The great Suunto data cable thread (incl DIY)

[grouchyturtle]

Sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like there may be a problem with your interface. I just threw your name in there, because that is the interface I'm using, and the thought of possibly frying my new computer freaked me out. Also I figured this thread would be the best place to post it, because if there was someone out there who heard of this happening they most likely would already be subscribed to this thread, rather than starting a whole new one.

I don't remember exactly how it came up, we were just talking about toys in general and this guy happens to own 3 Suuntos. He knows the 2 divers this happened to and heard the story from them first hand.

I think he said the interfaces they were using were made by some guy in Germany.

 

[jamiei]

By Peter Lampe? Thats the only person I know of that sells them in Germany and he uses a slightly different circuit than what I use (based on Roli's). I know he has sold quite a few of them himself and it seems to me that it would also be well known if such problems existed with the products he makes. I have one of them actually, but have only used it once. It used surface mount components and something like that would probably be more likely with surface mount circuits because it's much easier to mess up and not notice it if you didn't test it before selling it. I would think that he would test each unit before shipment (which I believe he states he does). It is also really hard to believe that they all of a sudden zapped the computers after being used many times without incident. That just doesn't usually happen without some outside influence.

The story still sounds fishy to me and if it is true (whether Peter Lampe built them or not), I would love to have a look at the defective interfaces because surely if those guy's computers were zapped by the interface, they would hang onto them to prove their story. If it is true, it does need to be known and those interfaces need to be shown so that we can see where such a problem would have came from. Put up or shut up is my view of the original 2 divers that supposedly had the problem. If it happened, they should be able to provide some proof and should want to get the word out.

 

[grouchyturtle]

I'm not sure if those were the cables or not. He wasn't sure exactly, he just said he thought they were from some guy in Germany.

Another possibility is it could be a load of BS from Suunto, when they tried to get the computers repaired. "They got zapped how? You weren't using our cable? Oh we don't cover that, those cables are bad and not approved by us...etc."

He is supposed to email me about a canister, I'll try to get him in touch with you. Maybe they could send one or both of the cables to you to check out. It would be very interesting to see what you find...if anything.

 

[Jai Bar]

I am using an interface that I've built alone, based on a modification of Roli's interface. I know of at least a dozen of friends who use similar DIY interfaces and another score of friends whom I download dives for, without any problems. I don't see how an RS-232 connection can "fry" a computer, even if some fool made a mistake while building.
IMO, it is just BS spread by someone who either has some interest in selling interfaces, or simply by people who don't understand anything about electronics so it is easier to scare them (and for them to scare others). This is the type who will usually buy an original interface just "to be sure" that they computer doesn't get fried (it won't). BTW, DIY interfaces are sometimes even superior quality compared to Suunto's expensive interface.
My DIY interface cost me less than 5$ components and about 30 minutes work. Many of my friends use something similar with the same costs.

Don't get intimidated by people who don't know what they're talking about, and don't buy Suunto's exorbitant interface- do it yourself! It is easy, fun and they work just as good as a new Suunto. If you're afraid to build by yourself you can buy one like from Jaimies or the guy from Germany or whatsoever- they are all good stuff.

Myself, I didn't even bother to use Roli's test before connecting the interface in order to verify the assembly. I just plugged it to the PC, saw that SDM detected it and then connected to the Vyper. Just like that....

 

[hogluvr]

If any that I made were gonna zap a computer, it would have zapped mine first guys because I test each one on my cobra before I ever ship it. A quick test through the software will also generally let you know if there is a problem with the circuit.

Jamie,
Like I said before, I bought your cable & I can upload my dives. I'm still confident that is there were a problem with your interface, we'd already know about it here.

When you mention testing, through the software, what did you have in mind?

Larry

 

[edneeves]

I too have started building my own interface from the design on the Geocities website. Its a big learning curve but massive fun and if it works (!!???) will save me a whopping £40.

I do have 1 question about the design; I don't have any info for where the wires go in the conector that goes into the PC. The connector has 1-9 holes but I am not sure what wires go in which one? These are the wires I have:

RxD
DTR
TxD
GND

Forgive me if I am being rather dumb, but this is all pretty new to me and I only picked up a soldering iron this afternon!

Cheers

Ed.

 

[Air_Miser]

Hi Ed, I'm doing the same thing at the same time. If you look at the circuit diagram, it gives you the pin #'s, ie DTR is #4, RxD is #2, TxD is #3, and GND is #5. The connector has the numbers etched into it, VERY SMALL, but there.

Let me know how yours goes, I finished the circuit tonight, now I need to get the contacts set up, couldn't find the parts in Roli's plan.

Dive Safe,
Matt.

I do have 1 question about the design; I don't have any info for where the wires go in the conector that goes into the PC. The connector has 1-9 holes but I am not sure what wires go in which one? These are the wires I have:

RxD
DTR
TxD
GND

Forgive me if I am being rather dumb, but this is all pretty new to me and I only picked up a soldering iron this afternon!

Cheers

Ed.

 

[edneeves]

Cheers Air_Miser I must have missed that one!! What have you used for the pins that connect to the Dive Computer. I went to my local store and they didn't really have anything that was suitable.

Ed.

 

[edneeves]

... one other thing. My laptop doesn't save a serial port, will the interface still work if I get a serial to USB adapter?

If not I might have an Interface for someone!

Ed.

 

[DeepTrip]

Cheers Air_Miser I must have missed that one!! What have you used for the pins that connect to the Dive Computer. I went to my local store and they didn't really have anything that was suitable.

Ed.

Ed,
Attached is the connector I use for my Vyper. I don't know the component name, it is basically a pin contact, which you can easily find in any hardware stores. You gonna need an electrical pliers to crimp it. So far I still holds it with hand during data transfer.

Benny