit.

So... does anyone happen to know what size/durometer the O-ring for a Geo Battery door is? I have searched but was not able to find the info.

Note: I do realize that Oceanic voids the warranty on the computer if an owner uses any other than the Oceanic O-ring (and I ordered a kit for this time since I wanted to have the computer in working order ASAP). However, my computer's warranty will be over soon anyway, so that will not be a factor. I can't see continually ordering $22 kits for future battery changes unless I have to, since I don't need the other kit contents.

(I hope this is the right sub-forum; I couldn't decide between Oceanic, DIY, or this one - Computers.)

Thank you!
Blue Sparkle

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Or, alternatively, since I am going to have a brand new O-ring of the correct size, do any of the gurus here have tips for how to measure an O-ring and how to determine its durometer? I see size charts online, and I get the general concept of measuring things, but are there any specific tips for how you measure an O-ring? The most accurate tool I have is a Vernier or dial caliper.

Thanks,
Blue Sparkle

 

[redacted]

I usually just take a good ruler and measure ID, OD, and width. I'm fairly sure the width is 1/16 inch. A better way is to measure the diameter of the gauge body the o-ring seals and round up to the next 1/16th of an inch. As far as hardness I would expect a duro 70 to work fine. For material, I'd suggest nitrile unless you can also use it in a regulator - then go with EPDM. Of course, compare whatever you buy with the original for both size and hardness. Sticking your fingernail into both will let you gauge hardness.

The o-ring "bible": http://www.parker.com/literature/ORD 5700 Parker_O-Ring_Handbook.pdf

 

[Couv]

Hi Blue Sparkel,

Take the new o-ring and measure it. Compare it to the chart found here.
http://www.marcorubber.com/sizingchart.htm

The duro will not be much of a factor as it does not seal against a very high pressure differential. Therefore, 70-80 would be fine. I would recommend getting Viton or EPDM seal because you can use any grease you like on them compared to a silicone seal that will take a special grease. A silicone seal should not be lubricated with a silicone based grease because you run the risk of swelling the seal. Viton and EPDM also have unlimited shelf life so getting an old one or keeping it for years will not be an issue.

The Usual Suspects received very good service from Precision Associates, Inc. Their site has a handy tool where you can enter the dimensions of the o-ring needed and they'll have a product code for it. For Viton 1.0mm c.s X 2.2mm i.d. see product 40-878780 (.040 in c.s. X .087 in i.d.) For the same size in EPDM use product code 40-8723711

www.catalog.precisionassoc.com/advanced/precision-associates-inc-o-rings/special-size-o-rings-1083?

You can also get o-rings from McMaster-Carr the diver's online hardware store:

www.mcmaster.com/#9263k546/=b5zwwm

Here's another link or two you might find helpful

O-ring "Size Matters"
www.scubaboard.com/forums/5256286-post11.html
O-Ring selection logic
www.scubaboard.com/forums/4007619-post13.html

Edit: Forget everything above and ask Awap for the size, I think he just bought a Veo and is o-ring savvy.
Edit #2.....he also types faster than I do.

 

[redacted]

PS Ask Awap for the size, I think he just bought a Veo and is o-ring savvy.

The VEO is a different battery (2450 vs 2430) so probably a different size o-ring.

Blue - If you let me know what measurement you get, I'll take a look in my stash and see if I can help. My VEO takes a 2-026 (1.375OD and 1.25ID).

BTW, did the $22 include dinner?

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Say awap, do you by any chance know the O-ring size for the Geo? :cool2:

***Edited to add***
I just saw your reply about the Veo being different. I think we were typing at the same time. I'll measure the new official Oceanic O-ring and reply to this thread with what I get. I appreciate your willingness to help out

On the dinner: LOL

*** *** ***

Also, thanks to both of you for the measuring and technical info. I love McMaster Carr, and their paper catalog is on my "Ten books to take to a deserted island" list I will check out the other links too.

I had searched "O-ring measure" on SB and there is some good info there too (a good bit of it from you both).

Thanks,
Blue Sparkle

 

[geo3]

I have an Oceanic VT Pro. It uses a 2450 battery and a 026 O-ring for the battery hatch. Nitrile (Buna) is fine; just make sure the o-ring is durometer 70. The harder 90 can make sealing the battery hatch difficult and cause flooding.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Okay, time for an update, and a question:

I finally decided to tackle the battery/O-ring replacement on my Oceanic Geo. I had purchased the Oceanic-brand kit, so I had a "factory" O-ring, grease, and battery.

I measured the new O-ring with a caliper before putting it in. The one flaw with this process was that the o-ring was a bit out of a perfect circle when "freestanding," but I did my best by laying it on a piece of graph paper and then coaxing it gently into round with the calipers. Just to have as many figures as possible to work with and average, I did ID and OD. I also measured thickness.

Next, I measured the existing O-ring as it sat in the lid/groove on the computer (it's not possible to measure the empty groove as it's really a kind of slot).

Then I measured the old o-ring after it came out of the computer. Here are the averages:

Thickness = 1/32" all three times.
ID = 1-3/32" or 1.1" (averaged but all three were close)
OD = 1-5/16" or 1.17" (averaged but all three were close)

Next, I went and looked at the various O-ring charts and pages (McMaster-Carr, Parker, Marco Rubber).

Upshot is that I can't find a similar size (recognizing that I may very well be mis-reading or otherwise making some mistake). Essentially, there seem to be very few O-rings that are 1/32" thick, whereas lots of them are 1/16" thick. The thing is, thickness is the measurement I'm most certain of, since it did not depend on me making sure the O-ring was completely circular. To double check myself, I set my caliper at 1/16" -- but then the O-ring clearly went in with tons of extra space (about one more O-ring's worth... )

I converted to metric, but again, it was hard to find the correct thickness (which I converted to .8mm). There was one 1mm x 28mm, but that just does not seem close enough (and... would it be metric?)

It seems that this is an extremely thin/large-diameter O-ring unless I'm doing something wrong (which is very possible). I would appreciate any help in figuring this out (my Geo seems to be clicking along fine with the new battery and O-ring but I would like to get a few O-rings for my dive kit).

Thanks,
Blue Sparkle

 

[redacted]

I would find it hard to believe that a USA Scuba manufacturer would have a USA pressure sensor manufacturer (Pelagic Systems) use a non-standard or metric o-ring. Plus, I look at the picture here (Oceanic battery Kit for the Atom and Geo Computers | eBay) and if that o-ring is over an inch in diameter, then the c/s sure looks like the 1/16 inch that would make sense. Based on your OD measure, that would be a 2-025 (1/16 x 1-3/16 x 1-5/16). I have -024 and -026 in my stash but no -025 or I would send you one.

BTW, I though $22 was ridiculous - look what you get with "Satisfaction Guaranteed" (Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more) Better be Lobster.

One other point to consider - even though I have spare o-rings for my Data +, I usually just clean, inspect, and re-use the old o-ring. Replacing something that is working with something that is new does introduce another possible failure mode. Two o-rings may well be a lifetime supply.

 

[Shftrdog]

I have a bunch in-stock, I can send you some if you need. You can e-mail me at tim@sugarlandscuba.com or call at 281-240-3483. They are like $0.50 cents a piece I think.