The great Suunto data cable thread (incl DIY)

[jonscubas]

I just ordered my Suunto Vytec with Transmitter. What accessories exactly do I need to get for it to download to my computer, what device, what software?

By the way, isn't there a company out there that makes a screen protector for this unit? I don't know if it is mylar, hard plastic?

 

[Scubaroo]

The Vytec comes with a screen protector already in place.

You need a download cable (either a genuine Suunto cable, or a homemade jobbie), and the Suunto Dive Manager software that is available for free download on the Suunto website.

 

[Jackknife]

Thanks for letting me know what I need for this unit.

 

[stiebs]

Jackknife once bubbled...
Where can I get the original factory Suunto cable, new and cheap?

I don't think that's possible, Jackknife. It can be had for US$114.95 at LeisurePro.

There's also an extremely popular home-made one, with full instructions at http://www.geocities.com/scubadiver_roli/english.html.

The list price here is Australia is about AU$250, and I made my interface for about $60, including purchasing the PCB etching kit. I could make a second one for under AU$30-$50 now, depending on what sort of quality the case is.

There are also a couple of people on this board willing to make and sell a working, home made one for substancially less than the Suunto one.

 

[madmole]

Its about $60 from Simply Scuba (you can take 17.5% off the UK price)

 

[SMKChef]

madmole once bubbled...
Its about $60 from Simply Scuba (you can take 17.5% off the UK price)

Still did it for half that! And its so easy!!

www.athenshomesolutions.com

 

[Jackknife]

I went to the website, and for $30.00, still that's a lot for a serial cable, especially since you have to build it yourself. I'm in the industry and stuff like this can usually be had for less than $7.00

Well Suunto's gotta make their buck, and I will definitely need a unit that is solid to interface with it and my computer.

Last thing then, I would like to know who else has used the build it yourself kit?

Has anyone had problems with it? If so, what? If not, say so anyway?

 

[jamiei]

Well, I'm the guy and its not just a cable... I draw the circuit by hand, etch it, and drill it... quite time consuming. I also include a full page of illustrations and full instructions. I label the circuit and label the parts. If you're in the business... you can easily make one. My kits are for those that aren't experts and want something they know they can put together easily and correctly and they know it will work. I've not had anyone that has mentioned having any problems with the kit. Parts for this kit, unless you buy in bulk will run you around $15-20. If you want to do it yourself, an etch kit alone runs $15 at radio shack. I think you find that anyone that has got my kit, has only positive things to say about it and thinks the price is great. I post everyone that has a response about my products under customer comments on my site. If there is anything bad said about them, you'll find it there. There another thread on this board about my kits also if anyone likes more feedback. I'm not forcing anyone to buy it either. If you anyone is willing to offer kits at $7 - $10 each, please do so... and show me how you do it while you're at it. Also, with the kit, most people can "build" it in less than an hour. I make this last request... if there is anyone in this "industry" that offers a cheaper alternative of the same quality, I would love to see it. How can anyone knock the cheapest thing out there? Go to anyone's site that has the plans for the interface and get the parts list and go buy the parts... if you can find them all. Build it. Tally up all your costs and your time and see what you come up with. It'll take you an hour to get the circuit board made... if it comes out right the first time... Sorry for being so long-winded, but all I'm offering is the cheapest, and easiest (those two words don't usually ever go together) interface solution and I can't for the life of me see why there always has to be one person that says something negative. Buy the kit if you want to save money and easily make an interface, buy it from suunto if you want to say something is overpriced... I'll sell anyone the "parts" for $10 if they want them. Unprinted circuit board, enclosure, and all the parts, $10. No instructions, no illustrations, and no help from me if you have problems. I don't think I'll have any takers...

 

[Jackknife]

Hey bud, I meant serial cables are not expensive, I wasn't refering to your stuff if you noticed! Take it easy, don't want you to blow a hose or something.

I'm gonna probably buy your kit anyway, was just asking. Besides, isn't this what forums are for?

;-0 :bonk: :boom: Have a Great Day!

 

[jamiei]

I didn't mean to come off like I was gonna blow a hose, but you did say...

I went to the website, and for $30.00, still that's a lot for a serial cable, especially since you have to build it yourself. I'm in the industry and stuff like this can usually be had for less than $7.00

. Sounds like you were referring to my stuff since its my kit. If you looked at my site, you should know that the kit doesn't just include a serial cable. I'm adding a comparison chart to my website to show the true value of this kit. Prices are listed for what a person should expect to pay at a radio shack type store in the U.S. I encourage everyone to take a look. Should be up by 8:00 EST. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not angry at all, but if people that don't know any better see posts such as yours, they may view yours as "expert" advice since you said you "were in the industry" and then I'll get 20 emails saying that they'll give me $7 for my kits and that my price is a rip-off. I am only trying to nip it in the bud before that happens. Thanks for clarifying your post and I'm confident that you will appreciate my kit when and if you do purchase one.

Also, if you do this kind of work, I encourage you (just like I do everyone else) to build it yourself from scratch. Go to Roli's site and the plans are there for you to use. I assume you have the necessary items to etch a pcb already so you could most likely do it for cheaper than my kit (if you don't count your time spent making the finished pcb). If you have any problems in the process, I'm sure I can help solve them. I only offer the kits to help those that are either just trying to save money and/or aren't confident enough to buy the parts and build an interface on their own from scratch. If you follow the directions, the kit will work... every single time, I guarantee it. If you can't get it to work, send it back with $25 and I'll fix it and ship it back to you complete and tested.