Suunto Vytec - Incorrect Temperature Reading

[Warren_L]

I've noticed recently that my temperature readings at depth seem to be incorrect. Last week, I was diving in lake Erie and down about 80 feet, the temperature was around 45F, but my Vytec was reading 55F, which is quite a difference. Everyone else on the dive had readings in the mid 40s. Anybody else with a Vytec experiencing the same problem?

 

[MechDiver]

I've noticed recently that my temperature readings at depth seem to be incorrect. Last week, I was diving in lake Erie and down about 80 feet, the temperature was around 45F, but my Vytec was reading 55F, which is quite a difference. Everyone else on the dive had readings in the mid 40s. Anybody else with a Vytec experiencing the same problem?

I seem to remember some others here with similiar problems with Suuntos. Don't know what, if any, resolutions were found. I don't see that it makes much of a difference, other than being annoying.

MD

 

[Warren_L]

I did a search on the subject before posting this thread and found only a couple of references to problems with the download of the logs showing different temperature readings than during the dive. I know it doesn't matter that much in the whole scheme of things, but you are right, it is more annoying than anything else.

 

[CanadianDiverGirl]

My buddies and I all have Vytec's that all read different temps. Common problem.

 

[MechDiver]

but you are right, it is more annoying than anything else.

Well, to pursue this thought. Uwatecs use temperature as one criteria (in certain models) to determine diver workload, as well as enviornmental conditions. Do the Suuntos use the temperature for anything, or just report it?

If its factored into the deco algorithm, then I suppose it would be nice if it was accurate.

MD

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Well, to pursue this thought. Uwatecs use temperature as one criteria (in certain models) to determine diver workload, as well as enviornmental conditions. Do the Suuntos use the temperature for anything, or just report it?

If its factored into the deco algorithem, then I suppose it would be nice if it was accurate.

MD

My thoughts exactly. Even if they don't use temp in the algorithm, I'd question the accuracy of their more critical functions. I mean, if they can't even get the temperature right...

But what do I know, I'm just a computer engineer...

Actually, I do know that many times non-critical functions don't get the development and testing time that they need as a product is rushed to market, but in a life support device, I'd expect exhaustive testing of all functionality. Maybe I expect too much.

 

[Warren_L]

That's a very good question MD. I'm don't know what impact temperature would have on the calculation of nitrogen loads. I have a redundant Vyper that I run on a console, so the next time I am out I can check to see if there are any significant differences in the NDLs calculated between the two. Although I think the algorithm on the Vyper might be slightly different than on the Vytec.

CDG - how far apart are the temperature readings?

 

[MechDiver]

But what do I know, I'm just a computer engineer...

We'll try not to hold that against you too much

Actually, I do know that many times non-critical functions don't get the development and testing time that they need as a product is rushed to market, but in a life support device, I'd expect exhaustive testing of all functionality. Maybe I expect too much.

My thoughts also. If its just for show, then its probably close enough. If it is actually used, then I would expect a fair degree of accuracy.

MD

 

[MechDiver]

That's a very good question MD. I'm don't know what impact temperature would have on the calculation of nitrogen loads.

Not loading directly, but degree of work or conservationism. In that the profile computed would be more conservative in coldwater vs warm.

 

[MarcHerm]

I am quite sure that Suunto does not use the temp as a criteria when computing the NDLs. You can manually change some personal settings (eg. from P0 to P1) when you are doing cold water or heavy work load diving so it gets more conservative. This is the same for the Vyper/Vytec/Gekko/Cobra...

Maybe the incorrect temperature readings has something to do with the fact that you wear it on your wrist. On Suunto.com it says that temperature readings my be too high because of your body heat (even through a thick suit). I dont know if this is a valid point but it is made on the official suunto FAQs (i believe )